A Public Librarian does more than check out books. This person is a technology expert, information detective, manager, literacy expert, children's storyteller, community programming coordinator and reading advisor. Some Public Librarians specialise in one service, for example: children, young adult, systems and acquisition. Specialised services can also be developed for a particular population such as the blind and physically challenged.
School Librarians are also called school library media specialists. They are teachers, information partners, information specialists, reading advisors and programme administrators. They work directly with students and help them learn and grow.
- Academic/College Libraries
College and university librarianship or academic librarianship provides many opportunities for careers. Reference librarians help students, staff and faculty with research. Subject specialist work with academic departments to help build collections and provide specialised research in specific subjects. Technical Service Librarians handle purchasing and processing of materials, negotiating contracts and much more. Systems Librarians specialise in developing library computer systems and internet/web services. Other jobs combine these responsiblities and more.
"The true treasure of a national library is in the collective wisdom of the nation contained within its collections: its history and achievements, its culture, its imaginative literature, its laws and commerce, its scientific and technical innovation" (Sir Colin Lucas, Chairman of the British Library Board). Most national libraries are also responsible for compiling a national bibliography, and some serve as the legal depository for works protected by copyright in the country.National libraries play a major part in preserving and conserving the heritage of the country. Jobs in the national libraries range from specialised researchers, subject specialists, indexers, conservations, preservation librarians, exhibition co-ordinators to curators. Library personnel at National Libraries provide a gateway to the countries' heritage through reference, research and outreach.
This service would focus on a particular sector of operation as applicable to the range of industries from advertising, banking , energy and military.
Within the government sector, there are a number of special libraries which are set up to support the information needs of the particular areas of responsibility, for example, special libraries exist in the Ministries of Agriculture, Energy, Planning, Trade and Industry. The Parliament also has an extensive library service.
Special Libraries are defined by the delivery of an information service in a specific subject discipline, for example: in business, law, medical, industry or a government organisation (business, law, medical).
Business Librarians or Corporate Librarians, as they are sometimes called, are responsible for providing a company with competitive intelligence. They are knowledge managers and research specialists working in a fast-paced environment.
Law Librarians serve the larger organisation: law firms, law schools, government offices, courts and other legal organisations.
Medical Librarianship is a service profession. They provide health information about new medical treatments, clinical trials, tests and equipment to physicians, health professionals, patients, consumers and corporations. A background in health sciences and a graduate course in medical librarianship are beneficial.