Is becoming a music librarian right for me?
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How to become a Music Librarian
Becoming a music librarian involves a combination of education, training, and practical experience in library and information science, as well as specialized knowledge and skills in music librarianship. Here are the general steps you can take to pursue a career as a music librarian:
- Earn a Bachelor's Degree: Start by earning a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. While there is no specific undergraduate major required for music librarianship, you may consider coursework in music, library and archives assisting, information science, or related fields to gain foundational knowledge in music and library studies.
- Attend Library School: Apply to and attend an accredited graduate program in library and information science (LIS) to earn a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) or a similar degree. Choose a program that offers coursework or concentrations in music librarianship or allows you to customize your studies to include courses in music librarianship, cataloging and metadata, archival studies, and digital libraries.
- Gain Practical Experience: Seek internships, practicum experiences, or part-time jobs in libraries or archives with music collections to gain hands-on experience in music librarianship. Practical experience can help you develop essential skills in cataloging, reference, collection management, and user services, as well as provide networking opportunities within the profession.
- Specialize in Music Librarianship: Take advantage of opportunities to specialize in music librarianship through coursework, workshops, conferences, and professional development activities focused on music-related topics. Join professional organizations such as the Music Library Association (MLA) and participate in their activities, publications, and networking opportunities for music librarians.
- Consider Additional Credentials: Consider pursuing additional credentials or certifications relevant to music librarianship, such as the Certificate of Advanced Study in Music Librarianship offered by MLA or certifications in archival studies, digital libraries, or metadata standards. These credentials can enhance your qualifications and demonstrate your expertise in the field.
- Network and Build Relationships: Network with other music librarians, professionals in related fields, and potential employers through conferences, workshops, seminars, and online forums. Build relationships with mentors, colleagues, and professionals who can provide guidance, advice, and support as you pursue your career in music librarianship.
- Apply for Positions: Begin your job search by applying for entry-level positions, internships, or fellowships in music libraries, academic libraries, performing arts institutions, public libraries, or archives with music collections. Tailor your application materials to highlight your relevant education, experience, skills, and passion for music librarianship.
Certifications
In the field of music librarianship, there are several certifications and credentials available to enhance your qualifications and demonstrate your expertise in the profession. Some of the notable certifications for music librarians include:
- Certificate of Advanced Study in Music Librarianship (CAS): Offered by the Music Library Association (MLA), the CAS is a post-master's level certification program designed for experienced music librarians seeking advanced training and professional development in the field. The program includes coursework, a practicum experience, and a comprehensive examination covering various aspects of music librarianship.
- Music Library Association (MLA) Professional Development Certificates: MLA offers professional development certificates in specific areas of music librarianship, such as cataloging, reference services, collection development, and digital libraries. These certificates are designed to recognize individuals who have completed specialized training and demonstrated proficiency in key areas of music librarianship.
- Certification in Archival Studies: Some music librarians may pursue certification in archival studies to enhance their skills in managing archival collections of musical materials, such as manuscripts, correspondence, and memorabilia. Certifications in archival studies are offered by professional organizations such as the Academy of Certified Archivists and the Society of American Archivists.
- Digital Libraries Certification: Music librarians interested in digital libraries and electronic resources may pursue certifications or training programs focused on digital librarianship, metadata standards, digitization techniques, and digital preservation strategies. Several institutions offer digital libraries certificates or specialized training programs in digital librarianship.
- Metadata Standards Certification: Proficiency in metadata standards and cataloging practices is essential for music librarians involved in cataloging and metadata management of music collections. Certifications in metadata standards, such as MARC (Machine-Readable Cataloging) and RDA (Resource Description and Access), can help music librarians demonstrate their expertise in cataloging and metadata management.