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Children Librarian Job Description

School Subjects
Computer, Science, English

Personal Skills
Helping/teaching, Leadership/management

Work environment
Primarily indoors, Primarily one location

Minimum education level

Master’s degree

Salary range
$29,890 to $46,940 to $71,270+

Certification or licensing
Required by certain states

Overview
Children’s librarians oversee the daily operations of the children’s department of public and private
libraries and school libraries. They purchase books, periodicals, music and films, and other
informational material, and prepare them for circulation. Children’s librarians also serve as
instructors and mentors to students. In addition, they conduct activities to introduce children to
different types of literature. These activities include story time, reading challenges, book discussions,
and outreach projects. Approximately 159,000 librarians (including children’s librarians) are
employed in the United States.

History
Since ancient times, libraries have been centers where adults could learn, read, and access
information. But until the 19th century, no libraries devoted sections to the specific needs and
interests of children.

Library historians disagree on when the first public library in the United States that featured
resources for children was founded. In 1837, the Arlington (Massachusetts) Public Library became
one of the first libraries to offer access to children, according to The World Wide School, by Alice
Hazeltine. Families could check out as many as three books and keep them for 30 days. They were
even allowed to pull books from the shelves until a change in the library’s charter stated that “no
person except the librarian shall remove a book from the shelves.”

During the 1830s, school district libraries also began to appear in New York and New England and
eventually spread throughout the country. Materials in these libraries were typically geared toward
assisting students write papers and study for tests.

By the late 1890s and early 1900s, public libraries with children’s sections were founded in several
major U.S. cities. The Children’s Librarian Section of the American Library Association was
founded in 1901 to support this new library specialty. During these years, school districts and
individual schools also continued to improve their library services. The American Association of
School Librarians was founded in 1951, but traces its origins to the early 1910s via various children-
oriented discussion groups and roundtables facilitated by its parent organization, the American
Library Association.

Today, children’s libraries feature not only books, but periodicals, videotapes, DVDs, films, maps,

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photographs, music, toys, games, puzzles, and a variety of other useful resources for children.

The job
Many libraries have special departments that cater to children. This library within a library, often
called a children’s library, houses collections of age-appropriate fiction and non-fiction, as well as
research tools such as encyclopedias and atlases. They may also have computers that feature
programs and games that appeal to the young and more traditional toys and puzzles. Oftentimes,
ibrarians choose to work with a particular age group. Those who work specifically with children and
young adults are referred to as children’s librarians or youth services librarians. If employed in a
school setting, such librarians are called library media specialists. Regardless of title, children’s
librarians help young library patrons find and select information best suited to their needs, whether
for school research, personal knowledge, or simply the enjoyment of reading a book or finding a
useful or entertaining resource.

Maintaining and organizing library facilities are the primary responsibilities of children’s librarians.
One major task is selecting and ordering books and other media, including fiction and nonfiction,
reference books such as encyclopedias and dictionaries, study guides, maps, periodicals, videos,
DVDs, and music. These materials must be organized so library patrons can access them easily. New
acquisitions are cataloged in card files by title, author, and subject matter. More often, cataloging is
computerized. Each book is given a label and card pocket, and stamped with the library’s name and
address. A bar code is attached to help keep track of its location. Children’s librarians must regularly
inventory their collection to locate lost or overdue books, identify books that need repairs, or to
dispose of outdated or worn materials.

Libraries are given an annual budget by either the school board or library board. Children’s librarians
must consider this budget when making new purchases or additions to the collection. When the
budget allows, they fulfill special book requests from children, teachers, or parents.

Children’s librarians are teachers as well. They have a thorough knowledge of their library’s
collection so they can effectively help students with any research questions, or guide them towards a
reading selection suited for their grade or reading level. They are familiar with the works of
established authors, as well as newly published books and series. Children’s librarians also teach
effective ways to navigate library resources using the Dewey Decimal System, online catalog
systems, or research on the Internet. They work with area schools and teachers to help plan and
organize upcoming class projects and tests. Many times, they provide instruction to patrons and
students on the use of library equipment computers, audiovisual equipment, copy machines, or
computer programs.

The implementation of special projects is also a major responsibility of children’s librarians. They
host story time for toddlers and preschool age children, often planning a special craft project related
to the day’s story. Children’s librarians often schedule holiday parties and puppet shows. They may
offer school age children summer reading programs and challenges, author visits, or book clubs.

Children’s librarians also organize displays of books, artwork, collections, or memorabilia that may
be of interest to children. They are responsible for soliciting the display of private collections and
setting up and dismantling the displays. They create a comfortable and inviting space that is
appealing to children of all ages using colorful furniture and cozy reading areas. They also decorate
the library with book displays, posters, toys, and seasonal items.

Children’s librarians are also responsible for outreach services such as the book mobile. These mini-
libraries house a collection of books and periodicals that travel to different locations in the
community. Library employees staff the book mobile and often conduct a story and craft time for the
children. Children’s librarians may also promote library services at area preschools via story telling,
book totes, and bookmarks.

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Children’s librarians also have management duties. They supervise library technicians and non-
professional staff such as clerks, student workers, or volunteers. They often train staff regarding the
layout of the library, use of special equipment, or new computer programs.

Requirements:

High School
A full academic course load including history, math, English, speech, and computer science is your
best preparation for a career as a children’s librarian. Familiarity with the Dewey Decimal System is
important it is important to be able to navigate your way around a library. Also, join clubs or find
activities that will give you plenty of experience playing and working with children. Some examples
include taking high school child development courses, babysitting neighborhood children, or
volunteering at a summer camp or after school program for kids.

Postsecondary training
A master’s degree in library science from an accredited school is required for most children’s
librarian positions in public libraries. Library Management, Youth Services Librarianship, Literature
and Resources Children, and History of Children’s Literature are just some of the typical courses that
students take for this degree. Workshops covering topics such as electronic publishing and library
materials and services for very young children are offered to complement more traditional
educational programs.

Those employed in a school setting can take a different route to this career. Some schools require
their librarians to be licensed teachers before receiving training or certification in library science.
Requirements differ by state. You can check your state’s requirements at Web sites such as the
University of Kentucky College of Education’s Web page, http://www.uky.edu/Education/
TEP/usacert.html. The site lists education and training requirements for each state, which is
especially helpful if you plan on working as a children’s librarian in another state during your career.

Certification or Licensing
Children’s librarians in some states may be required to earn teacher’s certification and/or a master’s
degree in addition to preparation as a librarian. Education and certification requirements vary by
state, county, and local governments. Contact the school board or public library system in your area
to learn about specific requirements.

Other requirements
Children’s librarians should enjoy working with children. They must be good teachers and have the
patience to explain library services and technology to children of varying ages and levels of
understanding. Children’s librarians should also have strong interpersonal skills, the ability to solve
problems, and be detail-oriented. They must also love information and be committed to pursuing
continuing education throughout their careers.

Exploring
Volunteering to work in your school library is an excellent way to learn more about this career.
Many schools rely on students to assist school librarians. As a media center aide, you may be asked
to staff the library check out desk, shelve returned books and periodicals, or maintain audiovisual
equipment. Volunteering or working part time at your local library is the ideal way to explore this
career. You can get hands-on experience with the working routine of a real library and network for
future job opportunities.

Don’t forget to visit Web sites of library associations such as the American Library Association, the
Association for Library Services for Children, and the American Association of School Librarians.
Their sites can provide a wealth of information about education programs, scholarships, financial
aid, certification, and student membership.

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Employers
Approximately 159,000 librarians are employed in the United States. Children’s librarians are
employed by public and private libraries and elementary and secondary schools.

Advancement
Experienced children’s librarians may advance by taking a position in a larger school district or in a
larger library system. Others, with additional education, may become library directors or library
educators.
Some children’s librarians pursue careers in other fields. Children’s author Beverly Cleary and first
lady Laura Bush are two examples of famous former children’s librarians. Others may use their
experience in the field to work as consultants to publishing companies.

Earnings
Salaries for children’s librarians depend on such factors as the size, location, and type of library; the
responsibilities of the position; and the amount of experience the librarian has. According to the U.S.

Department of Labor, median annual earnings of librarians in 2004 were $46,940. Ten percent of all
librarians earned less than $29,890, and 10 percent earned $71,270 or more annually. Librarians
working in elementary and secondary school earned a mean annual salary of $49,670 in 2004.
Librarians employed by local government earned a mean annual salary of $45,220 in 2004.

Most librarians receive compensated sick leave, paid vacation time, holiday pay, various insurance
plans, and retirement savings programs.

work environment
Most children’s librarians work a 40-hour week, with hours scheduled depending on the operational
time of the main library or school. Some librarians prefer to work part time. The work environment,
whether at a library or school, is comfortable and pleasant. Libraries, especially those designated for
children, are usually colorfully decorated with many workspaces and cozy reading nooks. Most
libraries are open from early in the morning until evening, and keep weekend hours as well.
Librarians employed in a school setting usually have the same work hours as teachers and receive
time off during summer and spring breaks and teacher institute days. Library media specialists report
directly to the principal of their school; those employed at a public library report to the library
director.

outlook
The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that employment for librarians, including children’s
librarians, will grow more slowly than the average for all occupations over the next decade. This
specialty is a popular choice for many aspiring librarians, which means that competition for the best
jobs will remain strong over the next decade. Children’s librarians who are willing to relocate or take
lesser-paying positions in rural areas will have the best employment prospects.

Public library usage: a survey

A 2002 survey conducted by KRC Research and Consulting for the American Library
Association found the following interesting findings about the public’s perception and
usage of public libraries:

- Of those surveyed, 62 percent had a library card.

- The top usage of public libraries was for educational purposes, followed by
entertainment.
- Sixty-six percent of respondents reported using the services (in person, by computer,
or by phone) of a public library in the past year.
- Thirty-one percent of respondents had children, and 69 percent of these respondents
reported that they brought their children to the library.

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- Despite the ready availability of information on the Internet, 91 percent of respondents

believed that libraries would exist in the future.
- Eighty-three percent believed that libraries “played an essential role in our
democracy.”

Children Librarian Job Description

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