Library Careers

What degrees are required for a public library and for a school library?

Although becoming a librarian may seem like a relatively simple task, librarians work very hard to get the position that they want. Being a librarian takes a lot of hard work and studying, and one should certainly not underestimate their local librarian.

To become a public librarian, students need to complete an undergraduate program in a field of their choice. Undergraduate students are not required to study a specific major. However, keeping a fairly high GPA is important, as most employers prefer librarians that have completed a master’s degree program in general library or information science. Furthermore, some librarians decide to pursue specialized degrees, intended for specific areas of the field.

On the other hand, becoming a school librarian is slightly different. The basic requirement for a school librarian is to hold a Bachelor’s Degree, and to pass any district-required library examinations. However, many school districts require a master’s degree and a teaching certificate as well. Most school librarians are actually teacher-librarians, so they typically have a bachelor’s degree in Education (or some equivalent major), a teaching certification, and have several years of teaching experience.

Which universities in Western Canada offer a degree in librarianship? List these schools/programs.

• University of British Columbia
• Teacher-Librarianship (LIBE)
• Master of Archival Studies and Master of Library and Information Studies (MAS/MLIS)
• University of Alberta
• Master of Arts in Humanities Computing / Master of Library and Information Studies
• Master of Library and Information Studies
• MBA - Master of Business Administration / Master of Library and Information Studies
• University of the Fraser Valley
• Library and Information Technology Diploma
• Library Technician Post-Diploma Certificate

High School Librarian - Teacher-Librarianship (LIBE)

This program includes a mixture of online and on campus courses. However, students actually have the option to complete their certificate/diploma entirely online! UBC offers both a 15 credit certificate, and a 30 credit diploma in Education - Teacher-Librarianship. To be considered for admission into these programs, you need a valid teaching degree and at least 2 years of teaching experience. All credits must be completed within 5 years of the first course.

The program includes courses such as “Selection of Learning Resources, “Organization of Learning Resources,” “Information Services,” “Special Topics in Teacher Librarianship,” and “School Library Resource Centre Programs.” These courses cover important subject matters, such as the selection and ‘weeding’ of resources, the classification and cataloguing of school library materials, the educational role of the school library resource center in the school’s curriculum, and the development and implementation of information service delivery.

All credits must be completed within 5 years from the start of the first applicable course. However, most students complete the program in 1-2 years.

The cost of this program can vary greatly, but the average cost is about $900 for a certificate.

Public Librarian - Master of Business Administration / Master of Library and Information Studies (MBA/MLIS)

This interfaculty program also includes a mixture of on campus and online courses. The joint program includes 36 credits from the MLIS program and 45 credits from the MBA program, for a total of 81 credits. An undergraduate degree and some work experience is typically recommended to be accepted into this program.

The program includes courses like “Foundations of Library and Information Studies,” “Introduction to Research in Library and Information Studies,” “Leadership and Management Principles for Library and Information Services,” and a mixture of business courses. These courses cover important topics such as an introduction to the historical/current/potential roles of libraries, an introduction to the fundamental concepts and uses of research in library and information environments, and an introduction to the lives of librarians and other information service practitioners. In addition to the library science courses, the program also includes a variety of business courses.

This program typically takes 3 years of full time study to complete, but students can take up to 6 years after the beginning of the first course to complete the program.

This joint degree would cost about $40,000 a year.

What are the job prospects like?

The employment outlook for the 2017-2019 is expected to be fair. There may be some employment decline due to job losses, but several positions may become available due to retirements.

Are there any other interesting facts/information about becoming a librarian?

• A lot of school librarians aren’t just librarians. They also have a teaching certification, and can teach other courses.
• Many librarians also double as managers. They make budgets, keep records, and supervise other people working under them.
• Librarians can provide lots of information on class assignments. A lot of times, teachers come to the librarian for help on projects and other tasks, so the librarian can offer lots of helpful resources.
• Librarians help bring the community together. Regardless of age, learning is a universal thing that can unite a community, and librarians are the facilitators of this environment.

Besides a librarian, what other careers/jobs are available in the library field?

• Library Technician
• Information Resource Specialist
• Archival Consultant
• Digital Archives Systems Administrator
• Digital Services Manager