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Librarian

Librarians assess the informational, educational, cultural and recreational needs of the communities they serve, find resources to meet those needs, and provide access to and manage resources.

Also Known As

Information Specialist

NOC Codes

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

  • 5111: Librarians

2006 NOC-S

  • F011: Librarians

2011 NOC

  • 5111: Librarians

2016 NOC

  • 5111: Librarians

2021 NOC

  • 51100: Librarians

2023 OaSIS

  • 51100.00: Librarians
Duties
Updated Mar 04, 2021

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:

  • Books/eBooks
  • Newspapers
  • Periodicals
  • Government documents
  • Films
  • Microfilm
  • Audiovisual resources
  • Online databases
  • Other electronic information resources

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:

  • Help people access the materials and information they want
  • Help people use digital devices to navigate digital resources
  • Answer questions by critically assessing information in reference resources
  • Evaluate, select and purchase materials, and negotiate software licensing agreements
  • Catalogue materials and develop metadata records
  • Develop access resources, such as indexes, bibliographies, web pages, electronic pathfinders and on-line tutorials
  • Evaluate, select, use and maintain computer systems and software
  • Plan and deliver client-centred programs and services (for example, services for corporate clients, storytelling for children, newsletters, public lectures, or programs for seniors, young adults or special groups)
  • Design and deliver programs for learning information literacy
  • Collaborate in facility and community planning and research
  • Advocate on behalf of libraries and information services
  • Do public relations work, such as televised book reviews or community talks, that will reflect well on their organizations
  • Develop library policies and procedures
  • Supervise and train library staff
  • Conduct related research
  • Propose and implement new library initiatives

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.

Working Conditions
Updated Mar 04, 2021
  • Strength Required Lift up to 10 kg

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.

Interests & Abilities

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.

Librarians

2006 NOC: 5111

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
METHODICAL

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

SOCIAL

Interest in instructing and assisting users in finding library materials; and in providing specialized programs for children, seniors and other groups

directive

Interest in co-ordinating library information and orientation training sessions; and in supervising library technicians, assistants and clerks

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

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.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

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.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 04, 2021

Librarians need to possess:

  • Initiative
  • Creativity, imagination and flexibility
  • Critical reading and thinking skills
  • Interpersonal skills and a strong customer service orientation
  • An interest in information technology and strong computer skills
  • Communication skills (oral and written)
  • Organizational and time management skills
  • An ability to understand and convey information quickly
  • Decision-making skills
  • Team leadership skills
  • Analytical skills to evaluate services and make innovative recommendations
  • Professional knowledge of public library philosophies, principles, roles, values, and procedures
  • Leadership experience and supervision skills
  • High level research, readers advisory and information fluency skills
  • Program planning and management skills
  • Marketing and promotion skills
  • Adaptability to changing or challenging situations
  • Ability to balance multiple deadlines

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.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Librarians

2016 NOC: 5111

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 11 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between May 24, 2022 and Mar 22, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Security and Safety: Criminal record check
Organized
Excellent oral communication
Health benefits: Health care plan
Health benefits: Dental plan
Effective interpersonal skills
Team player
Excellent written communication
Client focus
Tasks: Supervise staff
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 04, 2021
  • Minimum Education 6 years post-secondary

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.

Required Education

The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.

Related Education

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.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 04, 2021
  • Certification Not Regulated

There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 04, 2021

Librarians are employed by:

  • Public libraries
  • Public and private schools
  • College, research and university libraries
  • Corporate, government, hospital and legal libraries
  • Publishers and broadcasters
  • Museums and archives
  • Not-for-profit organizations
  • Information brokerage firms
  • Information technology firms

A growing number of librarians are self-employed and work as independent consultants or entrepreneurs.

Industry Concentration

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.

3-Year Job Market Forecast

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.

Librarians
2021 NOC: 51100
Medium
Demand
< 1500
Employed

Source: 2023-2025 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.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

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:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Librarians
2016 NOC: 5111
2.7%
Annual Growth
(Above Average)
49
New Positions

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.

Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 04, 2021

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.

Librarians

2016 NOC: 5111
Average Wage
$31.77
Per Hour
Average Salary
$50,360.00
Per Year
Average Hours
29.4
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 5111 Wage Profile

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.

B: Good Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

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.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $17.00 $39.34 $26.43 $22.53
Overall $19.13 $49.43 $31.77 $25.86
Top $20.27 $54.66 $34.12 $29.34

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

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Information, Culture, Recreation
Educational Services
Health Care & Social Assistance
Public Administration

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
21%
21%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
9%
9%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
3%
3%
Vacancy Rate
1%
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Education and Library Studies
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 04, 2021

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.

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