{"id":21704,"date":"2021-01-03T17:30:19","date_gmt":"2021-01-04T01:30:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/?p=21704"},"modified":"2025-09-26T13:15:16","modified_gmt":"2025-09-26T20:15:16","slug":"how-to-become-a-librarian","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/how-to-become-a-librarian\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Become a Librarian in 2025: Step-by-Step"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The first memory you may have of a librarian is someone helping you find a picture book at your local library or public school. This is one type of librarian. But there are other types of librarians who work in a variety of institutions, from schools and public libraries to universities and research institutes. If you wish to know how to become a librarian in 2025, read on to learn more. We\u2019ll break down what it means to be a librarian, the educational requirements you need to become one, and the job prospects in the field.<\/p>\n\n\n<!-- load the widget code --><div class=\"esy_widget_container esy_type_search\" style=\"min-height:175px\"><\/div><script data-cfasync=\"false\" type=\"text\/javascript\">document.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\", function(event) {ESY.Widget({category_id: '',domain_id: 'careerkarma.com',widget_id: '945946',custom_options: '',tags: '',intro: '',type: 'search'});});<\/script><!-- END load the widget code -->\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-a-librarian\">What Is a Librarian?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A librarian is a specialist in information science. As the custodian of a library, they are responsible for the library\u2019s catalog, both physical and virtual. This allows them to help library patrons find whatever book, reference, or information they\u2019re looking for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Librarians are skilled researchers and often have vast subject expertise and experience working with data, especially if they work at specialized libraries or archives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-does-a-librarian-do\">What Does a Librarian Do?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A librarian\u2019s primary occupation is to help students and library patrons who are conducting research. They answer questions, find information, locate books, periodicals, and other materials. They also access data and guide the research process. As technology has advanced, librarians have also become experts in a variety of different information systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-technical-services-and-cataloging\">Technical Services and Cataloging<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Librarians who work in technical services are trained information science professionals in many systems. They know all about the most obscure corners of the library and the virtual systems and catalogs used to access items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cataloging means keeping tabs on new books and materials that arrive. Cataloging librarians enter these materials into the library catalog so that they can be tracked and traced within the library\u2019s information system. These systems allow librarians and patrons to access the vast amounts of data found in the catalog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-public-services\">Public Services<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Public-facing librarians help library visitors navigate the complex library system and find what they are looking for. Depending on the scope of the person\u2019s question, the librarian may even help them conduct research and identify sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-archival-work-and-maintenance\">Archival Work and Maintenance<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Some libraries house archives, which can contain primary source documents like letters, photographs, legal documents, or other historical documents. Archival workers have the extra responsibility of managing valuable and often very old archival materials and making sure they are treated with care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-essential-librarian-skills\">Essential Librarian Skills<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The stereotype that a librarian is very bookish and antisocial isn\u2019t really accurate. Many librarians spend a lot of their time talking to library patrons and helping them find their sources and materials. This means that you should hone your <a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/what-are-interpersonal-skills\/\">interpersonal skills<\/a> when learning how to become a librarian. That said, librarians also need to have sharp academic skills, patience, and natural curiosity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-analytical-skills\">Analytical Skills<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Librarians of all kinds, including school librarians, archivists, and research librarians, need to have <a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/analytical-skills-for-resume\/\">strong analytical skills<\/a>. They must interpret all kinds of information quickly and efficiently, analyze their library\u2019s collection and databases, and evaluate library settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-collections-management-organizational-skills\">Collections Management\/Organizational Skills<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>To be a skilled librarian, you must have <a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/organizational-skills\/\">strong organizational skills<\/a>. If you are managing a vast collection of different materials and using several cataloging and information systems, you need to keep it all straight. You can master the skills necessary to become a librarian in one of the many degree programs for library and information science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-technological-skills\">Technological Skills<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>As catalogs have moved online, and online databases have made information more readily available, librarians must now have strong <a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/software-skills-resume\/\">digital skills<\/a>. That said, they usually just need to learn a few databases and systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Digital &amp; Emerging Tech Literacy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Modern librarians increasingly manage digital collections, metadata, digital archives, and may even support digitization initiatives, data management, and light coding or scripting for managing digital content. Familiarity with digital asset management systems, metadata standards (e.g., Dublin Core), and basic data tools is increasingly valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-librarian-salary-and-job-outlook\">Librarian Salary and Job Outlook<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As a librarian, you can be surrounded by books all day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A librarian\u2019s salary can vary depending on the kind of library, archive, or institute the librarian works in. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for librarians is $59,220 in May 2024, which is higher than the median for all occupations at $49,500.\u00b9\u2070<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>School librarians, especially those at public school libraries, typically earn less than the national average for the job. Librarians who work at colleges and universities or who hold a doctoral degree in library science may earn significantly more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond salary, librarians usually enjoy competitive benefits packages, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits often offered to those in public-service occupations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Research specialists and students will continue to need librarians to help them access the materials they need. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that librarian jobs will increase by about 3 percent between 2023 and 2033, increasing from 142,200 to 146,400 jobs.\u00b9\u2075<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Research specialists and students will continue to need librarians to help them access the materials they need. In the past decade, libraries have started to offer services that go far beyond book-borrowing and research. Many public libraries host public and private events, offer continuing education classes for adults, have youth services programs, host book clubs, and more. Librarians are also needed to help manage these programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-long-does-it-take-to-become-a-librarian\">How Long Does It Take to Become a Librarian?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It takes at least six years of full-time coursework to become a librarian. Librarians must hold a bachelor\u2019s degree in any academic field and a master of library science or a master of library and information science.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A bachelor\u2019s degree takes four years to complete and a master\u2019s degree in library and information science takes two. Combined, students need to complete six years of full-time study to become librarians.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-become-a-librarian-a-step-by-step-guide\">How to Become a Librarian: A Step-by-Step Guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The exact steps you\u2019ll need to take to become a librarian vary slightly depending on what kind of librarian you want to be. Do you want to be a school librarian, working with young students in public schools? Or would you rather work at a university or research institute? Ultimately, you will need to earn degrees and, potentially, some other endorsements.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you become overwhelmed, take a deep breath and keep doing your research like you\u2019re doing right now. The more you learn about library and information science, the better sense you will get of what it takes to become a librarian.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, let\u2019s jump into discussing exactly how to become a librarian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-1-get-your-bachelor-s-degree\">Step 1: Get Your Bachelor\u2019s Degree<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you don\u2019t already have a bachelor\u2019s degree, you must earn one so you can pursue the master\u2019s degree that librarian positions require. You can even get an <a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/best-online-degrees\/\">online degree<\/a>. Bachelor\u2019s degree programs in library and information sciences exist, but earning one does not qualify you to work as a librarian.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For this reason, you should pursue a bachelor\u2019s degree in a subject that you\u2019re interested in. Then you can move on to a master\u2019s degree program in library and information sciences. Librarians commonly hold bachelor\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/english-degree-careers\/\">degrees in English<\/a>, education, history, anthropology, and other social sciences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-2-get-a-master-s-degree-in-a-library-science-program\">Step 2: Get a Master\u2019s Degree in a Library Science Program<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the most crucial step you need to take to become a librarian. Librarians must have a <a href=\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/masters-library-science-online\/\">Master\u2019s Degree in Library and Information Science<\/a> (MLIS or MLS) from an ALA-accredited program, which is recognized as the appropriate professional degree for librarians in most public, academic, and special libraries \u00b9\u2074. The majority of employers require an ALA-accredited master\u2019s for professional roles.\u00b9\u2070<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some states\u2014particularly for school librarians\u2014require additional teaching certification or endorsement in addition to the MLIS\/MLS.\u00b9\u2078<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-3-get-a-part-time-job-at-a-local-library-nbsp\">Step 3: Get a Part-Time Job at a Local Library&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This isn\u2019t required, but it\u2019s helpful to get to where you want to be when learning how to become a librarian. Working part-time at a library while you pursue your degrees will give you relevant experience and an edge in the job market. You can also volunteer at a public or local school library. As with pursuing any other occupations, you should seek out every opportunity to get more experience and insight into your desired profession.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-4-specialize-with-certifications-or-licenses\">Step 4: Specialize With Certifications or Licenses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>First, decide what type of librarian you want to become. Then, do your research and find out what other licenses or certifications you need, if any. To become a school librarian, for example, you\u2019ll likely need state teaching certification in addition to an ALA-accredited MLS\/MLIS.\u00b9\u2078 Directors in some states (e.g., Michigan) may have additional degree requirements based on population served.\u00b2\u00b2<\/p>\n\n\n<!-- load the widget code --><div class=\"esy_widget_container esy_type_search\" style=\"min-height:175px\"><\/div><script data-cfasync=\"false\" type=\"text\/javascript\">document.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\", function(event) {ESY.Widget({category_id: '',domain_id: 'careerkarma.com',widget_id: '945946',custom_options: '',tags: '',intro: '',type: 'search'});});<\/script><!-- END load the widget code -->\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-best-courses-and-training-programs-for-librarians\">Best Courses and Training Programs for Librarians<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While rarely heard of, several universities do offer undergraduate degree and graduate degree programs in library science and information systems. Courses that can be taken on-campus or online are available for aspiring librarians. To make your search easier, we\u2019ve put together a list of these programs below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-in-person-and-hybrid-librarian-degree-programs\">In-Person and Hybrid Librarian Degree Programs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Program\/s: <\/strong>Master of Science in Library &amp; Information Science (on\u2011campus &amp; online)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Consistently ranked the number-one program in the nation, the University of Illinois iSchool offers one of the most flexible and respected degrees in the field. Students can choose the traditional on-campus format or complete their degree fully online through the LEEP program, which combines virtual classrooms with live advising and student support. The MS\/LIS program also allows for joint degrees, such as pairing the LIS degree with a Master of Arts in History or even a Juris Doctor for students interested in law librarianship. Graduates benefit from a strong professional network and one of the largest LIS faculties in the United States.\u2075<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">University of North Carolina\u2013Chapel Hill<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Program\/s: <\/strong>Master of Science in Library Science (MSLS) and Master of Science in Information Science (MSIS)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>UNC\u2013Chapel Hill\u2019s School of Information and Library Science (SILS) is tied for the third-best program in the country. It offers two separate tracks: the MSLS for students focusing on librarianship and archival management, and the MSIS for those pursuing careers in information systems design and leadership. Both programs emphasize a customizable curriculum where students can combine core courses with specialized electives, a practicum experience, or a master\u2019s paper. Concentrations are available in areas such as archives and records management, digital curation, and information interaction.\u2076<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">University of Arizona<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Program\/s: <\/strong>Master of Arts in Library and Information Science<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The University of Arizona\u2019s MLIS program ranks among the top schools for information systems and archives and preservation. Students may complete the degree on-campus, online, or through a hybrid format, making it a highly flexible option for working professionals. The curriculum offers broad specialization opportunities, including digital librarianship, law librarianship, archival studies, and health information management. Students typically finish in two years, though the program allows up to six years for completion. Admission requires a bachelor\u2019s degree and review by the Graduate College and the program\u2019s admissions committee.\u2077<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Simmons University<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Program\/s:<\/strong> Master of Science in Library &amp; Information Science<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Simmons University\u2019s SLIS program is ranked in the top ten nationally and is notable for its multiple delivery options. Students may attend on the main Boston campus, at the SLIS West campus in Greenfield (a part-time in-person option), or fully online. Simmons also offers distinctive dual-degree tracks that combine library and information science with history, including programs in Archives Management and Cultural Heritage Informatics. Students benefit from internships with organizations such as the John F. Kennedy Library and the Massachusetts Historical Society. Admissions require transcripts, a statement of purpose, and a resume, with the GRE required only for applicants with a GPA below 3.0.\u2078<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-should-you-become-a-librarian\">Should You Become a Librarian?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Only you can answer this question, but it\u2019s clear, now more than ever, that access to accurate information should be a basic human right. As a librarian, you can help others stay informed, discover books and learning, or find the sources they need for their research projects. All in a day\u2019s work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-faqs\">FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1598963830863\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">\ud83d\udcc5 How long does it take to be a librarian?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Like many information and data-based occupations, it takes about six years of full-time study to become a librarian. You will need a bachelor\u2019s degree in any field (four years of full-time study) and a Master\u2019s Degree in Library and Information Science (two years of full-time study).<br\/><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1598963844335\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">\ud83d\udcb5 Do librarians make good money?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Librarians had a median annual wage of $59,220 in May 2024, higher than the overall national median wage.\u00b9 Specialized roles such as law librarians or academic library directors can earn significantly more.<br\/><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1598963857358\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">\ud83d\udcda Is being a librarian a good occupation?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">If you enjoy doing research, managing information, and interacting with community members or students, becoming a librarian could be a very rewarding career path. Further, librarians have the opportunity to earn competitive benefits packages.<br\/><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1598963869554\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">\ud83d\udcaa How hard is it to become a librarian?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The profession usually requires a master\u2019s degree, making it more academically demanding than fields that require only a bachelor\u2019s degree. However, there are many library support roles you can work in while pursuing your MLIS.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sources<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/educational-instruction-and-library\/home.htm<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/emp<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>https:\/\/www.ala.org\/educationcareers\/libcareers\/become<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>https:\/\/www.ala.org\/educationcareers\/careers\/librarycareerssite\/whatyouneedmaster<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>https:\/\/ischool.illinois.edu\/academics\/graduate\/ms-library-and-information-science\/mslis-leep-online<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>https:\/\/sils.unc.edu\/master-of-science-in-information-science-msis<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>https:\/\/infosci.arizona.edu\/ma-library-information-science<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>https:\/\/www.simmons.edu\/academics\/departments\/slis\/about<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>https:\/\/www.usnews.com\/best-graduate-schools\/top-library-information-science-programs\/library-information-science-rankings<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The first memory you may have of a librarian is someone helping you find a picture book at your local library or public school. This is one type of librarian. But there are other types of librarians who work in a variety of institutions, from schools and public libraries to universities and research institutes. If&hellip;","protected":false},"author":82,"featured_media":21705,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[17499],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-21704","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-career-advice"},"acf":{"post_sub_title":"","sprint_id":"","query_class":"how to become {profession}","school_sft":"","parent_sft":"","school_privacy_policy":"","has_review":"","is_sponser_post":"","is_guest_post":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Become a Librarian | Career Karma<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Wondering how to become a librarian? 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