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Job profiles
Librarian
Hours
30-40 per week
Starting salary
£21,056 + per year
If you are organised, like working with people, and are enthusiastic about the value of information and knowledge, this job might be ideal for you.
Librarians are responsible for the day-to-day running of library services. They work in public libraries, where people can borrow books, music and multimedia, or in libraries in organisations such as universities, colleges, schools and hospitals.
In this job you will need good customer service skills. You will need to be confident using computers for research and administration. You will also need good written communication skills.
You can qualify as a librarian either by studying for a university qualification before starting work or by getting a job such as a library assistant and doing work-based training. You may also be able to get into library work through an Apprenticeship scheme, if they are run in your area.
WorkDesc
The work
As a librarian, your duties would vary depending on the size and function of the library, but could include:
- using IT systems to catalogue, classify and index stock
- organising resources so that they are easy for users to find
- dealing with enquiries
- helping library users to find resources
- keeping up to date with new publications and selecting stock
- organising library services for sections of the community such as pre-school groups, housebound people and ethnic minority groups
- setting up activities such as reading groups
- promoting library services through displays, talks and community events.
As a librarian in a school, college or university you may also teach research skills to students.
HoursDesc
Hours
You would usually work from around 9am to 5pm, but may also work some evenings, and on Saturdays with time off during the week. Part-time hours or job-share may be available.
You would normally be based at one library, but in some jobs you may travel between different sites, or in a mobile library, or be involved in community events.
IncomeDesc
Income
Salaries vary depending on the type of library. CILIP produces salary scale guidelines which are updated each year. Currently for public libraries these are:
- Newly qualified librarians - £21,056 to £23,300 a year
- Chartered librarians - £25,004 to £32,729
- Heads of service - £49,000 or more.
See the CILIP website for salary guides for other types of library.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
EntryRequirementsDesc
Entry requirements
You can begin in either of the following ways:
- study for a university qualification before starting work
- find a job as a library assistant or similar (see Library Assistant profile) and qualify by gaining experience and work-based training.
University qualification route
Most librarians qualify by completing one of the following:
- a degree in librarianship or information management that is recognised by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP), or
- a degree in any subject, followed by a postgraduate qualification in information management or similar accredited by CILIP.
Degree courses usually last three or four years full-time. You may be able to study part-time at some universities, but this will take longer. You can study postgraduate courses for one year full-time, two to three years part-time, or by distance learning.
Before you start a postgraduate course, most universities will expect you to have up to a year’s library or information service experience, for example as a library assistant.
If you have a degree you may be able to join a graduate training scheme.
See the accreditation page of the CILIP website for a list of approved courses and details of graduate training opportunities. You should check with universities for entry requirements.
Work-based route
As an alternative to the university qualification route you may be able to find work as an assistant in a library or information service and apply for CILIP Certification after you have gained some experience. See the certification page of the CILIP website for details of the Certification process.
You may be able to get into library work through an Apprenticeship scheme. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. To find out more, visit the Apprenticeships website.
TrainingAndDevelopmentDesc
Training and development
If you are working as a librarian or studying on a relevant course, you can apply to join CILIP. There are five levels of membership, depending on your experience and qualifications. Membership will give you access to support and advice, and opportunities for professional development training.
You can develop your skills and knowledge by attending short courses organised by CILIP or the Association for Information Management (ASLIB).
You could also study for a relevant Masters degree. These are often available part-time or through distance learning.
To gain professional status recognised by public and academic libraries, you will usually work towards chartered membership of CILIP. To apply for chartered status, you will need one of the following:
- a Library and Information Studies degree or postgraduate qualification recognised by CILIP
- CILIP Certification plus evidence of further professional development.
You will need to submit a portfolio of evidence to show that you have taken part in further professional training and development after qualifying. See CILIP’s website for details of membership and training.
SkillsAndKnowledgeDesc
Skills and knowledge
To be a librarian you will need to have:
- customer service skills
- organisational skills
- good spoken and written communication skills
- computer skills, particularly in using databases and the internet
- the ability to supervise others
- good research skills
- good general knowledge, or an understanding of a particular field of knowledge if working in a specialist library.
MoreInformationDesc
More information
Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) 
7 Ridgmount Street
London
WC1E 7AE
Tel: 020 7255 0500
www.cilip.org.uk
Association for Information Management (ASLIB)
207 Davina House
137-149 Goswell Road
London
EC1V 7ET
Tel: 020 7253 3349
www.aslib.co.uk
OpportunitiesDesc
Opportunities
Although most jobs are in public library services, you could also work in school, college or university libraries, or libraries for specialist areas, such as health care and law.
In larger libraries you could progress to a senior job with management responsibilities, or be given responsibility for a specialist service or collection.
CILIP publishes vacancy information for members, graduates and final year undergraduates. You may also find the following links useful for job vacancies and further reading (links open in new window):
Job profiles are based on the latest information supplied to us by industry bodies, such as Sector Skills Councils. Please be aware that with the introduction of the Qualifications and Credit Framework there has been, and will continue to be, changes to vocational qualifications. For more information, please check with industry bodies directly.
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
LMIData
Related industry information
Industry summary
The libraries, archives and information services industry is part of the lifelong learning sector, represented by Lifelong Learning UK Sector Skills Council, which also includes: community learning and development; further education; higher education; and work‐based learning. The sector as a whole currently employs over 1.2 million people in a range of educational institutions, as well as public and private sector organisations.
The libraries, archivists and information service (LAIS) industry involves those undertaking these activities in institutions whose primary purpose is lifelong learning. This includes public libraries and archives, higher education and further education libraries and archives, and national libraries and archives.
Key facts:
- In the industry there are:
- 48,982 staff in England
- 1,055 staff in Northern Ireland
- 5,388 in Scotland
- 3,112 in Wales
- 37% of the female workforce is at the most senior levels.
- Women represent over 50% of those employed as information officers.
- Up to 60% of archivists are women and they are well represented at senior level.
Jobs in the industry include: chief archivist, chief information officer, chief librarian, archivist, librarian, information officer, assistant archivist, library assistant/information assistant.
National and regional data
East Midlands – There are an estimated 2,729 people in the workforce in the region.
East of England – There are an estimated 4,412 people in the workforce in the region.
London – There are an estimated 8,569 people in the workforce in the region.
North East – There are an estimated 4,293 people in the workforce in the region.
North West – There are an estimated 6,326 people in the workforce in the region.
South East – There are an estimated 7,468 people in the workforce in the region.
South West – There are an estimated 4,381 people in the workforce in the region.
West Midlands – There are an estimated 5,430 people in the workforce in the region.
Yorkshire and the Humber – There are an estimated 5,373 people in the workforce in the region.
Northern Ireland – There are an estimated 1,055 people in the workforce in the region.
Scotland – There are an estimated 5,388 people in the workforce in the region.
Wales – There are an estimated 3,122 people in the workforce in the region.
Career paths
Further sources
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