How to become a reference librarian

Is becoming a reference librarian right for me?

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Overview
What do reference librarians do?

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How to become a Reference Librarian

Becoming a reference librarian involves a combination of education, experience, and professional development. Here's a guide to help you pursue a career as a reference librarian:

  • Obtain a Bachelor's Degree: While not always mandatory, having a bachelor's degree is often a prerequisite. Choose a major that aligns with library science, information science, or a related field.
  • Earn a Master's Degree: A Master's Degree in Library Science or Library and Information Science (MLIS) is a standard requirement for most librarian positions, including reference librarianship. Look for ALA-accredited MLIS programs, as accreditation from the American Library Association is widely recognized in the field.
  • Gain Relevant Experience: Gain practical experience by working or volunteering in libraries. This can include positions such as library assistant, circulation clerk, or any role that exposes you to library operations. Look for internships or practicum opportunities during your MLIS program, with a focus on reference services. This hands-on experience is invaluable for building practical skills.
  • Develop Specializations: Identify specific areas of interest or specialization within reference services, such as subject expertise, technology integration, or information literacy.
  • Acquire Technical Skills: Learn to use library management systems, cataloging tools, and databases commonly used in reference services. Enhance your proficiency with digital tools, online databases, and other technologies relevant to modern reference librarianship.
  • Build a Professional Network: Become a member of library associations such as the American Library Association (ALA) and its divisions, including the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA). Participate in library conferences, workshops, and seminars to connect with professionals in the field and stay updated on industry trends.
  • Apply for Positions: Regularly check job listings on library websites, professional association platforms, and job boards for reference librarian positions. Customize your resume to highlight relevant education, experience, and skills related to reference services.
  • Prepare for Interviews: Expect questions about how you would handle specific reference scenarios, assist patrons with various information needs, and handle technology-related inquiries.
  • Continued Professional Development: Engage in ongoing professional development by reading literature in the field, attending webinars, and participating in training opportunities to stay abreast of changes and advancements.
  • Obtain Certification (Optional): Consider obtaining additional certifications, such as the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) Professional Development Certificates, to demonstrate your expertise in specific areas of reference librarianship.

Helpful Resources
Reference librarians can benefit from a variety of resources to enhance their skills, stay updated on industry trends, and connect with fellow professionals. Here are some helpful resources for reference librarians:

  • American Library Association (ALA): ALA provides a wealth of resources, including publications, conferences, and divisions that focus on different aspects of library work. The Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) is a division of ALA that specifically addresses the needs of reference librarians.
  • Reference and User Services Quarterly (RUSQ): RUSQ is a journal published by ALA's Reference and User Services Association. It covers a wide range of topics relevant to reference librarianship, including research articles, case studies, and reviews.
  • Library of Congress: The Library of Congress offers extensive online resources, including research guides, digital collections, and information on copyright and legal issues.
  • Librarian's Guide to Homelessness: This resource provides information and tools to help librarians assist patrons experiencing homelessness, a common challenge faced by reference librarians.
  • Public Library Association (PLA): PLA, a division of ALA, offers resources, training, and publications specifically tailored to public librarians, including those working in reference services.
  • Library Juice Academy: Library Juice Academy offers online professional development courses, including those relevant to reference librarianship, such as reference interview techniques and information literacy instruction.
  • Project Information Literacy (PIL): PIL conducts research on information literacy and provides reports and resources that can inform reference librarians' understanding of information-seeking behaviors.
  • LibGuides Community: LibGuides is a popular platform for creating research guides. The community forum allows librarians to share tips, ask questions, and collaborate on guide creation.
  • Library Journal: Library Journal covers news and trends in the library field, including articles relevant to reference librarianship.
  • American Reference Books Annual (ARBA): ARBA provides critical reviews of reference books and multimedia resources, helping reference librarians make informed collection development decisions.
  • LibraryThing for Libraries: LibraryThing offers tools and resources for cataloging and connecting with readers, providing an additional dimension to reference services.