Librarians (NOC 5111)

Description

Librarians select, develop, organize, maintain and utilize library collections to provide advisory and reference services for users. They are employed in libraries, a department within a library or an organization with information needs.

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Example Titles

bibliographer
cataloguer
cybrarian
librarian
library consultant
library supervisor

>> View all titles

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Classified Elsewhere

Library directors (in 0511 Library, Archive, Museum and Art Gallery Managers)
Medical record clerks (in 1413 Records Management and Filing Clerks)
School librarians (in 4141 Secondary School Teachers and 4142 Elementary School and Kindergarten Teachers)

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Duties

Librarians perform some or all of the following duties:

Recommend acquisition of books, periodicals, audio-visual, interactive media and other materials for inclusion in library collection
Provide reference services
Select, classify, catalogue and weed library materials
Prepare bibliographies, indexes, reading lists, guides and other finding aids
Develop systems to access library collections
Perform manual, on-line and interactive media reference searches, make interlibrary loans and perform other functions using Internet and CD-ROM, to assist users in accessing library materials
Provide specialized programs for children, seniors and other groups
Conduct library information and orientation training programs and tours
Perform related administrative duties and supervise library technicians, assistants and clerks.

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Skills

Librarians need the following skills and abilities:

an interest in research, information management and helping people to find needed information
computer skills in creating and accessing electronic databases
curiosity and creativity
critical thinking and decision-making skills
interpersonal skills and customer service orientation
ability to work with others
written and oral communication skills
organizational skills
supervisory skills
good planning and management skills including budgetting and purchasing
a high standard of general knowledge and the specific knowledge needed for specialized libraries
an interest in keeping up-to-date with developments in the field.

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Employment Requirements

A master's degree in library science or information management technology is required.

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Terms & Conditions

Most librarians work full time 35 and 40 hours per week. Those employed in public or university libraries may be required to work some evenings and weekends as these institutions are open extended hours to give the public better access. They spend long periods of time sitting in front of a computer monitor which can lead to eye strain, and/or wrist problems. Some librarians lift and carry books, climb ladders to reach high stacks, and sometimes reshelve books themselves.

Most librarians deal extensively with the public. Technology is influencing the way they work as more and more reference material is being offered on-line, via the internet or on computer media. Approximately 23% of this group work part time.

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Earnings

$28,900 per annum - starting

$51,600 per annum - average

$86,100 per annum - high

Earnings are reviewed annually or more frequently if new information becomes available.

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Education / Training

Several universities in other provinces offer two-year master's programs:

University of Alberta (Edmonton) - Master of Library and Information Studies, and a Teacher - Librarianship Diploma program by distance learning.
University of British Columbia - Master of Library and Information Studies.
University of Toronto - Master of Information Studies.
University of Western Ontario (London) - Master of Library and Information Science
McGill University (Montreal) - Master of Library and Information Science
Dalhousie University (Halifax) - Master of Library and Information Studies
University of Montreal - Maîtrise en sciences de l'information (French)
University of Quebec - Maîtrise en technologie de l'information (French)

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Career Paths

Librarians may specialize in specific topics or library functions such as reference desk, cataloguing, archiving. They may progress to supervisory or management positions. In private firms they may become Chief Information Officers.

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Outlook

Employment prospects for librarians are expected to be good in the 2010 - 2014 period. Employment in Manitoba in 2010 is estimated at 460.

Employment is expected to remain very competitive, with most jobs in libraries resulting from replacement needs rather than new jobs. A significant number of librarians are at or near retirement age, the retirement of these individuals should create a number of openings in the next few years. Opportunities will be best for librarians with scientific and technical backgrounds, particularly in research libraries, as well as those with skills to automate and streamline library information services. Entry-level employment positions are often part-time or on a contract basis.

Technology is changing the role of libraries. Increasingly, individuals are using the internet to research their information needs. Libraries are responding by making more materials available on-line remotely. This trend affects librarians reducing the demand for their services and changing the nature of their jobs. Funding in the government and education sectors affects the demand for librarians.

Librarians are located throughout the province in larger towns and cities. Most librarians work in the Information and Cultural Industries (65%), followed by Educational Services (16%) and Public Administration (10%).

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