Career Suggestion

Librarian

Librarians work in public and commercial libraries, managing access to books, digital resources, archives and computers.

Average salary (a year)

£25000.0 to £40000.0 (starter to experienced)

Typical hours (a week)

36.0 to 40.0 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends on shifts

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • working towards this role
  • a graduate training scheme

University

You can do a degree or postgraduate qualification, accredited by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals .

Subjects include:

  • library and information management
  • information science
  • library studies

You may need some practical experience to do a postgraduate course. You can get this through an internship during your first degree or by volunteering in a library or archive collection.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

  • a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

More Information

  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
  • university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

Work

You could start as a library assistant or data officer with an information service.

With experience, you could apply for Certification through the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals and study for further qualifications while you work.

Other Routes

If you have a first degree, you could join an employer's graduate training scheme in librarianship and information management.

More Information

Professional and Industry Bodies

You can join the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals for training and development opportunities.

Further Information

You can find out more about becoming a librarian from the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals.

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • customer service skills
  • the ability to work well with others
  • administration skills
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • knowledge of English language
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

Day-to-day tasks

As a librarian, you could:

  • catalogue print and digital resources, like books, images and journals
  • deal with counter, phone and email enquiries
  • plan and host events and activities for library users
  • manage staff, budgets and training
  • support researchers and students with access to archives and document collections
  • stock take and make sure resources are stored safely and correctly
  • select which new publications and online subscriptions to buy
  • build close links with community groups and promote services online

Working environment

You could work at a library, at a school, at a university, at a college or in a prison.

With experience, you could move into a senior job as a library or area manager. Another option is to take responsibility for a specialist service or collection.

You could also apply for professional registration with the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP). Registration leads to chartership and is a way to have your skills and expertise recognised within the profession.

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