Librarian duties and responsibilities
A Librarian ensures the smooth running of the library and the protection of its resources. They also help library users by providing reading tips or research support. Some other key responsibilities include:
- Organizing and presenting book collections in an attractive way that makes titles easy to find
- Processing requests from library users to borrow resources
- Providing expert advice on where someone can find a book or piece of information
- Liaising with other libraries or booksellers to get resources requested by a customer
- Speaking at events to explain what the library has to offer
- Ensuring that the library keeps accurate records to account for all the library’s resources
Librarian skills and qualifications
A Librarian should have excellent organizational skills to effectively manage many resources. They may also need specialist knowledge in a particular area, such as medicine, if they work in a library attached to a medical facility, for example. Other important skills for the position include:
- Excellent research and archiving skills to facilitate the organization of library resources
- Good interpersonal skills to provide helpful advice to library users
- Ability to work independently with limited supervision
- Attention to detail when updating records and noting information
- Enthusiasm for literature and creativity
Librarian experience requirements
Depending on the setting they work in, a Librarian may be able to work immediately after completing their education in library sciences. In some specialist roles, such as a Law or Medical Librarian, you may prefer to hire someone with additional qualifications or professional experience in the field.
Librarian education and training requirements
A Librarian usually requires a Master’s Degree in Library Sciences. Related degrees in project management or research methods may also prove useful. If a Librarian is working in a school, you may want them to have a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and to be registered as a teacher. Librarians may also get further training during their careers, including specializing in technical support for computers in a library or specific research techniques.
Librarian salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, a Librarian in Canada earns on average $53,446 per year. Salaries for Librarians can vary depending on various factors, including the type of institution where they work, their experience, and the tasks they perform.
Job description samples for similar positions
If this Librarian job description sample isn’t quite what you’re looking for, some other job description samples include: