What Does a Librarian Do?
Librarians manage library resources, assist patrons in finding information, and develop programs that promote literacy and lifelong learning. They organize collections, manage digital databases, and teach information literacy skills. Librarians work in public libraries, schools, academic institutions, and specialized research settings.
Other Job Titles for This Work
Workers in this occupation report titles such as Catalog Librarian, Instructional Technology Specialist, Library Media Specialist, Media Specialist, Media Technician, Multimedia Services Coordinator, Reference and Instruction Librarian, Reference Librarian.
Librarian Duties and Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities of a librarian include:
- Manage library collections by selecting, acquiring, cataloging, and organizing books and digital resources.
- Assist patrons in locating information using library catalogs, databases, and reference materials.
- Develop and lead programs such as reading groups, author visits, summer reading challenges, and technology classes.
- Teach information literacy skills, including research methods, source evaluation, and citation practices.
- Manage library budgets, purchase materials, and negotiate contracts with publishers and database vendors.
- Maintain and update the library integrated system and digital catalog.
- Supervise library staff, volunteers, and student workers in daily operations.
- Develop and maintain the library website and social media presence to promote resources and programs.
- Provide readers advisory services, recommending books and materials based on patron interests.
- Collaborate with teachers, professors, or community organizations to support curriculum goals and literacy initiatives.
Required Skills and Qualifications
To succeed as a librarian, you will need the following skills and qualifications:
- Information organization and cataloging
- Reference and research assistance
- Program development and facilitation
- Library management systems
- Digital literacy and database expertise
- Budget management
- Community engagement
- Teaching and instruction
Education and Training
Librarians typically must earn a Master of Library Science (MLS) or Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) from a program accredited by the American Library Association (ALA). Programs cover cataloging, collection development, information technology, reference services, and management. School librarians must also hold a teaching certificate or school library media specialist certification in most states. Public and academic librarians may need additional subject expertise depending on their specialization. Continuing education is important for staying current with evolving information technologies.
Salary and Job Outlook
Typical pay: $56,310 - $84,480 per year, with a median of $68,270.
The range covers the middle half of earners nationwide. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Librarians and Media Collections Specialists.
While demand for traditional library services has shifted, the role has evolved to encompass digital resource management, community programming, and technology education. Academic and special librarians with expertise in data management, digital archives, and emerging technologies will find the strongest demand. School librarian positions may be affected by budget cuts in some districts.
Librarian Pay Range
| Earners | Annual pay |
|---|---|
| Bottom 10% earn less than | $43,660 |
| Bottom 25% earn less than | $56,310 |
| Median (half earn more, half less) | $68,270 |
| Top 25% earn more than | $84,480 |
| Top 10% earn more than | $103,990 |
Highest-Paying States for Librarians
The states with the highest median pay for this occupation are Washington ($100,030), District of Columbia ($96,550), California ($89,790), Maryland ($88,570), Nevada ($84,540). Pay is lowest in South Dakota ($51,210), Wyoming ($46,530), West Virginia ($42,980).
Median pay in all 51 states with BLS data
| State | Median annual pay |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $64,650 |
| Alaska | $78,810 |
| Arizona | $60,500 |
| Arkansas | $56,800 |
| California | $89,790 |
| Colorado | $76,480 |
| Connecticut | $79,210 |
| Delaware | $77,700 |
| District of Columbia | $96,550 |
| Florida | $67,060 |
| Georgia | $76,750 |
| Hawaii | $68,270 |
| Idaho | $54,130 |
| Illinois | $62,700 |
| Indiana | $53,500 |
| Iowa | $58,440 |
| Kansas | $61,900 |
| Kentucky | $65,200 |
| Louisiana | $60,650 |
| Maine | $59,540 |
| Maryland | $88,570 |
| Massachusetts | $78,540 |
| Michigan | $60,010 |
| Minnesota | $77,650 |
| Mississippi | $56,970 |
| Missouri | $58,700 |
| Montana | $63,870 |
| Nebraska | $64,060 |
| Nevada | $84,540 |
| New Hampshire | $63,580 |
| New Jersey | $78,380 |
| New Mexico | $62,530 |
| New York | $78,590 |
| North Carolina | $61,420 |
| North Dakota | $62,830 |
| Ohio | $60,630 |
| Oklahoma | $58,180 |
| Oregon | $78,070 |
| Pennsylvania | $62,880 |
| Rhode Island | $75,860 |
| South Carolina | $62,640 |
| South Dakota | $51,210 |
| Tennessee | $62,090 |
| Texas | $71,860 |
| Utah | $53,730 |
| Vermont | $62,360 |
| Virginia | $77,430 |
| Washington | $100,030 |
| West Virginia | $42,980 |
| Wisconsin | $66,870 |
| Wyoming | $46,530 |
What the Work Is Like
O*NET surveys people who work as librarians and media collections specialists about their daily conditions. Of those surveyed:
- 92% use email every day
- 80% work indoors in a climate-controlled space every day
- 80% say teamwork is very or extremely important in their job
- 71% are on the phone every day
- 56% say being exact and accurate is very or extremely important
- 51% speak in front of groups at least once a week
- 50% deal with rude or angry people at least once a week
Education Workers Say the Job Needs
| Education level | Share of workers |
|---|---|
| Master's degree | 65% |
| Some college | 10% |
| Bachelor's degree | 8% |
Tools and Software Librarians Use
Tools and equipment
Software
Is This Job a Good Fit for You?
People who do well in this job tend to enjoy organized work with data, records and clear procedures as well as helping, teaching or caring for people.
Skills O*NET rates most important: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, Writing, Critical Thinking, Monitoring.
Knowledge areas used most: Customer and Personal Service, English Language, Computers and Electronics, Education and Training, Administrative.
Preparation: O*NET places this occupation in Job Zone 5 of 5, which means extensive preparation.
Related Careers
These jobs use similar skills, according to O*NET's related-occupation data:
Applying for a Librarian Job
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Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
- O*NET 30.1 Database, occupation 25-4022.00 (Librarians and Media Collections Specialists). View on O*NET OnLine.
This page includes information from the O*NET 30.1 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. The Job Explorer has modified some of the information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these changes.