Types of Library Jobs Notes

Types of Library Jobs

Overview of Library Work

• Only a fraction of library staff are librarians; other roles are equally essential.

• Jobs range from clerical tasks to specialized positions, impacting library operations.

• All positions contribute to the library's day-to-day functioning.

Job Roles and Descriptions

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• Primary Responsibilities:

  • Putting returned books and items back on shelves.

  • Maintaining order of Library items.

  • Handling requests for retrieving materials from secured areas.

  • Checking items back in.

• Job Characteristics:

  • Typically part-time positions.

  • Average pay range: $5.15 to $8 per hour.

Library Assistants or Technicians

• Primary Responsibilities:

  • Performing clerical duties; often mistaken for librarians since they are at the checkout desks.

  • Checking materials out and back in.

  • Collecting fines and fees.

  • Answering general inquiries via phone.

  • Issuing library cards.

  • Processing new materials and assisting with reserved items.

• Job Characteristics:

  • Available as both part-time and full-time positions.

  • Average pay range: $8 to $15 per hour.

Librarians

• Primary Responsibilities:

  • Assisting patrons with homework and research questions.

  • Curating library collections: deciding what to purchase and discard.

  • Offering community programs and training sessions.

  • Providing internet and digital services, including website management.

  • Specialized roles may involve:

  • Running computer systems, working with seniors or non-English speakers.

  • Specializing in specific subject areas or managing online catalogs.

• Job Characteristics:

  • Most positions are full-time, with part-time and substitute librarians needed to cover hours.

  • Average starting salary for full-time librarians (2003): $37,975.

  • Average salary for all librarians (2002): $43,090.

Library Managers

• Primary Responsibilities:

  • Middle management roles such as department heads, branch managers, or associate directors.

  • Responsible for:

  • Managing departmental operations and work schedules.

  • Conducting employee evaluations and training.

  • Overseeing budget management.

  • Branch managers may also have additional duties, such as:

  • Ensuring library facility conditions.

  • Engaging with local community groups and projects.

Library Directors

• Primary Responsibilities:

  • Leadership role with comprehensive duties, including:

  • Budget preparation and oversight.

  • Developing employment policies and service strategies.

  • Engaging in public relations and governmental relations.

  • Reporting to the governing board.

  • Ensuring legal compliance and fundraising efforts.

  • Hiring, motivating, and potential firing of staff.

• Job Characteristics:

  • Duties and compensation vary significantly by library size:

  • Small rural library director: Salary approximately $20,000.

  • Large urban library director: Salary can reach $175,000.

Other Library Professionals

• These roles can include:

  • Public relations specialists.

  • Accountants and human resource personnel.

  • Network administrators.

  • Facilities management.

  • Security and transportation services personnel.

• Pay Rates: Varies according to library size, location, and specific skill/education requirements.

Tips for Career Paths in Libraries

• For those interested in research and teaching at the graduate level, a career as a professor in library and information science is recommended.

Related Resources

• "Working in the Virtual Stacks: The New Library and Information Science"

  • Authored by Laura Townsend Kane.

  • Explores various library jobs with first-hand accounts from both traditional and non-traditional librarians.

• "Careers in Libraries: A Bibliography of Traditional and Web-based Library Career Resources"

  • Compiled in 2000 for the ALA Office of Human Resource Development and Recruitment.