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Librarian

Librarians design, develop and manage physical and online collections in order to deliver innovative services to users.

Library collections can include books and e-books, magazines, images, music and video, maps, newspapers, computer games and other digital resources.

In large libraries, librarians may specialise in areas such as acquisition, research, cataloguing, online services or children's services. T

hey may also work in specialist libraries, including corporate, legal, medical or school libraries, or independently as researchers or knowledge managers. See the separate entries for Teacher - Primary and Teacher - Secondary for information about becoming a teacher librarian.

Librarians are assisted in their work by library technicians and library assistants.

TASKS

Librarians may perform the following tasks:

develop, manage and digitise collections
undertake strategic management of information and resources
select, classify and index library and information resources
assist users to identify or interpret information
coordinate and conduct training programmes or promotional events to assist and engage library users
manage and promote library services through websites and social media
train and supervise other staff
create and maintain databases
develop and nurture partnerships, such as with faculty, community organisations, learning providers, authors and publishers
plan and select library infrastructure

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

good organisational skills
good communication skills
ability to work with people of all ages from diverse social and cultural backgrounds
good problem-solving skills
able to work independently or as part of a team
strong customer service focus

Interest Area

SPECIALISATIONS

Information Manager - is responsible for bridging the gap between sources of information and those who need to access it. Information managers may also become involved in research, technical writing, public relations, desktop publishing, database management and design, and market research.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a librarian you usually have to complete a degree at university with a major in information and media, information services or information studies. Alternatively, you can undertake a degree in any discipline, followed by a postgraduate qualification in information studies or information management.

To get into the degree courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English and mathematics are normally required.

A number of universities in Australia offer degrees in these areas. Entry to postgraduate courses usually requires completion of an appropriate bachelor degree.

Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact Open Universities Australia or the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Additional Information

Graduates of accredited degrees are eligible for professional membership of the Australian Library and Information Association.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Librarians work in public libraries, archives, schools, technical colleges and tertiary institutions. They also work for government departments, museums, research and consulting organisations, teaching hospitals and industrial and business firms, all of which have libraries specialising in particular fields.