TYPES OF LIBRARIES
Public Libraries
Public libraries are established and maintained by public
funds to meet the educational, informational and recreational needs
of citizens. They serve their communities by providing information,
referral services, programs, and materials such as books, records,
films, video cassettes and journals.
Academic Libraries
These libraries have the dual role of providing collections
and services for college and university students and supporting
the teaching and highly specialized research conducted in the academic
setting.
School Libraries
These libraries, often called resource centres, play an integral
role in the elementary and secondary school instructional programs.
Special Libraries
Special libraries or information centres are established
to meet the information needs of specific groups. These centres
are located in art galleries, consulting firms, government agencies,
hospitals, law firms, museums, private and public companies, and
research laboratories, etc.
LIBRARY CAREER CHOICES
Librarians/Information Scientists
Training and Qualifications--Librarians are graduates
of post-graduate programs in Library or Information Science. Applicants
to Master of Library Science programs require an under-graduate
degree with a subject specialty. Reading knowledge of a second language
and computer literacy are valuable assets.
Nature of Work--Librarians plan, develop and coordinate all
aspects of library and information services. They are involved
in the selection, acquisition and organization of materials (such
as books, videos, journals and computer software). They are also
responsible for making information readily available to people
in libraries and information centres. They assist people in locating
sources of information and provide instruction in research techniques.
Experienced librarians may obtain managerial positions. These
require administrative skills, such as financial planning and
human resources management.
Salary--The starting salary for librarians with Master of Library
Science degree should be comparable to other professionals with
similar levels of education.
Library Technicians
Training and Qualifications--Library technicians are
graduates of library technician programs such as the one offered
by Red River Community College. Through this post-secondary training,
library technicians are prepared to perform the specialized functions
unique to the library and information environment.
Nature of Work--Library technicians assist in developing,
organizing, maintaining, publicizing, and providing access to a
collection of materials. Technicians participate in the operation
of networks, automated systems and interlibrary loans. Technicians
may coordinate and supervise the work of clerical staff, be responsible
for a section or department within a library, or be fully responsible
for a library within schools or industry.
Salary--The starting salary for library technicians
varies with the employer but should be comparable to graduates of
technical programs.
Teacher-Librarians
Training and Qualifications--Teacher-librarians are
full qualified teachers who may have post-graduate education in
library science.
Nature of Work--Teacher-librarians work as partners
with classroom teachers in planning, teaching and evaluating instructional
programs, and in promoting literacy among students. As well, they
carry out a variety of other functions, such as collection development
and supervision of support staff.
Salary--Teacher-librarians earn the same pay as other
teachers. Salaries depend on years of formal education and teaching
experience.
Library Assistants and Library Clerks
Training and Qualifications--Library assistants and
clerks are usually high school graduates. Other educational requirements
vary with the employer and the position, but range from clerical
courses to library technician certificates or university degrees.
Nature of Work--Library assistants and clerks work in
various library departments. They participate in acquisitions and
technical services in ordering, processing, and cataloguing materials.
In circulation departments they provide public service to patrons
in charging out materials, and in sorting and shelving materials.
Those classified at higher levels may supervise a branch or section,
or provide readers' assistance, working under supervision of a librarian.
Salary--Library assistants and clerks should receive
salaries comparable to staff performing similar duties in other
parts of the organization. Education and years of experience should
be taken into consideration.
Related Careers
Archivist, Conservator, Free-lance Librarian, Indexer,
Information Broker, Publishers' Representative, Records Manager.
LIBRARY EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS
The employment outlook for
librarians, library technicians, library clerks and assistants,
and teacher-librarians is expected to remain very competitive over
the next few years. Although library school enrollments are expected
to decline, few new positions are being created. Most job openings
in libraries will result from replacement needs as more librarians
and library technicians reach retirement age. Overall job prospects
in Canadian libraries range from fair to good, with unemployment
rates for librarians and library technicians lower than for those
in other professions. Source: Job
Futures 2000, Human Resources and Development Canada. For more
information on library science and library technology programs as
well as employment in libraries, archives, and private industry
contact the following sources of information:
Source: Manitoba Library Association 1993-revised September 1994
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