Becoming a Librarian: Education, Opportunities, and Professional Insights

Personality Traits/Tests

• Distinctive 16 PF Personality Traits of Librarians
• Personality test
• Personality Type: INTP Librarian
• Quiet in the Library: Working with Introverted Personalities

Library/Librarian Statistics and Data

• General Facts & Figures
• Underrepresented, Underemployed
• Age Range
  • “75% of Librarians are 40+”, “Average age is 40+”
• Gender
  • “68.7% of all librarians are women, while 31.3% are men.”
• Gender neutral and Gender fluid (LGBTQ+)
  • 29% of librarians consider themselves LGBTQ (Find in Appendix B)
• Location
  • Distribution of jobs and employment state-wide
• Full-time vs part-time
  • “The large majority (81 percent) of respondents are employed full-time and 9 percent are employed part-time.”
• Ethnicity
  • White: 77.1%
  • Hispanic or Latino: 7.7%
  • Black or African American: 6.4%
  • Asian: 4.9%
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3%
• Career longevity
  • Cognitive and mental requirements/Specific Vocational Preparation time(SVP)
• Unemployment Rate
  • 1.46% 
• Introverts vs Extroverts
  • Introverts 63%, vs extrovert 37%
• Percentage of ALA-accredited MLIS programs that offer an online program.
  • 64% 
• Percentage of library jobs that require a master’s degree
  • 84% 
• Amount of librarians in the United States
  • Over 80,817
• According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 236,090 employed Librarians, Curators, and Archivists

Health Sciences/Medical Librarians

Requirements for K-12 Librarians

• California: Teacher Librarian Services Credential (CL-562)

• By State: Every Library Institute

 Library School Options and Accreditation

• Accreditation Frequently Asked Questions
• ALA-Accredited Library Programs available in California and Online
• California Library Science Degrees
• Nationally/Internationally Accredited Library and Information Studies Master's Programs from 1925 through Present

Application Process

• Guidelines for Choosing a Master's Program in Library and Information Studies (ALA)
• General Admission Requirements:
  • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 
  • GRE scores (varies by program)
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Statement of educational and professional objectives
  • Personal interview (varies by program)
  • Demonstrated computer skills (varies by program)
  • TOEFL for international students
• Application Strategies (as suggested by T. Batte (personal communication, August 29, 2024) Assistant Director of Recruitment and Admissions at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.)

"As you're preparing your application, remember that you're the main character, so it's time to put the spotlight on all your achievements! It's essential to present a narrative that highlights your unique experiences, achievements, and aspirations. Here are some strategies to consider:

• Showcase Your Passion and Motivation: Explain why you are interested in the program and what drives you to pursue graduate education. Highlight any relevant work or research experience that demonstrates your commitment.
• Highlight Your Academic Excellence: Emphasize your academic achievements, including any honors, awards, or publications. If you've been involved in any significant projects or research, be sure to detail your contributions and the impact of your work.
• Reflect on Your Personal Journey: Share your personal story and any challenges you've overcome. This can help admissions committees understand your resilience and how your experiences have shaped your academic and career goals.
• Articulate Your Goals: Clearly state your short-term and long-term goals and how our program will help you achieve them. Be specific about what you hope to gain from the program and how it aligns with your career aspirations.
• Seek Feedback: Before submitting your application, get feedback from mentors, advisors, or peers. They can provide valuable insights and help you refine your narrative to make a stronger impression.

Remember, the goal is to present a cohesive and compelling story that sets you apart from other applicants and shows why you are an excellent fit for our program. Good luck with your application!  If you need further assistance or have specific questions, feel free to ask.

Best Wishes,

Tara Batte
Assistant Director of Recruitment and Admissions

is-futurestudents@illinois.edu"

Scholarships and Financial Aid

• Financial Assistance for Library & Information Studies
• ALA Scholarship Program
  • ALA Century Scholarship
• California Library Association (CLA) Scholarships
• Spectrum Scholarship Program

Types of Librarianship

• Academic Libraries
  • Academic Librarianship — MLIS Career Pathway
• Public Libraries
  • Public Librarianship — MLIS Career Pathway
• School Libraries
  • California Department of Education
  • School Librarianship — MLIS Career Pathway
• Special Libraries
  • Special Librarianship — MLIS Career Pathway

Library Organizational Chart Examples

• Academic Library

  • Santa Clara University
  • Michigan State University
  • California State University San Marcos
  • Duke University
  • University of Illinois
  • University of California, Davis

• Public Library

  • Framingham, MA
  • San Antonio Public Library
  • City of Mill Valley
  • Chicago Public Library

After Starting your Career

• New Member Round Table (NMRT)
• Hiring Librarians