How To Become A Librarian Without A Degree? Easy Directions!

If you haven’t thought about the librarian career option until now, you can still work as a librarian. Often people with no MLS or related degrees ask how to become a librarian without a degree.

There are certainly ways to do so. Some states don’t require a library degree to work as a librarian. But even if your state requires an MLS/MLIS degree, you can seek other positions in the library that don’t require any specific degree.

How To Become A Librarian Without A Degree?

If you don’t have an MLS or MLIS degree to work as a librarian, don’t worry. In some ways, you can also work as a librarian without a degree. Let’s know how!

Look For Entry-Level Jobs

If you’re interested in working for a library, one place to start is by searching for entry-level clerk or assistant positions. Book shelving, patron assistance, and administrative work are common responsibilities of these occupations. Those holding a high school diploma or its equivalent are often hired for these positions by libraries.

Volunteering

You can easily volunteer at public places like libraries and community centers. This is a great way to obtain relevant experience. You will have a better grasp of library operations and stand out from the competition when applying for paid positions through this practical experience.

If you have strong organizational, customer service, and computer skills, be sure to highlight them in your resume.

Verify State Requirements

Get in touch with your state library to find out whether there are any training or certification requirements for the job you’re looking for. Certain library positions may not require a bachelor’s degree, but there may be certification programs.

In Michigan, for instance, you may learn more about the qualifications needed for various library jobs.

Which Library Jobs Don’t Require A Degree?

When you are looking for a specific library job that doesn’t require a degree, we have got you covered! Here are some library jobs that don’t require any degree to start.

Pages

Pages are essential to library operations and usually don’t require a degree. Assisting with everyday duties like arranging seats, keeping things organized, and shelving returned goods are some of their primary responsibilities.

They are often consisting of high school or college students. Even though they are entry-level, these jobs teach young workers responsibility and give them experience with library tasks.

Library Associates And Paraprofessionals 

Without a Master of Library Science degree, library associates or paraprofessionals carry out a variety of duties that are comparable to those of librarians. Material in/out processing, general office work, and troubleshooting customer accounts are all part of the job description.

Paraprofessionals perform comparable work to that of librarians but are typically not responsible for as much supervision in certain library systems, while in others the two positions are clearly defined.

Exceptions In Librarians 

People without MLS postgraduate degrees may be hired as librarians by some library systems, particularly in smaller settings. Programming, reference services, reader’s advisory, and administrative responsibilities are some examples of the specialized work that may be required of people in these positions.

On the other hand, a Master of Library Science (MLS) degree is usually required of librarians in university institutions or major cities. Librarian roles in these types of settings typically come with more specialized tasks and more supervision duties.

Which Jobs Might Require An MLS?

While some library jobs may not require a degree, for some of them, it’s mandatory. So, here are some positions that will require you to complete an MLS degree.

Big State’s Librarian

An extensive understanding of library resources and a strong commitment to serving the community are hallmarks of librarians who hold Master of Library Science degrees.

A four-year degree plus relevant work experience may be acceptable in certain municipalities, although an MLS is usually considered the gold standard.

Helping patrons, organizing materials, and encouraging participation in community activities through innovative approaches to problems are all vital responsibilities of librarians.

Librarian Director

The director of a library is an essential figure in the library system as a whole. They are responsible for overseeing the budget, training and employing staff and reporting to the boards of directors.

For library director positions, the necessary qualifications could range from a bachelor’s degree to a master’s degree plus an MLS or possibly a combination of the two.

To succeed in this leadership position, you must have an in-depth knowledge of library services, be able to plan strategically and communicate well with colleagues and members of the community. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What do library interns do?

Among the many responsibilities of a library intern are the accurate recording of cash transactions, the processing of material checks in and out, and the resolution of reference questions. In addition to learning the ins and outs of running a library, interns gain practical experience in areas such as organizing, information retrieval, and customer service.

Is librarian a stressful job?

Working as a librarian is often associated with low-stress levels because of the significant autonomy and adaptability that is inherent in the job. Those who engage in this industry benefit from a work-life balance because of the peaceful atmosphere that encourages intellectual pursuits, research, and community involvement.

Can an introvert be a librarian?

One survey from 1992 found that 63% of librarians identify as introverts. Although introverts thrive in library employment, ambiverts or extroverts may thrive in the dynamic community hubs that have transformed into public libraries.

Are librarians mostly female?

Research shows that most American librarians are white women, with the majority working in the 55-64 age range. With continued initiatives to foster diversity and inclusion in the library workforce, these demographics mirror past trends in the field.

Bottom Line

When applying for library jobs or giving interviews, make sure to highlight your enthusiasm for helping others, dedication to volunteering, and love of reading. When you need to know how to become a librarian without a degree, these skills will help you.

Without certification, it could be difficult to land a full-time job; most employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree and related work experience. But if you’re looking for an entry-level position, like a page or a shelver, look into part-time alternatives.