Information Specialist
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
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 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.
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.
Librarians need to possess:
They should enjoy organizing and locating information, instructing and helping people, and supervising and co-ordinating the work of others.
New entrants to the profession must have a 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.
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.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Librarians are employed by:
A growing number of librarians are self-employed and work as independent consultants or entrepreneurs.
In Alberta, 80% of people employed as librarians work in the following industries:
The employment outlook (PDF) in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $35.63 | $23.99 | $19.00 |
| Overall | $18.03 | $52.75 | $30.01 | $27.03 |
| Top | $19.00 | $59.32 | $33.85 | $28.76 |
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* 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.
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.
Canadian Federation of Library Associations website: cfla-fcab.ca
Special Library Association (SLA) website: www.sla.org
For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.
Updated Mar 29, 2017. 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.