Librarian

Also called Learning resource manager, library officer.

Librarians work in public and commercial libraries, managing access to books, digital resources, archives and computers.

Potential salary: £25,000 starter to £40,000 experienced per year
Typical hours: 36 to 40 a week. Working pattern: evenings / weekends on shifts.
Career area: Education
Where they might work: You could work at a library, at a school, at a university, at a college or in a prison.
A typical task: catalogue print and digital resources, like books, images and journals
Subjects that may help: 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
Typical route: You can do a degree or postgraduate qualification, accredited by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals .
Interest area used here: Organising information and detail, Helping and teaching

Career actions

What you might do

catalogue print and digital resources, like books, images and journals
deal with counter, phone and email enquiries
plan and host events and activities for library users
manage staff, budgets and training
support researchers and students with access to archives and document collections
stock take and make sure resources are stored safely and correctly

More tasks (2)

Consider which of these skills and ways of working appeal to you.

More skills

You can do a degree or postgraduate qualification, accredited by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals .
Subjects include:
library and information management
information science
library studies
You may need some practical experience to do a postgraduate course. You can get this through an internship during your first degree or by volunteering in a library or archive collection.
You'll usually need:
2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course
equivalent entry requirements
student finance for fees and living costs
university courses and entry requirements

These are course families, not published offers. A link does not mean the degree is sufficient on its own.

English literature
Alternative route. Any degree can precede a postgraduate library qualification. This is one option, not a library degree.
History
Alternative route. Any degree can precede postgraduate library training.
Information Management
Usually needs further study after a degree. Many professional library posts look for a postgraduate qualification accredited for the sector. An undergraduate information degree can be a step, not the whole route.

Career progression

With experience, you could move into a senior job as a library or area manager. Another option is to take responsibility for a specialist service or collection.
You could also apply for professional registration with the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP). Registration leads to chartership and is a way to have your skills and expertise recognised within the profession.