Librarian
Comprehensive Sites
Bureau of Labor Statistics: LibrarianAn overview of the librarian profession is presented at this page, provided by the U.S. Department of Labor, as well as information on career preparation, job pay, and sources of further information on related careers. Work environment, education, and training required are outlined, with links available to projected employment, according to librarian type and additional to links to the latest local earnings data.
Princeton Review: LibrarianThis all-in-one resource offers information on a day in the life of a librarian, such as the challenges, rewards, and professional responsibilities. Education, associated careers, facts and figures regarding salary and employment, and links to information on colleges, internships, and required graduate school are available.
The Young LibrarianAnswers to frequently asked questions about becoming a librarian, links to useful career resources, a blog discussion, and articles about a librarian career are found at this site.
Occupational Titles
Librarian
Electronic Resources Librarian
Children’s Librarian
Research Librarian
Assistant Librarian
Accredited Academic Programs
American Library Association: Directory of Institutions Offering ALA-Accredited ProgramsThe directory at this site offers information on choosing a master’s program in library and information studies, an alphabetical list of ALA-accredited programs by institution, a search tool, and sources of further information.
Princeton Review: Librarian, College MajorsA variety of undergraduate college majors would be good choices if you want to become a librarian, and this list provides you with a lengthy collection of them. Click on your selection to be brought to a list of colleges and universities across the U.S. that offers your selected major. Access these schools individual websites for more program information directly from this site.
Salary Levels
Indeed.com: Librarian SalariesSalary levels are listed at the graphs at this site, including the average salary of all librarians in the U.S., and the average salary of jobs with related titles.
PayScale: LibrarianThe report at this site includes the median salary by years of experience as a librarian. Median salary by employer type or city are also depicted at related charts.
Professional Organizations
American Association of School LibrariansYou can learn all about becoming a school librarian at this organization’s site, as well as have access to library education and licensing requirements, a job hunt tool, state-by-state information, news, and professional tools.
American Library AssociationAt this site, you can explore a career in library science by accessing the career overview or salary and outlook information. The American Library Association discusses degrees needed, how to further your career, and its extensive awards programs.
American Society for Information ScienceKnown as the “Information Society for the Information Age,” this organization sponsors a computing summit, conferences, several publications on information technology, and career resources.
Association of College and Research LibrariesThis organization offers a recruitment tool intended for the employer and the job hunter, as well as a video of the profession, the various career opportunities as a librarian, and the top issues facing librarians.
Licensing & Certification
American Association of School Librarians: Library Education and LicensingIf you want to decide if becoming a school librarian is for you, this might be a good resource. You will find library education accredited programs and the difference between ALA and NCATE accreditation. Definitions, requirements, and types of library education programs are discussed. Related links to choosing a master’s program and directories of recognized, reviewed, and approved schools are also available.
National Board CertificationOverviews of certifications for library media specialists who teach students 3 to 18 years of age are presented at this site, as well as an overview of national board certification standards and the certification process.
Public Librarian Certification by StateClick on your state to see what certification may be required to be employed as a librarian. Professional library certification resources will be displayed.
Job Opportunity Sources
LibraryCareers.orgThis site of the American Library Association provides opportunities for finding a better job though its interactive job evaluation tool. Read about types of libraries, types of library jobs, and access the library position search tools.
Publications
ChoiceChoice is a series of current reviews for academic librarians, which provides reviews online to key decision makers in the development of scholarly research resources. Choice goes out to most college and university libraries in the U.S. The website allows access to summaries of the current issue.
College and Research Library NewsSelect articles are available online at these issues, intended to provide news on up-to-date practice and trends affecting research and academic librarians. Back issues are available for free and include features and internet resources.
KQWebThe American Library Association offers this online version of Knowledge Quest, which provides information to assist in the development of library media specialists and supervisors. Articles in the publication talk about new developments in education and their relationship to evolving technology. Columns, features, and spotlights on research are available for free.
Library JournalThe online issues of Library Journal include videos, an academic newswire, and departments on everything from academic libraries to intellectual freedom.
Library Technology ReportsResponsive to library technology issues, this publication includes a smart library newsletter, recent posted discussions, and several free articles.
Library TrendsAs its name suggests, this quarterly publication offers discussion of critical trends for practicing librarians and educators and exists as a professional development and continuing education tool in the field. If you access the journal online, you will be brought to a free sample issue.
Online Forums & Blogs
ACRLogPosts at this blog include the importance of the academic librarian and categories of blogs on books, conferences, higher education, various disciplines, scholarship, and more. This blog is packed with interesting discussions and provided by the Association of College and Research Librarians.
Library Journal.com: BlogsDiscussions on current topics in library management are offered at this collection of blogs, posted by subscribers to Library Journal.
Young LibraríanThis blog, started by a student who just received a degree in library science, talks about being a young librarian and also offers information on public certification by state. Several previous posts and archives can be accessed.
Career Videos
American Library Association: Recruiting to the ProfessionThis video, “Faces of a Profession,” includes the role of the librarian and rewards that come with the profession. Separate interviews with librarians are provided, where they discuss how they made their career choices.
YouTube: Librarians Job DescriptionTools and technology needed for the library, and all the knowledge needed for librarians are discussed in the video, as well as the different types of libraries, educational qualifications, and continuous training needed in information technology.
