Librarian - overview

As a librarian, or learning resource manager, you’ll use your knowledge and skills to manage and share resources with a community. Learn more about the qualifications needed, and what the role involves.

Learn what the role involves below.

What does a librarian do?

This is a diverse role where you’ll be working closely with the public. Often based in a local community, you’ll be managing different resources and helping people to use them. This includes fiction and non-fiction books, magazines, newspapers, computers and other IT services. As well as public-facing tasks, you’ll use your organisational skills to make sure items are managed and catalogued correctly.

You’ll work with a team to make the most of what the library can offer, such as reading groups or sessions for isolated people. It’s a job that can make a real difference to the local community.

What will your days involve?

Daily tasks will vary but could involve:

Cataloguing and classifying books and other items
Answering enquiries and supporting people using the library
Organising events such as reading groups and author talks
Promoting library services, for example by giving talks within the community
Selecting and ordering new stock such as books, magazines and audio-visual items
Managing other library staff
Managing budgets
Attending meetings

FAQs

How much can you earn as a librarian?

The average salary for a librarian in the UK is £28,080. Graduates start at around £22,000.

Does a librarian role involve travel in the UK or overseas?

If you’re working for a library with many sites, for example at different university campuses, you might need to travel between locations. Travelling overseas for work is rare.