How to become a Librarian
Official title: Librarians
Also called: Librarian, Art librarian, Law librarian, Music librarian, Health librarian, Liaison librarian, Medical librarian, Database librarian, Associate librarian, Reference librarian, Unit head librarian, Automation librarian
Librarians select, develop, organize and maintain library collections and provide advisory services for users. They are employed in libraries or other establishments with library services throughout the public and private sectors.
Main tasks
- Recommend acquisition of books, periodicals and audio-visual, interactive media and other materials for inclusion in library collection
- Provide reference services
- Select, classify, catalogue and weed library materials
- Prepare bibliographies, indexes, reading lists, guides and other finding aids
- Develop systems to access library collections
- Perform manual, on-line and interactive media reference searches to assist users in accessing library materials and arrange for interlibrary loans
- Develop taxonomies using various information and data sources
- Provide specialized programs for children, seniors and other groups
How to become one
A master's degree in library science or a master's degree in library and information studies or a master's degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association is required.
Ways in
- University: Science degrees, Offered by 16 universities in Canada
- University: Arts & Humanities degrees, Offered by 18 universities in Canada
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $80,360 a year The middle half earn $61,601 to $97,968.
- About 10,400 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 10,600 are projected by 2033. (+1.9%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Librarian?
A master's degree in library science or a master's degree in library and information studies or a master's degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association is required.
How much does a Librarian earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $80,360 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $61,601 to $97,968.
Is a Librarian a growing career in Canada?
Employment is projected to stay about the same by 2033: about 10,400 people now and 10,600 later (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a Librarian?
Usually. 85% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03