How to Become a School Librarian: Career Guide

Even in today’s digital age, school libraries provide essential services for students. They offer access to books, online resources, technology and spaces for gathering and learning. They ensure that the school community has access to materials to pursue personal interests, read for pleasure or for research.

In addition, school libraries are home to professionals who play a key role in modern education: school librarians. By providing formal instruction and one-on-one assistance, school librarians educate the entire school community in literacy, research skill development and technology integration for elementary, middle and high school students. Their work often appeals to people who enjoy working with students, organizing information and implementing technology.

This guide explores the typical career path for becoming a school librarian, reviewing education and certification requirements, critical skills and career opportunities. In addition, it introduces the Master of Education (MEd) Library Media online program at the University of Western Alabama (UWA), a flexible educational option for aspiring school librarians.

What Does a School Librarian Do?

School librarians also serve as instructors in many schools. They are often responsible for helping students develop research skills that they can use in elementary, secondary and post-secondary school as well as in their future careers. Many also teach information literacy, a crucial life skill amid the explosion of misinformation online.

These educational professionals perform a variety of functions that contribute to student success. They typically manage library collections, curate age-appropriate resources and oversee technology tools and digital learning platforms. Their work ensures that students have access to books, software, periodicals and other materials that support learning, even in urban and rural settings where families may lack reliable internet access, and communities may not have well-funded libraries.

School librarians also play a collaborative role within schools. They frequently partner with teachers to integrate library resources into the curriculum. For example, students may spend a class period in the library learning about various reference materials related to topics they are currently studying in the classroom.

What Education Do You Need to Become a School Librarian?

Formal education is necessary to become a school librarian. Typically, the academic journey begins with earning a bachelor’s degree. Education is a common major for undergraduate studies, but prospective school librarians may focus on other subjects, such as library science, literature and communication studies.

Generally, a Master of Education degree in library science or library media is essential for finding employment as a school librarian. These programs typically feature specialized coursework in children’s literature, information organization, legal and ethical issues, school library management and educational technology.

When comparing master’s degree programs, accreditation status is a key consideration. Schools that have earned accreditation from the American Library Association (ALA) or the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) are recognized for the quality and rigor of their curriculum.

How Do You Get School Librarian Certification?

Like other educators, school librarians typically must obtain teacher certification before working in schools. Each state establishes its own rules and regulations regarding licensure. In Alabama, the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) oversees the state licensing program.

Generally, certification requires the successful completion of an approved education program. Graduates must also typically pass written examinations, such as the PRAXIS test, and gain a certain number of hours of supervised real-world experience. Passing a criminal background check is another common requirement.

Once certified, school librarians must typically apply for renewal periodically. In most states, educators must complete continuing education coursework to qualify for renewal.

What Skills Make a Successful School Librarian?

Successful school librarians rely on a well-developed set of skills when performing their duties. Many of the hard skills needed for the role can be gained through formal graduate-level education. For example, UWA’s online MEd Library Media program helps students develop technological proficiency and collection management expertise that are essential for school librarians.

In addition to technical skills, school librarians benefit from strong communication, organization and collaboration skills. A passion for literacy and a commitment to student success are a must.

What Are the Career Opportunities for School Librarians?

School librarians typically work in elementary, middle and high schools, and their salaries by state are generally similar to those of teachers. The following salary information for teaching careers at various levels as of May 2024 can give you an idea of the earning potential for school librarians:

• Elementary school: The median salary for educators at this level was $62,340 per year, with the lowest-paid 10% earning less than $46,440 annually, and the highest-paid 10% making more than $102,010.
• Middle school: The median annual wage for middle school educators was $62,970. For the lowest-paid 10%, salaries were below $47,050 per year, while the highest-paid 10% earned more than $100,980 annually.
• High school: At this level, educators generally earn the most, as evidenced by a median annual salary of $64,580. Annual wages for the lowest-paid 10% were less than $47,330, while yearly pay for the highest-paid 10% exceeded $104,670.

Generally, demand for librarians remains steady, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicting 2% growth in the field through 2034. However, the BLS anticipates around 13,500 annual job openings for librarians in the U.S. due to retirements and individuals advancing to other positions. Consequently, newly certified school librarians are likely to find numerous employment opportunities.

After gaining some experience, many school librarians qualify for advancement within school systems. Some move on to become district library coordinators responsible for developing policies and overseeing operations across all school libraries within a district. Others may move into support positions, such as a curriculum specialist or instructional designer.

Start Your School Librarian Journey

School librarians help students develop research and literacy skills that can benefit them throughout their academic and professional careers. They also typically enjoy competitive salaries, robust benefits packages and opportunities for career advancement in leadership and professional development roles.

Gaining the necessary education and certification are the first steps to becoming a school librarian. UWA’s online MEd Library Media programenables you to take those first steps in a way that works for you. Its online format and pay-as-you-go tuition provide flexibility and affordability for working professionals.

CAEP certification serves as a testament to the program’s quality, and ALSDE approval permits program graduates to seek teacher certification in Alabama. See for yourself how UWA’s online master’s program can start you on your school librarian journey.

Learn more about the University of West Alabama’s online MEd Library Media program.