Librarians and Library Media Specialists

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Duties

Common tasks for librarians and library media experts include:

• Create and use a database in the library.
• Prepare the library's resources so that they can be accessed quickly and easily.
• Provide research tools and resources to library users to help them with their study.
• Read book reviews, press releases, and publisher brochures to learn about the most recent publications and resources.
• Purchase extra books, movies, and other material to augment or add to your current library.
• Create a variety of programs for different target audiences, such as a story hour for children.
• It's a crucial aspect of your work to teach kids how to use information resources.
• You can purchase computers and other technologies for your research if necessary.
• Maintain control and direction over a library's technical staff, assistants, and volunteers.
• Getting the library's finances in order.

Workers in small libraries are frequently required to manage all aspects of the institution. Big libraries, on the whole, specialize in one service area, such as user services, technical help, or administrative support.

The following are some examples of librarians and library media professionals:

Academic librarians assist students, teachers, and staff at postsecondary institutions. They assist students in their search for knowledge and demonstrate how to locate it. There are a variety of resources accessible to assist academics and staff with research and study efforts. Some campuses have multiple libraries, and librarians may specialize in a particular field of study or experience.

Administration-related services Librarians are in charge of managing libraries, which include budgeting and negotiating contracts for library materials and equipment. Some librarians work in public relations or fundraising for libraries.

Public librarians provide services to all inhabitants in their communities. They assist users in using the library's resources to locate books for leisure reading, academic research, or personal interest. A lot of public libraries offer user-friendly programs such as children's story time and reading clubs.

School librarians or library media experts are frequently hired in elementary, middle, and high school libraries; they are also known as school library media specialists. Pupils are taught about library resources, including technology. Educators can also get help from them in the form of lesson plans and resources to utilize in the classroom.

Special librarians are employed in a variety of settings, including schools and public libraries. In some circles, they are referred to as "information professionals." Libraries with specialized librarians can be found in a variety of settings, including businesses, museums, government agencies, and more. The major goal of these libraries and information centers is to satisfy the informational needs of the company that houses them. Special librarians collect and organize materials to satisfy the needs of students and researchers in various fields. A master's degree in your field of specialization may be required if you wish to work as a special librarian. 

Professionals who work as special librarians include:

Corporate librarians assist employees in the private sector with their research and information needs. Among the various clients they service are insurers, consulting firms, and publishers.

Law librarians conduct more than just research when it comes to discovering and interpreting legal material. They are commonly used by law firms and law colleges.

Medical librarians and health science librarians are library specialists who work in the disciplines of medicine and health science. They may provide services such as clinical trials and medical procedures, as well as advice on how to obtain medical information for students.

In the world of technology, there are a variety of services available. Librarians are in charge of acquiring, preparing, and organizing the contents of printed and digital libraries. They arrange resources so that clients can quickly find the information they require. Other responsibilities include procuring new library materials and archiving old ones to ensure their long-term sustainability.

Services that are focused on the user Librarians assist users with both electronic and paper resources when conducting research. Using the library's resources, patrons learn how to seek information on their own. Patrons might be introduced to print catalogs, given help navigating digital archives, or taught how to make good Internet searches, for example. Some librarians specialize in working with a particular group of individuals, such as children or teenagers.

Education

A master's degree in library science is often required of librarians. Master of Information Studies or Master of Library and Information Studies are additional names for library science degrees at several institutions and universities. To enroll in an MLS or equivalent program, students must have a bachelor's degree in any subject.

MLS programs typically last one to two years. Learning alternative research methods and strategies, online reference systems, and Internet search techniques are common topics covered in coursework. Master's degree programs in library and information studies are accredited by the American Library Association.

State regulations for public school librarians and library media experts differ. An MLS or a bachelor's or master's degree in education, frequently with a focus in library media, is required in most states.

Special librarians, such as those working in a business, law, or medical library, usually have a master's degree in library science and specific understanding in their specialty. Some businesses demand that special librarians hold a master's degree, a professional degree, or a Ph.D. in the field. A law librarian, for example, may be needed to have a law degree.

Registrations, certifications, and licenses

A teacher's qualification is often required for public school librarians and library media specialists. A standardized test, such as the PRAXIS II Library Media Specialist test, is required in several states for school librarians. For more information about your state's requirements, contact the department of education in your state.

Public librarians in several states are also required to be certified. For more information, contact your state's licensing board.

Important Characteristics

Communication abilities Librarians and library media experts must be able to communicate concepts and information to patrons in a way that they can comprehend.

Initiative. The responsibilities of librarians and library media experts are continually changing as new information, technology, and resources become available. To be effective at their employment, workers must be able and motivated to refresh their knowledge of these developments on a regular basis.

Interpersonal abilities Librarians and library media experts must be able to operate both independently and in groups, as well as with the general public and researchers.

Skills in organization. Librarians and library media specialists assist patrons in conducting effective research. They should be able to direct the usage of resources, databases, and other things in a rational manner.

Possessing problem-solving abilities. These professionals must be able to recognize an issue, determine where to look for information to address it, and draw conclusions based on that information.

Reading abilities. Excellent readers are required of librarians and library media professionals. Those who work in special libraries are expected to keep up with the newest research in their sector.

Pay

Library and library media experts earned an average of $60,820 per year in May 2020. If half of the people in a profession make more than the median wage, and half earn less, we say that the median wage is too high or too low. One-tenth of the population made less than $34,810 per year, while the other one-tenth made more than $97,460 per year.

Job Projections

Libraries and library media professionals will have a 9 percent increase in employment between 2020 and 2030, which is about the same rate of growth seen in other vocations over the same period of time.