Being a Librarian - What Professional Librarians Do

Being a Librarian - What Professional Librarians DoBeing a Librarian - What Professional Librarians DoBeing a librarian could be your dream job. Do you wish you could work in the stacks of the New York Public Library? Or maybe among the ancient manuscripts of The Morgan Library and Museum? Or even just help children find just the right book to read.For those who love books and who love to read, being a librarian might be a good fit. If youre considering a job as a librarian, here are some facts from the U.S. government about the profession. Educational Requirements for Being a Librarian A librarian needs masters degree in library science (a bachelors degree in any undergraduate subject is acceptable in order to enter a graduate program in library science) the masters degree usually takes 1 to 2 years to complete.A librarians coursework usually covers Selecting and processing library materials Organizing information Research methods and strategies Online reference systems Internet search methods.Colleges and universities have different names for their library science programs, like Masters in Library Science (MLS) programs or Master of Information Studies or Master of Library and Information Studies. Many colleges offer library science programs, but, as of 2011, only 56 programs in the United States were accredited by the American Library Association. A degree from an accredited program may lead to better job opportunities.Librarians working in a special library, such as a law or corporate library, usually supplement a masters degree in library science with knowledge of their specialized field. They may earn a masters or professional degree or a Ph.D. in that subject. Librarians On the Job On the job in a typical public or private lending library, librarians typically perform some or all of the following duties Help library patrons find the books or online reference information they need Organize materials according to the librarys system Plan library p rograms, such as storytelling for young children Develop and index databases of library materials Read book reviews, publishers announcements, and catalogs to see what is available Work with the book publishers sales department or attend the ALA conferences to help choose new books, audio books, videos, and other materials for the library Research and buy equipment, such as computers or AV and equipment Manage and/or train and direct library technicians, assistants, library volunteers and other hilfe staff Prepare library budgets Conduct public outreach, such as public relations efforts or fundraising for the libraryIn small libraries, librarians are often responsible for many- or even all of- the aspects of library operations mentioned above. In larger libraries or library systems, librarians usually focus on a specific area, such as user services, technical services, or administrative services, as described below. Typical Librarian Titles User Services Librarians - help pat rons find the information they need. They listen to what patrons are looking for and help them research the subject using both electronic and print resources. User services librarians also teach patrons how to use library resources to find information on their own. This may include familiarizing patrons with catalogs of print materials, helping them access and search digital libraries, or educating them on Internet search techniques.Technical Services Librarians get, prepare, and classify library materials. They organize materials to make it easy for patrons to find information. These librarians are less likely to work directly with the public.Administrative Services Librarians have managerial roles in libraries. Librarians in Different Settings Librarians who work in different settings sometimes have different job duties. The following are examples of types of librariansSchool Librarians, sometimes called school media specialists, work in elementary, middle, and high school li braries and teach students how to use library resources. They also help teachers develop lesson plans and find materials for classroom instruction.Special Librarians work in settings other than school or public libraries. They are also sometimes called information professionals their jobs are to collect and organize materials focused on their specific subjects. They includeGovernment Librarians provide research services and access to information for government staff and the public.Law librarians help lawyers, law students, judges, and law clerks locate and organize legal resources.Medical librarians help health professionals, patients, and researchers find health and science information.