Librarian

What is this job like?		Back to Top

Librarians help people find facts. They organize information and help people find books, magazines, videos, websites, and other information.

Librarians decide which books, magazines, movies, and computer equipment to buy. They arrange books and other items so that people can find them. Many librarians work in teams to get the job done.

Some librarians work in one subject such as art. Others work with children, reading to them and teaching them about books and research. Librarians work in schools and public libraries. They also work in hospitals, businesses, and other places where people need to find information quickly.

Today, most libraries have computers. Some librarians develop databases and websites. They also help people use the computer to find what they need.

Many librarians are also managers. They make budgets and keep records. They also supervise other people who work at the library.

Librarians spend a lot of time at desks or at the computer. They spend time helping people. Many librarians like this part of the job best.

Librarians can work part time or full time. Some librarians work weekends or evenings. School librarians work when schools are open. They are off during school vacations.

How do you get ready?		Back to Top

You usually need a master's degree in library science or information science to be a librarian. Before you can get a master's degree, you need a 4-year college degree in any subject or major. In most States, school librarians must have a teaching certificate.

Librarians should like to read and do research. They also need computer skills.

How much does this job pay?		Back to Top

The middle half of all librarians earned between $39,250 and $60,800 a year in 2006. The lowest-paid 10 percent earned less than $30,930. The highest-paid 10 percent earned more than $74,670 a year.

How many jobs are there?		Back to Top

Librarians held about 158,000 jobs in 2006. Most jobs were in schools. Many other jobs were in public libraries. Some jobs were in businesses and hospitals.

What about the future?		Back to Top

Job opportunities for librarians are expected to be very good between 2006 and 2016 because many of today's librarians are expected to retire. The number of librarian jobs is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through 2016.

Are there other jobs like this?		Back to Top

• Archivists, curators, and museum technicians
• Computer scientists
• Database administrators
• Desktop publishers
• Editors (publication assistants)
• Information brokers
• Operations research analysts
• Records managers
• Systems analysts
• Teachers
• Writers

Where can you find more information?		Back to Top

More BLS information about librarians can be found in the Occupational Outlook Handbook. The Handbook also shows where to find out even more about this job.

Last Modified Date: April 29, 2008