The job of a librarian is to select, develop, organize, and maintain a library collection. If you work in a library that serves the community or a school, the collection is likely to consist mainly of books, newspapers, DVD’s, and videos. A collection can, however, also include journals, maps, films, sound recordings, CD ROMS, e-books, and data bases. A library may also have a bank of computers with internet access for general use. As a librarian you provide advisory and reference services for students, teachers and the general public. You will work regular hours, although some community librarians work shifts that may include weekends and evenings. You can work in a small team with a library assistant and a library technician.
Typical Career Progression
| |
Position |
Remuneration |
Experience |
Education |
| Start Position |
Library Assistant |
$39 - $49,000 |
0 - 6 Years |
Year 12 Pass |
| 1st Promotion |
Library Technician Grade 1 |
$50 - $59,000 |
4 Years |
Degree |
| 2nd Promotion |
Library Technician Grade 2 |
$65 - $74,000 |
4 Years |
Degree |
| 3rd Promotion |
Librarian Grade 1 |
$50 - $65,000 |
4 Years |
Degree |
| 4th Promotion |
Librarian Grade 2 |
$68 - $77,000 |
4 Years |
Degree |
| 5th Promotion |
Librarian Grade 3 |
$81 - $90,000 |
4 Years |
Degree |
| 6th Promotion |
Librarian Grade 4 |
$93 - $102,000 |
4 Years |
Post Graduate |
| 7th Promotion |
Librarian Grade 5 |
$105 - $115,000 |
4 Years |
Post Graduate |
*These salary bands are the 2009 awards set by the Crown Employees (Public Sector – Salaries 2008) Awards in NSW.
Librarians work in public libraries, archives, schools, technical colleges, and tertiary institutions. Some may also work for government departments, museums, in research and consulting organisations, hospitals, or industrial/business firms, all of which have libraries specializing in particular fields.
Becoming an information manager will see you filling the gap between the sources of information and those who are in need of the information. As a librarian you will often have assistants to help you in day to day running of the library.
Traditional concepts of libraries is changing from that of a place where to access paper records or books to one that now also houses electronic resources that include the internet, digital library, and remote access to a wide range of information services. Librarians, often referred to information professionals, will combine their traditional duties and tasks that involves quickly changing technology.
To read this career profile in full detail go to www.careernav.com.au/career-finder/profiles/librarian