A librarian is an individual with a degree in library science who administers or assists in a library. It may also be someone who works in a school and has a degree in library science on top of their education degree or a media and library services certificate in addition to their education degree. Many people work in libraries – public, academic, and school that do not have degrees to qualify as a librarian. Most of the people we see in libraries and assume are librarians are not. There are many jobs within libraries that do not require an individual to have a Library Science Master’s degree.
What are some of the jobs in the library that require a Master’s degree in Library Science or a plan for continue education to earn that degree?
- The Library Director – Wisconsin has three grades of libraries. Only a grade I library requires a director to have a MLIS. A grade I library serves a population greater than 6,000 individuals. The Antigo Public Library is a grade I library. This is the only position that DPI mandates a requirement for. Other positions are based on industry standards and practices.
- A Library Services Manager
- A Youth or Children’s Librarian
- A Research Librarian
What are some of the jobs in the library that do not require an MLIS? – Almost all of these require a H.S. diploma, corresponding job experience, or on-the-job training AND demonstration of proficiency.
- A Library Clerk
- A Catalog & Collections Specialist
- A Library Services Specialist
- A Circulation Specialist
- A student page
Over the years, the Antigo Public Library has had many wonderful Children’s Librarians. The library has not employed a Children’s Librarian since August of 2022. A children’s librarian is someone who can do ALL of the following according the the American Library Association:
- Empower and motivate young people
- Promote and nurture the habit of reading
- Introduce students to the latest electronic resources (related to information literacy + reading)
- Collaborate with other educators
- Build programs to link the library to community groups
- Choose resources to enhance the library collection
- Provide parenting education and family literacy programs
- Design and provide engaging activities that help young people develop their creativity, interests, and talents
You can learn more about the role of a Children’s Librarian / Youth Services Librarian and how you become one here: Children’s Librarian/Youth Services Specialist and the professional competencies used to evaluate what makes an individual successful in their role here: Competencies for Librarians Serving Children.
To become a children’s librarian, you typically need a Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited institution, a strong understanding of children’s literature, experience working with children, excellent communication skills, and the ability to plan and execute engaging programs for young patrons; some positions may also require a background in child development or education. In fact, the state of Wisconsin publishes a Model for Early Learning Standards. While story times are a great way to engage with young children in the library setting, it is only a very small sliver of the library services needed to serve all children and youth under the age of seventeen within a library community. There is no part of our adult lives that does not include reading – ingredients on grocery items, bill statements, entertainment – books, social media, News & weather updates, and correspondence professionally and personally. It is essential that children learn to read proficiently and everything is easier when we enjoy it. Fostering a passion for reading and accessing books in all formats for all youth in the library fosters success in adulthood.