Librarians

Most libraries are pleasant and comfortable places in which to assist those doing research, studying, or reading for pleasure. Librarians must do a considerable amount of reading to keep informed in order to serve library patrons. They must also strive to stay abreast of constantly changing technology, which may seem overwhelming at times.

Some librarians, such as reference or special librarians, may find the work demanding and stressful when they deal with users who are working under deadline pressure. Librarians working in technical services may suffer eyestrain and headaches from working long hours in front of a computer screen.

On the average, librarians work between 35 and 40 hours per week. Since most libraries are open evenings and weekends to accommodate the schedules of their users, many librarians will have a nontraditional work schedule, working, for instance, from 11:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M., or taking Monday and Tuesday as a weekend in lieu of Saturday and Sunday. Library media specialists usually work the same hours and have the same vacation schedule as teachers in the school system. Grade school or high school librarians may have shorter workdays or workweeks while school is out of session. Librarians working for the government or as special librarians usually work a 40-hour week during normal business hours. However, more and more librarians are finding it difficult to find full-time positions and are working in part-time positions instead. Approximately 20 percent of librarians work part time.

There is, of course, some routine in library work, but the trend is to place clerical duties in the hands of library technicians and library assistants, freeing the professional librarian for administrative, research, personnel, and community services. For the most part, librarians tend to find the work intellectually stimulating, challenging, and dynamic. The knowledge that one is providing so many valuable services to the community can be extremely rewarding.