Librarian

What is this job like?		Back to Top

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

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

Some librarians specialize 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 government, businesses, and other places where people need to find information quickly.

Today, most libraries have computers. Some librarians develop databases and Web sites. 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 graduate degree in library science or information science to be a librarian. However, some school librarians may only need a 4-year college degree. 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

In May of 2008, average yearly wages for librarians were $54,700.

How many jobs are there?		Back to Top

Librarians held about 159,900 jobs in 2008. Most jobs were in schools. Many other jobs were in public libraries. Some jobs were in businesses and museums.

What about the future?		Back to Top

Job opportunities for librarians are expected to be very good between 2008 and 2018 because many of today's librarians are expected to retire. The number of librarian jobs is expected to grow as fast as the average for all occupations through 2018.

Are there other jobs like this?		Back to Top

• Archivists, curators, and museum technicians
• Editors
• 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: March 19, 2010