The traditional concept of the librarian and information officer has been redefined. Technology now forms an integral part of their role, as the work now includes online library catalogues, online databases and journals, virtual libraries and CD-Roms.

Types of role

Opportunities for employment exist both within public libraries (there are 351 branch libraries in Ireland), academic libraries and also within government departments, the health sector, semi-state bodies and private firms (eg, law firms, accounting firms).

Academic library

Key responsibilities within an academic library may include:

• producing user guides
  
• dealing with users' enquiries
  
• microforms
  
• inter library loans
  
• general reference
  
• lending books
  
• assisting students with literature searches (using networked databases, printed resources, CD-ROM and the internet).

You may also liaise with a faculty providing a subject-related consultative service, informing them of new materials in their subject areas, involving them in the selection of material, providing orientation to resources available, maintaining copyright, and managing a budget.

Public library

Working within a public library may involve areas such as acquisitions, cataloguing, bibliography, reference, special collections, or administration. Duties will include:

• promoting the library through displays, talks, and community events
  
• managing collection development
  
• liaising with community groups
  
• advising patrons on library resources and technology
  
• providing information search assistance
  
• assisting users in using the internet
  
• initiating reader development activities.

School library

School librarians may have additional responsibilities in developing information literacy skills, instructing students in effective research skills, devising and implementing strategies to improve reading and tackle literacy difficulties.

Law firms

Over 150 law firms in Ireland and the UK employ legal information professionals. Key responsibilities within these firms include:

• managing a library information service
  
• supporting fee earners with their research requirements
  
• negotiating and maintaining contracts for appropriate legal and business information databases
  
• training users in information services, systems, intranet and databases.

Entry requirements

In order to pursue a career as a librarian, you will need a graduate qualification in librarianship. Entry into postgraduate programmes is competitive and candidates are generally required to have experience in library or information work.

The programmes in Ireland that lead to qualification are postgraduate Diploma in Library and Information Studies, Bachelor of Social Science (Information Studies) and a Master of Library and Information Studies all at UCD.

It is possible to study abroad and a list of programmes accredited by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals is available on their website
www.cilip.org.uk/qualifications/where.html.
Three universities in the UK offer library and information courses by distance learning. These are Northumbria University, Robert Gordon University and the University of Wales, Aberystwyth.

Together with a professional qualification, key skills include excellent communication and customer care skills, strong team working and collaboration skills, accuracy, and organisational skills, together with an interest and proficiency in ICT.

Career development and salaries

Salary ranges depend on a number of factors including experience, sector, and size of employer. In the public library service a librarian starting out gets a salary of circa €35,000, rising to €43,000 depending on length of service, while a county and city librarian earns between approximately €57,000 and €75,000. Within academic institutions the pay scales are different. Salary for a library assistant starts at circa €22,000. Assistant Librarians start at €33,000. Sub librarian salaries start at circa €50,000, while within the larger academic institutions the librarian salary scale starts at circa €100,000. In Northern Ireland Assistant Librarians start on a salary of circa £18,000-25,000.

Note: Salary figures quoted are approximate and are for guideline purposes only. These may vary depending on experience or economic and local circumstances.

Written by Caroline Kennedy, Careers & Opportunities Officer, National College of Ireland.