So You Want To Be a Librarian...

Summary

In this video, Andreea shares insights into various career paths within the library field, emphasizing that being a librarian is more diverse than most people think. She covers roles like business, law, medical, academic, and public librarianship, highlighting the varying responsibilities and work environments for each. Andreea also discusses the realities of library work, from the importance of community service to the challenges of working in silence and handling unexpected situations. She encourages viewers to carefully consider whether the librarian profession aligns with their interests and personality, offering practical advice for aspiring librarians.

Takeaways

• 😀 There are different types of librarians beyond the traditional public and school libraries, such as business, law, medical, academic, and more.
• 😀 Business librarians focus on records management and archival work in business settings, not traditional librarianship.
• 😀 Law librarians often require a law degree in addition to a librarian degree, making it a specialized field.
• 😀 Medical librarians work in hospitals and are responsible for research using specialized databases, following strict guidelines.
• 😀 Academic librarians are involved in research, teaching, and supporting academic communities at colleges and universities.
• 😀 Public librarians serve their communities, with their roles often shaped by the specific needs of the local population, such as senior citizens or students.
• 😀 Being an introvert might not suit a career in librarianship, as being a librarian requires interaction and community service.
• 😀 Libraries can be unpredictable environments, with librarians needing to deal with everything from technical issues to serious situations like crime or public health crises.
• 😀 A career in librarianship requires a commitment to hard work, as finding a job in the specific library sector you want can be competitive and challenging.
• 😀 You don’t need to be a librarian to work in a library. Many roles, such as library technician, community planner, and IT support, can be done without a librarian degree.
• 😀 If you’re seeking a traditional librarian job surrounded by books all day, be prepared for the reality, as most librarian roles involve more administrative, research, or community-based work than actual reading or shelving books.

Q & A

What types of librarians exist beyond the public library and school library?

There are several types of librarians, including business librarians, law librarians, medical librarians, academic librarians, and public librarians. Each type has a unique set of responsibilities and environments they work in.

What is the role of a business librarian?

A business librarian works in business settings such as corporate offices. Their responsibilities might include managing documents, records, and sometimes archival work, which is different from the traditional librarianship role most people associate with libraries.

What is unique about being a law librarian?

Law librarians typically require a law degree in addition to a librarianship degree. They work with legal research materials and are often found in law firms or legal departments.

What does a medical librarian do?

A medical librarian works in healthcare settings, like hospitals, and focuses on managing medical research resources, often using specialized databases. They may also handle medical subject headings and research methods unique to the medical field.

What is the role of an academic librarian?

Academic librarians work in universities and colleges, assisting with research, teaching seminars, and providing support for academic communities. They often participate in research themselves and help students and professors in educational and research activities.

What is public librarianship, and how does it vary?

Public librarianship involves serving the community by assisting with various needs like helping people with technology, organizing seminars, or offering reading recommendations. The specific duties can vary greatly depending on the local community around the library, such as whether the population is primarily seniors or young students.

How important is community service for a librarian?

Librarians are public servants and play a significant role in the community. They help people with practical needs such as operating printers, locating books, and even dealing with more complex social issues in public spaces, making community service a central aspect of the librarian's role.

Can you work in a library without being a librarian?

Yes, it's possible to work in a library without being a librarian. You can become a library technician or take on other roles such as budgeting, project planning, or working in more technical areas like 3D printing, which are increasingly common in modern libraries.

What should you expect if you're a librarian in terms of work environment?

Although libraries are often associated with books, the librarian's work environment is usually filled with cubicles or offices, and they may not spend much time surrounded by books. The job can involve a lot of behind-the-scenes work, such as managing databases and administrative tasks.

What are the challenges of working in a library, especially in a public one?

Working in a public library can involve unexpected and challenging situations, such as dealing with social issues like the opioid crisis or disturbances. Librarians may face these situations, requiring adaptability and problem-solving skills, alongside their traditional duties of helping patrons.