How to Become A Librarian In South Africa

A librarian is a person who works professionally in a library, providing access to information, and sometimes social or technical programming, or instruction on information literacy to users.

What Does A Librarian Do?

Librarians (also referred to as information professionals) design, develop and manage collections of recorded material and the delivery of information services to users. Library collections can include books, magazines, computer games and software, photographs, journals, maps, microfilms, CDs, e-books, and other digital information.

What Qualifications Do I Need?

Some librarians begin their career by getting a job as a library assistant and doing work-based training, though the advancement of information technology has increased the need for formal qualifications.

Most librarians do a diploma or a degree in library and information science and gain the necessary practical experience by working in a library or other appropriate place.

A National Senior Certificate that meets the requirements for a diploma or degree course is a prerequisite for attending a programme at a university or college. Graduates can register as a member of the Library and Information Association of South Africa once qualified.

What Subjects Do I Need?

Contact each institution for their specific requirements, but these subjects are recommended:

Mathematics

Languages

Computer Applications Technology

Where Can I Study?

UNISA

Bachelor of Information Science
www.unisa.ac.za

University of the Western Cape

Bachelor of Library and Information Science
www.uwc.ac.za

University of KwaZulu-Natal

Bachelor of Library and Information Science
www.ukzn.ac.za

Durban University of Technology

National Diploma: Library and Information Studies
www.dut.ac.za

Earnings and Outlook

Salaries of librarians and library workers vary according to the individual’s qualifications and the type, size, and location of the library. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wages of librarians in 2018 was $59,050 per year.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has also reported that employment of librarians is expected to grow by 6 percent between 2018 and 2028. (This is as fast as the average growth rate for all occupations.)

What qualifications do you need to be a librarian In South Africa?

You can do a degree or postgraduate qualification in librarianship or information management accredited by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals. You’ll need some practical experience, which you can get through an internship during your first degree or by volunteering at a library.

Can I be a librarian without a degree In South Africa?

Definitely not! There are many jobs you can apply for without one. As you work your way up the administration, many systems may require one. It simply depends on the size and history of your library system.

How can I get a library job with no experience In South Africa?

5 Ways to Get Library Job Experience(When You Don’t Have a Library Job)

Volunteer at Your Local Library.

Serve on a Committee or Task Force.

Do an Internship.

Become active in Social Networking, LISTSERVS, and Message Boards.

What is the difference between a librarian and a media specialis tIn South Africa?

A library media specialist is different from a librarian. Library media professionals work specifically with a library’s media resources. For their studies, a librarian media specialist needs to complete a master’s degree in library science.

Is librarian a good career In South Africa?

If you are a vivid book lover and love to read books, librarian is a good career path. However, the candidates must have a good management skills. Candidates aspiring to become a librarian is to have a Bachelor’s degree in Library Sciences.

How hard is it to get a job as a librarian In South Africa?

The profession requires a master’s degree for most entry-level positions so it is more difficult than other fields that don’t require an advanced degree. That said, there are plenty of opportunities to work in other library occupations while you’re pursuing your degrees.

Is librarian a dying career In South Africa?

Even library and information science students often become librarians (though more on this in a moment). There’s a subtle but significant difference between a broadly applicable course of study and a course of study leading to a dying profession and librarianship is a dying profession in the mind of most people I meet.

Are librarians happy?

Librarians are about average in terms of happiness. At Career Explorer, we conduct an ongoing survey with millions of people and ask them how satisfied they are with their careers. As it turns out, librarians rate their career happiness 3.3 out of 5 stars which puts them in the top 46% of careers.