Librarian Career Guide and Counseling

Question: What are the requirements for a middle school librarian? I am looking into pursuing a career as a school librarian, preferably a middle school/jr high school librarian. What majors should I look into, and what requirements are there to become a librarian? In short, what should I look for when applying to colleges?

Answer: In order to be a professional librarian, you will have to earn an MLS or MLIS (master's in library science or master's in library and information science.) You might want to pursue education as a major/double major becuase some states require that a school librarian also have a teaching certificate or the equivalent. I don't think there are necessarily any requirements for what your undergraduate degree has to be in so pick a subject you are passionate about. You might want to check out the information on the websites of the American Library Association or the National Association of School Librarians for more information. www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/index.cfm www.ala.org Good luck!

Question: What background does one need to become a librarian for a school? I'm interested in the possiblity of being a librarian for an elementary school but I don't know if I need to have any particular schooling or not. Does anyone know anything about this? I even asked the librarian at my childrens school, and she doesn't even know what they require now. I know that it most likely varies depending on where you live...what do they do where you come from?

Answer: You need a bachelor's or master's degree in library science to be a librarian in most schools.

Question: What would you like to get from your local reference librarian? Considering that the age of information is changing, and you no longer need a person to help you sort through card catalogs when you go to a library, what services do you expect or want from your reference librarian? Do you want to be able to e-mail someone and get fairly-instant responses about information-related questions? Do you want computer classes? When you're using public terminal computers, do you want someone who can help you with basic computer questions? Do you want your tax dollars to pay for a reference librarian at all? Is there anything else you'd like to see?

Answer: As much as it stinks, I think the idea of a reference librarian is becoming outdated for the reasons you mentioned. . .and that's sad, because I like the personal interaction. However, my school had reference librarians who were around to answer questions about how to search the computer database and use the computers and library.

Question: What classes do you have to take to become a librarian? What classes do you have to take to become a librarian? I want to become a librarian. How long does it take and about how many classes and the cost to take classes about how much for a community college

Answer: You'll need a master's in library science, where you will take courses like archiving and research.

Question: What degree is required to become a elementary/high school librarian? I am a current college student working on a major of English Language and Literature Bachelor of Arts degree, and I'm wondering what the next steps I'll need to take to become a librarian. I would be happy just being a librarian, but my real hope is to work in a school. I am also planning to follow with a master's in Library Science. Am I going on the right path, or do you think there will be other education I'll need, like a teaching degree?

Answer: In the United States, the master's in Library Science is the entry degree for librarians. I have worked in both public and academic libraries and for professional positions your application is not even considered if you don't have an MLS/MLIS/MIS. Having said that, most libraries have "non-professional" or "paraprofessional" positions that do not require a master's. And the requirements for school librarians or "media specialists" vary widely from state to state. In some states only a certification program is required for school librarians -- in those cases no MLS is required, though I can't imagine it could hurt your chances. Never having worked as a school librarian I know very little about these programs. Talk to someone at a library school about your plans, and they will help you make the decisions most appropriate for your career. And good luck!

Question: What exactly is the difference between a librarian and a library aide? Besides the fact that the librarian is the one who is really in charge. What do they do?

Answer: A librarian usually has a degree and an aide is their helper without a degree.

Question: Can I become a certified librarian with a Bachelors degree? Or do I have to get my masters? I'm interested in becoming a certified librarian. I'm studying library science, and I was wondering what kind of degree I need to become a librarian.

Answer: You will need either masters in library or library information science (MLS/MLIS) degree from an accredited institution. Entry requirements are a bachelors degree in anything with the minimal GPA requirements, which is usually 3.0 or above.

Question: What is the starting Salary of a Canadian Librarian? A friend of mine wants to become a Librarian but doesn't know what the expect income-wise. She'll love the job regardless, but what kind of Salary should she expect? Thanks. Oh also, what is the difference between a school Librarian and a Public Librarian? Does one make more money or require more schooling? Thanks again.

Answer: According to PayScale.com, the salary of a Canadian Librarian typically ranges from C$48,760 to C$60,144. And the median starting salary of a Canadian Librarian is C$49,180. Comparing median Librarian salaries by industry, it looks like Public Librarians tend to earn slightly less than Librarians working in colleges or universities (C$51,289 vs. C$55,000). However, salaries vary depending on many factors. To find more accurate salary data for her specific Librarian position - taking location, qualifications, employment setting, etc. into consideration - your friend can take the free salary survey at PayScale.com. http://www.payscale.com/?src=yahooA Hope that helps, Assistant to Dr. Salary

Question: How does the librarian profession thrive in the age of Google? If you’re doing your research or fulfilling your information need, instead of attending a library, you can simply GOOGLE your information need by Web search, Google Scholar, Wikipedia, Yahoo! Answers, etc. Then, what is the purpose of a library anymore? What services do you expect a library can provide when you visit there?? Or how the librarian profession can thrive and fit in the age of Google???

Answer: What is the purpose of a library? A treasure trove of biased and non-biased information, media, and access to on site help. What services do you expect a library can provide when you visit there?? 1) Access to media that is copyrighted, or not readilly available from often inacurate or biased online sources. 2) The ability to cross reference related subjects, and then receive personal guidance when you are unsure as to what you are looking for specifically. 3) The ability to peruse data that is unrelated to the subject of inquiery, but equally as interesting to my personal interests. 4) The sheer excuse of getting out of the house, and away from others, merely to explor who I am, and what I plan to do in my future. Or how the librarian profession can thrive and fit in the age of Google??? Librarians in the google age: well, there are several different kinds of librarians. One of which fits perfectly into the googgle age. This type is called a Media Librarian, they specialize in helping you find both in stock information (books, video, and audio), and accurate and trustworthy online data sources. They know the hot spots for good data, and know how to guide you through it, and how to limit your search quaries to specific terms that you are looking for, and not stuff unrelated to what you want.

Question: What is up with those ugly librarian glasses women are wearing these days? Every male acquaintance and friend I have spoken to have agreed that these librarian glasses are ridiculous and are detrimental to anyones looks. Not one male I have spoken to find these to be attractive so why wear them unless you are a librarian or are reading a book.

Answer: That is a matter of opinion. I know of many guys who find those glasses attractive. Women find them attractive as well, otherwise we wouldn't wear them. Perhaps one of the reasons they're so popular is because of the popularity of Tina Fey and Sarah Palin. Surely you don't think Tina Fey is unattractive?

Question: What are some websites that give information about the librarian profession? I am already a library page, but would like to have more in depth information about being a librarian.

Answer: http://www.ala.org/ This is THE one-stop website for all kinds of info on librarians. It lists ALL accredited Library programs in the US, and even has a place where you can see job listings, and get info on additional certification if required to work in a public school setting. Librarians don't make bad money, either. Good luck!

Question: Librarians and Potential Librarians: What computer skills are needed to be a librarian? This question is for librarians who are recent graduates, those that are in a mater of library and information science program and those that have been working for a short while as a librarian. I have a nutrition degree without any computer classes. I know only basic stuff such as sending and receiving e-mail, surfing the net, and using Word for typing. Thus, 1) What computer skills are needed to as a librarian nowadays?(Please include the type of librarian you are/will become, public or private library and the computer skills needed) 2) Do you feel I would need to take further computer classes to prepare for a master of library and information science? What computer classes would you recommend? 3) Generally, what types of librarian requires the least knowledge of computers and information technology? What types require the most? Thank you very much. Your help is greatly appreciated.

Answer: As a solo-practitioner librarian currently working in a corporate (i.e., special/specialized) library, I must confess that nowadays librarians in ALL sectors (i.e., public, academic, special (specialized), school, etc.) must be proficient in using computers and a variety of software applications. Gone are the days of card catalogs! To better understand the scope and variety of computer skills required, I encourage you to peruse the desirable and required computer skills in the job descriptions listed in several of the below websites. Although I graduated with my Master's Degree in Library & Information Science (MLIS) way back in 1999, I have been working in libraries since 1991. I suggest that you master the Microsoft Office suite of applications. Get your feet wet: volunteer at a local library in your area whether it be public, academic (i.e., college or university), special (i.e., corporate, law, high tech, etc.), or school (i.e., lower, middle, high school) libraries. If you are fortunate to have a nearby Library & Information Science program, I encourage you to make an appointment to discuss your potential future as a librarian. Because you have a degree in nutrition, you will have an advantage in the academic and science fields of librarianship. Oh, and don't sweat the computers! If you've made it to yahoo answers, you're obviously a bit more competent than you give yourself credit. And be prepared, librarianship is a very demanding, yet rewarding, profession. It is not for the faint of heart! If you truly enjoy helping others, delving for information, and providing first-rate customer service to patrons, this career most certainly is for you! The other factor that you should consider is that as more and more baby-boomers retire in the next decade, there will be an incomprehensible shortage of librarians of all types, therefore, once you earn your MLIS, you will have a free-for-all in terms of career options! Go ahead, pop yourself some popcorn, watch the Parker Posey cult classic "Party Girl" (URL below), and get ready to embark on an exciting new career path. Also check out the websites of the professional organizations and blogs listed below for additional information. I hope this information has been helpful and best wishes to you.

Question: How much does a librarian worker make per year? I'm in Australia, by the way. I'm about to do an eighteen month course teaching me how to be a librarian, and I'm kind of wondering how much money I'll make from it. Anybody know?

Answer: Each year the American Library Association conducts a salary survey of librarians. All this data can be found on page http://ala-apa.org/salaries/salaries.html

Question: What does one have to do/get to become a librarian in Ontario? My mom wants to become a librarian. Does she have to get some kind of diploma/degree? Which schools offer the program? She will have to go part time because she has a job currently that she needs. She has a bachelors degree. I think bachelor of arts or someting. besides applying. she wants to know what kind of courses she needs. i want to find out for her, so that she can apply. its hard to explain.

Answer: She'll need a masters degree in library science. There are jobs available in libraries that don't require a masters degree, but they are hard to come by and won't pay very well, comparatively. Different library science programs specialize in preparing people for to work in different types of libraries. Some people, for instance, work in school libraries but others work in archives. Any program she goes to MUST be properly accredited. In the US its the American Library Association accreditation that is crucial, so she should look for the Canadian equivalent. Many programs are now shifting to library and information science, since most librarians use computerized systems. So, if she doesn't know much about computers she may want to take a couple of classes to prepare. Some people who want to work in archives or specialized libraries get an MLS and a masters degree in history or the specific field. The University of Western Ontario has an MLS program. Drexel University has an online MLS program. Normally I wouldn't recommend an online program, since most of them are bogus, but Drexel is a really good university (I have family members who go there). There are probably other online or distance learning programs, but she should be really careful to choose a reputable program with the proper acceditation.

Question: How much does the average Librarian make in the SF Bay Area? I'm wondering about getting my degree in library science online. What are some reliable sites to go about this at? I'm going to be a senior in high school this year if that matters. I live in the Bay Area, and was wondering if being a librarian could take care of things.

Answer: Check out salary.com. You can input the job title and the zip code and the site will provide you with the average salary for librarians in your area.

Question: How do you become a librarian in Canada? I'm thinking about becoming a librarian but I'm finding it a little hard finding information on becoming one in Canada. What degrees do you need? How does it pay? What type of hours? Is there a lot of competition for jobs?

Answer: It's similar to the US: You need a master's degree in library science accredited by the ALA (American Library Association). You can do the program either at a Canadian or US graduate school. As it's a master's program you must first earn a bachelor's degree (in anything). Usually students will major in a field they are interested in about librarianship. For example, you might major in the sciences if you want to be a science reference desk librarian but you don't have to do this. Job prospects are tough to be a librarian in Canada. Somewhat better in the US especially for post-secondary librarians. But overall librarian positions will require you to relocate around to find career work unless you get really lucky.