Librarians and Media Collections Specialists
SOC Code: 25-4022.00
Education & LibraryLibrarians and Media Collections Specialists administer and maintain libraries or collections of information, resources, and media for public use, earning a median salary of $64,320. These professionals serve as vital connectors between people and information, curating collections that support education, research, and community enrichment. Modern librarians go far beyond shelving books, embracing digital resources, data management, and community programming.
Salary Overview
Median
$64,320
25th Percentile
$50,920
75th Percentile
$80,640
90th Percentile
$100,880
Salary Distribution
Job Outlook (2024–2034)
Growth Rate
+1.7%
New Openings
13,500
Outlook
Slower than average
Key Skills
Knowledge Areas
What They Do
- Check books in and out of the library.
- Teach library patrons basic computer skills, such as searching computerized databases.
- Review and evaluate materials, using book reviews, catalogs, faculty recommendations, and current holdings to select and order print, audio-visual, and electronic resources.
- Search standard reference materials, including online sources and the Internet, to answer patrons' reference questions.
- Plan and teach classes on topics such as information literacy, library instruction, and technology use.
- Confer with colleagues, faculty, and community members and organizations to conduct informational programs, make collection decisions, and determine library services to offer.
- Respond to customer complaints, taking action as necessary.
- Plan and deliver client-centered programs and services, such as special services for corporate clients, storytelling for children, newsletters, or programs for special groups.
Tools & Technology
★ = Hot Technology (in-demand)
Education Requirements
Typical entry-level education: Master's Degree
Related Careers
Top Career Pivot Targets
View all 15 →Careers with the highest skill compatibility from Librarians and Media Collections Specialists.
A Day in the Life
A typical day for a librarian begins with reviewing new acquisition requests, processing interlibrary loans, and preparing for scheduled programs or classes. Reference desk shifts involve helping patrons locate materials, conduct research, and navigate databases and digital resources. Collection management tasks include evaluating new materials for purchase, cataloging acquisitions, and weeding outdated items from the collection. Many librarians lead programming such as story times, book clubs, technology workshops, or community lectures. Administrative duties include managing budgets, supervising staff or volunteers, and writing grant proposals. Digital resource management has become a significant daily activity, including maintaining e-book platforms, database subscriptions, and the library's website. Collaboration with other librarians, educators, and community organizations is routine. The pace varies between quiet research support and bustling community engagement events.
Work Environment
Librarians work in a variety of settings including public libraries, academic institutions, school districts, corporate offices, and government agencies. Public library environments are community-focused, with regular interaction with diverse patron groups of all ages. Academic settings tend to be quieter and more research-oriented, with close collaboration with faculty and students. The physical environment typically includes both public service areas and behind-the-scenes processing spaces. Most librarians work standard business hours, though public and academic libraries often require evening and weekend shifts. The work is a blend of sedentary computer-based tasks and active patron engagement. Modern libraries feature collaborative spaces, maker labs, and technology centers alongside traditional reading areas. Some positions allow remote work for cataloging, digital resource management, or virtual reference services.
Career Path & Advancement
Becoming a librarian typically requires a Master of Library Science (MLS) or Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an ALA-accredited program. Many librarians enter graduate school after earning a bachelor's degree in any field, bringing diverse subject expertise to the profession. Entry-level positions include reference librarian, children's librarian, or cataloger, where foundational skills are developed. With experience, librarians advance to department heads, branch managers, or specialized roles in archives, digital services, or collection development. Senior positions include library director, systems librarian, or chief information officer. Some librarians pursue additional certifications in areas like school library media or archival studies. Career progression can also lead to roles in academic research support, corporate information management, or library consulting. Those with technology skills may advance into digital asset management or library systems administration.
Specializations
The library profession encompasses numerous specializations reflecting diverse information needs. Reference librarians assist patrons with research questions and information literacy instruction. Children's and youth services librarians develop programming and collections for younger audiences. Academic librarians support university research and teaching with specialized subject knowledge. Special collections librarians manage rare books, manuscripts, and unique archival materials. Digital services librarians oversee electronic resources, databases, and digital preservation initiatives. Medical librarians serve healthcare professionals and institutions with clinical and research information. Law librarians support legal professionals with case law research and regulatory resources. Media collections specialists focus on audiovisual materials, including films, music recordings, and digital media archives.
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- ✓Meaningful work connecting people with information and resources
- ✓Diverse career settings from public libraries to corporate information centers
- ✓Strong sense of community impact and public service
- ✓Intellectually stimulating work across many subject areas
- ✓Growing opportunities in digital services and data management
- ✓Generally stable employment with good benefits in public sector roles
- ✓Opportunity to foster literacy and lifelong learning
Challenges
- ✗Master's degree required for most professional positions
- ✗Median salary of $64,320 may lag behind comparable graduate-level professions
- ✗Public library funding is vulnerable to budget cuts
- ✗Evening and weekend hours are common in public-facing roles
- ✗Job market can be competitive in desirable geographic areas
- ✗Physical demands include shelving materials and standing during service hours
- ✗Navigating evolving technology requires continuous learning and adaptation
Industry Insight
Libraries are undergoing a significant transformation driven by digital technology and evolving community needs. The shift toward digital collections, e-books, and streaming media continues to reshape how librarians manage and provide access to information. Libraries are increasingly recognized as essential community hubs, offering services beyond traditional lending including workforce development, digital literacy training, and social services navigation. Data literacy and information literacy instruction have become core functions as misinformation concerns grow. Artificial intelligence is beginning to impact cataloging, reference services, and collection analysis. Funding challenges remain a persistent concern, with librarians increasingly relying on grants and community partnerships. The profession is actively working to increase diversity in its workforce and ensure equitable access to resources. Emerging roles in data curation, research data management, and digital humanities are expanding career opportunities.
How to Break Into This Career
Entering the library profession begins with pursuing an MLS or MLIS degree, which is the standard credential for professional librarian positions. Working in libraries as a paraprofessional, volunteer, or student assistant before or during graduate school provides essential practical experience. Many library science programs include practicum or internship requirements that connect students with working libraries. Library technician or assistant positions offer pathways to the profession while building experience and determining areas of interest. Participating in professional organizations like the American Library Association provides networking, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. Developing technology skills in areas like database management, web design, or digital media is increasingly important. Pursuing specializations during graduate study helps differentiate candidates in a competitive job market. Geographic flexibility can significantly improve job prospects, as library positions may be limited in any single area.
Career Pivot Tips
Career changers bring valuable perspectives to librarianship from many fields. Educators transitioning to library work already possess instruction skills, curriculum knowledge, and experience working with learners of all ages. Technology professionals can leverage their expertise in systems administration, database management, and user experience design. Researchers from any discipline bring deep subject knowledge and information evaluation skills that enhance reference and collection development work. Customer service professionals contribute communication skills and patron-centered service orientation. Writers and journalists offer information synthesis, communication, and content creation abilities. Project managers bring organizational skills valuable for library program development and grant management. Those from nonprofit backgrounds understand community needs assessment and program evaluation. An MLS degree is typically required, but many programs accommodate working professionals with evening, weekend, and online course options.
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