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Librarian

Do you want to become a Librarian? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

Job Description - Print Page

• Librarians are responsible for running and developing a library, or a department within it.
• They help customers find information and materials, using the library computer database, network systems and the internet.
• They need to keep up to date with newly-released publications, so they can decide on new items to order.
• In larger libraries librarians are responsible for managing and motivating a team of staff.
• In specialist libraries, such as in universities and hospitals, they need specific knowledge of the subjects covered.

In public libraries, librarians work shifts including some weekends or evenings. Working conditions and space vary, but most librarians have a small office or separate area for administrative jobs.

Salaries range from £14,800 for newly-qualified librarians to more than £50,000 for senior librarians.

Librarians should:

• have organisational skills
• be able to motivate staff
• be able to communicate with people of all ages and backgrounds
• be polite, friendly, patient and helpful
• have a high standard of general knowledge and a good memory.

Employers include public libraries and libraries in hospitals, universities, other educational establishments, large companies, government departments and research associations.

The qualifications needed to become a librarian are normally either a degree or postgraduate diploma in a subject such as Information and Library Studies. There are no restrictions on adult entry, but professional qualifications are required.

In larger libraries there is a formal promotion structure and opportunities for promotion to senior librarian, group librarian, specialist posts or top management.

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