Librarian is the most valuable post in educational institutes. Students can choose it as a career that have a great interest in reading books, researching new information. Librarians are also called information professionals. Librarians assist people find information and utilize it successfully for personal and professional purposes.
Librarians must have deep knowledge of a wide variety of scholarly and public information sources and must follow trends related to publishing, computers, and the media in order to supervise the selection and organization of library materials.
Librarians manage staff and develop and execute information programs and systems for the public and make certain that information is organized in a manner to suit users' needs. Librarian positions have three features of library work: user services, technical services, and administrative services. In small libraries or information centers, librarians regularly control all aspects of library operations. Librarians also suggest materials. Many librarians accumulate lists of books, periodicals, articles, audiovisual materials, and electronic resources on particular subjects and examine collections.
Job Description:
The fundamental job of librarians is to select materials, organize those materials and help people use them efficiently. Many of the librarians work with the public, while others work in technical support and in administration. Librarians have traditionally dealt with printed resources, but at present they work with non-print materials such as CDs, the Internet, and computerized databases. They must be expert in basic computer operations. A librarian also broadcasts information by answering queries, issuing and receiving books as well as planning and organizing program to promote use of the library such as sending out newsletters to inform readers about the newest achievement.
Education Requirements:
To work in library, bachelor's degree in library science or a diploma/certificate in library science is essential. In public, academic, or special libraries, master's Degree in Library Science is compulsory for librarian job. To enhance career librarian, candidate must complete his Ph.d. which can be useful in teaching job at a college or university or a top administration position in a college or university library. Exceptional librarians do an extra degree in the area of their specialization for example a law degree or an MBA.
At the beginning of career for a librarian begins librarian work as a library attendant and then upgraded. It may vary from organization to organization. Generally, promotion follows in the sequence of library assistant, junior librarian, assistant librarian, deputy librarian, and then librarian. Highly qualified personnel can reach the level of Director and head an information centre.
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Income of librarians varies according to the individual's educational qualification and talent. Salary also depends upon the type, size, and setting of the library. The work environment of librarian is to spend a significant portion of time at their desks or in front of computer terminals. Many librarians do part time. Public and college librarians often work weekends, evenings, and some holidays. Overall, librarian is responsible professional who guided student, take care of student's educational needs.