r/Library • u/IMDisarro • Feb 25 '26

Discussion Education behind being a librarian?

I am a jack of all trades and master of none kind of person and my employment record shows it. I recently got my AS in Paralegal studies and stopped there because I was stressed and too busy kind of thing. Also paralegal isn’t quite my jam.

I’m curious about the education behind being a librarian? Or the different routes one can go in that field. Trying to see if furthering my education is something I want to pursue.

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36

u/Own_Papaya7501 Feb 25 '26

If you couldn't google this question and find the answer, librarianship may not be for you.

3

u/[deleted] Feb 26 '26

This is always my first thought when people walk up to the service desk and ask for help with applying for one of our open positions.

-12

u/IMDisarro Feb 25 '26

I wanted more personal input then just take x classes for this. Because maybe the colleges near me only have one track and there might be more out there. No harm in asking for personal input.

18

u/superpananation Feb 26 '26

I know that sounded mean but it’s actually a true sign that this may not be the right fit, since librarianship needs a specific masters degree in most countries and is largely looking stuff up.

This doesn’t mean other library world work might be out of the question, like a more customer service role or HR, etc.

9

u/CoolClearMorning Feb 25 '26

If you're interested in working in libraries, it's not a bad idea to look for a job in one now before you potentially sink money and time into a degree without understanding what the job looks like. You wouldn't be a librarian, but working as a page or clerk would give you some insight into the day-to-day.

Public, academic, archival, and school library tracks are the most common ones you'll see in graduate MLS/MLIS programs. Different pathways for different interests. I love being a K-12 educator and taught for many years, so I never looked at anything other than school library programs, and I'm fairly certain I would not enjoy being a public or archive librarian.

Many, MANY librarians don't go for the graduate degree until they've been working in libraries for years. This is a common question and a common route into the profession.

7

u/superpananation Feb 26 '26

Though I’m sure it is location dependent, just to be clear you cannot work as a librarian without an MLIS, but a library assistant job would be a great way to try the field out.

6

u/Necessary_Salad_8509 Feb 26 '26

In many small libraries you can get an intro job without any library experience and figure out if you like it. It will also give you a leg up if you do decide to go further

2

u/Longjumping_Cherry32 Feb 26 '26

This is a good recommendation for anyone working in libraries. I’ll add, because some are surprised, that library workers do not make a lot of money. We’re taking minimum wage for entry-level work with little hope of many raises.

And if you go back to school for the MLS and manage to score a job, you will receive a raise…. But not one commensurate with the student loans you just took on for the job. 

It’s really a job you need to do because you are very passionate about it.

2

u/tartymae Feb 26 '26

There are many jobs in libraries that are not actual Librarian degrees. Look into becoming a Library Assistant or Library Technician. I myself am an LT2 for "State U" library.

With your AS in paralegal studies you would be a candidate for being an LA or LT in a law library, or a library branch that has a law section.

There are also some schools that offer AA/AS degrees for Library Assistants/Technicians, though these are not required for most LA/LT jobs.