Music Librarians

Experience as a library volunteer or in a part-time job as a library assistant or technician will be helpful for aspiring music librarians.

Music librarians should have an excellent memory and a keen eye for detail, as they manage a wide variety of resources. They must love music and be willing to assist others with sometimes obscure or demanding requests.

Music librarians who deal with the public should have strong interpersonal skills, tact, and patience. An imaginative, highly motivated, and resourceful personality is very valuable. An affinity for problem solving is another desirable quality. Librarians are often expected to take part in community affairs, cooperating in the preparation of exhibits, presenting book reviews, and explaining library use to community organizations. As a music librarian, you will also need to be a leader in developing the cultural and musical tastes of library patrons.

Music librarians involved with technical services should be detail-oriented, have good planning skills, and be able to think analytically. They should have a love for information and be willing to master the techniques for obtaining and presenting knowledge. Librarians must also be prepared to master constantly changing technology.