Written by Jayse Smith
As someone who has been working in the library industry for thirteen years now, it’s has become a passion and it’s something this writer absolutely adores. It’s now something that feels so natural, like being at home. Loads of people ask me ‘how can I become a librarian’ and my answer is always this… ‘it’s a lot of work, and often not what people expect.’
When you think of working in a library, the image that comes to mind is a kindly, somewhat dotty old lady wearing a knitted cardigan standing behind a desk stamping books with her date stamp. Working in a library these days is nothing like that. If you are wanting to be a librarian because, ‘OMG you must get to read all day’, think again. If I hear someone ask ‘you get paid to work here’ one more time, I may scream.
Libraries these days are fast paced, customer, and community focused hubs where technology and traditional mediums collide. Not only do we provide books, newspapers, magazines, talking books, and DVDs, but we now offer e-books, e-audio books, e-magazines, streaming services, printing and computer access, scanning services, programming such as story time and author events, workshops such as cooking classes, internet skills sessions, resume building, and more. You must think on your feet, provide accurate access to information in a speedy and friendly manner, and be able to deal with your community’s most needy as well as sometimes difficult customers.
This article is not to discourage you from entering the library industry, but to make sure you are aware of what you’re getting yourself into and some ways which may help you on that journey if you do really want it.
1. Do Your Research
– Jump online and check out any recent news articles about libraries, there’s heaps.
– Usually each state has a ‘state’ library which has been a major go-to for me… The State Library of Victoria is AMAZING.
– Check out Public Libraries Victoria Network, it’s an amazing network of librarians and library professionals who conduct research, professional development, and more. Australian Library and Information Association is an amazing wealth of library information. It has lists of current employment opportunities in Australia, information on accredited library courses, and more.
2. Drop By Your Local Library + Volunteer Your Time
– Enquire about their volunteer opportunities or if they have a “Friends of the Library” group or a Home Library Service.
– Many of our library’s current staff members all began as casual staff members who would replace the permanent staff when on leave. This is a great place to start if you want to get into the industry since casual work will get your foot in the door and will give you great experience.
3. Study + Get Experience
– If you are looking into studying to be a library technician/librarian as a qualified library technician, I urge you to only complete an ALIA accredited course. These courses have been deemed the most relevant to libraries in Australia. Whilst completing your course, you’ll have the opportunity to complete placements within libraries, so make sure to make the most of this time. If you make a great impression during your placement, you’re more likely to be remembered.
4. Know Your Local Library
Every library service has a website. You can easily find out so much information about programs, events, and happenings in your local library. The more you know, the more interested you will present to potential employers.
Working in a library is this librarian’s dream job. It’s not easy, you will face challenges and be stretched to the limit. But it is fun, you will face something different every day and you will be surrounded by books all day long (which is such an occupational hazard, I have so many library books at home). If you are up for a challenge and for a job which is a bit left of field, this librarian / writer urges you to jump in and explore!
You won’t regret it!
Great article 😊