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Librarian

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AVG. SALARY

$51,990

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EDUCATION

Master's degree

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JOB OUTLOOK

Stable

What To Learn

High School

What high school courses should you take if you're interested in this career? Get your answers from the Education and Training cluster Professional Support Services pathway.

Beyond High School

Here's a list of programs that you should consider if you're interested in this career:

Education Level

Education training and experience are required at different levels for success in different occupations.

Master's degree

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.

Insider Info

Additional Information

Full-fledged librarians must have an undergraduate degree in any field of study, followed by a master's degree in library science. The master's degree usually takes two years to complete.

"To be a true librarian, you actually have to have a master's degree," says Chris Taylor, a library director in Ohio. "Your undergraduate can be in anything. But pretty typically you're going to get a master's degree if you're going to be a librarian as a career."

"Master's degrees are essential for professional positions," agrees Ed Goyda, a library director in Delaware. "Volunteer and paid opportunities are certainly available for people without formal degrees, and I tend to place more favor on experience, fit and vision than degree when hiring for front-line positions."

To become a library assistant, you must have a library technician's diploma, which is also a two-year program. You don't require an undergraduate degree to be accepted into the diploma program.

"Be sure to build experience to accompany your degree," Goyda advises. "Seriously consider aiming for the most highly responsible position you can obtain, even if the pay is low, to kick-start your career. It will pay off in the long run."

Librarian Joanna Aegard has a master's in library and information science and undergraduate degrees in music and English.

"There are both professional and non-professional staff who work in libraries," says Aegard. "So formal library training is not necessary (to work in a library), but I do recommend it for those wishing to do more meaningful and fulfilling work."

Goyda notes that, "[T]here are many libraries that are too small, or too low budget, to draw staff with master's degrees. On the assistant side, Delaware has a Library Assistant Learning Institute (LALI) that provides post-hire training and certification for those wishing to move into more responsible positions, but who aren't able to pursue a master's degree."

Extra Requirements

Public school librarians typically need a teacher's certification. Some states require 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.

For additional information, visit these websites:

Contact

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  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900

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