Librarian
Help people quickly and easily borrow books, ebooks, films and music for fun, for learning and for information.
Also known as: library or information professional, knowledge manager, information manager
About the job
What it's like
Run a library so people can take out books, films, music and information quickly and easily. People will use the library for pleasure or to help them learn and expand their knowledge.
You’d help people to find the things they want and answer their enquiries. You’d use your expertise to might suggest things that you think they might enjoy or which will be useful for their studies.
Libraries hold and lend out all sorts of materials, old and new, including:
books and ebooks
magazines and newspapers
DVDs and CDs
photos
maps
You could work in a public library or a library in organisations like universities, colleges and schools and some larger companies. It would be useful to have good general knowledge or, if you work in specialist library, an understanding of a particular field.
Your tasks might include:
using IT systems to classify materials in the library catalogue and index
organising materials so they're easy for people to find
explaining to people how to use the library
using databases and the internet to help people with information enquiries
issuing items for people to borrow
keeping up to date with new publications and choosing new stock
organising services for specific users, for example in a public library you could organise events or services for pre-school groups, housebound people and ethnic minority groups
setting up activities such as reading groups
doing displays, talks and events to promote the library and its resources
If you work in a school, college or university you might also teach research skills to students.
Hours
You would usually work from around 9am to 5pm, but may also work some evenings, and on Saturdays with time off during the week. Part-time hours or job-share may be available.
Environment
You would normally be based at one library.
Travel
In some jobs you may travel between different sites, work in a mobile library or be involved in community events.
Explore more information about this job
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- library
- archives
- integrated library systems
- children's literature
- metadata
- library services
- financial regulations
- it service management
- procurement
- working with children
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- understanding
- making decisions
- delegating
- sorting
- filtering
- respecting
- researching
- written communication
- verbal communication
- building relationships
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Classical Studies
English
You would need an honours degree (SCQF level 10) in library management or information studies or an honours degree in any subject and a postgraduate qualification (SCQF level 11) in information and library studies, information management or a similar subject recognised by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP).
If you are working as a library assistant you may be able to progress to this role through CILIP Certification.
Entry to a degree requires Nationals and a minimum of four Highers or a relevant Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8).
To enter a CILIP-accredited postgraduate qualification requires an honours degree in any subject - though information science or management, computer science or librarianship may be helpful - and relevant work experience in a library or information centre.
It may be possible to enter this career without an accredited first degree or postgraduate qualification if you hold another degree and are able to get on to a graduate training scheme supported by CILIP. These typically consist of 10-12 months of work experience followed by study for a CILIP-accredited masters-level qualification (SCQF level 11).
Most CILIP-accredited librarianship degrees courses are available in England or Wales. Postgraduate courses are often available part-time or through distance learning.
Relevant work experience is always sought after.
For some jobs you will need to be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland.
To gain professional status recognised by public and academic libraries, you will need to work towards Chartered status with CILIP.
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