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Librarians appraise, obtain, index, collate and make available library acquisitions and organise and control other library services.

Main tasks

  • Provides learning and cultural experiences through events such as author talks, reading groups, formal and informal teaching.
  • Promotes library services through displays and talks.
  • Manages library borrowing and inter-library loan facilities.
  • Establishes information storage systems to deal with queries and to maintain up to date records.
  • Identifies the information needs of clients, seeks out and evaluates information sources.
  • Prepares and circulates abstracts, bibliographies, book lists, etc..
  • Collects, classifies and catalogues information, books and other material.
  • Selects and arranges for the acquisition of books, periodicals, audio-visual and other material.

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Salary and earnings

Potential earnings

£42,222.80

Average earnings

£23,214.99

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Skills & knowledge

The top 5 most important skills and knowledge requirements relevant to this career.

Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Clerical

Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

Education and Training

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Computers and Electronics

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

What course level do I need to study?

The level of study required will vary with each job, sector and company. The table below shows the level of study achieved by those currently working in this career choice.

Educational requirements: Honours, Bachelor's degree

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Level of study Percentage achieved
Level 0 0%
Level 2 9%
Level 3 5%
Level 4-5 (Higher Education) 7%
Level 6 (Bachelors) 49%
Level 7 (Masters or equivalent) 29%
Level 8 (Doctorate) 2%

Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS) data.

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.