<p>Hi all. I am looking for more information about being a librarian or studying library science. I LOVE books, quiet work atmospheres, and organising (filing, labeling, sorting, etc.), so I'm really interested in librarianship. I don't think I'd have the patience to work with elementary/middle school students or even high school students, so I'm more looking as a librarian for a university, special collections, or something more specialised library like a dramatic arts library.</p>
<p>I'm getting mixed opinions about this field from browsing posts on Tumblr tagged "librarian" (because that's how all the best research is done, right?). It seems to be a combination of complaints about low pay/lack of job openings/working a "thankless job" and at the same time telling everyone that they should become a librarian and how awesome it is etc. etc. Maybe this is just how every topic is presented on Tumblr, but I'm hoping for some more... er... "normal" opinions if you or anyone you know has info on this topic :)</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>In order to become a librarian you will most likely need a master’s degree in Library Science. I’ve been doing a lot of research into the path to becoming a librarian as well, and many opinions I’ve read have said that this frequently expensive degree isn’t worth the low-paying job it (might) land you. The job market is tough, and you will need to be determined in order to find a job. Here’s the Bureau of Labor Statistics article on librarianship–it includes some quick, useful facts. <a href=“http://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/librarians.htm”>http://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/librarians.htm</a> </p>
<p>Depending on where you are in your college career, maybe you should look into getting a job or volunteer position at your college’s library to get some experience and “test out” the field to see if it’s for you.</p>
<p>Personally, I think becoming a librarian is something you should only do if you feel very passionate and sure about what you are doing. If you’re in it for the money, this probably won’t be the right job for you. But if it’s what you really want to do, go for it! I think librarianship sounds like the best job ever! :)</p>
<p>Thanks, @orangesplorange! Money is definitely as low on my priority list as it responsibly can be, haha. I worked in a library a couple of years ago and do a lot of archival work at my school, and I love what I’ve done. It appears that in the UK, where I plan on working/going to grad school, the salary is more reasonable but the competition for jobs is still high. Eh, we’ll see ^.^ Thank again!</p>
<p>You’ll need at least 2 Master’s degrees, and probably a Doctorate, unless you want to work in digital. (I say this as a librarian.) </p>
<p>The field is really changing, and universities particularly want you to have specialized knowledge (A JD plus an MLIS to work in a law library, for example.) That said, with a decent academic background, the pay can be good.</p>
<p>My very serious advice is to attend some conferences (The Charleston Conference for digital, for example) and listen to professionals talk about the future off the field. </p>
<p>Many states have eliminated school librarians (or changed the job to something very different), and many towns and countries have changed to position because so much is now automated. A single degree now had to be really targeted.</p>
<p>Thanks for the info, @Sakacar3 
I was planning on getting two masters anyway, but if I were going to work in special collection/rare books, what kind of a doctorate would I be looking at?</p>
<p>Thanks for your help!</p>
<p>A doctorate in LIS for management (being a director, etc), but for rare books, you really want to make sure that the program you choose for your Master’s has a focus in what you want. Some are geared more towards the public/school library side. An art history/history degree might be helpful - it depends on what types of collections you’re interested in. </p>
<p>There aren’t as many LIS programs as there are other professional degree programs - you are sometimes limited by geography, but if you can travel, you can be selective. There are also very reputable programs that are largely online with a small residential component (the nature of the field changing) although the hands on necessary for restoration, etc. may make those less useful.</p>
<p>Librarians are awesome - my D has a friend who’s planning to become a librarian, which I think is very heartening - it isn’t a dead field, but it does require flexibility, and vision. It isn’t just about stamping books anymore. :-)</p>
<p>@Sakacar3 I am considering double majoring in English/literature and history as an undergrad, and there is a wonderful masters programme at Edinburgh focusing on the history of the book, which I find fascinating. Thanks again so much!</p>