Librarians play a crucial role in helping people find, organize, and understand information. Whether they work in schools, public libraries, law firms, or research institutions, they ensure knowledge is accessible to all. But what kind of education do you need to become a librarian? While some positions require only a bachelor’s degree, most librarian roles need a master’s degree in library science (MLS). This guide will walk you through the educational path, job opportunities, and salaries for different types of librarians.
What Degree Do You Need to Be a Librarian?
Most librarian positions require a Master of Library Science (MLS) degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association (ALA). Some school librarian roles may only require a bachelor’s degree along with a teaching certification, depending on state requirements.
Library science programs teach students how to manage, organize, and retrieve information. These programs also allow students to specialize in specific fields like law, medicine, or digital archiving.
What Does a Librarian Do?
A librarian’s job depends on their workplace, but common responsibilities include:
- Helping visitors find books and digital materials
- Organizing and managing book collections
- Teaching research and citation skills
- Maintaining databases and archives
- Hosting community programs, like book clubs or educational workshops
Beyond traditional libraries, librarians also work in museums, businesses, and government institutions. They help companies manage large amounts of data, work in historical preservation, and assist researchers in various fields.
What Should You Major in for a Librarian Career?
To qualify for an MLS program, you first need a bachelor’s degree. The good news is that most MLS programs accept students from all academic backgrounds. However, choosing the right undergraduate major can help you specialize later.
Popular Undergraduate Majors for Future Librarians
- Library Science – Directly prepares you for an MLS program
- Education – Ideal for becoming a school librarian
- English or Literature – Helpful for public and academic libraries
- History – Great for working in archival research
- Computer Science – Beneficial for digital librarianship
- Law or Political Science – Useful for becoming a law librarian
- Medical Sciences – Helps with specializing as a medical librarian
If you already have a degree in another field, you can still pursue an MLS degree. Many programs also offer online courses to make the transition easier.
Do You Need a Master’s Degree to Be a School Librarian?
While most librarian jobs require an MLS, some school librarian positions only need a bachelor’s degree. However, you might need additional state certifications or teaching credentials.
School librarians work closely with teachers and students, helping them access books, research materials, and digital resources. They also teach students how to find reliable sources for their assignments.
Librarian Salary and Job Outlook
According to Glassdoor, the average librarian salary in the US is $71,766 per year. However, salaries can vary based on specialization and location.
- Law Librarians – $83,629 per year
- Archivists & Special Collections Librarians – $67,017 per year
- Public Librarians – $58,341 per year
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that librarian jobs will grow 3% by 2032, which is in line with the national average for other careers.
Types of Librarians and Their Roles
Librarians can specialize in different fields, each requiring specific skills and knowledge.
1. Law Librarian
Average Salary: $83,629
Workplaces: Law schools, law firms, courts
Requirements: MLS + Law degree (in most cases)
Law librarians help legal professionals access legal documents, case law, and court records. They assist in research and ensure up-to-date legal information is available.
2. Public Librarian
Average Salary: $58,341
Workplaces: Public libraries, community centers
Requirements: MLS (sometimes a bachelor’s degree is enough)
Public librarians serve local communities by offering book lending services, organizing events, and helping people find research materials.
3. Archivist & Special Collections Librarian
Average Salary: $67,017
Workplaces: Museums, historical societies, research institutions
Requirements: MLS + Additional training in history or preservation
Archivists preserve historical documents, photos, and media. They often digitize materials for public access and work with researchers to retrieve historical records.
How to Get Started on Your Librarian Career
- Earn a Bachelor’s Degree – Choose a major that aligns with your future career goals.
- Apply to an MLS Program – Make sure it is ALA-accredited.
- Gain Experience – Work in a library, volunteer, or intern to build experience.
- Earn Additional Certifications – If you want to specialize (e.g., law or medical librarianship), consider further education or certifications.
- Apply for Jobs – Look for opportunities in public, school, law, medical, or digital libraries.
Becoming a librarian requires a passion for knowledge and strong organizational skills. Most librarian jobs require a Master of Library Science (MLS), but some school librarian roles may only need a bachelor’s degree. Choosing the right undergraduate major can help you specialize in fields like law, education, history, or digital information. Salaries vary, but librarians can expect stable job growth and opportunities in public libraries, research institutions, and private organizations. Whether you love books, research, or digital technology, a career in librarianship can be both rewarding and fulfilling.
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