Library Science

by Cecelia Zhen

Almost 400,000 people make our libraries work everyday, and yet not too many people know what librarians do everyday in the libraries. Though librarians are considered book worm by most people, they help bring an intellectual world to us. In the United States, there are more than 117, 000 librarians in almost every community such as schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, law firms, business and arm forces.

Librarians spend a significant portion of time at their desks or in front of computer terminals. Assisting users in obtaining information or books for their jobs, homework, or recreational reading can be challenging and satisfying, but working with users under deadlines can be demanding and stressful. Some librarians lift and carry books, and some climb ladders to reach high stacks, although most modern libraries have readily accessible stacks. Librarians in small organizations sometimes shelve books themselves.

More than 2 out of 10 librarians work part time. Public and college librarians often work weekends and evenings, as well as some holidays. School librarians usually have the same workday and vacation schedules as classroom teachers. Special librarians usually work normal business hours, but in fast-paced industries–such as advertising or legal services–they can work longer hours when needed. Librarians can be part time or full time. Most school librarians only work when school is in session.

According to the data given by U.S. Department of Labor, median annual earnings of librarians in May 2004 were $45,900. The lowest-paid 10 percent earned less than $28,930. The highest-paid 10 percent earned more than $70,200 a year. Most jobs are held in universities, colleges and local governments. Job opportunities are predicted to be good from 2004 to 2014 because many older librarians today are going to retire.

If you are thinking of becoming a librarian, you need to reach the educational requirements to obtain library science degrees and certifications. Most of the time, a Master Degree in library and information science can earn a good position in national or local library. Right now you can gain library and information science degree online, the American Library Association (ALA) provides a lot of programs for the opportunity, if you are interested, please go to www.ala.org for more information. The study of academic librarianship covers library services for colleges and universities. School librarianship may also include issues of intellectual freedom; pedagogy; and how to build a cooperative curriculum with the teaching staff. Also, you need to like to read, and have research and computer skills. For more information about becoming a librarian, you can go tohttp://www.becomealibrarian.org