Meet a Professional Librarian
Learn a little bit more about credentialed Librarians and how they can assist you!
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"When you absolutely, positively, have to know, ask a librarian." - American Library Association
However, make sure you are talking with a professional just as you would at a doctor's or dentist's office.
Different Kinds of Professional Librarians
Different Kinds of Professional Librarians
Public Librarians
Public Librarians
Public Librarians typically have an undergraduate degree in literature, science, the arts, or another specialty, followed by a master's degree in Library and Information Science from a university accredited by the American Library Association. They also have accumulated experience in their field through internships, working in the library or volunteer work.
In the last decade or two, public librarians have reinvented the library into a community center. They not only have the traditional books and multimedia collections, but have added programming, maker spaces, access to technology, services to home-schoolers, help for the homeless, and services to various cultural groups in the community.
Duties include:
Mentoring patrons of all types without regard to their own life choices.
Assisting with patron research, technology, creating, and other services benefiting all users.
Discovering new resources that can be added to the library.
Maintaining library collections and focusing on development based on the community's needs.
Managing library budget and negotiating with vendors.
Training, supporting, and supervising library staff members.
Leading community outreach
School Librarians
School Librarians
School Librarians often have a Masters in Library and Information Science. In most states, they are also required to have a teaching credential. Their credential most often comes from a university accredited by the American Library Association.
Duties include:
Partnering with classroom teachers in the construction, teaching, and assessment of deep learning experiences.
Embedding the best technology in learning experiences that maximize learning and creativity.
Providing equitable access to information and technology for every child and teen.
creating a space where student experience safety, mentoring, making, and caring whether as individuals, small groups, or large groups using the flexible environment they need any time during the day.
Building quality collections of books, digital and multimedia formats that help learners, parents, and teachers accomplish educational goals.
Managing the library as a place not only to consume knowledge but also to create knowledge. The space may be called the library or a learning commons.
Managing the budget for the library and consulting with parents and staff on the best books and other materials to add to the existing collection and curriculum
Continuing professional learning development through conferences and collaboration with other librarians and community members.
Academic Librarians
Academic Librarians
Becoming an academic librarian typically requires a combination of education and experience. A Master's degree in Library Science (MLS) or a related field, such as Library and Information Science (MLIS), is usually required. Some institutions may accept candidates with a Master's degree in a different discipline if they have relevant experience or coursework in library science.
Duties include:
Providing assistance to students, faculty, and researchers in finding and accessing information resources, both online and in the library's collection.
Teaching students research skills, database searching techniques, and critical evaluation of information sources through workshops, classes, and one-on-one sessions.
Providing in-depth research assistance and guidance to faculty and graduate students working on research projects or publications.
Assisting users with library technology, including online databases, electronic resources, and library management systems.
Selecting and acquiring materials (books, journals, databases, etc.) that support the curriculum and research needs of the institution.
Organizing and classifying library materials so they can be easily found by users, often using cataloging systems like MARC or metadata standards like Dublin Core.
Special Librarians
Special Librarians
Special librarians typically require a master's degree in library science (MLS) or a related field. This degree provides the necessary knowledge and skills in information organization, retrieval, and management. Some specialized roles, such as in medical or legal libraries, may also require additional education or certification in those specific fields.
Duties include:
Acquiring materials relevant to the specialized subject area.
Evaluating resources for relevance, accuracy, and currency.
Creating guides, tutorials, and other instructional materials.
Managing budgets and resources effectively.
Advocating for the value of special libraries and information services within the organization or community.
The Day the Librarians Disappeared
The Day the Librarians Disappeared
How important are librarians? CLICK the book and read it to find out!
Librarian Interviews
Librarian Interviews
Gwen Gray - Social Science Librarian
Fran Kompar - District Librarian
Jessamyn West Interview - Challenges Librarians and Libraries Encounter
Principals Know - School Librarians Are the Heart of the School
Teacher Librarians
Additional Interviews & Resources:
21st Century Library
Makerspaces are taking over the library scene. The focus of creating community spaces and spaces where the public will utilize the library is of the utmost importance. Libraries are becoming adaptive to the needs of their patrons. Click the links below to learn more about the libraries of the future.
Visit the ALiVE library CLICK HERE
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