School Librarian Career Guide and Counseling

Question: What degree do you need to teach PE for elementary school or be a school librarian? I have a friend who has been teaching in an elementary school but doesn't enjoy it (due to all the testing and pointless rules) and she feels like a change is needed. She has a four year degree for early childhood education but would like to go back to school to become a PE teacher or school librarian. What degree would she need? Would she have to start all over (four more years plus) or would her other degree help her?

Answer: She can enter a MLS - masters in library science - degree from pretty much any 4-year degree. I have friends who got their MLS with bachelor's in English, history, photography, art, education, science, etc. And she'll have more options with an MLS than a PE degree - she won't be limited to teaching in elementary schools, for one.

Question: What is better, being a teacher or a school librarian (elementary)? Can anyone tell me the pros and cons of being a librarian? Is job security better? What about finding a job in the first place? Is there less after school and weekend work? Is it harder to discipline the students that come in the library because they aren't yours? Overall, is it more enjoyable than teaching?

Answer: I worked as a teacher and am currently a librarian in a public library. The job security is much better for a teacher. Unless you live in an area where the schools are required to have certified librarians in all of the libraries they are often among the first cut when there are budget problems. If you are a certified School Media Specialist you are going to need both classes in Library Science and classes in Education, and this is a masters degree. In most areas you can teach with only a bachelors degree. It is easier to deal with one group of students for a while and then send them back to their classroom teacher than to be in the classroom with them all day. That said, I would suggest you get your BS or BA degree in education, teach a while and talk to both teachers and Media Specialists. Then you can get your MA- LIS or MLIS degree and become a librarian if you wish. Library Lady Librarians - the Ultimate Search Engines

Question: How much experience do you need to be a school librarian? I worked at the public library for 9 months, and now I'm working in one of the media centers at my college. That's pretty good experience for me if I decide to be a school librarian isn't it? But I know I will have to get some kind of degree first

Answer: Your experience will help you get a job, but without the proper degrees you will not be able to apply. First you need an education degree. This can be elementary or secondary education. Second you will need a masters degree in Library and Information Sciences with a specialization in school media centers. Here is a list of online degree programs: http://www.bellaonline.com/subjects/9400.asp

Question: What do I got to do to become a High School Librarian? I know I have to get a Graduate degree in Master of Library science. but what kind of degree do I need to get for an undergraudate I know it has to be in Education but what is the name of the High School Education degree called? and what Undergrauduate degree do I need to get to be a college librarian once again I know it is in education but what is the name of the undergraduate degree to be a college librarian? thanks.

Answer: To become a librarian at either a high school or a college, you need an undergraduate degree, but not any particular major or a special degree - just a BA in a subject that interests you. The graduate degree, MLS, is the key - and make sure it is from an ALA accredited program. If you want to work in a high school library you might want a major in Education. If you want to work in a college library then pick a major that is a subject area you would like to specialize in as a librarian. One note - science librarians are in high demand, so if you have an interest in science, then a BS would serve you well.

Question: What does a school librarian's daily and yearly schedule look like? How many librarians typically run an elementary or middle school library? If I have an MLS will I need a teaching certificate?

Answer: Requirements for school librarians are set by the state. Some states require an MLS, others just require certification as a Media Specialist. I think most states do require some sort of teacher certification. The AASL (American Association of School Librarians) has more information: http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/aasleducation/recruitmentlib/libraryedu/libraryeducation.cfm You'll also find a link there to the University of Kentucky's website, where they attempt to track information on requirements for school librarians in all 50 states.

Question: what would be the best way of me becoming a primary school librarian? At the moment I am volunteering at a woman legal service library and I also Plan on volunteering at a school library.Would this be enough experience for me to become a paid school librarian. Are there any librarians who can help me.Thank you

Answer: Any formal education setting requires a Master's degree in library science for one to be a Librarian. This can be an Master's in Library Information Science or Master's in Library Science, depending on where you earn the degree. Experience certainly helps when applying for Graduate school and prospective library positions. Being a library volunteer and being a librarian are two very different things. You may very well do the same things on a day to day basis, but you don't have the qualifications and education that actual librarians do. Also, if you plan on primary school, then you may also be required to take education courses especially for the teaching of younger generations. If you don't already have a B.A. or B.S. in some degree, you should start there. :) There are not generally Bachelor's degrees granted in Library Science, but there are related fields, such as business, history, art history, medical records, law, etc. Some Graduate programs merely require any B.S. or B.A. degree to be accepted into their program, provided that you have acceptable test scores and grades. It may be a misconception, but becoming a Librarian is not as easy as it seems, and it certainly doesn't take volunteerism only. Good luck with becoming a librarian and keep up the altruism.

Question: Is it hard to find a position as a school librarian? I would like to pursue this career but I am scared I will not find a job. Is there a need for school librarians? Thanks.

Answer: Are you looking just to work in a school? You could find a job in a public library too. Our high school is large, about 4000 students and we have one librarian. He gets students to help him with whatever he needs. One option to you is to start with sub-teaching at schools. The staff and Principal start to know you, you will hear of an opening sooner. It is a way to get your foot in the door.

Question: How would i Become a School Librarian? Im very interested in becoming my shcools librarian in the future just like Mr.Acocks SO what kind of schooling would i need? and how much does it pay?

Answer: Check on what your state's certification requirements are for school librarian (sometimes they are called media specialists or teacher-librarians). The certification requirements vary slightly from one state to another but usually always require teacher certification and graduate work. Minimally, you must be certified to teach so get your BA first in a teaching field that interests you. There are no undergraduate degrees in library science. Once you earn your BA degree, you can pursue an appropriate graduate degree in Library & Information Science. The pay is usually the same as a teacher with comparable education & experience. If you follow this link: http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aasleducation/recruitmentlib/libraryedu/libraryeducation.htm you will find more detailed information on certification or licensure in each of the 50 states (click on the "50 states" link in the article) and search for your state's requirements.

Question: How can I become a Middle/High School Librarian? I have may GED and I am ready for College but before I enroll into any New York City College I would like to know how I can go about learning how to become a Middle or High School Librarian because I find the job to be interesting and I would love to work with children. Can someone please tell me how I can pursue this career?

Answer: At my college the ones who are wanting to be librarians are getting their education degree with a librarian certification. It's a 4 year degree at my college, but I'm not sure if there are associates degrees available at other schools.

Question: What degree/experience is required for a school librarian? I've looked into a public library and a bachelor's degree is required. Is it the same for a school librarian?

Answer: You would need at least a BS in Library Science with teaching certification. Many jobs for librarians require a MSLS (Master of Science in Library Science or Information Science) and most colleges and universities require a second master's for their librarians. You may want to check the site listed below. Just use the drop down box and select a state. It will take you to the state's Department of Ed. website. Hope this helps.

Question: What is the job description for a high school librarian? What is the job description for a high school librarian

Answer: http://online.onetcenter.org/link/summary/25-4021.00

Question: What should I do about my son's librarian pushing her political views in a public school? My son (age 14) is in a public school in Virginia. He has told me several stories over the past three years about the school librarian and others talking about politics, specifically calling the President a liar as well as expressing their views to the class about the war in Iraq and such. Two years ago he went to the librarian for help in choosing a book for a report. She suggested "Sorry Everybody: An apology to the world for teh re-election of George W. Bush." He brought the book home and I looked through it and found that it was a a book full of photographs of people with home made signs of apology. How is he supposed to write a report on that. To top it off, the librarian was in the book! Today she told them that soldiers were only saying that Iraq was not as bad as it appears on the news is because they are forced to lie. She specifically referenced a soldier that had talked with teh students a few weeks ago adn basically called him a liar. What should I do? I was limited in the space allwoed for my original question so i would like to clarify the question and position further. As for the political motives for my question, I do not care which viewpoint the school is teaching. If the librarian were pushing a right wing view I would have the same concerns as her statements are seen by most of the students as a part of their education and therefore must be the truth. This does, in a way, allow for my son and I to do some current event research and allow him to come up with his own opinion. In my opinon this would be allowing behavior for a political sciences teacher or the likes. The scenario I described was slated to be a talk about recycling though. If I was trying to make a political statement out of this situation I would not have asked a question on yahoo, I would have sent a letter to my local paper. I have drafted a letter to the principal of the school but am undecided in regard to speaking with the librarian first. She is aware alrea already aware of my concerns from the incident with the book report. As I closed my letter to teh pricipal. I truly hope that the Soldier never learns of how his words were represented after he left the school. Should I talk with the librarian or principal?

Answer: File a complaint against the school librarian for politicking the students which should concentrate in school acitivities.

Question: How do you become a school librarian? I am interested in working in a library w/in a school. Is there a degree or any requirements for this position?

Answer: A masters degree in library science - to be a librarian. There are a number of jobs in a library from shelving - which requires little education beyond knowing numbers to checking books out and even security.

Question: I am considering becoming a school librarian, any advice on what I need to do? If you are a librarian, you would be most helpful, but anyone that has any advice please respond, I would most appreciate it!

Answer: I would look into what the requirements for being a school librarian are in your state, to begin with. I know that in Texas, you must get an Education degree (undergrad) and then a degree in Library Science (master's) before becoming a school librarian.

Question: What does a school librarian get paid in Texas? I am thinking about becoming a librarian but don't know what it pays please help :) thanks in advance

Answer: Texas is a huge state. It would depend on which part of the state, and which school district. Some of the border districts would probably start pay in the mid 40's range. Some of the wealthier districts (Dallas or Houston suburbs) may start you in the upper 50's to low 60's range. Librarians in general are paid fairly well, as it usually requires a Master's degree.

Question: Do school librarian get paid on school holidays? If you work in a school book library do you get paid on school holidays.Because Im applying for a job at a school library and I want to no if I'd get paid or if I'd need a second job.

Answer: u will get paid pro rata....so they will work out the number of weeks u will be working divided by 52 to give u a monthly wage so u wont lose whole weeks of wages....