Most librarian roles require a degree followed by a professional qualification in librarianship or information management. Some people begin as library assistants and gain experience before completing further study. Useful skills include communication, organisation, customer service, digital research and attention to detail. Employers include local councils, universities, schools, hospitals, museums, law firms and large companies.
Librarians in the UK usually earn about GBP 24,000 to GBP 40,000 per year. Experienced or specialist librarians can earn more than GBP 45,000.
New library assistants or trainee librarians often start at around GBP 22,000 to GBP 27,000 per year, depending on the employer and location.
The UK has approximately 45,000 people working in librarian, library assistant and related information professional roles. Jobs are available in public, university, school, medical, legal and business libraries.
A full time librarian commonly works around 35 to 40 hours per week. Evening, weekend and public holiday work may be required in public and university libraries.
Supports students and researchers in universities by managing academic resources, teaching research skills and helping people find reliable information.
Manages online collections, digital archives and library databases, using technology to organise and provide access to electronic information.
Works in public libraries to support children and families through storytelling, reading activities, educational events and book recommendations.
Learn about the different types of librarian, including public, academic, school, health and special librarians.
Compare job descriptions on websites such as the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals and major library service websites. Check the usual requirements, working environments and responsibilities for each type of role. Consider which setting suits your interests. For example, academic librarians support students and researchers, while public librarians often work with children, families and local communities.
Practise finding reliable information, evaluating sources and organising digital and printed resources.
Build confidence with online research, databases, spreadsheets, document management and basic cataloguing. Learn how to identify inaccurate or misleading information and explain your findings clearly. These skills are useful because librarians help users access trustworthy information and often support them with research, technology and digital literacy.
Develop communication, listening and problem solving skills through work or volunteering with the public.
Look for opportunities in a library, charity shop, community centre, school, museum or customer service role. Volunteering in a local library can help you understand daily library operations and provide useful references. Practise assisting people with different needs, handling enquiries professionally and remaining calm when solving problems.
Decide whether to enter through an assistant role, an undergraduate degree, a postgraduate qualification or a library and information apprenticeship.
Library assistant roles may accept GCSEs, A levels or equivalent experience, depending on the employer. A degree in any subject can be useful, especially when followed by a postgraduate qualification in library or information studies. Check whether courses are accredited or recognised by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals. Entry requirements vary, so review each course carefully.
Use entry level positions to gain practical experience with customers, collections, technology and library systems.
Search local council vacancies, university careers pages, school websites, NHS jobs and specialist library organisations. Tailor your application to show communication, organisation, digital skills and a commitment to helping people. Library assistant work may include issuing resources, shelving materials, supporting events, helping users with computers and maintaining accurate records.
Keep evidence of projects and activities that demonstrate your ability to support users and manage information.
Include examples such as organising a reading event, creating a research guide, improving a spreadsheet or supporting someone with digital access. Explain your role, the actions you took and the result. You can also record training, volunteering, feedback and references. This portfolio can help you prepare for interviews and applications for trainee librarian posts.
Work towards a suitable postgraduate qualification or professional training route if required for the librarian roles you want.
Postgraduate courses in library and information studies often cover cataloguing, information management, research support, digital resources, copyright and professional practice. Some courses offer placements or work based learning. If you are already employed in a library, ask your employer about funded study, apprenticeships or professional development support.
Choose an area such as children and young people, archives, health information, academic research, digital resources or community engagement.
A specialism can help you stand out when applying for librarian posts. Gain relevant experience through projects, short courses, professional events and volunteering. For example, a future academic librarian could practise teaching research skills, while a children and young people librarian could develop storytelling and activity planning experience.
Connect with other library and information professionals to learn about vacancies, training and career development.
Consider joining the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals or attending local professional events. Networking can help you understand current issues such as digital inclusion, artificial intelligence, copyright and access to information. Follow libraries and information services online, ask experienced professionals about their career routes and seek a mentor where possible.
Apply for librarian roles that match your qualification, experience and chosen specialism.
Prepare examples using the situation, task, action and result structure. Be ready to discuss customer service, information searching, teamwork, event planning, equality and diversity, and the responsible use of technology. Show that you understand the organisation and its users. Explain how you would make library services welcoming, accessible and useful to different communities.
Keep your knowledge current through courses, conferences, webinars and workplace training.
Important areas may include digital services, information security, accessibility, safeguarding, copyright, data protection and community outreach. Record your learning and consider how it improves your work. Regular development is valuable because library services change with new technologies, user needs and education practices.
Take responsibility for projects and develop the management skills needed for senior librarian or library manager roles.
Volunteer to lead activities such as collection development, reading programmes, digital inclusion sessions or online resource projects. Build skills in budgeting, staff support, planning and service evaluation. With experience, you could progress to senior librarian, library manager, information manager, knowledge manager, archivist or specialist information professional roles.
Library assistants support librarians by helping users, issuing resources, maintaining shelves, processing new materials and carrying out basic administrative tasks.
Archivists preserve and organise historical documents, photographs, records and digital material so that they can be found and used by researchers.
Information scientists manage specialist information and research systems for organisations such as universities, businesses, hospitals and government departments.
Records managers organise an organisations important documents and digital records, ensuring that information is secure, accessible and stored according to legal requirements.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Librarian. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
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