Librarian: Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path
Learn about the key skills, qualifications, and career path for a Librarian
Practice Interviews Online - Identify your strengths and weakness in a realistic Librarian mock interview, under 10 minutes
Practice Now »What is a Librarian?
As a Librarian, you would be responsible for managing and maintaining a library's collection of books, electronic documents, and other resources. Your job would involve selecting and acquiring new materials, cataloguing and indexing them for easy access, as well as helping library users find the resources they need.
Skills
- Information organization and management
- Research and reference services
- Cataloging and classification
- Collection development and management
- Customer service and interpersonal skills
- Digital literacy and technology proficiency
- Information literacy instruction
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
Qualifications & Education
- An accredited degree or postgraduate qualification is required for entry into the library professionals career field in the UK
- Most postgraduate courses require applicants to have prior relevant work experience
- Professional qualifications in Information and Library Service are available at Levels 2, 3, and 4
- NVQs/SVQs in Information and Library Service are also available at Levels 2, 3, and 4
Career Path
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a librarian degree is typically required to work as a librarian in the UK. While a bachelor's degree in any field may be acceptable, degrees in librarianship are preferred by employers. Some advanced libraries may require a master's degree, but most libraries only require a bachelor's degree.
Yes, being a librarian is a good job in the UK, especially for those who enjoy academic study but do not want to become a lecturer. Librarians, particularly in the university sector, can be involved in research and attend academic conferences. However, it is important to note that librarians do not receive funding to attend these events like academics do.
To become a librarian in the UK, you typically need a degree or postgraduate qualification in librarianship or information management accredited by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals. It is also beneficial to have practical experience, which can be gained through internships or volunteering at a library.
Identify your strengths and weakness in a realistic Librarian mock interview, under 10 minutes
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