Library Careers: Academic Librarians

Academic librarians work in university libraries. If you are interested in becoming an academic librarian, you should take that into consideration while you are working on your graduate education (MLS or MLIS degree). Academic librarians face a few extra challenges in the workplace that other librarians don't have to worry about. This article will look at how to prepare for a career as an academic librarian, and what expectations you will face in the workplace.

How to Become an Academic Librarian: Education

University libraries are very large, and as a result, they hire a variety of librarians. Two main areas that you should consider if you want to work in a university library are computer systems or systems librarians, and reference or subject specialist librarians. Academic libraries hire a lot of people in these two areas.

Systems librarians oversee the technical aspects of running a large library. Libraries are now hubs of computer activity, with large computer labs and complex database and circulation programs. If you like technology, this might be the library job for you. To prepare for a job as a systems librarian, you should have an excellent working knowledge of computers, computer programs, web design, information storage and retrieval, and more. Take all of the classes that are available in these areas.

Reference librarians are usually specialists in the subject area that they work in. To become a university reference librarian, you are often required to have a second master's degree in the subject area that you work in. In my case, I have a B.A.in Art History, and a library graduate degree. If I wanted to be a reference librarian in the Arts department of the library, I would need to have an additional master's degree in Art History. That is a lot of education, which means a lot of expense. If you want to be an academic librarian, it is important to know everything that is required; otherwise you might be planning for a career that won't happen for you.

How to Become an Academic Librarian: Job Expectations

When you are an academic librarian, you are considered to be faculty, which means that you will need to continue to contribute to your academic field. Academic librarians must be active within their profession, and may be required to publish a certain number of articles per year, or participate in professional conferences. In addition, academic librarians can be subject to tenure requirements.

All of this seems daunting, but there are many advantages to becoming an academic librarian. First of all, you have a great work environment. University libraries are often beautiful, and have wonderful book collections. As a faculty member, you will be supported in your efforts to contribute to your profession, which can mean travel opportunities, conferences, and networking with other professional librarians. Universities often offer excellent pay for librarians, and have good benefits as well.

If remaining in the academic world, doing research in your field, and writing and publishing appeal to you, should consider becoming an academic librarian. MLS and MLIS graduate programs often have courses in academic libraries to help you prepare for a career in this field.