Understanding how to become a librarian begins with earning a relevant bachelor’s degree, followed by a master’s in Library and Information Science (LIS). Gain practical experience through internships or volunteering in libraries, and pursue accreditation from the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP). Finally, apply for librarian positions that align with your interests and specializations.

What Are the Main Types of Librarians?

Librarians are important in accessing, organising, and maintaining information and resources in a library or information centre. Depending on their specialisation and the type of library, librarians can work in various settings. Below is a details discussion that illustrates the types of librarians and the functions they perform. Overall, librarians can undertake a wide range of duties.

1. Public Librarian: A public librarian works in a library within a community and serves the public. Their responsibilities include assisting patrons with research, recommending books, planning programmes for children and adults, and managing the library collection.
2. School Librarian: School librarians are employed in primary and secondary schools. They help students and teachers find resources to support their learning, maintain the library’s collection, and promote reading through schemes and activities.
3. Academic Librarian: Academic librarians work in colleges and universities, where they provide research support to students, faculty, and other researchers. They are often specialised in specific academic fields and assist users in locating scholarly resources. They also maintain collections in these areas of specialisation.
4. Special Librarian: This librarian works in non-traditional settings (e.g., law firms, hospitals, government agencies, businesses) to organise and provide access to information specific to the sponsoring industry, such as legal documents, medical research, and business data.
5. Archivist: Archives encompass more than just books. Although archivists are not typically seen as librarians in the traditional sense, they preserve historical items such as letters, photographs, posters, and other materials of historical value, kept in libraries, museums, or government offices.
6. Digital Librarian: Digital librarians manage digital collections and online databases. They digitise materials, manage electronic resources, and assist users in navigating online libraries and archives.

What Does a Librarian Do?

The main duty of a librarian is to look after collections of information, assist individuals in obtaining them, and categorise all materials within a library. This greatly depends on the type of library in which they work. Here is an outline of what librarians do:

• Cataloguing and Collating: Librarians catalogue and collate books, media, and digital content to make them easier to search and find. They might use classification systems such as the Dewey Decimal System or the Library of Congress system.

• Supporting Patrons: A librarian helps users meet their information needs. For example, a librarian might assist students with research, recommend books for leisure reading, or help them gain access to an online database.

• Managing Library Collections: Librarians select and maintain the library’s collection, which includes choosing new books and resources, maintaining existing collections, and ensuring materials are current and relevant.
• Developing Programs and Events: Public and school librarians often organize events like reading programs, book clubs, literacy workshops, and community outreach activities. These programs help promote reading and learning within the community.
• Bibliographic Instruction: Librarians in academic or special libraries help students, faculty, or other professionals conduct in-depth research. They assist users in finding databases, journals, and other scholarly resources.
• Digital Resource Management: In contemporary libraries, librarians manage digital collections such as electronic books (e-books), digital archives, and online databases. They also help users navigate and utilise these digital collections.

• Preserving Materials: Librarians, especially those working in special collections or archives, may be responsible for preserving old or rare materials. This can involve proper storage techniques and handling materials to prevent deterioration.

Average Librarian Salary

The salary of a librarian in the UK varies depending on experience, the type of library, and location. Here’s an overview of typical librarian salaries:

Overall, it is clear that librarians receive different salaries depending on their experience and the type of library in which they work.

Let’s examine the salary of a librarian with less than five years of experience. They receive the lowest salary compared to librarians with more experience. Furthermore, the lowest income is found in county libraries compared to other types of libraries.

On the other hand, when considering the salary of a librarian with more than ten years of experience, it is evident that they receive the highest income among all other librarians. Additionally, it is clear that the daily salary rate is highest in county libraries compared to the other types.

In conclusion, we can say that the salary of a librarian in the UK varies according to their experience and the type of library they are working in.

• Entry-Level Librarian: An entry-level librarian can expect to earn between £20,000 and £25,000 annually.
• Several Years’ Experience: Librarians with several years of experience typically earn between £25,000 and £35,000 per year.
• Senior Librarian or Manager: Senior librarians, library managers, or those working in specialized roles, such as academic or special libraries, can earn between £35,000 and £45,000+ annually.

Essential Skills of a Librarian 

A librarian needs organisational, research, and communication skills to succeed in their work. The skills of a librarian are essential for effectively managing collections and assisting patrons.Here are the key skills needed for a successful career as a librarian:

• Organisational Skills: Librarians must be able to organise large collections of books, media, and digital information into a system that is easily searchable and accessible.
• Research Skills: Librarians help users with research, whether they are looking for a specific book or an academic source. Strong research skills are essential for assisting users effectively.
• Attention to Detail: Librarians must be detail-oriented when cataloguing items, organising collections, or preserving historical documents.

• Communication Skills: Good communication skills are necessary for interacting with users and colleagues, whether working with students on their research, running a reading group, or collaborating with library staff.
• Technology Skills: Librarians need to use library management software, digital databases, and online research tools to assist both staff and patrons. Experience with digital archiving, building online databases, or managing e-resources is increasingly in demand.
• Customer Service Skills: Public librarians are on the front lines of customer service. Patrons can range from elementary school children to individuals experiencing homelessness, and librarians must be equipped to help them navigate the library and find what they need.

Librarian Tips

Here are some practical tips for aspiring librarians:

• Get a Library Science Degree: You will need a Library and Information Science (LIS) degree to qualify for most librarian jobs. Look for accredited programmes from professional bodies such as CILIP (Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals) in the UK.
• Work at a Library: If you are a university student, volunteering or interning at a library during your studies is a great way to gain practical experience and hone your skills in cataloguing, research assistance, and customer service.
• Digital Skills: Given the growing reliance of libraries on digital tools, skills in digital archiving, database management, and proficiency with e-resources will enhance your competitiveness in the job market.
• Build Specialist Knowledge: Acquiring specialist knowledge can be beneficial if you wish to work in academic, legal, or medical libraries. Consider taking courses in the specific field you want to pursue.
• Stay Up-to-Date with Trends: It is important to keep up with trends, especially those related to technology. Digital libraries and online education are changing how libraries operate. Stay informed about the latest developments in technology and digital library management software.

Librarian Requirements

To be a librarian in the UK, you must have specific qualifications and experience. From this discussion, we will know the summary of the requirements needed for librarians. Here’s an overview of the typical requirements:

• Earn a Degree: A Library and Information Science (LIS) degree is often required for many librarian positions. In the US, you will likely need a master’s degree in LIS or a related field; in the UK, you may qualify with a Bachelor of Information Science. Check your country’s requirements to ensure you meet them— for instance, you may need a degree in a specific subject before earning your LIS degree.

• Get Accreditation: Many employers in the UK require CILIP accreditation. CILIP offers a range of courses and ongoing professional development programmes recognised by libraries and information services nationwide.
• Gain Hands-On Experience: Many libraries will want to see that you have practical experience before they hire you. Consider volunteering or interning at a public or academic library.
• IT and Digital Skills: Libraries increasingly rely on digital tools, so librarians need to be proficient in operating library management systems, online databases, and e-resource platforms.

How to Become a Librarian

Here’s a step-by-step guide to becoming a librarian in the UK:

1. Earn a Relevant Bachelor’s Degree: Start by obtaining a degree in a relevant subject, such as English, history, or information management.
2. Get a Master’s in Library and Information Science (LIS): You will need a master’s degree in library and information science (LIS) to work as a librarian in most academic or public library positions. Your coursework will typically include cataloguing, library management, digital archiving, and research methods.
3. Gain Hands-On Library Experience: If possible, seek internships, placements, or volunteer opportunities in a library while studying or after graduation. This will give you insight into how libraries operate and help you develop essential skills.
4. Become CILIP Accredited: Many employers prefer to recruit candidates who are accredited with CILIP (Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals). You can achieve this by completing CILIP’s professional development courses.
5. Start Applying for Librarian Jobs: Once you have attained your qualifications and gained work experience, you can begin applying for librarian positions. Explore opportunities in public, academic, or special libraries, depending on your interests.

Get Qualified as a Librarian 

Certification in Document Control, English Literature Fundamentals, Document Control Online Course, Building Customer Service Skills

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Should You Become a Librarian?

It is a job that has the power to help people learn, read, and access the resources they need. For those who enjoy books, knowledge, order, and assisting others, working as a librarian can be very satisfying. If you work in a school library, part of your job would be to inspire children to read and teach them how books are organised. In a public library, you would help patrons find what they need. If you work in a university library, your role would involve assisting students in locating books and resources, such as journals and databases, to carry out research projects or dissertations.

Is Being a Librarian a Good Career Choice for You?

If you love helping people, learning, and value organisation, then librarianship could be the perfect career for you. Many of us have a mental image of librarianship—perhaps shaped by films such as The Secret Garden (1993) or The Borrowers (1997)—that it is a little dusty and uninteresting, involving simply standing at a desk and telling people to be quiet. This could not be further from the truth. Librarianship offers opportunities to specialise in various areas, such as working with children in schools or managing rare books in university archives. It involves elements of customer service, research, and technology, making it both intellectually rewarding and satisfying.

Librarian Salaries

In the UK, librarian salaries range from £20,000 to £45,000, depending on experience, qualifications, and whether the library is public or private. Junior librarians earn £20,000 to £25,000, experienced librarians earn £25,000 to £35,000, and senior librarians, library managers, or those who work in specialist libraries, such as academic libraries, earn upwards of £35,000 to £45,000 or more.

Which Qualifications Can Help with a Career as a Librarian?

In most cases, a master’s degree in Library and Information Science (LIS) is needed to secure a librarian position, particularly in academic and public libraries. Relevant professional accreditation through the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) is also beneficial, and often a requirement for many employers. Additionally, there are opportunities for specialisms, which may require further qualifications or training in specific subjects such as law, medicine, or education.

Do I Need Experience to Get Started as a Librarian?

Yes, real-life experience is important. Although no formal training is required to become a librarian, many employers expect applicants to have prior experience working in a library setting. This could include internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs. Gaining experience in a library is crucial, as it helps develop the skills you will use as a librarian, such as cataloguing collections, meeting customer needs, and providing research support.

Librarian Career Outlook

In the UK, library vacancies have remained stable overall in recent years. There is particularly high demand for librarians with digital and research expertise, as these skills are increasingly important for libraries adapting to new technologies. Last year, the well-publicised closure of the last public library in the London borough of Croydon highlighted the ongoing demand for librarians in the public sector. However, there are also numerous opportunities in higher education and the private sector. For instance, financial services firms, law firms, and government departments continue to rely on librarians to manage their digital collections, e-resources, and online databases.

Librarian Hierarchy and Progressing Within the Role

Most librarians do not start at the top of their profession. In the UK, where library career structures are well-defined, it is typical for librarians to begin at the bottom of the hierarchy as assistant librarians or library technicians, gradually working their way up to positions such as library managers, senior librarians, or department heads. In larger institutions, librarians may aspire to become heads of library services or directors of information services—roles in which they manage an entire system of libraries, overseeing staff, budgets, and facilities. Alternatively, specialists may choose to become archivists or transition into information management roles.

Librarian Exit Options and Opportunities

If you’re a librarian looking to make a change, there are various career paths available. Many librarians have transitioned into information management, data curation, and archives. Others have moved into teaching, training, or taken up positions in research support or publishing. The skills developed in librarianship are highly transferable to many other sectors.