Librarian or Library Media Specialist

Administer and maintain libraries or collections of information, for public or private access through reference or borrowing. Work in a variety of settings, such as educational institutions, museums, and corporations, and with various types of informational materials, such as books, periodicals, recordings, films, and databases. Tasks may include acquiring, cataloging, and circulating library materials, and user services such as locating and organizing information, providing instruction on how to access information, and setting up and operating a library's media equipment.

On the job, you would:

Check books in and out of the library.
Teach library patrons basic computer skills, such as searching computerized databases.
Review and evaluate materials, using book reviews, catalogs, faculty recommendations, and current holdings to select and order print, audio-visual, and electronic resources.

Important Qualities

Communication skills. Librarians and library media specialists need to be able to explain ideas and information in ways that patrons understand.

Initiative. New information, technology, and resources constantly change librarians’ and library media specialists' duties. Workers must be able and willing to continually update their knowledge of these changes to be effective at their jobs.

Interpersonal skills. Librarians and library media specialists must be able to work both as part of a team and with the public or with researchers.

Organizational skills. Librarians and library media specialists help patrons research topics efficiently. They should be able to direct the logical use of resources, databases, and other materials.

Problem-solving skills. These workers need to be able to identify a problem, figure out where to find information to solve the problem, and draw conclusions based on the information found.

Reading skills. Librarians and library media specialists must be excellent readers. Those working in special libraries are expected to read the latest literature in their field of specialization.

Personality

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Characteristics of this Career
		89%	Cooperation - Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
		88%	Integrity - Job requires being honest and ethical.
		88%	Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
		87%	Adaptability/Flexibility - Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
		86%	Initiative - Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
		84%	Concern for Others - Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
		83%	Independence - Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
		82%	Self-Control - Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
		82%	Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
		80%	Achievement/Effort - Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
		78%	Persistence - Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
		74%	Analytical Thinking - Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
		74%	Stress Tolerance - Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
		73%	Innovation - Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
		73%	Leadership - Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
		73%	Social Orientation - Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Strengths
		86%	Conventional - Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
		67%	Social - Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Values of the Work Environment
		81%	Relationships - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
		74%	Working Conditions - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
		70%	Independence - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
		61%	Achievement - Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
		53%	Support - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

Aptitude

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Abilities \| Cognitive, Physical, Personality
		81%	Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
		78%	Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
		78%	Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
		69%	Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
		66%	Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
		66%	Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
		63%	Speech Clarity - The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
		63%	Category Flexibility - The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
		63%	Speech Recognition - The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
		56%	Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
		56%	Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Skills \| Cognitive, Physical, Personality
		57%	Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
		55%	Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
		54%	Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
		54%	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Job Details

Responsibilities

Process library materials.

Teach others to use technology or equipment.

Select educational materials or equipment.

Maintain operational records.

Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.

Search information sources to find specific data.

Help patrons use library or archival resources.

Direct department activities.

Teach others to use technology or equipment.

Confer with others to conduct or arrange operational activities.

Classify materials according to standard systems.

Help patrons use library or archival resources.

Plan community programs or activities for the general public.

Search information sources to find specific data.

Troubleshoot equipment or systems operation problems.

Diagnose equipment malfunctions.

Develop policies or procedures for archives, museums or libraries.

Train staff members.

Direct activities of subordinates.

Inspect materials or equipment to determine need for repair or replacement.

Develop library or archival databases.

Attend training sessions or professional meetings to develop or maintain professional knowledge.

Compile specialized bibliographies or lists of materials.

Collaborate with other teaching professionals to develop educational programs.

Negotiate purchases or contracts.

Order instructional or library materials or equipment.

Serve on institutional or departmental committees.

Operate audiovisual equipment.

Construct exhibits or parts of exhibits.

Maintain inventory records.

Maintain the inventory of equipment.

Inventory materials or equipment.

Maintain computer equipment or software.

Teach others to use technology or equipment.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Attributes & Percentage of Time Spent
		96%	Electronic Mail - How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
		94%	Face-to-Face Discussions - How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
		91%	Telephone - How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
		86%	Contact With Others - How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
		86%	Structured versus Unstructured Work - To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
		83%	Work With Work Group or Team - How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
		82%	Indoors, Environmentally Controlled - How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
		82%	Freedom to Make Decisions - How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
		74%	Deal With External Customers - How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job?
		67%	Importance of Being Exact or Accurate - How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
		66%	Coordinate or Lead Others - How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?
		65%	Letters and Memos - How often does the job require written letters and memos?
		63%	Time Pressure - How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
		62%	Frequency of Decision Making - How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
		59%	Spend Time Sitting - How much does this job require sitting?
		59%	Public Speaking - How often do you have to perform public speaking in this job?
		56%	Physical Proximity - To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people?
		55%	Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results - What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?
		53%	Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People - How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?
		53%	Frequency of Conflict Situations - How often are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Tasks & Values
		94%	Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
		85%	Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
		84%	Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
		80%	Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
		80%	Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
		73%	Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
		70%	Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
		69%	Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
		69%	Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
		69%	Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
		68%	Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
		68%	Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
		66%	Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
		64%	Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
		62%	Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
		61%	Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
		60%	Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
		60%	Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
		60%	Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
		58%	Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
		54%	Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
		54%	Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
		53%	Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
		53%	Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
		53%	Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
		53%	Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

What Librarians and Library Media Specialists Do

Librarian's job duties vary based on the type of library they work in, such as a public, school, or medical library.

Librarians and library media specialists help people find information and conduct research for personal and professional use. Their job duties may change based on the type of setting they work in, such as public, school, or medical libraries.

Duties

Librarians and library media specialists typically do the following:

Create and use databases of library materials
Organize library materials so they are easy to find
Help library patrons to conduct research to evaluate search results and reference materials
Research new books and materials by reading book reviews, publishers’ announcements, and catalogs
Maintain existing collections and choose new books, videos, and other materials for purchase
Plan programs for different audiences, such as story time for children
Teach classes about information resources
Research computers and other equipment for purchase, as needed
Train and supervise library technicians, assistants, other support staff, and volunteers
Prepare library budgets

In small libraries, these workers are often responsible for many or all aspects of library operations. In large libraries, they usually focus on one aspect of the library, such as user services, technical services, or administrative services.

The following are examples of types of librarians and library media specialists:

Academic librarians assist students, faculty, and staff in postsecondary institutions. They help students research topics related to their coursework and teach students how to access information. They also assist faculty and staff in locating resources related to their research projects or studies. Some campuses have multiple libraries, and librarians may specialize in a particular subject.

Administrative services librarians manage libraries, prepare budgets, and negotiate contracts for library materials and equipment. Some conduct public relations or fundraising activities for the library.

Public librarians work in their communities to serve all members of the public. They help patrons find books to read for pleasure; conduct research for schoolwork, business, or personal interest; and learn how to access the library’s resources. Many public librarians plan programs for patrons, such as story time for children, book clubs, or educational activities.

School librarians, sometimes called school library media specialists, typically work in elementary, middle, and high school libraries. They teach students how to use library resources, including technology. They also help teachers develop lesson plans and find materials for classroom instruction.

Special librarians work in settings other than school or public libraries. They are sometimes called information professionals. Businesses, museums, government agencies, and many other groups have their own libraries that use special librarians. The main purpose of these libraries and information centers is to serve the information needs of the organization that houses the library. Therefore, special librarians collect and organize materials focused on those subjects. Special librarians may need an additional degree in the subject that they specialize in. The following are examples of special librarians:

Corporate librarians assist employees of private businesses in conducting research and finding information. They work for a wide range of organizations, including insurance companies, consulting firms, and publishers.
Law librarians conduct research or help lawyers, judges, law clerks, and law students locate and analyze legal resources. They often work in law firms and law school libraries.
Medical librarians, also called health science librarians, help health professionals, patients, and researchers find health and science information. They may provide information about new clinical trials and medical treatments and procedures, teach medical students how to locate medical information, or answer consumers’ health questions.

Technical services librarians obtain, prepare, and organize print and electronic library materials. They arrange materials for patrons’ ease in finding information. They are also responsible for ordering new library materials and archiving to preserve older items.

User services librarians help patrons conduct research using both electronic and print resources. They teach patrons how to use library resources to find information on their own. This may include familiarizing patrons with catalogs of print materials, helping them access and search digital libraries, or educating them on Internet search techniques. Some user services librarians work with a particular audience, such as children or young adults.

Work Environment

Librarians and library media specialists held about 141,200 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of librarians and library media specialists were as follows:

Elementary and secondary schools; state, local, and private	35%
Local government, excluding education and hospitals	31
Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private	18
Information	6

Most librarians and library media specialists typically work on the floor with patrons, behind the circulation desk, or in offices. Some have private offices, but those in small libraries usually share work space with others.

Work Schedules

Most librarians and library media specialists work full time, although part-time work is common. Public and academic librarians often work on weekends and evenings and may work holidays. School librarians and library media specialists usually have the same work and vacation schedules as teachers, including summers off. Special librarians, such as corporate librarians, typically work normal business hours but may need to work more than 40 hours per week to help meet deadlines.

Getting Started

Education:

65%

Master's Degree

10%

Some College Courses

How to Become a Librarian or Library Media Specialist

Some librarians assist patrons with research.

Librarians typically need a master’s degree in library science (MLS). School librarians and library media specialists typically need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field, along with a teaching certificate; requirements vary by state.

Education

Librarians typically need a master's degree in library science. Some colleges and universities have other names for their library science programs, such as Master of Information Studies or Master of Library and Information Studies. Students need a bachelor’s degree in any major to enter MLS or similar programs.

MLS programs usually take 1 to 2 years to complete. Coursework typically covers information such as learning different research methods and strategies, online reference systems, and Internet search techniques. The American Library Association accredits master’s degree programs in library and information studies.

Requirements for public school librarians and library media specialists vary by state. Most states require an MLS or a bachelor’s or master’s degree in education, often with a specialization related to library media.

Special librarians, such as those in a corporate, law, or medical library, usually supplement a master’s degree in library science with knowledge of their specialized field. Some employers require special librarians to have a master’s degree, a professional degree, or a Ph.D. in that subject. For example, a law librarian may be required to have a law degree.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Public school librarians and library media specialists typically need a teacher’s certification. Some states require school librarians to pass a standardized test, such as the PRAXIS II Library Media Specialist test. Contact your state department of education for details about requirements in your state.

Some states also require certification for librarians in public libraries. Contact your state’s licensing board for specific requirements.

Job Outlook

Employment of librarians and library media specialists is projected to grow 3 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 13,700 openings for librarians and library media specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment

Despite a decline by the public in traditional borrowing of materials, libraries still need librarians to host a variety of services and activities. Therefore, there will be a need for librarians to manage libraries and to help patrons find information. Parents value the learning opportunities that libraries present for children because libraries have information and learning materials that children often cannot access from home. Library patrons are expected to continue attending events and using other library services, such as child-focused activities and employment assistance.

Contacts for More Information

For more information about librarians and library media specialists, including accredited library education programs, visit

American Library Association

For more information about becoming a school librarian or library media specialist, contact your state board of education.

For information about medical librarians, visit

Medical Library Association

For information about law librarians, visit

American Association of Law Libraries

For information about many different types of special librarians, visit

Special Libraries Association

Occupational Requirements Survey

For a profile highlighting selected BLS data on occupational requirements, see

Librarians and media collections specialists (PDF)

Similar Occupations

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of librarians and library media specialists.

Occupation	Job Duties	Entry-Level Education	Median Annual Pay, May 2022
Adult Basic and Secondary Education and ESL Teachers	Adult basic and secondary education and ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers instruct adults in fundamental skills, such as reading and speaking English. They also help students earn their high school equivalency credential.	Bachelor's degree	$58,590
Archivists, Curators, and Museum Workers	Archivists and curators oversee institutions’ collections, such as of historical items or of artwork. Museum technicians and conservators prepare and restore items in those collections.	See How to Become One	$53,420
High School Teachers	High school teachers teach academic lessons and various skills that students will need to attend college and to enter the job market.	Bachelor's degree	$62,360
Instructional Coordinators	Instructional coordinators oversee school curriculums and teaching standards. They develop instructional material, implement it, and assess its effectiveness.	Master's degree	$66,490
Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers	Kindergarten and elementary school teachers instruct young students in basic subjects in order to prepare them for future schooling.	Bachelor's degree	$61,620
Library Technicians and Assistants	Library technicians and assistants help librarians with all aspects of running a library.	See How to Become One	$35,280
Middle School Teachers	Middle school teachers educate students, typically in sixth through eighth grades.	Bachelor's degree	$61,810
Postsecondary Teachers	Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level.	See How to Become One	$80,840

Librarian or Library Media Specialist

What they do:

On the job, you would:

Important Qualities

Personality

Characteristics of this Career

Strengths

Values of the Work Environment

Aptitude

Abilities | Cognitive, Physical, Personality

Skills | Cognitive, Physical, Personality

Job Details

Attributes & Percentage of Time Spent

Tasks & Values

What Librarians and Library Media Specialists Do

Duties

Work Environment

Work Schedules

Getting Started

How to Become a Librarian or Library Media Specialist

Education

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Job Outlook

Employment

Contacts for More Information

Occupational Requirements Survey

Similar Occupations