Assistant Librarian
Assistant librarians frequently work for public schools or local government libraries. To secure a position as an assistant librarian, individuals could benefit from the following:
- Earning a master’s or doctoral degree in library science or information science, preferably from a program accredited with the American Library Association
- Remaining up-to-date on advancements in information databases and electronic data storage
- Earning any required licenses or certificates, particularly for professionals seeking positions at school or public libraries
- Demonstrating strong computer, communication and organization skills
- Completing continuing education courses on developments in library sciences and information technology
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics advises that most states require advanced licensing or certification for librarians working in public libraries or public schools. Specifically, professionals in 20 states are required to have a master’s degree in education or a master’s degree in library science (MLS).
Assistant Librarian Job Description
The increasing influence of technology on libraries requires assistant librarians to remain current on computer software, online resources, and electronic data storage. Some professionals may apply this knowledge to improve or implement digital catalogs, or to exchange records with other information centers.
Assistant librarians work in a variety of settings, including:
- Private and public schools
- Local, state and federal government libraries
- Legal, medical and other industry-specific information centers
Assistant Librarian Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 59 percent of librarians work in public or private educational institutions. In addition, around 27 percent are local government employees.
A librarian’s average annual salary is between $42,240 and $65,300. Demand is expected to be particularly strong among professionals with expert knowledge of electronic data storage systems, information access and related technology.
