Academic Librarian: Responsibilities

Academic librarian
Responsibilities
Academic librarians often have specialist responsibility for an academic subject or function, even
at basic-level posts. Other librarian roles include research, electronic, resources, systems and
other professional posts within the fields of acquisitions and cataloguing.
Typical tasks include:
developing and managing collections of books and journals (both paper and electronic),
as well as websites;
establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with academic staff and
students;
contributing to academic course development and liaising with academic departments;
coordinating and delivering information and digital literacy sessions to staff and students;
creating, updating and managing electronic and printed information resources;
selecting, acquiring and cataloguing information using library and information software;
assisting researchers with literature searches using databases, printed resources and the
internet;
managing and supporting the provision of reading lists and allocating length of loans;
dealing with user enquiries, which may involve one-on-one advice sessions;
dealing with budgets in relation to your allocated subject areas/departments and, in some
cases, purchasing resources;
liaising with library colleagues on other campuses;
carrying out staff management, which may involve recruitment and selection, appraisals,
support and development, disciplinary action, staff rotas and training, as well as
allocating daily tasks;
maintaining relationships with external bodies, such as suppliers;
managing buildings, furniture and equipment;
keeping up to date with relevant professional developments in the library sector;
participating in professional groups or networks.
Some senior librarians may be involved in additional activities such as:
managing and motivating a team of staff who could be working in several libraries;
overseeing the building of new libraries or the refurbishment of existing libraries.
Working hours
Academic librarians can work a typical 9am to 5pm day, but the working week may also
include some evening and weekend work. Part-time work and job-share opportunities
may be available.
What to expect
Some universities have merged their library services with IT departments or learning support,
which may offer further opportunities for progression at the highest levels.
Work takes place in a variety of locations and environments within an academic institution. As
well as the library, academic librarians may also work in teaching or seminar rooms.
Self-employment and freelance work are unusual, but some librarians do become consultants.
Most opportunities are in towns and cities where there are further or higher education
institutions.
The dress code is generally informal/smart casual.
Most roles include a substantial amount of contact with people, for example students and
academics, which can be demanding.
Fewer staff and financial cutbacks can also be challenging.
Travel between sites may be necessary if working for an institution that has more than one
library on different campuses.
Overseas travel is uncommon.
Qualifications
Although this area of work is open to all graduates, a degree in one of the following subjects may
be particularly useful:
computing;
information science/management;
language studies;
librarianship.
Posts for subject librarians may require specialist subject knowledge, i.e. a degree in a relevant
subject or fluency in a language.
For professional posts, you need to have one of the following:
a first degree accredited by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information

Professionals (CILIP);
a degree in any subject plus a postgraduate diploma or Masters in librarianship or
information science/management accredited by CILIP.
There are currently more accredited postgraduate courses, with relatively few undergraduate
degrees. Details of all accredited undergraduate and postgraduate courses are available at CILIP
Accredited Qualifications. Full-time, part-time and distance learning options are available.
CILIP-accredited courses allow you to obtain chartership further along in your career.
Postgraduate courses usually require candidates to have relevant work experience. If you haven't
obtained this as part of your first degree, you will need to arrange something within a library or
information service, either paid or voluntary, to build up some experience.
Graduates with a non-related degree who have little to no library and information work
experience can gain entry to the profession via CILIP's Graduate Training Opportunities scheme.
This scheme provides traineeships, usually lasting ten months to a year, after which graduates
complete a Masters-level qualification accredited by CILIP. There is the chance that you will be
offered a job by the placement provider once the training is complete. For current opportunities
see CILIP: Graduate Training Jobs.
With an HND or foundation degree only, it may be possible to enter as a library assistant and
then work up to a full librarian position by gaining extra qualifications and undertaking further
training. Library assistant posts are often used by people gaining experience before taking a
postgraduate qualification.
Competition is tough for pre-course training posts, postgraduate courses and first professional
posts, so be prepared to be flexible about geographical location.
Check with individual institutions about the availability of any postgraduate course funding.
Early applications are advised, especially if applying for funding.
Skills
You will need to show evidence of the following:
customer service and interpersonal skills;

ICT skills;
communication and presentation skills;
a flexible approach to work;
negotiation skills;
the ability to work as part of a team but also on your own initiative;
capability to prioritise your work and meet deadlines;
versatility;
the ability to think logically;
organisational and self-management skills;
an appreciation of the pressures and demands within the academic work environment.
Work experience
It is important to demonstrate your motivation by gaining relevant experience as early as

possible. Search for pre-course experience in a range of libraries, not just academic ones or those
in the CILIP scheme. Part-time or voluntary work in a library or information setting before
graduating is a good start.

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Academic librarian

Some senior librarians may be involved in additional activities such as:

For professional posts, you need to have one of the following:

a first degree accredited by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information

customer service and interpersonal skills;

It is important to demonstrate your motivation by gaining relevant experience as early as

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