Some College in Library Science
Career summary: Librarians
Average Salary$55,370 National Average, Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics |
Career OutlookGood 6% job growth by 2028, which is slightly faster than average |
Earn a degree in library science from an accredited college
One of the best ways to prepare for a career in library science is through a college education. A Some College will help you develop entry level skills, general library science know how and the basic library science experience you need to start your career off right. You may also consider a Diploma in Library Science to help you take your education and career to the next level. Please select library science school below.
Overview
Why would I want a library science degree?
Librarians help people find information and conduct research for personal and professional use. Their job duties may change based on the type of library they work in, such as public, school, and medical libraries.
Job Description
What does a librarian do?
Librarians typically do the following:
- Help library patrons conduct research and find the information they need
- Teach classes about information resources and help users evaluate search results and reference materials
- Organize library materials so they are easy to find, and maintain collections
- Plan programs for different audiences, such as storytelling for young children
- Develop and index databases of library materials
- Research new books and materials by reading book reviews, publishersâ announcements, and catalogs
- Choose new books, audio books, videos, and other materials for the library
- Research and buy new computers and other equipment as needed for the library
- Train and direct library technicians, assistants, other support staff, and volunteers
- Prepare library budgets
Salary
How much does a librarian make?
The median annual wage for librarians was $59,050 in May 2019. The median wage is the wage at which half of the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $34,630, and the top 10 percent earned more than $93,050.
Career Outlook
How popular are librarian jobs?
Employment of librarians is projected to grow 6 percent from 2018 to 2028, as fast as the average for all occupations.
There will continue to be a need for librarians to manage libraries and help patrons find information. As patrons and support staff become more comfortable using electronic resources, fewer librarians will be needed for assistance. However, the increased availability of electronic information is also expected to increase the demand for librarians in research and special libraries, where they will be needed to help sort through a large amount of available information.
Budget limitations, especially in local government and educational services, may slow demand for librarians. Some libraries may close, reduce the size of their staff, or focus on hiring library technicians and assistants, who can fulfill some librarian duties at a lower cost.
Career Path
How do I become a librarian?
Most employers require librarians to have a masterâs degree in library science (MLS). Students need a bachelorâs degree to enter MLS programs, but any undergraduate major is accepted.
MLS programs usually take 1 to 2 years to complete. Coursework typically covers selecting library materials, organizing information, research methods and strategies, online reference systems, and Internet search methods.
Salary and career outlook data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Library Science Schools (0)
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