Librarian (profession): description, necessary education

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

Who it

A librarian is a profession that, as already mentioned, is not too common in the modern world. Moreover, it is not so in demand, if you compare it with the same IT-technologies. Who is a librarian at all?

Everyone has come across such workers at least once in their life. 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 literature and is able to quickly help citizens find the information they need. In principle, there is nothing particularly difficult in the profession, it seems. Only work 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, our present requires a certain education. Given that the field itself is not very popular among modern youth, the choice of specialties for further employment as a librarian is not too large.

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

On average, you will have to study like everyone else - 4.5-5 years. It doesn’t matter what kind of place your work becomes - a central library, a nursery or any other. But the fact remains: you need to learn. In some cases, you can do without a "tower", only then the lack of a diploma should be covered by your personal knowledge and qualities. It really is not so simple to prove to the employer that you are a true librarian.

Where to work

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

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

In addition, central and district libraries will now also be available for employment. In principle, it’s a good option, especially if these places are not far from your home. The differences between the central library and the state are not significant. Only in terms of work.

Only in practice usually librarians go to educational institutions to work. For example, school or university staff. Here such kind of personnel is needed constantly. A school librarian or a state librarian - it doesn’t matter; the job responsibilities at one place or another will be the same. In the same way that personal qualities are valued the same in these two completely different places. What will you have to do after you get a job?

Duties

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

This employee should be engaged in sorting books in a particular institution. He also searches for and issues them, monitors the order in the building.

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

When new books arrive, you will have to deal with their processing. Take, put in the base, put in a designated place for them. Not the easiest thing to think about. And if you consider that a scientific electronic library has appeared now, then in general you can go crazy about the amount of work performed. If you bother to get a job where there is an electronic library, get ready - you will have to completely deal with its filling and maintenance. Not a system administrator, not a programmer, namely a librarian. So, not everyone can cope with such a volume of work.

Earning

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

Frankly, not very well. The salary of a librarian, like most public servants, as well as "state employees," is low. Both in Russia and in the capital. True, the difference is often felt.

On average, a librarian will earn about 6-9 thousand rubles. Not a lot, right? And not so important, the rural librarian in front of us, or the usual urban. The average salary in Russia for such employees usually does not exceed 10,000 rubles. But the workload of this kind of staff is serious. And, as we have already seen, the amount of work that will have to be done, too. Not to mention responsibility in the workplace.

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

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

Contests

Despite all this, our profession today has some diversity. Not only have to rearrange books and do paperwork. Indeed, in Russia there is one very interesting competition. It is called the Librarian of the Year. Every year throughout the country, the best librarians meet together, demonstrate their knowledge, and compete for the title of best employee in Russia.

This is actually very helpful. Firstly, you will be engaged in self-development. Secondly, you will become a famous person. Thirdly, winners are usually given some bonuses and bonuses, cash payments and privileges. In addition, the best librarian, as a rule, receives a higher salary than everyone else. Although, for many, even the All-Russian annual competition is not an incentive for employment.

Certification

Among other things, from time to time, at the workplace, certification of librarians is carried out. It would seem that it’s difficult to sort out and distribute books, take care of them, and also issue them. Only now our today's profession, like any other, is still a responsible business. And therefore not to hide from certification. If you do not pass it, you can go look for yourself another place of work.

What will you have to prepare for? All libraries have their own rules for conducting the process, so there’s no way to answer this question exactly. You should find out this nuance from your employer. However, some general principles will still apply. Which ones?

First, you will be checked for knowledge of the assortment of books that are in the library. Also during this period, an assessment of the effectiveness of your work. 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” by a secret visitor. A fairly popular technique, which is used more and more often.

Thirdly, certification involves testing your knowledge. And literary. Not everywhere, but in so many places, this is exactly what the employer will do. As already mentioned, a good librarian is someone who understands literature. An uneducated, stupid, ignorant employee is a shame for the whole establishment.

But in practice it’s usually quite simple to show how you work, how well and efficiently you fulfill your duties. Remember, the more prestigious the place of your work, the tougher the check will be. For example, the central library can conduct it on all counts, and even constantly find fault. Nevertheless, if you take into account that the competition in employment is small, then they will not tyrannize you strongly. Most likely, just pass the symbolic certification "for show".

Qualities

A characteristic for a librarian is usually given at your former place of work. Well, or at the university where you studied. If you can’t take it anywhere, it’s just enough to present a resume at the time of employment. And indicate your personal qualities there. Those that any librarian should possess. To be honest, there are quite a few points. What are they like? What is recommended to be indicated in the resume at employment in the library?

Literary skills and aspirations are the first and most important thing that can be distinguished. The qualities of a librarian are unthinkable without knowledge of literature. After all, it is with her that you have to work. An uninformed employee will not be hired. So, indicate that you know what you will work with.

Stessibility is another equally important characteristic. She plays a role for any profession. A nervous and unbalanced person is taken to work without much hunting. And when it comes to libraries - and even more so. After all, this place is a storehouse of knowledge, peace and tranquility.

Fast learning, the ability to perform monotonous work - this is what a good librarian still needs. This is especially true of the second point. Work in the library is a constant monotonous work that is not subject to all. So, if you do not know how to act within the framework of instructions for a long time, if you need a "clearing" for creativity and self-development, you will have to abandon the profession. About quick learning and not worth talking about.

Openness, friendliness, discipline are the qualities of a librarian, which also become extremely important. It is not too pleasant to come to the library and communicate there with the "manager", who is clearly not happy to see the visitor. Friendliness is the key to success in almost any direction of our lives. If a person is open and friendly, it is pleasant to communicate with him. And this will not frighten readers, it will be pleasant for them to visit one or another institution.

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

pros

It is not so important which place has become your "haven" in building a career - a state library, a district or a simple school. After all, any profession has its pros and cons. They are not particularly dependent 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 the 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 fast fatigue, are able to perform monotonous work for a long time, then this place of work will seem to you just a paradise. In fact, an active and proactive person will easily cope with the load that falls on the shoulders of the librarian.

A lot of free time is the quality that most employees emphasize. It is usually possible to keep order in the room because of your desktop (space, reception). But, in general, most of the time will have to sit either at the computer (they are everywhere now), or simply at documents and a desk. You can do your business calmly. For example, a side job.

Not always, as has already been said, higher education is needed for employment. The librarian’s manual more indicates that you should just be an educated and cultured person with the skills and knowledge in the literature. So, everyone has employment prospects. One cannot but emphasize the low level of competition.

disadvantages

True, there are more than enough shortcomings in the direction. Moreover, 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 in the library you simply lose time.

The lack of prospects for raising and developing a career 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 do your own business during a day's work - moonlighting at a computer, reading, embroidering and so on (especially if your bosses are not following you, the main thing is to look at the order in the building and respond at the first call of visitors), but there are times when the most real rummages happen. And then the amount of work and responsibility is simply not compared with your salary.

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