Librarian

Entry Requirements:

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 in librarianship or information management accredited by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals .

You'll need some practical experience, which you can get through an internship during your first degree or by volunteering at a library.

Entry requirements:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

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.

OtherRoutes

You could join an employer's graduate training scheme and apply for chartership through the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• customer service skills
• the ability to work well with others
• to be flexible and open to change
• administration skills
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to use your initiative
• sensitivity and understanding
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to read English
• thinking and reasoning skills
• active listening skills
• excellent written communication skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• concentration skills
• a good memory
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Librarians run public and private libraries, managing access to books, multi-media resources and computers.

In your day-to-day tasks you could:

• manage staff, budgets and statistical returns
• use IT systems to catalogue, classify and index stock
• deal with counter, phone and email enquiries
• organise IT access and solve user problems
• keep up to date with new publications and select stock
• make sure staff follow Freedom of Information, Data Protection and Copyright laws
• promote library services through displays, talks and community events like reading clubs
• attend meetings and conferences

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

Salary:

Starter : £18,500
Experienced : £32,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

36 - 38 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends on shifts

Career Path:

You could move into a senior job as a manager. Another option is to take responsibility for a specialist service or collection.

If you hold a senior position in your organisation, you could apply for professional registration of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP).