So you want to be a Librarian?

One of the best (and smartest) things I ever did was to return to school later in life, to get my Library Information Technology (LIT) diploma from SAIT Polytechnic. 

Now, I could have gone back to University to get an undergraduate degree and then continue on to get a Masters in Library Science (MLS) or Master of Library & Information Science (MLIS), but I chose to complete my studies in Calgary and go with a 2 year program.  The reason I chose to go with the LIT was based in part on my age (already being in my 40's) and that I did not want to invest the time and money it would require to achieve an MLIS. For me, it made more sense to do an LIT, as it would fit in with my time criteria and would it would qualify me to work in the area that I really wanted to: becoming a school librarian.

If you think that the library field may be in your future, you need to think carefully about what it is about librarianship that appeals to you.  It is reading and storytelling?  Is it research, or finding the answer to well hidden, and often obscure answers to the bizarre or extremely technical customer questions?  Do you thrive on cool, new information technologies and want share their use with others?  Do you want to help students or other customers find the answers to course work they are doing, and to help them succeed academically?

I just finished reading a great article by Rick Anderson about becoming a 21st century librarian and some of the worthwhile goals that people might have in mind when they decide to work in the library field.  Here are  some the reasons he listed in his article (click to read article) "Authentic Librarianship and the Question of Service": 

To prepare people for lives of professional scholarship

To increase participation in a democratic society

To support research into solutions to social and scientific problems

To support the development of innovative products and life-saving treatments

To encourage and promote critical thinking

To increase awareness of and tolerance for difference and diversity

To broaden minds and enrich lives

To improve character and ennoble the “whole person”

Whatever your reasons for working in the library field might be, please take the time to check into the various areas you could possibly focus in. Click on the links below to get general information: 

How To Become a 21st Century Librarian

"So You Want to Be A Librarian"

Have you considered a career as a school librarian?

Academic Libraries

Public Libraries

Special (Law, Medicine, Oil and Gas) Libraries

Descriptions of Library related careers

Library Information Technology Diploma from SAIT Polytechnic



If any St. Monica parents or students are interested in getting additional one-on-one information about a career in the library field, I invite you to stop by, anytime that I am in the library, and to speak to me personally.  I truly enjoy sharing my love of librarianship and information gathering knowledge and experience with others.

Mrs. M. Meakin
St. Monica School Librarian