Library Jobs - Duties, Requirements, and Salaries

Library Jobs - Duties, Requirements, and SalariesLibrary Jobs - Duties, Requirements, and SalariesHave you ever thought about working in a library? Maybe you have special memories of spending time in one as a child. If you want a career in this field because you love books, it is essential to note that you should also love technology- libraries are filled with the latest tech tools and you will have to feel comfortable using them. You should also enjoy being around people. Your library job, regardless of the career you choose, will involve interacting with patrons, but some involve less direct contact than others. It takes many people to make a library run. There are those individuals who deal directly with the resources for which people come to libraries librarians, library technicians, and library assistants. The job duties differ for these occupations, as do the education requirements and salaries.Then there are the people who work behind the scenes, but are nonetheless essential to the functioning of the facility. They are public relations specialists,office managers, computer support specialists, and janitors. Librarians Librarians select print and non-print materials for public, school, university, law, medical, and corporate libraries. They make these resources accessible to users by organizing them and providing instruction in their use. Librariansalso supervise other library workers and some become library directors. Required Education Masters Degree in Library Science (MLS), Master of Information Studies, or Master of Library and Information StudiesMedian Annual Salary (2016) $57,680Number of Jobs (2016)138,200Projected Job Growth (2016-2026) 9 percentProjected Increase in Jobs (2016-2026) 12,400 Library Technicians Library technicians are paraprofessionals who work under librarians supervision. Their duties vary according to the size of the facility in which they work- library techs who work in smaller facilities usually have more responsibi lities than those employed in larger ones. They may order and organize materials, lend them to patrons, and reshelve those items when they are returned. Some library technicians teach patrons how to use resources. Required Education High School DiplomaPreferred Education Postsecondary Training in Library TechnologyMedian Annual Salary (2016) $32,890Median Hourly Wage (2016) $15.81Number ofJobs(2016) 99,000Projected Job Growth (2016-2026) 9 percentProjected Increase in Jobs (2016-2026) 9,000 Library Assistants Library assistantsprovide clerical support.Librarians and library technicians supervise them. Their duties includeorganizing materials, collecting fines for overdue or lost materials, checking in and out books, dvds, and other materials to patrons, and returning books to their shelves after patrons have used them. Library assistants also answer phones or organize files, as well as perform other routine clerical tasks. They are also commonly called library clerks, technical assistants, and circulation assistants. Required Education High School or Equivalency DiplomaMedian Annual Salary (2016) $25,220Median Hourly Wage (2016) $12.12Number ofJobs(2016) 104,000Projected Job Growth (2016-2026) 9 percentProjected Increase in Jobs (2016-2026) 9,800 Public Relations Specialists Public libraries offer a lot of services and programs. Public relations specialists are responsible for making sure people in the community know about them. They send press releases to local newspapers and broadcasters, and create in-house promotional materials such as flyers and newsletters. Public relations specialists sometimes meet with community organizations and schools to promote activities. Required Education Bachelors Degree in Communications, Public Relations, or MarketingPreferred Background Experience in a library or degree in library scienceMedian Annual Salary (2016) $58,020Number ofJobs inLibraries and Other Entities(2016) 260,000Projected Job Growth inLibraries and Other Entities (2016-2026) 9 percentProjected Increase in Jobs inLibraries and Other Entities (2016-2026) 22,900 Administrative Services Managers Administrative services managers coordinate libraries support services. They may oversee mail distribution, plan budgets, and allocate supplies. Some are also responsible for scheduling staff. Required EducationBachelors DegreePreferred Background Experience working in a libraryMedian Annual Salary (2016) $90,050Number ofJobs inLibraries and Other Entities(2016)281,700Projected Job Growth inLibraries and Other Entities(2016-2026)10 percentProjected Increase inJobs inLibraries and Other Entities(2016-2026)28,500 Computer Support Specialists Computer support specialists provide in-house support to staff members in libraries. They help solve problems, install software and hardware, and maintain computer equipment. Required EducationBachelors DegreeMedian Annual Salary (2016) $62,670Number ofJobs inLibraries and Other Entities(2016)198 ,800Projected Job Growth inLibraries and Other Entities(2016-2026) 8percentProjected Increase inJobs inLibraries and Other Entities(2016-2026) 16,400 Janitors Janitors keep libraries clean. They maintain the inside and outside of these facilities. Janitors may also make repairs to plumbing and electrical systems. Required TrainingOn-the-JobMedian Annual Salary (2016) $24,190Median Hourly Wage (2016) $11.63Number ofJobs inLibraries and Other Entities(2016)2.4 millionProjected Job Growth inLibraries and Other Entities(2016-2026) 10 percentProjected Increase inJobs inLibraries and Other Entities(2016-2026) 236,500 Sources Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor,Occupational Outlook Handbook Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor,O*NETOnline(visited March 20, 2018).