Librarian

Librarians - sometimes known as information managers or information scientists - are responsible for the storage, retrieval and presentation of information in libraries. It may be a public library, open to the local community to consult reference sources and to borrow books, music and multimedia, or a specialist library in an organisation such as a school, university, commercial company or hospital. Librarians are expected to keep up to date with any new research or publications, and decide what is necessary for their library to stock. With much information now published on the internet, it is also important for librarians to have a good working knowledge of computers and the web.

Public libraries organise, promote and disseminate a wide range of library resources to meet the diverse needs of the community. Specialist libraries, on the other hand, often require specialised areas of expertise. In an academic library, for example, a subject librarian will support student learning, teach research skills and advise students on relevant websites, journals and books.

Entry level
Some organisations accept non-graduates and simply require their librarians to demonstrate aptitude for the job and have GCSE/S grades (A-C/1-3) in English and maths. Most librarians are, however, graduates and also hold a professional qualification accredited by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP). The minimum entry requirements for degree courses are usually five GCSE/S grades (A-C/1-3) and two or three A levels/S grades or acceptable equivalents.

If you do not have a degree specific to this area, there are Masters degree courses and postgraduate diplomas offered by a number of universities. Work experience in librarianship or information science is often required to obtain a place, and is always recommended because competition for places is intense. There is, however, a current shortage of entrants with scientific or technical backgrounds.

Making the grade
In order to qualify for Chartered Membership of CILIP, you must undertake further training as part of a continuing professional development programme, and demonstrate evidence of appropriate skills gained through professional practice (usually for a period of around two years, although this varies slightly between authorities). Most members gain Chartered Membership two or three years after graduating.

Fellowship, the highest professional qualification available to CILIP members, is open once you have been on the CILIP register and in professional practice for at least five years.

CILIP offers many short courses, conferences and seminars for practitioners in such areas as financial and performance management, information and communications technology, management skills, marketing and promotion, and professional/technical skills.

Personal qualities
The community-based nature of librarianship means that good interpersonal and communication skills, self-management and team work skills are needed. Good IT knowledge and skills are also essential.

You should have a methodical approach to your work, together with excellent record keeping skills.

Looking Ahead
Competition for pre-course experience posts is severe. As public libraries are often vulnerable to local authority reorganisation or spending cuts, post-qualification positions can be difficult to get.

Geographical mobility and a willingness to change posts are essential for promotion and/or career progression. It is sometimes necessary to move between jobs in order to experience more than one type of work, and it may be the case that promotion involves a change of employer and/or location.

Large libraries often have a clear structure for promotion to management positions with responsibility for a specific subject, service or site. Management positions usually require a number of years of professional experience. In small libraries, promotion and development are limited unless you move to other libraries, areas or authorities. Very senior roles are rare and highly competitive.

Universities and other educational institutions are the largest employers of librarians.
Other employers include hospitals, commercial organisations, newspapers, government departments, charities and research associations.

Alternative suggestions
You might also consider training as an archivist, bookseller or museum/art gallery curator or keeper.

Take-home pay
Consult CILIP for detailed salary guides. There are no standard rates but a typical starting salary is between £14,500 and £19,500, rising with experience to £21,000 to £26,000. You might earn between £30,000 and £40,000 as a senior librarian.

Effects
Public and university libraries are often open during the evenings and weekends, so the hours of work vary. Part-time work is often available for daytime, evening and weekend shifts.

Most librarians are based at one site, though some positions may require travelling between several branches or driving a mobile library.

Self-employment/freelance work is rare but part-time, job-share and career break opportunities are good.

Sources of information
Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals: www.cilip.org.uk
Association for Information Management: www.aslib.com
Lifelong Learning UK: www.lifelonglearninguk.org
Society of College, National and University Libraries: www.sconul.ac.uk

CRCI: K