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Librarian

Alternative titles for this job include Learning resource manager

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

Average salary (a year)

£18,500 Starter

to

£32,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

36 to 38 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 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

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

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

More Information

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
  • 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
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

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

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

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

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).

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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