Typically I work the reference desk, circulation desk, and supervise staff simultaneously. I will help patrons with research, give hands-on technology training, and of course, the standard printed sources. Libraries are becoming increasingly digital so I spend a lot of time tutoring patrons on their iPads, tablets, and other devices. Most libraries offer free e-books, so ask your friendly neighborhood librarian about that! The city branch libraries really offer more than I can explain here!
CAREER
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$61,190
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
+5.8% (as fast as the average)
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Librarians and Media Collections Specialists Do
Administer and maintain libraries or collections of information, for public or private access through reference or borrowing. Work in a variety of settings, such as educational institutions, museums, and corporations, and with various types of informational materials, such as books, periodicals, recordings, films, and databases. Tasks may include acquiring, cataloging, and circulating library materials, and user services such as locating and organizing information, providing instruction on how to access information, and setting up and operating a library's media equipment.
Other Job Titles Librarians and Media Collections Specialists May Have
Librarian, Library Media Specialist, Media Specialist, Reference Librarian
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
I don't really have a typical work day, because every day is slightly different. The only constant is emails. Today I am working on a blog post about our new Open Education collection, copy editing the website, working on a research paper, gathering materials for an open-house event this weekend, promoting Banned Books Week and ordering some new books. Tomorrow is unknown.
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Check books in and out of the library.
- Teach library patrons basic computer skills, such as searching computerized databases.
- Review and evaluate materials, using book reviews, catalogs, faculty recommendations, and current holdings to select and order print, audio-visual, and electronic resources.
- Search standard reference materials, including online sources and the Internet, to answer patrons' reference questions.
- Keep up-to-date records of circulation and materials, maintain inventory, and correct cataloging errors.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Librarians and Media Collections Specialists
Most common level of education among people in
this career: Master's degree (65%)
Some college, no degree
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
High School
Bachelor
Anything you enjoy
Graduate
Library and Information Science
Certification / License
Public Administration
Suggested Path
High School
Bachelor
Graduate
Library and Information Science
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
If you are shy, surround yourself with outgoing people and break out of that shell. You'll be in many situations that require you to take charge and enthusiasm is a great asset to anyone in a position of education. Read a lot of different things and stay updated on trending technologies.
Spend some time actually working in a library. If you are interested in public libraries, make sure you like working with the public.
Learn as much technology as possible. Actually, just keep learning.
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
Middle School Students
Get as much time with cameras as possible. Work on the newspaper or blog at your school. Write ALL THE TIME. Get as much journalism practice as you can. Join a video or film club on your campus, or take video workshops outside of school and make movies with friends as much as you can, even with your phone. Watch TV and movies and think about why they are good or not. Play and have fun with all kinds of media and web video.
High School Students
College Students
Everyone
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
