So You Want To Be a Librarian...

NOTE: the title of this video is a play on the old Library manual by the same title
I tried to make a comprehensive video explaining all the things you should consider before becoming a #librarian, or contemplating working in a #library. These are things I wish I could have known before entering the field. Knowing these things might make you more prepared, well-equipped, and less likely to be disappointed if it’s not what you thought it would be, but it might also make you a better, stronger, well-versed librarian.
These are MY opinions based on MY experiences. I will share below others in the field sharing their experiences. Not everything I say is golden truth, take everything with a grain of salt. Also, it is worth mentioning, that just like your job depends on the community it's serving, your situation may also depend on the kind of co-workers you have and how they collaborate/communicate etc.
Medical Libraries NLM - MeSH (how to be a medical librarian): / @nnlmgov
Elizabeth (books and pieces)- (has deleted her channel since the making of this video)
Other Booktubers:
Sassenach the Book Wizard’s Series on How to Become a Librarian: • Rambling Librarian #1 ...
Unmanaged Mischief’s Playlist DOCUMENTING her experiences in the MLIS program and Grad school: • MLIS Diaries | what wa...
Sarita Janich: • So, You Want to Be a L...
Funny things that happen in the library: / strange_things_people_...
Goodreads list I created of Non-Fiction Books about Libraries and Librarians: / 130203.nonfiction_book...
My KZbin playlist on Library Books: • Video

[@InfiniteText]

A NOTE ON SILENCE: while most public libraries have opened up their borders on silence, ACADEMIC libraries continue to sush people because students come in to study. Believe it or not I have been personally sushed myself by the students....yup. That happens too. Also if you work in small places like a tiny office building, or law building etc. the other people may have board rooms, meeting rooms, or offices and the "library" or documents will be placed in a transitional hallway or front desk and you may still need to live in a lot of silence with minimal human interaction. Public libraries and SOME other kinds of libraries have certainly opened up their spaces and encourage conversation. And children's libraries are a free-for-all because....children.

[@konyvnyelv.]

Introvert dream...😍🥳

[@cassaundrapattersonday5378]

I worked in a public library for 17 years and I referred to it as a "community center." Public libraries are not quiet anymore; there may be a designated quiet area or room. When people ask what training they need to work in a public library, I tell them that they must have solid customer service skills.

[@10whatsmyname01]

I've been in grocery retail for 12 years and the atmosphere of the company has developed a culture that conflicts with my values, especially in relation to how I can serve my customers. I'm looking for a job that allows me to live my values, connect with my community, and coach and develop others. I think being a librarian would be a fulfilling job for me and I think my experience with the public will help me enter the library world.

[@randallwyrick6785]

My son got a Library Science degree and paired it with his love of music and film to become an audio/visual librarian. Every Wednesday evening he shows a free art film of his choosing in the auditorium of the public library where he works. My wife and I occasionally attend. However, the first time we did, we noticed that he had the sound turned quite low so that I actually struggled to hear it. Fortunately it was a French film with subtitles, haha. Anyway, now I understand why. He’s so used to the daily silence of the library that it must have seemed perfectly fine to him. Thanks again, Andreea, for a very interesting and informative video.

[@InfiniteText]

Really!! Your son is a librarian?!!! That is so cool! You and Cheryl must be proud! It's so nice that you support his programming by attending the library events, it sounds wonderful! and you are very welcome, I am happy to make chatty videos from time to time!

[@randallwyrick6785]

Yes, of course, we are very proud. When I was a boy, one of my very favorite things to do was to walk to my hometown library and check out books to read. So, when my son and daughter were growing up, regular Saturday morning trips to the library were just a given. I guess my affection for the library must have rubbed off on him and I’m happy that it did.

[@eudoriaBelle]

How much does he make a year if you don’t mind me asking?

[@Time4aKiss]

This was the best librarian video I've seen so far. Most people just talk without saying anything useful.

[@InfiniteText]

Thank you! :)

[@txspacemom765]

I was a medical Librarian. I enjoy it for 10 years. I am now transitioning over to an archival librarian. It can be done. Learn all you can, diversify your idea of what a librarian is (great videos like this help!) and keep an open mind.

[@marthiasaboh254]

Will be nice to know you

[@Amia759]

Omg I’m two years late but how was it being a medical librarian? It’s my first hearing it :D

[@txspacemom765]

@@Amia759 It was great! I worked in a teaching hospital that was attached to a university.

[@flo1242]

This was really helpful! Thank you for taking the time to make this video

[@YelizKaplan]

Very nice explanation. Thank you!

[@andrew4635]

"And you're not gonna read." I lost it xD

[@koalasbooks2496]

We have one designated space in our library where silence is enforced. Our reference desk is not in that area specifically because we need to be available for people to ask us questions and speak to us. We chat and joke around all the time at the reference desk. Cant imagine what it would be like if we were forced to sit in silence our whole shift 😬

[@InfiniteText]

I work at a very tiny library and it's very quiet in general (even on a "busy" day). I also have co-workers who prefer extreme silence, which is probably why I felt it a lot more than usual. It was rough at the beginning, but now I'm getting used to it . Your library sounds lovely!

[@skqweeb]

thank you so much! im finishing up my undergrad and this is one of the best videos ive seen to help me decide on my MLIS!

[@taajahsmith913]

This was very informative! Thankyou 💖

[@deslozada]

Thanks so much for that reality check. I needed that today lol. I have heard stories at my local city library where it's mostly a homeless community (stories of both the surfing porn and a guy jerking off). Luckily they have a security guard to talk to them and escort them out, and both people were suspended for a number of months. Also patrons smoking crack in the bathrooms or "showering" in the sink, starting fights, etc. I think this information is especially important to know for people considering the field. Thank you for contributing and sharing your experiences and knowledge.

[@txuravity3190]

Thank you, this video was very helpful!

[@mynameisq8392]

This video had me smiling the whole time. I worked for 3 years as a student as a virtual reality assistant/technical help. I had an incredible time getting to learn about VR and showing students how to integrate it into their work, and creating community events where people could use it to go to their honeymoon destinations if they could no longer walk or foreign students could get to see their home towns again. I got told I had such an easy job, full of quiet time. No! It was hard work!! I'm so lucky to have gotten my bachelor's after the lockdown started. I would give anything to do this wonderful job again! Thank you for your great insight.

[@angeladorwin4611]

Thank you! This was very helpful. Best video I've seen about this subject.

[@InfiniteText]

happy I could help!

[@angelacajou]

Thank you. I did not know about all the different types of librarians. I love the public librarianship. ❣❣❣

[@ofbooksandmen7899]

Thanks for the video, Andrea, it was really interesting!

[@InfiniteText]

I am glad you enjoyed it :)

[@rgb1215]

Really helpful!!! Thank so much!!!

[@InfiniteText]

You are very welcome!

[@mwaataulombo537]

For your Library presentation i really appreciate and you have helped me, because l love library and l work as a librarian volunteer for 6 years, but l really need more from you about it for the purpose of which categorically of a librarian i can. thank you so much continue.

[@InfiniteText]

I have a full playlist on more details about libraries (including what courses I took): kzbin.info/aero/PLWdrlTo4rY-5SFNDCbXgtoos8zg-bQlPN

[@FinalBlowJoe]

I knew you'd make this video eventually and also knew it'd be really interesting and informative. I wouldn't of considered the silence aspect of working in a library as, like you said, it's taken for granted and assumed it will be really nice and relaxing whereas it could be rather disconcerting.

[@InfiniteText]

It's a little daunting after 40+ hours per week, especially since I live alone and when I come home, I am also alone in the quiet for longer. Also...it doesn't help that my hobbies are yoga and reading...both very solitary and quiet hobbies. I will probably make more library-related videos, but seeing a surplus of people interested in becoming librarians and considering this degree made me think...hm...what would I have liked to have known before this whole thing started?

[@lilcarp87]

Unlike many of the showoff bookshelves or self-called Home Library with 99% fantasy titles, your channel is what I need for. Thanks for making this video!

[@spinstercatlady]

I swear you always have the best and most unique/interesting bookish vids!! I worked as a children's librarian at my local public library for years. For a small town in southeastern Kentucky, we actually have a VERY nice, new library! You're spot on in your job descriptions. There's loads of community based programs that I had to brainstorm and organize. While I enjoyed my job, in truth I'm just not super crazy about kids lol and ended up switching to a job working for a nonprofit organization as a cat rescue coordinator (again loads of community involved haha) which I LOVE. I do wish I hadn't elected to go to college for so long, because the job opportunities and salary levels just didn't equal out to all that time and money spent. Of course location is a big factor too, and if I'd been willing to move to a larger city of course their would've been more opportunities. I've always been a huge word nerd, so a job in editing or proofreading would be right up my alley. Any idea what the qualifications and opportunities are like for something like that? Is it possible to work from home in that field? Would love to see nore videos on bookish jobs and careers!!

[@InfiniteText]

awww, that was such a nice comment. Thank you so much for saying that, it cheered me up so much! Let's face it, there isn't much of a leap from librarian to cat rescue! I was so shocked when I walked into a public library in a senior neighbourhood, versus one in a young-families neighbourhood. The atmosphere and programming was so different, and it's the same "library system." Sometimes I felt disappointed that I somehow "went to college" to get somewhere and then the rewards aren't as beneficial as promised, but then I stop and think....if money and time were no problem, I think I'd spend my whole life in school because it's something I just love. Minus the pressures of being tested all the time...the learning aspect only. See to me it sounds like you are one of the people who would thrive in the publishing world. There are so many publishers looking for the tough parts of publishing which is: a great editor with editing and proofreading skills. And if publishing sounds too daunting, there are also literary agents who work for agencies and are the bridge between new authors and publishing houses and they often spend a lot of time proofreading and editing. That's just me brainstorming out loud.

[@spinstercatlady]

@@InfiniteText you're very welcome! Yes, I loved college and would be a "career student" if I could lol. Thanks for the info, I'll definitely have to look into more bookish careers :)

[@user-rn9qn6dd6e]

Thanks for good formation

[@user-qy1qt6jf9j]

I love this video! So informative :). I just subscribed. I am currently going to college for library and information science. I recently started making videos about library science, so I love finding other librarian channels. I look forward to watching more of your videos!

[@InfiniteText]

if you have more library-specific questions, please let me know. Maybe I can answer some of them.

[@lilozine]

11:06 i started out in the library with a bachelors (you can also do this without) as a circulation services assistant. it's the perfect position for someone who wants to work in the library, usually on the first floor where talking is permitted, without a mlis degree. in this position i work with my supervisors, and student workers. we deal with books that have been returned and also books that have been paged for pickup and deliver them to the public/patrons. i get to work with books and patrons and i get to spend a lot of time at my desk, on a computer and even reading. i even started a bookclub here because i love books. this is just one way to work in a library and after doing it for six months, i have applied for my masters degree in library and information science and i start my program this september. so soon i will be an actual librarian. who knows where it might go from there. thank you for the video! very informative in terms of sharing that there are different types of librarians.

[@Thecosystudent]

Hey 👋 did you finish your masters? How did it go? Thanks

[@lilozine]

@@Thecosystudent hi! i am still in the master's program at the UW iSchool! 1 year down, 2 to go! Thanks for asking! I post about it on my channel.

[@nunopereira265]

It's one of the professions that I can work with as an future information professional.

[@sarahsings]

This is hard but honest. Nice talk.

[@c.j.harden479]

Thank you so much for this video!!! I think every profession has its share of challenges for introverts. As a deep introvert, I had to find a way to communicate with management, business partners, clients and co-workers in IT. It wasn't easy, but over time it became a mostly positive experience. Because of my love for books and learning, I have wished many times that I had followed a Library Science path... but now I wonder if my experience would have been much the same. Thank you again for this video!!!

[@InfiniteText]

you are very welcome. It's never too late to try. I don't know if it came across in my video but I was slightly disillusioned by what I saw in practice versus what I thought it would be. But you know...if you love the books and learning you never have to stop loving either no matter what career path you chose. As for the introvert thing it's just funny to me because I met many people in my program saying: "I like books I HATE people." and I'm there like....this is a service job? You can do well as an introvert, but you can't do well if you genuinely hate human interaction...it would ruin the library experience for everyone....employees and patrons. Thank you for watching and for leaving such a nice comment!

[@cuppajavaplease]

I am SO pleased to have discovered your channel. I realize I'm a little late responding to this video as I continue to binge your content, but I just want to add my two cents worth. I am so glad I chose to go to library school to get an MLS near the end of my teaching career before taking early retirement. I was unable to transition to a school librarian job because much younger teachers always got the jobs I applied for. However, I served on a public library board, and I started my own business four years ago indexing nonfiction books for publishing houses and sometimes authors. My specialty is in environmental science, climate change, and sustainability. This career has provided a good income for me and evolved directly out of my library background which, after all, is all about accessing information and making it accessible to the public. I want people to know that being a librarian is a wonderful and wide-open field, but you must be creative in order to find your own personal fit. The traditional librarian route may not work for everyone.

[@InfiniteText]

I could really use an early retirement right about now. It really is a very open field. Sometimes I think people get really fixed on definitions, and ideas of what a librarian is or has been. Thank you for your input!

[@karineds]

I am librarian here in Brazil and I agree with everything you said. Great video for anyone who is thinking about the profession.

[@InfiniteText]

Thank you! I hope you are keeping safe and you are well! Best of luck with the library!

[@ariannea3]

Thank you for making this video. I worked in a library as a documentary technician while in college and I loved it so much that I will begin my master in library and information sciences this fall. I just finished my degree in Literature and History. I'm a bit stressing about finding a job after graduating. I don't know how the situation is in Ontario but in Quebec, the job placement isn't that great.

[@InfiniteText]

you are very welcome, and nope....it's pretty brutal...like actually. My advice is to get as many library jobs as you can while you do your Masters and get as many connections as you can because those are the most useful, and after you graduate spread the word to all of them that you're actively looking if anything opens up. In all honesty whenever a job is posted, it's very often created "for" someone they had in mind. There are some jobs that hire external of course, but they are often not ideal. Also your first official job may not be what you had in mind but keep going because everyone I spoke to seems to have had an awkward first job (even in the field)

[@ariannea3]

@@InfiniteText Thanks for the response. ☺️ I sure will continue to make some contacts in that field.

[@sarahw7669]

I love how you said just because you graduated you’ll get the job you want because that’s SOOOOO TRUE! I went into college thinking that and honestly that’s not how jobs work.

[@InfiniteText]

Yeah, unfortunately I thought that too...really broke my heart.

[@Nyledam89]

This was so interesting! I think university librarians in Germany might work somewhat differently but I do not know much about it in detail.

[@InfiniteText]

I am sure there are significant differences. I would be fascinated to learn how Continental Europe and Eastern Europe function in librarianship. Alas, I have only encountered UK and Australian videos.

[@Nyledam89]

@@InfiniteText If I find out more at some point, I will let you know. :)

[@josmith5992]

Really interesting Andreea, I really think the job of a librarian has changed a lot over the years, a lot more computer stuff for a start. Fifteen years ago I was a technical librarian for a year for an airline, no training required, I just used to spend most of my time burning manual updates for parts of the aircraft and sending them around the world, not inspiring and I’m sure that’s not done anymore. I never wanted to be a librarian but would volunteer in my old library to get that feeling of being surrounded by books 😄!

[@InfiniteText]

Yes, there seems to be a very disjointed image of what people imagine librarian work to look like and what it actually turns out to be. I have been fortunate enough to work in libraries where there are books everywhere, but the services provided as a full time professional are very different than what I used to do as a student helper. An airline! That is one of the most unique and different kind of librarianship I've ever heard of. That sounds fascinating. I hope they gave you some perks on flight discounts :)

[@LibrarianChef]

Great video. You captured a lot of what being a librarian actually entails and the necessary educational requirements. Particularly the silence; I have gone an entire work day without uttering a word to anyone before. However, why does everyone forget about government librarians? We have to deal with government reports and grey literature that is less common. There is also a vast variation in management options as a librarian, from being a solo-librarian to managing a very large staff. Competition for library jobs can also be fierce in large, over-saturated markets.

[@InfiniteText]

Thank you so much for this thoughtful comment and for watching. Oh yeah plenty of niche-librarians. One of my ex-supervisors is currently in the middle of publishing her book specifically on Grey Literature, that's so funny you brought it up. I have to admit, at the moment, the silence is killing me, and yes, the market is super-oversaturated...and once people have a good job they are likely to keep it for life....thanks again :) it's always nice to hear from new people

[@putricharolinabarus253]

thanks you, i like your contant

[@kirstenreads5983]

Another informative, in-depth video! I learned a lot and must admit, there are times when I really envy librarians their silent workplace, as mine is the exact opposite🤣. But then again the weird incidents you described sound like my job in school 😂...

[@InfiniteText]

The silence is at times relative. I work in a REALLY small library and the students are post-grad so they know what they're doing and they are very smart, in need of little guidance from me. I only have one co-worker and he is the most silent person in the world. An amazing person, but very quiet. So my silence levels are a little daunting. Sometimes I blast dubstep music on my commute back just to have an aggressive level of noise (which I control)

[@kirstenreads5983]

@@InfiniteText I get the picture! Is it a library specialized in a certain scientific field?

[@krystyna_mari]

As I entered the BLIS program (Bachelor in Library and Information Science) here in the Philippines, people often ask me what librarianship is about. I really thought that they know what it is (yes, I'm surprised). To simplify, I tell them that it is the course for those who want to be librarians in the future. However, because of that answer, they perceive that I do love books so the course will suit me. Little did they know that the works of a librarian are beyond holding books! I still appreciate their questions, though. Seeing how interested they are, makes me more motivated in pursuing the course after being a tired irregular student (transferee). I'm glad that I stumbled on your clear and informative video. You deserve all the love and thank you so much for this!

[@InfiniteText]

Thank you. Yeah, I've accepted a long time ago that the general public will never understand how much work is involved in librarianship

[@BookishTexan]

This was really interesting and informative. At one time, I considered going back to school to get a Library Science degree because I wanted to be a research librarian. The oppression of the silence in libraries is something I never would have considered. As an aside, do you find yourself involuntarily shushing people outside the library?

[@InfiniteText]

It's never too late Brian! I think you'd make a great research librarian :). I can totally see you working in a library specializing in history. And if you don't believe me when I say it's never too late, about 1/4 of my classmates in my Master's degree were in their mid 70s. I was so impressed that they wanted a career change, and were on top of their Masters degree goals. Some were fully retired and said that when they were young their goal was to get a Ph.D. and they refuse to live without it! I do sush people everywhere. Sometimes I jokingly tell people that in library school we had a whole course on sushing where we learn the exact tone of the shush.....and they believe me. It's hilarious to watch their faces

[@BookishTexan]

@@InfiniteText Wow! In their 70s. That makes me feel like a youngster. Maybe I'll look into it in a year or two.

[@anonamemous6865]

I like silence and I also like books... I hate reading in my phone and books are just best that my eyes wanted but we dont have a library here and in school,the library sucks like it's very small and noisy because it's connected to classroom and no noise reduction kind of thing... And the books needs to be updated most of them are damage and not that interesting

[@anonamemous6865]

I like old books because it's kind of interesting especially the ancient ones....

[@Fam494]

This is the best video I've seen to give you the REAL DEAL about being a Librarian! I am always tempted to switch jobs, but this video is so helpful to see that the grass is not any greener on the other side! Silence and being around books is very healing, however as you said, its not an escape!! Thank you so much!!!

[@InfiniteText]

I'm glad you found it useful! In my case it was a "backup" and then I realized I needed to focus because it was just as much schooling and work and job-hunting as all the other academia jobs! Since the making of this video a lot has happened in library technology including the usage of AI

[@tortoisedreams6369]

No plans to be a librarian, but I have worked in libraries and I do love libraries. You kinda scared me at 4:13, I feel like I need to go do some volunteer work now. Okay, you got real -- you went there. I do remember transients sleeping in the libe & smelling pretty bad, or bathing in the bathrooms. The librarians in my local libraries always seem very chatty with each other, & very patient talking with patrons (as you say, they may not talk to anyone else all day -- thanks for that awareness). One question: are you really a shusher?

[@InfiniteText]

Haha, I don't actually sush people. The library I currently work in is very small and people are often respectful so a little noise here and there we don't really sush, but I used to work in a library where people really REALLY shushed all the time. I always found it strange when library staff sushed other library staff...that was odd.

[@lakeshagadson357]

I would love to see what secretaries go through 😊

[@CravingBooks27]

aha! I did miss it. It is so cool you're a librarian. I work at a library (not sure if I want to get my MLIS or my MA in Psyc yet...decisions, decisions), and I have some scary stories and some funny ones, too. The patrons watching porn is always a funny story. I had a patron do that about a month ago and one of our pages discovered it, so I ambushed him, (read: came up from behind him) and gave him our Code of Conduct and escorted him out. He was so embarrassed that I couldn't help but laughing after. On the flip side, I have been the supervisor when many difficult situations went down, such as overdoses and potentially dangerous people who were previously banned entering the library. They make for interesting stories now but it still makes me a bit paranoid every shift. About working in complete silence and then getting sensory overload immediately after...I know exactly how that feels. I used to study in the quiet sections of my uni's library for hours every day, the second you leave that area, it is a horrifying experience. You become so much more sensitive to any kind of noise. I feel like that whenever I choose to spend my days off with quiet activities and minimal noise -- the moment I decide, "Hey, I'm going to go to the grocery store...or a movie" I instantly regret my decision. I do prefer silence, yes, but it does come with a cost. haha. Wonderful and eyeopening video!

[@InfiniteText]

You can always get both! (if you can afford it). I sometimes consider going back for an MA in Medieval Lit. What did I say? EVERY library has one of those stories (funny, scary, and sad all at once). I'll try to remember having the Code of Conduct handy, that's actually a less awkward way to do it. The sensory overload after work gets to me. I currently have only one coworker and he is not very chatty so it's EXTRA silent for us. I also am drawn to silence and solitude often, but after 40+ hours per week it gets strange as it seeps into your whole life and the things you used to do for fun are now your job. Best of luck with the LIS or MA! I hope things work out well for you!

[@milica_m967]

I graduated Library and information science! I volunteered at public library for 3 months! It's amazing job!

[@animetime7676]

how do you get your bachelors?

[@ratnasanyal1774]

How much is the pay?

[@Butterfly22593]

@@ratnasanyal1774 depends on where you work and what degree you have. On average, Liberians make about 50 thousand a year. With a masters you can make 80 to 100 thousand a year

[@richardsonreads573]

Well done

[@InfiniteText]

I trust you because you're a librarian! I always meant to ask you, what kind of librarian are you?

[@richardsonreads573]

I’m the director of a rural library in Vermont. I spend my time on administration, fundraising, and attending endless meetings. My library is small enough that I do get to be involved in the fun stuff, too.

[@alma2258]

Hey, thank you for such a honest and helpful video! I recently discovered your channel, hoping to see many more videos of yours! I am starting my MLIS in September,. Luckily I have worked in customer service for a few years now, and although sometimes they can be tiring I love people (in addition to books) which seems to be a must for a librarian. I was wondering, would you recommend any like "technical" books as an introduction to the masters? Some book that you found particularly helpful/interesting. Many people complain about the content of these MLIS being boring (even though they love the librarian job, they hated the masters). What is your opinion about this? :)

[@InfiniteText]

I didn't find the contents boring because I took many courses in rare books and manuscripts, but unfortunately those skills don't become very marketable when you find yourself applying for jobs. I would definitely recommend if possible to do two streams like LIS AND Archives or Records Management to open more doors in the future. Also if you do want to do Medical/law librarianship make sure you take courses about those, and potentially find volunteering positions or practicums/co-op in those fields. We didn't read books as much as we read academic articles shared by our professors. I personally took an interest in Historical Librarianship (check out my video on history of librarianship through librarians because I have a bunch of book recommendations there) but the books I enjoyed on that topic were: Alberto Manguel's A History of Reading, Garrison Dee's Apostles of Culture. In terms of technical and practical, one tool most librarians use is The Craft of Research (fourth ed) because we have to host seminars for students on how to study and conduct research. I hope that helps. If you have any more questions along the way don't hesitate to reach out!

[@alma2258]

@@InfiniteText ohhh Andreea that's so much valuable info! thank you very much 🥰

[@kevinsavage7322]

The Library is ultimately a Community Hub!

[@InfiniteText]

absolutely!

[@BiblioAtlas]

My hometown has a psychiatry hospital which means they have a library to go along with it, membership to this was (maybe still is) free for city residents. Curious high schooler I was back then, of course had a card. :P The books and videos they had were astounding. You're so right about libraries becoming more digital now which is another area to consider. Your point about libraries serving communities is very on point. It's easy for anyone curious about this to simply visit the various public library branches in their own city. Some will have homeless folks sleeping on the benches or spending 6+ hours inside waiting for something or nothing at all! While others will have a more family oriented vibe to it. Within a single town or large city, they can vary greatly. Visit during a weekday to get the most legit vibe. Great point about the actual job prospects as well. Degrees don't equal jobs, more often than not, we have to create our own jobs or ways of making money. I hope your weekend is pretty awesome! 💕

[@InfiniteText]

Hello Crystal!! My weekend is all right so far, thank you very much for your comment! I think compared to people thinking of professorships with Ph.Ds yes, getting "a" library job is easier. My mother is a theoretical physicist and let's just say there are zero jobs in that field. But from that to getting to work in EXACTLY the type of library you want, in the location you want, and for all the stars to align and for your coworkers to be amazing, and the pay to be equally great...the chances are rather slim. Toronto's mental health hospital's library is open to the public as well, but it's really hidden at the back of the hospital. You're right, homelessness is also a part where a librarian needs to consider that maybe being a librarian is a hybrid of social work and education (for public librarianship at least)

[@user-sb7zu5hh3r]

Thanks for your honesty about the realities of this career. Most of the facts you talk about are why I want to try working as a page first before making any big decisions. If you don't mind me asking, and hopefully this isn't going to come off as a dumb question, but one of my biggest concerns is if I were to try to work my way to a customer service assistant position what responsibilities would be expected of me when it comes to cash? I work retail so doing cash is no problem, but do you have to manage the cash register or is there a specific supervisor for circulation who is in charge of opening and closing the register and keeping it balanced and getting change when needed, or is everyone who works at circulation regardless expected to share those responsibilities? I'm bad at math and I can't seem to find any answers on this. I also ask since you're also in Canada as well which makes this video even better for me 😁👌

[@InfiniteText]

I don't think that will be a big problem if it's something you'd like to pursue. Toronto at least got rid of library fines so you wouldn't even deal with cash on that level. Even libraries that do make a lot of things payable online. But in librarian or higher up function there will be a lot of interaction with money if you have to manage a budget, get new books in, or manage memberships (to magazines or journals), and funding events...and on larger scales someone is in charge of fundraising (in different roles). But as a page or service assistant I don't think money handling is a big enough obstacle to stop you from pursuing this career if it's something you want to do. Once you get hired you'd be trained and if something is outside of your comfort zone you can let them know (after/during training). Every job usually has some accommodation for their employees

[@user-sb7zu5hh3r]

​@@InfiniteTextThat's honestly a pretty big relief to hear. Thank you so much for your response! I was having a hard time researching this so your insight is definitely appreciated!

[@chichikova]

I WISH my library were silent! I think I belong at an academic library! Any libraries that have a children's section is never silent. Very good information!

[@InfiniteText]

Ha! That's so funny, some people were saying that they wish their libraries allowed noise. I guess there's a library out there for everyone. :) Glad to hear you enjoyed it!

[@jwoody3000]

Hi Infinite Text - May I use your video in a small not for profit teaching resource on the Rumie platform? My Learning Object is called 'Deciding if you want to be a University Librarian' and I really like how you talk about the different fields, it's a key part of my resource.

[@InfiniteText]

go for it! It's on KZbin so it's public. Glad it helps!

[@kyliea2552]

I think there's literally nothing you said here that I realized. I love that you used the example of Belle, hahahaha, librarians work hard so please remember that Belle is a princess, and doesn't work, which is why she can just swing around on that library ladder all day (btw don't think that's safe IRL either). Lots of really good information. :) Love your videos!!

[@InfiniteText]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate it! I'm glad you enjoyed it (or at least had a laugh). I think on the ladder in bookstore scene Belle is not a princess yet, she's just a small-town girl in a poor provincial town...cue singing lol (now you made me want to watch it again ;)

[@kyliea2552]

You have a point there! Lol but as the beasts prisoner she has way more access to books...but like freedom>books? Lol

[@PaulWeymouth]

Hi Andreaa, I'm from the U.S., and I currently work in circulation at my public library, but I do a little bit of everything since it is a small library. I've been working there for two years and I have a bachelor's degree in History. I'm trying to figure out if getting a Library Support Staff Certification or getting my MLS is my best option to find a full time, decent paying public librarianship job in either cataloging or in a supervisory role. Do you have any advice for me? Thanks!

[@InfiniteText]

Hi Paul! I DMed you on Twitter more details! Thanks for watching! And a history bachelor's degree is great! Very useful in librarianship! A lot of people think you must have a literature degree...you really don't!

[@hosammansor6631]

Thanks for the details , very informative . We have some great universities in my country with dedicated mathematics libraries , to work in these is really appealing to me , i am considering to get a master degree in information and librarian Science which make sense because i already have undergraduate degree in mathmatics and iam considering some advance degrees in math once i will be able to work in one of these incredible libraries , it will be like a dream come true to me working as a librarian (a field which i discover recently that i am in love with) not to mention when i may have the opertunity to combine it with with my favourite academic field . So to sum up ; to achieve the above mentioned aims : 1. Should i finish the librarian certification? 2. Working in this area will improve my knowledge and motivation to enter some higher mathmatics degrees in the future ? So i think the academic library is my favourite type because i love academic stuff and in general i have very good communication and servant attitude and also like teaching and research . I will be greatful if you know about these specific libraries ,can you advise to me if i am in the right direction , or just dreaming : )

[@InfiniteText]

Those sound like very specific fields. Look up a librarian known as Ranaganathan he was a mathematician and scientist and librarian focusing on organizing these things. There are librarians in math-specific or science-specific libararies on university campuses, the only issue is the field is VERY narrow and competitive. Not too many job opportunities but...if you do both math and library science, you now have TWO fields to fall back on, and in an IDEAL world you can blend the two.

[@celeste4lyfe560]

Can you talk about being a library assistant? I'm a teen who struggles with social anxiety, so I figured it would be a good job option for me but I don't have much experience in libraries.

[@InfiniteText]

I would still recommend trying it out. First enter the library as a student or page before committing. As a beginner you mostly put books away and do shelf reading (making sure books are in order) with minimal interaction with the public. In uni I had a very standard interaction with library users at the desk and over time you get used to it. I will say that as much as it's quiet and peaceful in a library sometimes something odd occurs where very little things are blown out of proportion. Like I remember once getting in trouble for erasing a book wrong. So make sure whatever gets stressful in the library you talk about with someone out of the library so they can remind you to put things in perspective. I still need those reminders sometimes. And if you try this for a bit and it works for you, you can see what the librarians or archivists do around you and see if it's a good path for you. Try the environment out. You may want to also look into archival work or conservation work as it requires less people interaction

[@onephatdude]

Thank you for the informative video! I am giving thought to becoming a librarian as I have a journalism degree, five years experience writing for newspapers & lots of teaching experience. I've always loved libraries and been a champion of reading and books! I have six years teaching experience & recently visited a prominent library science program at a local university in my state. I am considering getting an MILS so I can work as a librarian. If I do switch professions it would be nice if I can keep working as an educator within the library system. What would be a good thing to specialize in at library school if I want to be able to teach both children and adults within the library system? Most of my teaching experience is as a substitute teacher, longterm sub, 1 on 1 para and teaching English as a foreign language in South Korea. So I am not a "certified" teacher within public schools although I do have my EFL certification and I've gotten enough experience now I probably can pass the state praxis test without too much trouble. Do you recommend that's something I should do before I enroll in the MILS program if I decide to go that route?

[@InfiniteText]

I don't know how it works in the states but in Canada teacher-librarians in schools aren't always necessarily MLIS certified. However, in academic libraries like if you want to work at a university an MLIS and all the teaching and journalism experience would help you immensely and give you an edge as a librarian. If you switch into MLIS I'd say start volunteering and sign up for as many library things as you can as an employee so you can get experience in the field. It will come in handy when you apply for jobs. The teaching component is a lot more schools/academic librarianship than it is public librarianship and as a journalist you probably enjoy research which fits in well with academic librarianship. There are also libraries around universities specializing in journalism degrees, so you can help future journalism students. Once you graduate and start looking for a job all this previous experience will also come in handy and you can see what you prefer. But volunteer at a public library part time and see if you think that's for you...to me your interests sound a lot closer to academic librarianship. Luckily you don't have to choose a path when you take your MLIS. Just take the degree and take courses that interest you, and on the side volunteer in places you think might be nice to work in the future.

[@onephatdude]

I just met with an adviser at IUPUI library school & the head of the school the other day and they suggested doing library internships when I'm in school if I go that route and don't pursue a master's in education. I'm definitely leaning towards enrolling in the MLIS program right now since there is so much utter bs going on right now in my state in public education.

[@weblibrarian1596]

Nice video

[@InfiniteText]

Thank you!

[@B.kaul1tz]

I’m a librarian at my school :D

[@skraidantysprotezai9007]

♥️

[@valle5613]

Thanks for the video, its very helpful! Do you have any links on academy librarians? Do you know if can you work as an academic librarian with an MILS or do you need additional spezialization? From my understanding (which is very limited so I may be wrong) a Master in Library Sciences comes after a degree in something right? Sorry for all these questions I just don't know where to get this information

[@InfiniteText]

yes you usually have to do an undergraduate degree in anything else you can decide what, and then you look at the individual program. I made a follow up video on what I learned in library school and recommendations. I was hoping to answer some of these questions. Here it is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqancpmKmaqDeK8&ab_channel=InfiniteText

[@valle5613]

@@InfiniteText Thanks!

[@PaulDanielGolban]

Really interesting video. I currently held a diploma in library science as an apprentice (not for higher education). I am considering taking a postgraduate course in library science that lasts a year, but I get only 30 ECTS credits (Europe) when you should get 60 credits for a one year. I do not know it it would be problematic or not... Do you know by any chance or have an idea about that?

[@InfiniteText]

No, sorry, I've only done librarianship in North America. Check out one of the videos I linked below from Books and Pieces

[@TheBookFinch]

This was super informative. :o I hadn't really thought about the differences between various librarians, but it makes a lot of sense. I recently found out that I could access the parliamentary library as a citizen and now I'm wondering whether those librarians have some different library degrees than the ones who work in public libraries. Because the parliamentary library is all about law books and parliamentary records and archives. It's really interesting.

[@InfiniteText]

I am thinking the librarians working in government count as a hybrid of business-law librarians...I'm guessing this only because a lot of politicians in general have law degrees. You cannot specialize what KIND of librarian you are while in the program, but you can take some courses that lean more towards the type of librarian you want to be so you can be better prepared. Within the program there are several "streams" or sub-groups under the larger umbrella of "Masters in Information Science" so LIS is library information science, and Archives is another, and Records Management is another. You can do 2-3 of those specializations at a time. I did LIS and then i had a special program focusing on Rare Books and Manuscripts and Book History.

[@svnthabyss]

Can I be a librarian with a degree in Journalism?

[@wunderlust6685]

great content and very informative. i am a 29 year old Male, currently working as a library practitioner. I have completed my master and recently done M.Phil. in Library and Information Science. My question is, is there any chance for us to work abroad ?

[@InfiniteText]

My understanding is that every system that abides by the ALA accreditation has specific rules. Like in toronto for example most colleges and universities and public libraries require that you have studied somewhere that is ALA accredited. In Canada, only 2-3 places are. If I were to go to England, there are different rules, but I'm sure some skills etc. are transferable, and some colleges or independent libraries with their own system would be flexible. It truly depends. I've worked in a place where the library management had not completed any library degree. It depends on the place. Follow this link for more proper advice on how ALA translates: www.ala.org/educationcareers/employment/foreigncredentialing/forjobseekers

[@user-ye8ej2sf8h]

And how to arrange books?? In shell

[@prussian7]

I am looking to get a Library Science degree. Looking to work in a Public Library.

[@InfiniteText]

Awesome! Hope it works out! Good luck with your studies!

[@luiscarlos-mn5rk]

I'm a journalism and comparative literature major, can I apply to be a librarian with the comparative literature degree?? Because I've always liked the idea of working on a bookstore

[@InfiniteText]

You can work in a book store as you are now, you don't need a degree for a bookstore. A librarianship degree is a Masters and anyone from any academic background can apply. If you do want to work in a library just make sure it's an ALA accredited program because that matters in librarianship jobs.

[@luiscarlos-mn5rk]

@@InfiniteText thanks I'm currently looking at what jobs I can apply to my majors for when the time comes

[@lakeshagadson357]

is there a reason you have to school to do a certain thing or be a certain thing

[@InfiniteText]

that...is a question for the ages. Things have become more and more specialized now unfortunately. I wish things were a bit more fluid to give more space to try more things

[@LadyValentine93]

What libraries still shush people? The first floor of my library has a huge childrens department, cafe, and library store. That floor alone isn't quite and neither are the second and third floors. we have dance parties with the children, huge story times with famous authors , a huge train set with waterfall that comes every Christmas season and stays for 2 months, free orchestra performances, and everything else in-between. My library is only quite 30 mins before closing.

[@InfiniteText]

Academic ones still do especially for smaller colleges within a larger university system because students come in to study so the superior librarians tell us to continue to sush. I do get jealous of public libraries for that.

[@DefinitelyNotAFerret]

The top floor of my university library didn’t shush people, if you got caught talking or being a disturbance 3 times (with warnings of course), you were asked to leave immediately. If you refused, security is at the door ready for an escort. If you are escorted to leave 3 times for being unable to stay silent, you completely lose all privileges at that specific library for two semesters (if it happened in spring, it would be spring fall instead of spring summer) to use the computer, to log into the wifi (have to use student credentials), to print/scan, to check out books, to use the library-specific database - essentially everything that you have to use your student ID card for. It’s CRAZY how many times this has happened when the top floor of this library is the _fourth_ floor. There are _three_ other floors people can go to to be chatty or rowdy, and they still decide to spend their time going to the top floor to be disturbances. 😂 At that point I think they believe it’s a game.

[@surlespasdondine]

Where I live they do, kids in the kid section have to be quiet too. I take my kids often and they just look at books quietly.

[@bobbiesuedavis5406]

When i moved to my current residence, i was so happy and excited to be only two and half blocks from a library. Little did i know that the librarian and the library staff would be so rude and unhelpful. With the exception of maybe one or two staffers. And it kinda makes me prefer to only order materials off the website rather than deal with individuals who are so rude to you for daring to ask for help.

[@InfiniteText]

oh no! I am so sorry you had that experience. That does not sound very nice or professional on their end. Did this happen repeatedly? or was it just on one occasion? I wish I could redeem the library for you..but all I can tell you is that they are NOT supposed to treat you in a way that makes you feel less great when coming out of the library. Especially since most people have library anxiety to begin with from the overwhelming amount of information available. In terms of research and help, I found it useful as a library user during my undergrad to send an email ahead of time and telling the librarian what I want to know more about or what I need help with, and setting up a meeting. When I showed up, the librarian was prepared and had a folder filled with information and I was so impressed. Maybe that would be helpful? But at all cost, PLEASE don't let a few people ruin the library for you, especially since the library is for everyone and you have a right to information, and a right to be in the place that hosts all the books! Even if you use it as a study space. I am sorry again that you had this experience :(

[@lakeshagadson357]

can poets work in libraries

[@InfiniteText]

I'm sure some get invited as speakers or writer-in-residence!

[@nunopereira265]

Can I actually work as librarian while I'm taking my college degree?

[@InfiniteText]

in Canada at least you have to have your Masters to be officially a librarian and paid librarian salary. when I worked as a student I was paid by hour, was only allowed shift work, and I just shelved books and gave minimal instruction to people, but I wasn't allowed to answer reference questions or do what the librarians did.

[@nunopereira265]

@@InfiniteText OK, thank you.

[@taajahsmith913]

My ears are hypersensitive anyways so if love working as an librarian ! I got to libraries and sit in silence all the time 💗😂

[@InfiniteText]

then academic libraries are for you

[@TehzeebR]

Idk about half this. Librarians can be introverted and we don’t have to go over and tell people shush if a pin drops. I think this field is changing because the popular kids who are now adults and want something “easy” are over crowding it.

[@InfiniteText]

that's true. This video is 5 years old and I addressed the silence in my pinned comment. I've only worked in academic libraries where that silence continues to be the norm (and i truly wish it wasn't the case as a librarian but I can understand the students wanting that to study)

[@JohnDCosta-pe6ct]

I'm interested in switching in this career (as a profession), and want to discuss with you. But how can I reach you?

[@InfiniteText]

in the comment section is a good start. I linked in the description box of the video a few links you should check out first! Look for iSchool programs that are ALA accredited near you and look at their requirements.

[@JohnDCosta-pe6ct]

@@InfiniteText Can't DM you on TT. I want to have a chat with you. Find me on TT and respond?!

[@josephcazzuto2070]

Volunteered at a library and we did get the porn watchers on occasion.

[@InfiniteText]

Right?! it's a story in EVERY. LIBRARY ....it's surprisingly frequent

[@danishlibraryscience1122]

I am m lib student

[@InfiniteText]

Congrats!! Wishing you all the best!

[@GoldenRNB]

I'm a former librarian and I was the king of the library. I wore one earbud (Bluetooth earbuds) and I listen to R&B music on my phone and our boss even let us bring our laptops. I don't use the designated computer for us, I use my laptop to store and organize data while surfing Reddit and writing beautiful topics to tackle. I loved being a librarian. The pay was good and you help a ton of people out. Oh, and you don't sacrifice your sleep because it's a day shift job.

[@InfiniteText]

You were very fortunate. The library job field right now is a mess. People get rejected from volunteer and part time work while having 2 masters, and 10 years of work experience. It has been so brutal. The earbud idea is great, but my boss would notice that immediately

[@GoldenRNB]

@@InfiniteText I'm from the Philippines and I got that job quick af (pre covid days). Schools are shutdown now and I got a new job from home. I loved that job everybody was scared of me and I was the only one wearing a dress shirt and necktie to work 👔. Btw, even if I put on some noise cancelling ultra huge headphones, they wouldn't dare touch me, I was the boss there. Even our principal was intimidated by me. Being a smart, tall, black guy here in the Philippines is easy. I'm half black and Fil btw

[@InfiniteText]

@@GoldenRNB well, they shouldn't be intimidated, you sound like an awesome person! I'm glad you're having success in your career, and enjoying the jobs you have! All the best!

[@GoldenRNB]

@@InfiniteText I'm quite an asshole because I chose to do so. I don't make friends in the office because I know when they become my friend, they'll turn their backs on me. Anws, I love your shit and I love that you respond to comments with such a genuine demeanor. Likewise!

[@michaelstefanyk5532]

Hey there my library is like a daycare there are so many screaming kids in my library so you don't have to sit in complete silence as you said. I have wanted to tell the librarians to tell the parents to keep their kids in the library because it should be a silent space to study and read books and not to listen to loud screaming kids.

[@ambarvalia9757]

ive witnessed a librarian would use a earphone regularly

[@ambarvalia9757]

A small one, though, which is inside the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association.