2 answers
Riley
Student
Rock Hill, South Carolina
5
Questions
Asked
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What steps (aside from a degree) would make it easier to be a librarian?
Are there any certifications or other study opportunities that I should go ahead and work towards? And what would make getting a job as a librarian easier?
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2 answers
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
439
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi Riley - this is a good question. I have put several links below with information about getting a job as a librarian. But the job varies based on the organization, e.g., in schools, in colleges/universities, government, etc. So I suggest gaining experience in different settings. For example, you could seek a part-time role at your college library and perhaps work at your home time library during the summer. This would improve your resume and help you determine what kind of librarian you want to be.
If you want to work between your undergrad and graduate degrees, a school setting would be your best bet. Most other roles require an MLS - Master's in Library Science. Most professional certifications are aligned with your job so get that resolved first. Good luck!
American Library Association - https://www.ala.org/educationcareers/libcareers/become
Bureau of Labor Statistics - https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/librarians.htm
Indeed.com - https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-become-a-librarian
If you want to work between your undergrad and graduate degrees, a school setting would be your best bet. Most other roles require an MLS - Master's in Library Science. Most professional certifications are aligned with your job so get that resolved first. Good luck!
Martha recommends the following next steps:
Cristen Jackson
Librarian
1
Answer
Flint, Michigan
Updated
Cristen’s Answer
I'm a librarian at a public library and have worked in public libraries for over 12 years, so my advice comes from that perspective.
My first suggestion is to get involved in the library in any way you can, through volunteering, working as a page, or applying for part-time support roles. Any hands-on experience in a library setting will be incredibly valuable. I actually started as a page, even though I already had my graduate degree, and I ended up staying with that library system for over 10 years. Getting your foot in the door is one of the best ways to build skills, make connections, and eventually move into a librarian role.
Second, if you're not already working in a customer service job, consider finding one. So much of librarianship is about serving the public, and strong customer service skills can really give you an edge. Library work is all about meeting the needs of the community, and being able to interact effectively with a wide range of people is essential. I worked in retail before becoming a librarian, and that experience helped me a lot when it came to working with patrons.
As for certifications or further study, that really depends on the type of library you're interested in. Public, school, academic, or special libraries each have different requirements and expectations. If you have a specific path in mind, I’d be happy to offer more targeted advice.
My first suggestion is to get involved in the library in any way you can, through volunteering, working as a page, or applying for part-time support roles. Any hands-on experience in a library setting will be incredibly valuable. I actually started as a page, even though I already had my graduate degree, and I ended up staying with that library system for over 10 years. Getting your foot in the door is one of the best ways to build skills, make connections, and eventually move into a librarian role.
Second, if you're not already working in a customer service job, consider finding one. So much of librarianship is about serving the public, and strong customer service skills can really give you an edge. Library work is all about meeting the needs of the community, and being able to interact effectively with a wide range of people is essential. I worked in retail before becoming a librarian, and that experience helped me a lot when it came to working with patrons.
As for certifications or further study, that really depends on the type of library you're interested in. Public, school, academic, or special libraries each have different requirements and expectations. If you have a specific path in mind, I’d be happy to offer more targeted advice.