Librarian

Your Fit

Income

$79K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

3.0%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Librarian?

A Librarian is a professional responsible for managing the collection of books and other resources in a library. They assist patrons, organize information, and provide educational and programming services.

Sample job titles:

Librarian, Library Media Specialist, Media Specialist, Reference Librarian

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Librarian.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Librarian earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Librarian.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$42K per year	$63K per year	$79K per year	$95K per year	$110K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $14K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Librarian do?

Work environment

Librarians typically work in public, academic, or special libraries like those in schools, universities, government agencies, or corporations. Their environment is usually indoors, involving interaction with the public, managing collections, and using computer systems.

Quick task list

Organizes and catalogs library materials.
Assists patrons with research and finding resources.
Manages digital resources and databases.
Plans and conducts educational and public outreach programs.
Supervises library staff and volunteers.
Develops and manages the library's collection.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Children's Librarianship: Specializing in services and programs for children.
School Librarianship: Working within a school to support teachers and students.
Academic Librarianship: Focusing on the needs of college or university communities.
Digital Librarianship: Managing digital collections and online resources.
Archival Librarianship: Preserving and organizing historical and archival materials.

Description

Librarians play a crucial role in fostering community engagement and literacy. They are not just custodians of books but are actively involved in the management of information in various formats. Their role has evolved with technology, and now includes managing digital resources and navigating the vast world of online information.

In addition to their traditional role of cataloging and maintaining library collections, librarians are often involved in community outreach and programming. They organize events, workshops, and educational programs, making the library a central and dynamic hub in their community.

Librarians require a unique blend of skills. They must be organized, detail-oriented, and adept at research and information technology. They also need strong interpersonal skills to interact effectively with patrons of all ages and backgrounds.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Facilitating access to information and fostering a love for reading.
Engaging with and serving the community.
The variety and intellectually stimulating nature of the work.

You might make a good Librarian if you are...

Passionate about books, reading, and education.
Highly organized and detail-oriented, with an aptitude for cataloging and managing information.
A strong communicator, both in writing and in person, able to assist and educate a diverse range of library users.
Technologically savvy, comfortable with digital resources, databases, and emerging library technologies.
Enthusiastic about community engagement and public service.

Pros:

A stable and intellectually stimulating career.
Opportunities to work with a variety of media and technologies.
The satisfaction of serving and educating the community.

Cons:

The field can be competitive, especially for positions in desirable locations.
The need to constantly update skills to keep pace with changing information technologies.
Potential for budget constraints in certain library settings.

How to become a Librarian

Typical education

A Master's degree in Library Science (MLS) or Library and Information Studies (MLIS) is typically required, involving 1-2 years of graduate study following a bachelor's degree.

High school preparation

Courses:

English and Literature to develop a foundation in reading and comprehension.
Computer Science to gain essential technology skills.
History and Social Studies to understand research and information sourcing.
Communication classes to enhance interpersonal and presentation skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering at a local library or community center.
Participating in reading or book clubs.
Engaging in school or community organizations that focus on literacy and education.

Preparation after high school

Obtain a bachelor's degree in any field, though English, history, or information science can be particularly relevant.
Gain experience through internships or part-time jobs in libraries.
Pursue a Master's degree in Library Science (MLS) or Library and Information Studies (MLIS).
Seek opportunities for professional development and networking through library associations.

More resources

American Library Association (ALA) - Provides resources, accreditation information, and educational programs for librarians.
Library Journal - Offers library news, resources, and professional development opportunities.
Public Library Association (PLA) - A division of the ALA focused on public library professionals.
School Library Journal - Provides resources and reviews for school librarians and those interested in young adult literature.
International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) - Offers a global perspective on library and information services.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.