Librarian
Help people find the information and resources they need in a library.
Job opportunities
-
Jobs in SEEK right nowJob growth
-
5-year projectionSalary
-
Typical salaryJob satisfaction
-
Job opportunities
-
Jobs in SEEK right nowSalary
-
Typical salaryJob growth
-
5-year projectionJob satisfaction
-
On this page
- What's it like to be a Librarian?
- How to become a Librarian
- Latest Librarian jobs
- Top skills and experience for Librarians
- Is Librarian the right role for you?
- Librarian role reviews
What's it like to be a Librarian?
Librarians are information services professionals who help people find the information they need for personal, educational or professional purposes. Librarians may work in a variety of settings, including public libraries, school libraries, specialist and academic libraries, parliamentary libraries and archives.Did you find this video helpful?
Tasks and duties
- Assisting people with information literacy and helping them find books, electronic resources and other materials.
- Acquiring, preparing and classifying materials so they are easily accessible.
- Organising and maintaining information sources; including books, magazines, newspapers, electronic resources, audio and video recordings, photographs and manuscripts.
How to become a Librarian
To work as a Librarian in Australia, you need to complete an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification in library and information studies that has been accredited by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA).
- Consider starting in the industry by completing a VET level qualification such as a Certificate IV in Library and Information Services (BSB40720) or a Diploma of Library and Information Services (BSB50520), which will prepare you to work as a Library Technician or Library Assistant.
- Complete a Bachelor of Information Studies or alternatively, for students with previous tertiary qualifications, complete a Master of Information Management.
- Librarians with several years of experience can move into more specialised roles, such as management and supervision, online services, reference work, children’s services or research.
Compare your salary
Find out how your salary compares with the average salary for Librarians.Latest Librarian jobs on SEEK
Be one of the first to discover these recently listed jobs, or browse all Librarian jobs on SEEK right now.Did you find this helpful?
Skills and experience employers are looking for
Having the right skills and experience can make you an in-demand applicant. Librarian employers on SEEK are looking for job seekers with expertise in the following areas. Library Services
Information Services
Library Systems
Library Management Systems
Information Management
Librarianship
Information Science
Digital Literacy
Collection Development
Cataloguing
Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK Profile data
Did you find this helpful?
Latest Librarian reviews
Dec 2024
1. Fulfilling: Helping students, researchers, and educators find the resources they need can be deeply rewarding. The role aligns with your passion for knowledge, education, and contributing to academic growth. You’re part of a system that preserves and disseminates information, which is crucial for intellectual progress. 2. Challenging: Balancing diverse tasks—like cataloging, research assistance, and administrative duties—can be demanding. Dealing with resource limitations and maintaining up-to-date systems may pose difficulties. Handling users with varying needs and expectations can require patience and strong interpersonal skills. 3. Dynamic Learning Environment: The job exposes you to vast fields of knowledge and constantly evolving technologies, keeping your work intellectually stimulating. Your experience bridges traditional library functions with modern innovations, such as digital archives and online databases. 4. Impactful: Your role directly supports academic achievements and fosters a culture of learning. The relationships you build with library users often leave a lasting impact on their academic or professional journeys.
Reviewer's QualificationMaster of Arts
Experience1 – 4 years
Organisation sizeLarge (200+ employees)
SpecialisationEducation & Training
The good things
1. Facilitating Access to Knowledge: You ensure that students, researchers, and professionals have access to a wealth of information, empowering them to achieve their academic and professional goals....
The challenges
1. Monotony: Certain tasks, like cataloging or data entry, can become repetitive, making the work feel less stimulating over time.
2. Limited Interaction: Depending on the setup, a librarian's role...
Read more
May 2021
Librarianship is a great versatile career
Reviewer's QualificationMaster of Information Management
Experience10+ years
Organisation sizeMedium (20-199 employees)
SpecialisationLibrary Management
The good thingsI love being a single librarian in an organisation. There is a level of responsibility and autonomy and satisfaction in being able to create the vision of the library and in being able to work towards...
The challengesThe challenges include the fact that most of the people within the organisation don't understand a library and why it does what it does. One always needs to be aware that at any moment you may be call...
Read more
Share insights on your current role.
Help people decide if your job is right for them - it only takes a few minutes.Source: SEEK role reviews
SEEK has not verified the truth or accuracy of these comments and does not adopt or endorse any of the comments posted on this page.SEEK collects and posts the comments for what they are worth and for information purposes only to assist candidates to find employment through www.seek.com.au
