Working as a Librarian or Library Technician
Industry Overview
Librarian
Most of the job openings over the next few years will come from the need to replace those who retire.
Technological advances and increasing library computerization mean that librarians must have increasingly advanced computer skills. Familiarity with computerized cataloguing, electronic records management and multimedia services will be increasingly important. As well, familiarity with software that supports chats, wireless networks, blogs and podcasting is becoming a requirement. Other skills that may be increasingly needed include multicultural librarianship, marketing and electronic records management.
Employment for librarians has traditionally been concentrated in public and academic libraries. A new trend is emerging that offers private sector opportunities for those willing to work as information specialists. The fields of information brokering, consulting (information access and validation), and database marketing may provide growth in new employment opportunities for librarians.
Industry sources report that there is currently an insufficient supply of graduates with experience in management, specialized subject background knowledge, technological skills, children's librarians, and multicultural librarians.
Library technician
Most of the new jobs are expected to come from replacing retiring workers.
Advanced technical skills, such as web development and management are now in great demand. There is also a higher demand for workers who have specialized experience that matches a special library. You may have an advantage finding work if you have knowledge or education in fields such as administration, computer science or engineering. Advanced technical skills, such as web development and management are now in great demand.
Related fields, such as information brokering, consulting (information access and validation) and database marketing, offer alternative job opportunities.
Source: WorkBC
Job Outlook for Librarians in BC (2021-2031)
Chart from WorkBC
WorkBC provides job openings for Librarians in BC regions, 2021-2031:
| Region | Employment in 2019 | Average Annual Employment Growth | Expected Number of Job Openings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vancouver Island | 80 | 0.8% | 40 |
| Lower Mainland / Southwest | 620 | 0.4% | 210 |
| Thompson- Okanagan | 90 | 1.2% | 50 |
| Kootenay | 30 | 2.2% |
20 |
Job Outlook for Library Technicians in BC (2021-2031)
Chart from WorkBC
WorkBC provides job openings for Library Technicians in BC regions, 2021-2031:
| Region | Employment in 2021 | Average Annual Employment Growth | Expected Number of Job Openings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vancouver Island | 130 | 0.8% | 60 |
| Lower Mainland / Southwest | 560 | 0.8% | 230 |
| Thompson-Okanagan | 60 | 0.3% | 30 |
Learn More about working as a Librarian or Library Technician
You can learn more about working as a Librarian or Library Technician in BC from:
Types of Employers
Librarians work for public, school, and university libraries, as well as government, medical, law, and business libraries and more recently corporations and non-profit organizations.
Library technicians frequently work in public and special libraries, including libraries of schools, colleges, universities, law firms, and medical offices.
Salary
Librarians
The median annual salary for librarians in BC is $68,762.
Your earnings depend on a number of factors including the size, location, and type of library. In general, librarians earn in the range of $30,000 to $90,000 a year.
JobBank Canada provides these hourly wages:
Library Technicians
The median annual salary for Library Technicians in BC is $46,926. Your earnings can vary depending on place of work and responsibilities. Corporate jobs and special libraries generally pay more than public or academic libraries.
JobBank Canada provides these hourly wages:
Source: JobBank Canada
Full-time Librarians and Library Technicians usually also receive employee benefits such as dental coverage, paid vacation time, and retirement benefits.
Sources: WorkBC and Career Cruising
Working Hours
Librarians: Most public and academic libraries are open evenings and weekends, so librarians may work at those times. Librarians working in government and corporate libraries typically work daytime business hours. Full-time librarians generally work 35 to 40 hours a week. Managers and directors, however, may work up to 50 hours a week. Corporate librarians in fast-paced industries, such as advertising or legal services, may work longer hours during peak times.
Library Technician work schedules often depend on the type of library they work in. Public libraries are usually open evenings and weekends, and some library technicians will be expected to work these shifts. Many school libraries are open only during school hours. Some law firms have legal libraries that stay open late, while most government libraries are open only during business hours.
Source: Career Cruising