What does a librarian do?

As a librarian, you could: catalogue print and digital resources, like books, images and journals deal with counter, phone and email enquiries plan and host events and activities for library users manage staff, budgets and training support researchers and students with access to archives and document collections stock…

How do you become a librarian?

You can get into this job through a university course and working your way up.

How much does a librarian earn?

Starter salaries are around £25,000 a year, rising to about £40,000 with experience.

How many hours does a librarian work?

Typically 36 to 40 hours a week.

Librarian

Librarians work in public and commercial libraries, managing access to books, digital resources, archives and computers.

Also known as: Learning resource manager, library officer

Starter salary£25,000 a year
Experienced£40,000 a year
Typical hours36 to 40 a week

What you'll do

As a librarian, you could:

catalogue print and digital resources, like books, images and journals
deal with counter, phone and email enquiries
plan and host events and activities for library users
manage staff, budgets and training
support researchers and students with access to archives and document collections
stock take and make sure resources are stored safely and correctly
select which new publications and online subscriptions to buy
build close links with community groups and promote services online

Working environment

You could work at a library, at a school, at a university, at a college or in a prison.

Skills and knowledge you'll need

You'll need:

customer service skills
the ability to work well with others
administration skills
to be flexible and open to change
knowledge of English language
the ability to use your initiative
the ability to design activities to promote use of library resources
excellent verbal communication skills
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

How to become a librarian

You can get into this job through:

a university course
working towards this role
a graduate training scheme

University

You can do a degree or postgraduate qualification, accredited by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals .

Subjects include:

library and information management
information science
library studies

You may need some practical experience to do a postgraduate course. You can get this through an internship during your first degree or by volunteering in a library or archive collection.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

Work

You could start as a library assistant or data officer with an information service.

With experience, you could apply for Certification through the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals and study for further qualifications while you work.

Other routes

If you have a first degree, you could join an employer's graduate training scheme in librarianship and information management.

Restrictions and requirements

You'll need to:

pass enhanced background checks

Career path and progression

With experience, you could move into a senior job as a library or area manager. Another option is to take responsibility for a specialist service or collection.

You could also apply for professional registration with the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP). Registration leads to chartership and is a way to have your skills and expertise recognised within the profession.

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals for training and development opportunities.

Guides for this industry

Education & Teaching: pay, interviews and getting started →

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