We surveyed 2,875 librarians to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical librarian. Here are the results.
How much intelligence is required as a librarian?
Low
High
Working as a librarian typically doesn’t require the use of high levels of intelligence in daily tasks.
Can I learn to become a librarian?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as a librarian typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.
Is it easy to get a job as a librarian?
Easy
Hard
It’s typically difficult to find a job as a librarian. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for librarians.
Do librarians work full-time or part-time?
52% of librarians work in full-time roles while 48% work part-time.
Is being a librarian stressful?
Low
High
Librarians tend not to find their jobs stressful, which likely contributes positively to career satisfaction.
Is being organized important as a librarian?
Low
High
Some level of organization is generally required to be a librarian.
How competitive is the workplace for librarians?
Low
High
Competition at work is not common for librarians.
Does being a librarian require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?
Low
High
Time pressure tends not to be a major contributor of stress for librarians.
Are librarians allowed to express themselves creatively?
Low
High
Librarians are afforded a certain level of ability to express themselves creatively, compared to other careers.
Do librarians have control over the direction of their work?
Low
High
Librarians tend to have a set and inflexible work schedule that they are unable to deviate from too much.
Is being a librarian physically demanding?
Low
High
Work as a librarians is rarely physically demanding, making it a suitable option for those unable to perform physically strenuous tasks.
Are librarians exposed to a wide variety of work?
Low
High
While sometimes repetitive, librarians tend to have opportunities for variety in their work.
Does being a librarian require attention to detail?
Low
High
As in many careers, attention to detail is quite helpful for librarians.
Does being a good librarian require compassion and empathy?
Low
High
Being compassionate and empathetic is considered helpful to those looking to pursue careers as librarians.