Q&A for How to Become a Librarian

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  • Question
    I'm really enthusiastic about the idea of becoming a librarian, but I'm also nervous. What can I do to feel more well-equipped for the job?
    Seth Hall
    Life Coach
    Seth T. Hall (ICF ACC, CLC, and MNLP) is a Certified Life Coach and Founder of Transformational Solutions, a Los Angeles-based life-coaching company that helps people achieve their toughest goals, find their own voice, and think outside the box. He has been a life coach for over 10 years, specializing in personal development, relationships, career and finance, and wellness. He has helped his clients break the negative cycles in their lives and replace them with a positive, proactive mindset. Seth believes that everyone has the potential to live a fulfilling and rewarding life, and works passionately to help them reach their full potential. With a deep understanding of how our minds work and the power of positive thinking, he encourages his clients to find their unique paths in life and find success on their own terms. He is a certified master practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, a featured co-author for WikiHow, and co-author of "The Mountain Method”, “The Happy Tiger”, and “The V.I.S.I.O.N.S. Program”.
    Life Coach
    Expert Answer
    If you are thinking about your dream job, it's important to remain calm and motivated. Whenever you have a thought that's negative or discouraging (like believing you're not cut out for a job), challenge it. Take a moment to take some deep breaths to get into a less anxious state of mind. Make a list of all the reasons you're qualified for the position you're interested in and review it. Focus on all your assets in order to get closer to your professional goal and to prepare yourself for your interviews. What's most important is that you speak to yourself in a way that's uplifting and empowering: if you do this, then you're much more likely to stand out as a candidate.
  • Question
    How early should you start training to be a librarian?
    Community Answer
    At 16 you can start shadowing librarians and doing work experience. At 12 you can volunteer to help with the Summer Reading Challenge, which is good for a CV.
  • Question
    What is library science?
    Community Answer
    The collection, classification, storage, retrieval, and dissemination of recorded knowledge treated both as a pure and as an applied science.
  • Question
    Are student jobs available in the library?
    Community Answer
    Yes they are, though these are usually non-paying, volunteer opportunities. If you are currently 18 and still in school, you can apply to become an assistant librarian or young adult librarian.
  • Question
    Can anyone volunteer at the library at any age?
    Community Answer
    You'll have to check with your local library to see if they have any specific age limits, but anyone can volunteer otherwise.
  • Question
    Is 47 too old?
    Community Answer
    No.
  • Question
    Can I get a part time job in the library while I'm in college?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Most libraries will still be happy to hire you as a library assistant if you are studying. Having experience under your belt will be an advantage when you graduate and start looking for full-time work.
  • Question
    How do I find out which colleges have a library science program?
    Community Answer
    Most colleges will have information on their websites about all their courses. Try googling the program of study you want along with the university/college you're interested in attending.
  • Question
    Can I enter the field with an MA in History if the position notes ALA or related program?
    Community Answer
    Some positions are changing their requirements and will allow those without a MLIS/MLS degree to apply for librarian positions. You will have to speak to a specific branch about their individual requirements.
  • Question
    If I completed a BA program, can I become a librarian?
    Community Answer
    You will need to complete your Master’s in Library Science first, from an ALA accredited school.
  • Question
    Is it possible to be a librarian with a biology degree?
    Tom De Backer
    Top Answerer
    Yes. Your biology degree may not offer many useful things as to being a librarian, but at least you've studied science, so you're rigorous, which helps. You can study or retrain to become a librarian. Apply for the job, see what requirements they have and how you match those.
  • Question
    How do I get the credentials to become a librarian?
    Community Answer
    Go to college, then go on to get your Master's in Library and Information Science.
  • Question
    What additional courses are required for an MLS degree if I already have a master's degree in school library science?
    Community Answer
    This depends on the institution where you plan on getting the degree. Some require that all of their students get an MLS to learn JavaScript, for example, while others may see your degree simply as a more specialized MLS and will only offer you individual courses rather than the full degree.
  • Question
    Can a 10 year old to volunteer at a local library in Australia?
    Community Answer
    The minimum age to volunteer in most places in Australia is 14. However, you might be able to help out at your school library. You can contact the specific library to find out their age requirements.
  • Question
    Can I become a librarian if I have a degree and social work experience?
    Community Answer
    Certainly! Demonstrated experience building connections to the community and working with people from all walks of life will look very good on your CV. Without library experience you may have to start in a "para-librarian" role before moving into a full librarian position, but since most "actual" librarians do their work behind the scenes, chances are that what you think of as a librarian is exactly the sort of job you could get without prior library experience.
  • Question
    Is 54 too old for a kids' librarian if I passed college degree from India?
    Community Answer
    No, you don't have to be a certain age to be a children's librarian. Our library has children’s librarians of all ages. Just be passionate about serving youth and their families.
  • Question
    In order to become a librarian, is it necessary to take courses in CXC?
    Community Answer
    No. Maybe some institutions require this for a library degree, but most do not, and most employers do not require it.
  • Question
    How long would it usually take to become a librarian?
    Community Answer
    This depends on the kind of library and the position you wish to have within the organization. The position of head librarian in a national library will require a PhD and some years of prior experience. Running a school library or working as a librarian under a head librarian is attainable with a bachelor's degree.
  • Question
    In a previous question, the answer given is this...."running a school library or working as a librarian under a head librarian is attainable with a bachelor's degree." Could you explain more?
    Kim G
    Top Answerer
    Many schools will hire someone with a bachelor's degree in education or library science to head up the school library, provided the person hired obtains a master's degree within a specified period of time. Additionally, a person in the role of assistant librarian may not need to have a master's degree to stay in that position. They will need to get a master's degree if they wish to advance, however.
  • Question
    What type of computer knowledge is needed for a school librarian?
    Kim G
    Top Answerer
    In general, a school librarian should have a basic understanding of how to set up a computer system, for example, adding a monitor, connecting to the internet, and how to print documents. Most libraries also use tools in Microsoft Office such as Word and Excel, so the librarian should have a working knowledge of those tools. Finally, the librarian should know how to use any type of software specific to the school's system.
  • Question
    May one earn her Master's of Library Science totally online?
    Shoe Shoe
    Community Answer
    Yes, that is possible, though less common. Check with the university program and clarify whether it is available online.
  • Question
    Do you need a degree in math?
    Community Answer
    No. You need an MLS. See the educational requirements listed in the article above.
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