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Librarian

Alternative titles for this job include Learning resource manager, library officer

Librarians work in public and commercial libraries, managing access to books, digital resources, archives and computers.

Average salary (a year)

£25,000 Starter

to

£40,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

36 to 40 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

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, accredited by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals.

Subjects include:

  • library and information management
  • information science
  • library studies

You may need some practical experience to do a postgraduate course. You can get this through an internship during your first degree or by volunteering in a library or archive collection.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

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.

Other Routes

If you have a first degree, you could join an employer's graduate training scheme in librarianship and information management.

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals for training and development opportunities.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a librarian from the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • customer service skills
  • the ability to work well with others
  • administration skills
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • knowledge of English language
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • the ability to design activities to promote use of library resources
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a librarian, you could:

  • catalogue print and digital resources, like books, images and journals
  • deal with counter, phone and email enquiries
  • plan and host events and activities for library users
  • manage staff, budgets and training
  • support researchers and students with access to archives and document collections
  • stock take and make sure resources are stored safely and correctly
  • select which new publications and online subscriptions to buy
  • build close links with community groups and promote services online

Working environment

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

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could move into a senior job as a library or area manager. Another option is to take responsibility for a specialist service or collection.

You could also apply for professional registration with the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP). Registration leads to chartership and is a way to have your skills and expertise recognised within the profession.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a librarian right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Are you interested in becoming a librarian?

Search for training courses near you.

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

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