Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Training and Teaching Others Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

The Work

Libraries exist to serve a specific community, be it the general public, an academic community or industry. The work of the Librarian lies in the field of communication, information, education and recreation.  
 
Librarians select, purchase and organise library materials, making sure the best use is made of them.  
 
Some librarians buy materials regularly through a supplier. As they buy, they may become aware of other relevant publications. They can also spend a lot of time scanning publications to extract material. In all cases, librarians must be aware of all the sources available and of their clients' needs. This normally involves making close links with clients and may include canvassing opinions through discussions and surveys.  

Librarians use information technology to organise and retrieve information so an understanding of computers is essential. Librarians are also responsible for classifying, indexing and arranging of materials.  In universities & museums assisting researchers may form part of required supports from a Librarian, Archivist. 
 
Librarians are involved in the provision of information via user-education programmes, publicity campaigns, or the distribution of information through bulletins, as well as dealing with enquiries.

In public libraries, in particular, it may involve activities such as children's storytelling and helping users to use the Internet. Librarians can also supervise staff.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Check books in and out of the library.
• Teach library patrons basic computer skills, such as searching computerised databases.
• Review and evaluate materials, using book reviews, catalogs, faculty recommendations, and current holdings to select and order print, audio-visual, and electronic resources.
• Keep up-to-date records of circulation and materials, maintain inventory, and correct cataloging errors.
• Search standard reference materials, including online sources and the Internet, to answer patrons' reference questions.
• Analyse patrons' requests to determine needed information and assist in furnishing or locating that information.
• Supervise daily library operations, budgeting, planning, and personnel activities, such as hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluations.
• Plan and teach classes on topics such as information literacy, library instruction, and technology use.
• Confer with colleagues, faculty, and community members and organisations to conduct informational programs, make collection decisions, and determine library services to offer.
• Code, classify, and catalog books, publications, films, audio-visual aids, and other library materials based on subject matter or standard library classification systems.

Further Information

• Librarian / Archivist / Curator - from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Librarian / Archivist / Curator - from: GradIreland

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

Librarianship is a graduate profession. Entrants must first complete an undergraduate degree and then pursue a Masters degree.

Undergraduate routes

Higher Education CAO Entry Cross discipline courses in College can be undertaken at NFQ level 8 Search CAO courses 

Each College providing post graduate study to qualify for Librarianship/ Archivist 

Postgraduate professional Development & Acreditation

Each College providing post graduate study to qualify for Librarianship/ Archivist / Curator in both: Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL). 

Post graduate Study Options Master's programmes are available in Ireland

Dublin Business School Master of Science (MSc) Information & Library Management

UCD, School of Information and Library Studies

University of Ulster offers the  Library and Information Management (M.Sc and Postgraduate Diploma).

PhD Research Programme

Professional Development & Accreditation 

Full details of all acceptable qualifications for entry as a Librarian are available from The Library Association of Ireland here.

Recruitment as a librarian is usually confined to those who hold a professional qualification in Librarianship recognised by the LAI. Posts in the public the private sectors are typically advertised in the national and local media. Advertisements normally indicate the qualifications required and the salary scales offered. See also online website library jobs.ie or University Vacancies.

Library Assistant roles also provide useful experience to support progression, when accompanied by appropriate academic qualifications.

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €28k - €67k

Salaries vary by employer, location, duties, role, experience, and sessional shift pattern & conditions.

Data Source(s):
Forsa/ Gov.ie/ LGMA.ie

Last Updated: July, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment levels in this occupation has seen little change in recent years, with numbers employed in 2022 slightly lower than five years ago, resulting in a negative employment growth rate. The CSO Census data indicates that increases in employment related to public relations professionals and librarians. 

The numbers employed in the individual occupations are too small for any further analysis.

• Department of Library and Information Studies

  • University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4.
  • (01) 716 7777
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Library Association of Ireland

  • 138-144 Pearse Street, Dublin 2
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Dublin City Council Libraries

  • Pearse Street Library & Archive, 138-144 Pearse Street, Dublin 2
  • (01) 674 4800
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here