Library and information management
The library and information management sector covers a wide variety of job roles and responsibilities. As well as working in libraries, opportunities are available within business and industry, including schools, local and central government, the voluntary sector, and professional bodies.
Roles and skills
Typical jobs in this sector include:
- academic librarian
- archivist
- careers adviser
- information officer
- information manager
- public librarian
- social researcher.
Key skills that are useful in this sector will vary according to the role, but can include:
- IT skills, with a willingness to keep up to date with new technology
- strong interpersonal and communication skills
- teamwork
- research skills
- organisational skills
- methodical approach and attention to detail
- flexibility.
For job profiles and detailed information on pursuing a career in this sector see the Prospects website:
Information, research and analysis profile
Contents
Gaining experience
To prepare for a graduate-level career in library and information management, you should research the sector carefully. You should also talk with people who are in the sector already.
Work experience is essential for gaining a graduate position and for securing a place on a postgraduate course. You can get this through part-time work, internships, volunteering and making speculative applications.
Make a connection
To connect with people already working in the sector, consider joining Saint Connect, the University of St Andrews’ exclusive, global, online community for networking and career mentoring.
See more ideas for making a connection.
Work experience and internships
It is worthwhile trying to gain library experience during your studies which will provide an insight into the work - this might be paid or for a short period of work shadowing.
- The St Andrews Summer Internship Scheme has previously offered University Library placements
- Make speculative applications to other libraries for work experience during vacations
- Read CILIP: getting started
- Archives and Records Association: Placement opportunities - find work experience in archives and records management
- Student placement scheme - The National Archives
Find internships (Careers Centre)
Attend events
The Careers Centre often puts on events where you can talk to employers visiting St Andrews. Visit the events page for more information.
Volunteering
Volunteering can be a great way to enhance your employability skills, while gaining relevant work experience. Useful links:
- The Archives and Records Association–list of placements that is updated annually, ranging from paid one-year roles, to two-week voluntary opportunities.
- The British Library
- Contact the University of St Andrews Library or the St Andrews library for a voluntary position.
Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP)
Consider becoming a student member of CILIP. This will look great on your CV and show your interest and commitment to the industry.
CILIP also has a BAME support network and an LGBTQ+ support network for members: CILIP: the library and information association (Changing Lives programme)
Make a speculative application
You could also consider making a speculative application to find work experience or work shadowing opportunities. This is where you apply to a company or organisation that is not advertising positions.
Further study
Some roles within this sector may require a relevant first degree or a degree accredited by CILIP and a postgraduate qualification.
For librarian positions, a postgraduate diploma or an MA/MSc in library and information science or management accredited by CILIP is essential.
To secure a place on a postgraduate course, relevant work experience is also essential.
For more information about postgraduate study or professional qualifications, see the further study pages.
Finding a job
Check out our job listings for vacancies or see the resources below for jobs in the library and information management sector.
Jobs in the UK
- Information Professional Jobs (CILIP) and CILIP Graduate Trainees
- jobs.ac.uk
- LG Jobs
- The Information and Records Management Society - advertises information and records management jobs.
- Archives and Records Association (membership required to view jobs)
- The NHS - Knowledge and library services | Health Careers
- Library Jobs - ALA JobLIST | Jobs in Library & Information Science & Technology (includes US, Canada, and non-North American postings)
- Libraries Jobs - HigherEdJobs (primarily US postings but also includes global postings)
Graduate training schemes
A graduate training scheme is a paid, entry-level job that also acts as a training programme.
Graduates from non-library and information disciplines and who have little or no library and information work experience can use CILIP’s Graduate Training Opportunities scheme to get their career in this profession started.
Jobs outside the UK
Applying for a job
The recruitment process for library and information management graduate training schemes and jobs may vary from company to company, but is likely to consist of one or more of the following:
- online application
- selection tests
- one or two interviews
- assessment centre.
Check employer websites as many provide details on their own individual recruitment and selection processes. Smaller organisations may be happy to accept a CV and covering letter and will have a less formal approach to the selection process.
If you would like personalised help on any aspect of applying for a job, you can book an appointment with a careers adviser.