We surveyed 3,073 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.

Info

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.