Librarian (profession): description, required education

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Choosing a profession is not always easy and simple. Quite often, applicants experience certain difficulties with this issue before entering the university. Today we have to find out what a librarian does. This profession is not so common in the modern world, but it does take place. How can you be successful here? Who to study? What qualities are most valued in this area? All this remains to be learned further. True, not everyone will agree to build a career in our current field. After all, the profession also has disadvantages. You will have to learn about them in order not to make mistakes.

Who is this

Librarian - a profession that, as already mentioned, is not very common in the modern world. Moreover, it is not so in demand when compared with the same IT technologies. Who is a librarian anyway?

Everyone has encountered such workers at least once in their lives. A librarian is an employee who works in a library. That is, a kind of "keeper of books." Also, such an employee is well versed in the literature and is able to quickly help with finding the rightinformation to citizens. In principle, there is nothing particularly difficult, as it seems, in the profession. Only working in the library is really hard work. A true and successful librarian is endowed with many qualities and skills. How to become such an employee?

Training

Well, like any other profession, today's one requires a certain amount of education. Considering that the direction itself is not very popular among modern youth, then the choice of speci alties for further employment as a librarian is not too large.

Usually, preference is given to just the humanities. In particular, "Librarian", "Documentation", "Literature". Sometimes you can also meet "Culturology", "Philology". Rarely, but still there is such a speci alty as "Management". In principle, a good librarian is not limited to higher education; you can also study for it at a technical school. Exactly in the same directions.

On average, you will have to study like everyone else - 4, 5-5 years. It does not matter what place will become your work - the central library, children's or any other. But the fact remains: you need to learn. In some cases, you can do without a "tower", only then the absence of a diploma should be covered by your personal knowledge and qualities. It's actually not that easy to prove to an employer that you are a true librarian.

Where to work

Where can I go for employment after graduating from a university or any other educational institution? Honestlyto admit, the librarian is a profession of a rather narrow focus. So, the choice here will not be too great. Yes, with the development of progress and technology, our current direction has more prospects, but they still do not greatly affect the place of work. Unless, new duties and responsibilities of the highest degree appear.

For example, a state library can become your place of work. This place of honor goes only to the best workers, and if there is already someone there, you should not particularly hope for employment. After all, few people will agree to "move over." The librarian, as a rule, is one for the whole institution. Or several (depending on the size of the building).

In addition, central and district libraries will now also be available for employment. In principle, it is quite a good option, especially if these establishments are located near your home. There is no significant difference between the central library and the state library. Scope of work only.

Only in practice, librarians usually go to educational institutions to work. For example, school or university employees. There is a need for this kind of staff all the time. School librarian or state librarian - it doesn't matter, job responsibilities in one place or another will be the same. In the same way as personal qualities are valued in these two completely different places, they are the same. What will you have to do after you get a job?

Responsibilities

Working in a library is really a lot of work. After all,as already mentioned, only at first glance it seems that it is so easy to be this kind of employee. In fact, this is not so. Especially if you do not have aspirations and knowledge in literature and creativity. What should a librarian do?

This employee should sort books in a particular institution. He also searches and issues them, keeps order in the building.

Please note - the duties also include helping readers in finding the right literature, their consultation. That is, in some cases, you will have to advise this or that book, suggest which source to turn to.

When new books arrive, you will have to process them. Accept, bring to the base, put in a specially designated place for them. Not the easiest thing to do, if you think about it. And if we take into account that a scientific electronic library has now appeared, then in general you can go crazy from the amount of work performed. If you have bothered to find a job where there is an electronic library, get ready - you will have to deal with its filling and maintenance completely. Not a system administrator, not a programmer, but a librarian. So, not everyone is able to cope with such a volume of work.

Earnings

Of course, when finding employment (and choosing a direction for work), great attention is paid to such an indicator as wages. The higher it is, the more applicants and young professionals will strive for a particular profession. How are things with our currentdirection?

To be honest, not very good. The salary of a librarian, like that of most civil servants, as well as "state employees", is low. Both in Russia and in the capital. True, the difference is quite often felt.

On average, a librarian will earn about 6-9 thousand rubles. Not very much, right? And it doesn't matter if we have a rural librarian in front of us, or an ordinary city librarian. The average salary in Russia for such employees usually does not exceed 10,000 rubles. But the workload of this kind of employees is serious. And, as we have already seen, the amount of work that will have to be done, too. Not to mention workplace responsibility.

But things are a little better in the capital. Not much, but still better than nothing at all. A scientific electronic library or a state one - it doesn't matter where exactly you find a job. Please note that in Moscow or St. Petersburg you will have to work for about 15,000 rubles. More precisely, from 10 to 15 thousand. This is how much librarians in large cities of Russia receive. When it comes to schools and universities, the situation is usually no different from the general picture in Russia.

It turns out that the librarian is an important profession, but it is poorly paid. This means that among applicants and already graduated specialists, it is not so in demand. With a high degree of probability, if you want to get a job as a librarian, then you will not have much competition. Judging by the statistics, about 60% of the population consider this direction not very important andwidespread.

Contests

Despite all this, our profession today has some variety. It will not only be necessary to rearrange books and deal with paperwork. Indeed, in Russia there is one very interesting competition. It's called Librarian of the Year. Every year, across the country, the best librarians meet together, demonstrate their knowledge, and compete for the title of the best employee in Russia.

Actually, it is very useful. First, you will be engaged in self-development. Secondly, become a famous person. Thirdly, usually the winners are given some kind of prizes and bonuses, cash payments and privileges. In addition, the best librarian usually earns a higher salary than everyone else. Although, for many, even the All-Russian annual competition is not an incentive for employment.

Attestation

Among other things, from time to time, certification of librarians is carried out at the workplace. It would seem that it is difficult to deal with the sorting and distribution of books, caring for them, as well as issuing. But our current profession, like any other, is still a responsible matter. And therefore, there is no hiding from certification. If you don't pass it, you can go look for another job.

What will you have to prepare for? All libraries have their own rules for conducting the process, so it will not be possible to answer this question exactly. You should check this with your employer. However, some general principles will still apply. Which ones?

Firstly, you will be tested on the range of books available in the library. Also during this period, an assessment of the effectiveness of your work is carried out. How well are you aware of what has become part of your life, your work? Certification will show.

Secondly, most likely, work with visitors will also be evaluated. How well you serve your readers. It is possible that for this idea you will be "thrown" a secret visitor. Quite a popular trick that is being used more and more often.

Thirdly, certification involves testing your knowledge. And literary. Not everywhere, but in very many places, the employer will conduct just such a check. As already mentioned, a good librarian is someone who understands literature. An uneducated, stupid, ignorant employee is a disgrace to the entire establishment.

But in practice, it is usually enough to simply show how you work, how well and efficiently you perform your duties. Remember, the more prestigious your place of work, the tougher the check will be. For example, the central library can hold it on all counts, and even find fault all the time. Nevertheless, given that there is little competition for employment, they will not “tyrannize” you much. Most likely, just pass the symbolic certification "for show".

Quality

A reference to a librarian is usually given at your previous job. Well, or at the university where you arewere trained. If you can’t take it anywhere, it’s just enough to present a resume when applying for a job. And indicate your personal qualities there. The ones every librarian should have. To be honest, there are quite a few points. What are they? What is recommended to include in a resume when applying for a job in a library?

Literary skills and aspirations are the first and most important thing to highlight. The qualities of a librarian are inconceivable without knowledge of literature. After all, she is the one to work with. No one will hire an uninformed employee. So indicate that you know what you will be working with.

Stress resistance is another equally important characteristic. It plays a role in any profession. A nervous and unbalanced person is hired without much desire. And when it comes to libraries - even more so. After all, this place is a storehouse of knowledge, peace and tranquility.

Fast learner, the ability to perform monotonous work - that's what a good librarian needs. This is especially true for the second point. Working in the library is a constant monotonous work, which is not subject to everyone. So, if you do not know how to act within the framework of the instructions for a long time, if you need a "glade" for creativity and self-development, you will have to give up the profession. Fast learner is out of the question.

Openness, friendliness, discipline - the qualities of a librarian, which also become extremely important. It is not very pleasant to come to the library and chat with the "manager" there, whoobviously not happy to see a visitor. Friendliness is the key to success in almost any direction of our life. If a person is open and friendly, it is pleasant to communicate with him. And this will not scare away readers, they will be pleased to visit this or that institution.

Initiative, composure, restraint, self-control - these are other points that should not be forgotten. Many people associate librarians with strict, self-possessed people who keep themselves "in tight rein". This status was invented for a reason. Indeed, a good librarian will be distinguished not only by education, but also by endurance. Every self-respecting employee should have these qualities.

Pros

It doesn't matter what kind of place has become your "home" when building a career - a state library, a district library or a simple school one. After all, every profession has its pros and cons. They do not really depend on the place of work. What are the benefits of our current direction?

If you are a creative person, you can only rejoice. The library is a place that will become your second home. Here you can work and have fun, develop and improve your literary knowledge.

If you do not have quick fatigue, are able to do monotonous work for a long time, then this place of work will seem like a paradise to you. In fact, an active and proactive person can easily cope with the burden that falls on the shoulders of a librarian.

A lot of free time is a quality that is emphasizedby the majority of employees. Keeping order in the hall is usually obtained from your desktop (place, reception). And, in general, most of the time will have to sit either at the computer (they are now everywhere), or simply at the documents and a desk. You can go about your business in peace. For example, a part-time job.

Not always, as already mentioned, you need a higher education for employment. The librarian's instruction indicates more that you should be simply an educated and cultured person with skills and knowledge in literature. So, everyone has job prospects. The low level of competition cannot be overemphasized.

Flaws

True, the direction also has more than enough shortcomings. And one point plays an important role. Of course, we are talking about wages. She, as already mentioned, is low. Both in Russia and in the capitals. If you compare it with the load and responsibility that will be placed on your shoulders, then you will simply lose time in the library.

The lack of prospects for advancement and career development also leaves its mark on the popularity and demand for the profession of a librarian. There is no career ladder in this area. Therefore, to some extent, this direction can be called unpromising.

It has already been said about the load. Yes, quite often you can go about your business during the working day - earn extra money at the computer, read, embroider, and so on (especially if your boss is not following you, the main thing is to watchorder in the building and respond to the first call of visitors), but there are times when the real rush happens. And that's when the amount of work and responsibility just doesn't match your salary.

As you can see, a librarian is a profession that is not very popular among specialists. It requires special responsibility, knowledge and skills in literature. Only the real lover of creativity and books will be able to work in the library on a permanent basis. Rather, this is not even a profession, but a vocation!