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Information Specialist
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Librarians lead and manage the delivery of library and information services. They make information accessible by selecting, purchasing, organizing, maintaining and retrieving a wide variety of materials. This includes:
Librarians develop and use systems to classify and manage information. They organize, house and display materials in such a way that desired resources can be readily located, obtained and used. They also teach others how to use information resources and provide related advice.
Librarians' duties vary depending on the size and type of organization (for example, public library, school, government department, corporate office or information technology firm). But, in general, librarians:
Librarians also may have management responsibilities such as program planning, staff supervision, budgeting and forecasting. In public libraries, managers work closely with advisory boards and municipal governments. In corporate settings, librarians may be members of the corporation's management team.
Librarians may work in large libraries providing services to the public or smaller libraries providing specialized resources and reference information for specific groups of people.
Depending on the institution or organization, librarians may work part time, full time or shifts. Academic and public libraries may require librarians to work some evenings and weekends. Lifting up to 10 kilograms may be required.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in operating on-line and interactive media reference searches and conducting manual searches; and in making interlibrary loans and performing other functions using Internet and CD-ROM media to assist users in accessing library materials
Interest in instructing and assisting users in finding library materials; and in providing specialized programs for children, seniors and other groups
Interest in co-ordinating library information and orientation training sessions; and in supervising library technicians, assistants and clerks
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Librarians need to possess:
They should enjoy researching, organizing and locating information, instructing and helping people, and supervising and coordinating the work of others.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 12 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between May 24, 2022 and Feb 21, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Security and Safety: Criminal record check | 9 |
|---|---|
| Construction Specialization: Effective interpersonal skills | 7 |
| Work Setting: Public library | 7 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 7 |
| Attention to detail | 7 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent written communication | 7 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 7 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication | 7 |
| Tasks: Conduct library information and orientation training programs and tours | 6 |
| Construction Specialization: Client focus | 6 |
New entrants to the profession must have an ALA accredited master's degree in library science or library and information studies. Some positions also require specialized subject knowledge. For example, employers generally require music librarians to have a bachelor's degree or master's degree in music. Post-secondary education in related fields such as administration, social sciences or business is also an asset. Employers generally prefer to hire applicants who have related work experience including supervisory and leadership experience.
The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Librarians are employed by:
A growing number of librarians are self-employed and work as independent consultants or entrepreneurs.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Librarians
2016 NOC: 5111
98.9% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $16.00 | $39.66 | $30.71 | $31.83 |
| Overall | $20.32 | $48.66 | $35.70 | $35.54 |
| Top | $21.76 | $54.50 | $43.17 | $44.92 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $60,551 |
|---|---|
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $62,407 |
| Educational Services | $48,803 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $71,613 |
| Public Administration | $57,090 |
Canadian Federation of Library Associations website: cfla-fcab.ca
Special Library Association (SLA) website: www.sla.org
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 04, 2021. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
