Librarians

A Master's degree in library science is required in order to become a librarian. Other qualifications that are beneficial include:

• Training in computers and in instruction
• Fluency in other languages

Discover data, facts and information that have been gathered and analyzed. Learn about the characteristics of the economy and labour market in B.C.

Find out about employment types and trends by region and industry.

The B.C. Labour Market Outlook is a 10-year forecast of the expected supply and demand for labour in the province. It’s usually updated every year. The purpose is to provide British Columbians with the knowledge to make informed decisions on careers, skills training, education and hiring.

Learn about the opportunities in B.C.'s major industries, including employment trends, earning potential, locations of work and more.

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.

Technological advances may also have a negative impact on this occupation, as the trend toward online collections (downloadable music, spoken word, ebooks) may result in fewer library staff since these tend to be self-serve collections. The titles offered in online collections are usually selected by the company offering the service, with a possible further impact on staffing levels. In addition, work that used to require the specialized knowledge of librarians can increasingly be done by the average person. For example, only experts used to be familiar with search techniques and databases. However, now most library users can do adequate searches on their own.

Work 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. A growing number of jobs are opening as non-traditional employers such as corporations, consulting firms and information brokers seek skilled information managers. The fields of information brokering, consulting (information access and validation) and database marketing may provide growth in new job opportunities for librarians.

Industry sources report that librarians' duties are increasingly moving away from only providing user or technical services to doing a wide range of duties. Many of the technical services that librarians provided can now be automated and/or outsourced, so libraries have reduced the number of in-house technical services librarians.

Industry sources also report that there is currently a short supply of graduates in select areas, including management, specialized subject background knowledge, technological skills, children's librarians and multicultural librarians. Also, new graduates may consider looking for work in rural communities to gain experience since these areas typically have a more difficult time filling vacancies.