What is Library Management?
Library Management is the adaptation of the principles and techniques of management to a library situation. It includes decision making and getting the work done by others. The five fundamental management functions are planning, organising, staffing, leading and controlling.
What 3rd level courses are available?
Universities and colleges in Ireland are offering courses in Library Management in the following subject areas:
- Master of Science (MSc) Information & Library Management – The programme is designed for graduates of all disciplines wishing to pursue a career in Information & Library Management on a professional level.
- Diploma in Information Management at QLS Level 3 Certification – This Diploma in Information Management at QLS Level 3 has been programmed to equip you with the relevant knowledge and skills to wring out the maximum from information systems and processes.
- Graduate Diploma/MSc in Management of Information Systems Strategy – This online programme in Management of Information Systems Strategy will develop learners confidence to manage in an environment where IS both drives and serves business, to align Information Strategy with the overall business strategy and to contribute to ongoing Information Strategy development.
- Information Technology Management – This programme enables graduates to gain a deeper understanding of the business and IT management issues in today’s business environment.
- Mastering Information System Management – This certificate demonstrates outstanding organisational, problem-solving and communications skills.
Studying Library Management
There are many courses in Library Management that may take place over a few days, weeks or even 1 year to 4 years depending on the course and modules selected. There are also part-time courses and night courses available so you can be sure to fit in your studies no matter what your schedule is like.
Courses will cover theory work through lectures, assignments, tutorials and taught modules. Assessments will take place on a continuous basis with written examinations and practical assignments combined in order to achieve a qualification.
You could also consider work experience or a work shadow in the industry. Getting relevant experience as early as possible will show your self-motivation and enthusiasm for the work.
Relevant work experience is a good way of demonstrating a genuine interest in the field and is regarded favourably by employers. Work Experience will not only give you the opportunity to obtain a deeper knowledge and understanding of the industry, it will also give you a chance to do some essential networking with other industry professionals and gain valuable contacts for the future.
Career options
After completing a Library Management course you will be able to get started in a career that uses specific knowledge of books and information and resource management.
As a librarian you’ll acquire, organise and provide access to a range of information and reading resources to meet the diverse needs of a community. You’ll support independent learning and encourage reader development, and will also provide information on areas such as business, the community, careers, learning and recreation.
Librarians are proficient in the use of IT as part of the role involves assisting in accessing the internet and other web-based services. Librarians may run events in the library for the community and also work with local schools, colleges and universities to improve key skills in areas such as literacy, numeracy and IT.
Job titles vary and jobs may be advertised as team librarian or customer service librarian, for example. Other job titles include children’s librarian, local studies librarian or reference librarian.
If you don’t have a qualification, it may be possible to enter as a library assistant and then work up to a full librarian position by gaining extra qualifications and undertaking further training. Library assistant posts are often filled by people gaining experience before taking a postgraduate qualification.
Working hours will depend on whether you are self-employed, employed by a company with set business hours or if you are contracted to various businesses or companies. You’ll typically work a 35-hour week and may be expected to do some evening and weekend work.
Related jobs include:
- Librarian
- Academic librarian
- Records manager
- Media researcher
- Database administrator
- Information systems manager
- Editorial assistant
- Publishing copy-editor
- Proof-reader
- Lexicographer
- Digital copywriter
- English as a foreign language teacher
- Magazine journalist
- Newspaper journalist
- Private tutor
- Secondary school teacher
- Web content manager
- Writer
- Advertising copywriter
- Archivist
- Arts administrator
- Education consultant
- Information officer
- Learning mentor
- Primary school teacher
Further study
After completing a course in Library Management you may choose to pursue further study in a specialist field to increase your knowledge base and skill set. Postgraduate study can also be used as a means to change career focus or to gain professional qualifications required to practise in certain career areas such as Database Administration, Record Keeping, Information Systems or Language Studies.
FAQ
What skills could be helpful for a career in Library Management?
Some skills that may be beneficial if you are considering a career in Library management include:
- Customer service and interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with a range of people
- Strong IT skills and understanding of digital applications
- Excellent communication skills
- Research skills
- The ability to work as part of a team but also on your own initiative
- A flexible approach to work
- The ability to prioritise your work and meet deadlines
- Good presentation skills
- A meticulous approach to work
- The ability to think logically
- Organisational and self-management skills
- The ability to find creative solutions to problems
- An appreciation of the pressures and demands of working in a library
- The ability to lead and motivate others
Where can I study Library Management?
Explore your options here
Did You Know?
- One of the oldest public libraries in the U.S opened in 1790 in Franklin, Massachusetts, where residents circulated books donated by Benjamin Franklin. The Founding Father once started his own lending library in 1731 in Philadelphia called the Library Company, but it required a subscription fee of 40 shillings.
- The wealthy industrialist, Andrew Carnegie, donated $55 million—or $1.6 billion in today’s dollars—between 1886 and 1919 to open an astonishing 2509 libraries worldwide.
- The Haskell Free Library and Opera House sits directly on the border between the United States and Canada. You can walk in from Stanstead, Quebec, and walk out into Derby Line, Vermont. You don’t need a passport to cross the (literal) line running through the building, but you do have to return to your country of origin or risk fines.
- If you’re wondering how dirty library books can become after passing through many hands, the answer is: pretty dirty. Everything from traces of cocaine to the herpes virus to bed bugs have been found on sampled pages, but don’t worry: There’s never been a documented case of anyone catching anything from a library book.
- At Marsh’s Library in Dublin, Ireland, visitors hoping to peruse rare books in the 1800s were locked in cages until they were done reading.
Comments