Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement Education and training requirements for instructors and coaches vary greatly by type of employer, area of expertise, and level of responsibilities. Some entry-level positions only require experience derived as a participant in the sport or activity, while others require substantial education or experience. For example, aerobics instructor jobs are usually filled by persons who develop an avid interest in the activity by taking aerobics classes and then become certified. On the other hand, some coaches must have qualifying experience such as past participation in the sport, or must work their way up through the coaching ranks. School coaches and sports instructors at all levels usually have a bachelor's degree. Employers within the education industry often draw first from teachers and faculty when seeking to fill a position. If no one suitable is found they hire someone from outside. Coaches may have to be certified, in accordance with the school district's policies. Some districts require recertification every 2 years. A master's degree may increase opportunities for employment and advancement. Degree programs are offered in exercise sports science, physiology, kinesiology, nutrition and fitness, physical education, and sports medicine. Certification is highly desirable for those interested in becoming a fitness, aerobics, tennis, karate, golf, or any other kind of instructor. Often one must be at least 18 years old and CPR certified. There are many certifying organizations specific to the various types of sports or activities and their training requirements vary depending on their standards. Part-time workers and those in smaller facilities are less likely to need formal education or training. Instructors and coaches must relate well to others. They also must be resourceful and flexible to successfully instruct and motivate individual students or groups. Good communication and leadership skills are essential. Job Outlook An increased need for instructors and coaches is expected to increase employment in this occupation faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2008. Additional job opportunities will be generated by the need to replace workers who leave the occupation. Job prospects should be best for those with bachelor's degrees and extensive experience within their specialization. Demand for instructors and coaches will remain high as long as the public continues to participate in sports as a form of entertainment, recreation, and physical conditioning. Health and fitness clubs will continue to change to address the public's ever-changing tastes. In addition, as the more active baby-boomers replace their more sedentary parents in retirement, the demand for sports and recreation instructors and coaches will increase. Applicants for librarian jobs in large cities or suburban areas will face competition, while those willing to work in rural areas should have better job prospects. Nature of the Work The traditional concept of a library is being redefined, from a place to access paper records or books, to one which also houses the most advanced mediums, including CD-ROM, the Internet, virtual libraries, and remote access to a wide range of resources. Consequently, librarians are increasingly combining traditional duties with tasks involving quickly changing technology. Librarians assist people in finding information and using it effectively in their personal and professional lives. They must have knowledge of a wide variety of scholarly and public information sources, and follow trends related to publishing, computers, and the media to effectively oversee the selection and organization of library materials. Librarians manage staff and develop and direct information programs and systems for the public to ensure information is organized to meet users' needs. Most librarian positions incorporate three aspects of library work— user services, technical services, and administrative services. Even librarians specializing in one of these areas perform other responsibilities. Librarians in user services, such as reference and children's librarians, work with the public to help them find the information they need. This involves analyzing users' needs to determine what information is appropriate, and searching for, acquiring, and providing information. It also includes an instructional role, such as showing users how to access information. For example, librarians commonly help users navigate the Internet, showing them how to most efficiently search for relevant information. Librarians in technical services, such as acquisitions and cataloguing, acquire and prepare materials for use and often do not deal directly with the public. Librarians in administrative services oversee the management and planning of libraries, negotiate contracts for services, materials, and equipment, supervise library employees, perform public relations and fundraising duties, prepare budgets, and direct activities to ensure that everything functions properly. In small libraries or information centers, librarians usually handle all aspects of the work. They read book reviews, publishers' announcements, and catalogues to keep up with current literature and other available resources, and select and purchase materials from publishers, wholesalers, and distributors. Librarians prepare new materials by classifying them by subject matter, and describe books and other library materials so they are easy to find. They supervise assistants who prepare cards, computer records, or other access tools that direct users to resources. In large libraries, librarians often specialize in a single area, such as acquisitions, cataloguing, bibliography, reference, special collections, or administration. Teamwork is increasingly important to ensure quality service to the public. Librarians also compile lists of books, periodicals, articles, and audiovisual materials on particular subjects, analyze collections, and recommend materials. They collect and organize books, pamphlets, manuscripts, and other materials in a specific field, such as rare books, genealogy, or music. In addition, they coordinate programs such as storytelling for children, and literacy skills and book talks for adults; conduct classes; publicize services; provide reference help; write grants; and oversee other administrative matters. Librarians are classified according to the type of library in which they work-public libraries, school library media centers, academic libraries, and special libraries. Some librarians work with specific groups, such as children, young adults, adults, or the disadvantaged. In school library media centers, librarians help teachers develop curricula, acquire materials for classroom instruction, and sometimes team-teach. Librarians also work in information centers or libraries maintained by government agencies, corporations, law firms, advertising agencies, museums, professional associations, medical centers, hospitals, religious organizations, and research laboratories. They build and arrange an organization's information resources, which are usually limited to subjects of special interest to the organization. These special librarians can provide vital information services by preparing abstracts and indexes of current periodicals, organizing bibliographies, or analyzing background information and preparing reports on areas of particular interest. For instance, a special librarian working for a corporation could provide the sales department with information on competitors or new developments affecting their field. Many libraries have access to remote databases, and maintain their own computerized databases. The widespread use of automation in libraries makes database searching skills important to librarians. Librarians develop and index databases and help train users to develop searching skills for the information they need. Some libraries are forming consortiums with other libraries through electronic mail. This allows patrons to simultaneously submit information requests to several libraries. The Internet is also expanding the amount of available reference information. Librarians must be aware of how to use these resources in order to locate information. Librarians with computer and information systems skills can work as automated systems librarians, planning and operating computer systems, and information science librarians, designing information storage and retrieval systems and developing procedures for collecting, organizing, interpreting, and classifying information. These librarians analyze and plan for future information needs. (See statements on computer engineers and scientists and computer systems analysts elsewhere in the Handbook.) The increased use of automated information systems enables librarians to focus on administrative and budgeting responsibilities, grant writing, and specialized research requests, while delegating more technical and user services responsibilities to technicians. (See statement on library technicians elsewhere in the Handbook.) Increasingly, librarians apply their information management and research skills to arenas outside of libraries-for example, database development, reference tool development, information systems, publishing, Internet coordination, marketing, and training of database users. Entrepreneurial librarians sometimes start their own consulting practices, acting as free-lance librarians or information brokers and providing services to other libraries, businesses, or government agencies. cause eyestrain and headaches. Assisting users in obtaining information for their jobs, recreational purposes, and other uses can be challenging and satisfying; at the same time, working with users under deadlines can be demanding and stressful. More than 2 out of 10 librarians work part time. Public and college librarians often work weekends and evenings, and have to work some holidays. School librarians usually have the same workday schedule as classroom teachers and similar vacation schedules. Special librarians usually work normal business hours, but in fastpaced industries, such as advertising or legal services, they can work longer hours during peak times. Employment Librarians held about 152,000 jobs in 1998. Most were in school and academic libraries; others were in public and special libraries. A small number of librarians worked for hospitals and religious organizations. Others worked for governments. Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement A master's degree in library science (MLS) is necessary for librarian positions in most public, academic, and special libraries, and in some school libraries. The Federal Government requires an MLS or the equivalent in education and experience. Many colleges and universities offer MLS programs, but employers often prefer graduates of the approximately 50 schools accredited by the American Library Association. Most MLS programs require a bachelor's degree; any liberal arts major is appropriate. Most MLS programs take 1 year to complete; others take 2. A typical graduate program includes courses in the foundations of library and information science, including the history of books and printing, intellectual freedom and censorship, and the role of libraries and information in society. Other basic courses cover material selection and processing, the organization of information, reference tools and strategies, and user services. Courses are adapted to educate librarians to use new resources brought about by advancing technology such as on-line reference systems, Internet search methods, and automated circulation systems. Course options can include resources for children or young adults; classification, cataloguing, indexing, and abstracting; library administration; and library automation. Computer related course work is an increasingly important part of an MLS degree. An MLS provides general preparation for library work, but some individuals specialize in a particular area such as reference, technical services, or children's services. A Ph.D. degree in library and information science is advantageous for a college teaching position, or a top administrative job in a college or university library or large library system. In special libraries, an MLS is also usually required. In addition, most special librarians supplement their education with knowledge of the subject specialization, sometimes earning a master's, doctoral, or professional degree in the subject. Subject specializations include medicine, law, business, engineering, and the natural and social sciences. For example, a librarian working for a law firm may also be a licensed attorney, holding both library science and law degrees. In some jobs, knowledge of a foreign language is needed. State certification requirements for public school librarians vary widely. Most States require school librarians, often called library media specialists, to be certified as teachers and have courses in library science. In some cases, an MLS, perhaps with a library media specialization, or a master's in education with a specialty in school library media or educational media, is needed. Some States require certification of public librarians employed in municipal, county, or regional library systems. Librarians participate in continuing training once they are on the job to keep abreast of new information systems brought about by changing technology. Experienced librarians can advance to administrative positions, such as department head, library director, or chief information officer. Job Outlook Slower than average employment growth, coupled with an increasing number of MLS graduates, will result in more applicants competing for fewer jobs. However, because MLS programs increasingly focus on computer skills, graduates will be qualified for other, computer-related occupations. Applicants for librarian jobs in large metropolitan areas, where most graduates prefer to work, will face competition; those willing to work in rural areas should have better job prospects. Some job openings for librarians will stem from projected slowerthan-average employment growth through 2008. Replacement needs will account for more job openings over the next decade, as some librarians reach retirement age. The increasing use of computerized information storage and retrieval systems could contribute to slow growth in the demand for librarians. Computerized systems make cataloguing easier, which library technicians now handle. In addition, many libraries are equipped for users to access library computers directly from their homes or offices. These systems allow users to bypass librarians and conduct research on their own. However, librarians are needed to manage staff, help users develop database searching techniques, address complicated reference requests, and define users' needs. Opportunities will be best for librarians outside traditional settings. Nontraditional library settings include information brokers, private corporations, and consulting firms. Many companies are turning to librarians because of their research and organizational skills, and knowledge of computer databases and library automation systems. Librarians can review vast amounts of information and analyze, evaluate, and organize it according to a company's specific needs. Librarians are also hired by organizations to set up information on the Internet. Librarians working in these settings may be classified as systems analysts, database specialists and trainers, webmasters or web developers, or LAN (local area network) coordinators. duties similar to those of school teachers. Other jobs requiring the computer skills of some librarians include webmasters or web developers, database specialists, and systems analysts. Sources of Additional Information Information on librarianship, including information on scholarships or loans, is available from the American Library Association. For a listing of accredited library education programs, check their homepage: American Library Association, Office for Human Resource Development and Recruitment, 50 East Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611. Internet: http://www.ala.org For information on a career as a special librarian, write to: Special Libraries Association, 1700 18th St. NW., Washington, DC 20009. Information on graduate schools of library and information science can be obtained from: Association for Library and Information Science Education, P.O. Box 7640, Arlington, VA 22207. Internet: http://www.sils.umich.edu/ALISE For information on a career as a law librarian, scholarship information, and a list of ALA-accredited schools offering programs in law librarianship, contact: American Association of Law Libraries, 53 West Jackson Blvd., Suite 940, Chicago, IL 60604. Internet: http://www.ala.org For information on employment opportunities as a health sciences librarian, scholarship information, credentialing information, and a list of MLA-accredited schools offering programs in health sciences librarianship, contact: Medical Library Association, 6 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60602. Internet: http://www.mlanet.org Information on acquiring a job as a librarian with the Federal Government may be obtained from the Office of Personnel Management through a telephone-based system. Consult your telephone directory under U.S. Government for a local number or call (912) 757-3000; TDD (912) 744-2299. That number is not toll free and charges may result. Information also is available from their Internet site: http://www.usajobs.opm.gov Information concerning requirements and application procedures for positions in the Library of Congress can be obtained directly from: ☛ Human Resources Office, Library of Congress, 101 Independence Ave. SE., Washington, DC 20540-2231. State library agencies can furnish information on scholarships available through their offices, requirements for certification, and general information about career prospects in the State. Several of these agencies maintain job hotlines reporting openings for librarians. State departments of education can furnish information on certification requirements and job opportunities for school librarians. Many library science schools offer career placement services to their alumni and current students. Some allow non-affiliated students and jobseekers to use their services. Library Technicians (O*NET 31505) Significant Points Training ranges from on-the-job to a bachelor's degree. Experienced library technicians can advance by obtaining a Master of Library Science degree. Nature of the Work Library technicians help librarians acquire, prepare, and organize material, and assist users in finding information. Technicians in small libraries handle a range of duties; those in large libraries Library technicians help librarians acquire, prepare, and organize material. usually specialize. As libraries increasingly use new technologies such as CD-ROM, the Internet, virtual libraries, and automated databases—the duties of library technicians will expand and evolve accordingly. Library technicians are assuming greater responsibilities, in some cases taking on tasks previously performed by librarians. (See the statement on librarians elsewhere in the Handbook.) Depending on the employer, library technicians can have other titles, such as library technical assistants. Library technicians direct library users to standard references, organize and maintain periodicals, prepare volumes for binding, handle interlibrary loan requests, prepare invoices, perform routine cataloguing and coding of library materials, retrieve information from computer databases, and supervise support staff. The widespread use of computerized information storage and retrieval systems has resulted in technicians handling more technical and user services, such as entering catalogue information into the library's computer, that were once performed by librarians. Technicians assist with customizing databases. In addition, technicians instruct patrons how to use computer systems to access data. The increased use of automation has reduced the amount of clerical work performed by library technicians. Many libraries now offer selfservice registration and circulations with computers, decreasing the time library technicians spend manually recording and inputting records. Some library technicians operate and maintain audiovisual equipment, such as projectors, tape recorders, and videocassette recorders, and assist users with microfilm or microfiche readers. They also design posters, bulletin boards, or displays. Those in school libraries encourage and teach students to use the library and media center. They also help teachers obtain instructional materials and assist students with special assignments. Some work in special libraries maintained by government agencies, corporations, law firms, advertising agencies, museums, professional societies, medical centers, and research laboratories, where they conduct literature searches, compile bibliographies, and prepare abstracts, usually on subjects of particular interest to the organization. Working Conditions Technicians answer questions and provide assistance to library users. Those who prepare library materials sit at desks or computer terminals for long periods and can develop headaches or eyestrain from working with video display terminals. Some duties, like calculating circulation statistics, can be repetitive and boring. Others, such as performing computer searches using local and regional library networks and cooperatives, can be interesting and challenging. Library technicians in school libraries work regular school hours. Those in public libraries and college and university (academic) libraries also work weekends, evenings and some holidays. Library technicians in special libraries usually work normal business hours, although they often work overtime as well. Library technicians usually work under the supervision of a librarian, although they work independently in certain situations. Employment Library technicians held about 72,000 jobs in 1998. Most worked in school, academic, or public libraries. Some worked in hospitals and religious organizations. The Federal Government, primarily the Department of Defense and the Library of Congress, and State and local governments also employed library technicians. Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement Training requirements for library technicians vary widely, ranging from a high school diploma to specialized postsecondary training. Some employers hire individuals with work experience or other training; others train inexperienced workers on the job. Other employers require that technicians have an associate or bachelor's degree. Given the rapid spread of automation in libraries, computer skills are needed for many jobs. Knowledge of databases, library automation systems, on-line library systems, on-line public access systems, and circulation systems is valuable. Some 2-year colleges offer an associate of arts degree in library technology. Programs include both liberal arts and library-related study. Students learn about library and media organization and operation, and how to order, process, catalogue, locate, and circulate library materials and work with library automation. Libraries and associations offer continuing education courses to keep technicians abreast of new developments in the field. Library technicians usually advance by assuming added responsibilities. For example, technicians often start at the circulation desk, checking books in and out. After gaining experience, they may become responsible for storing and verifying information. As they advance, they may become involved in budget and personnel matters in their department. Some library technicians advance to supervisory positions and are in charge of the day-to-day operation of their department. Job Outlook Employment of library technicians is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2008. Some job openings will result from the need to replace library technicians who transfer to other fields or leave the labor force. Similar to other fields, willingness to relocate enhances an aspiring library technician's job prospects. The increasing use of library automation is expected to spur job growth among library technicians. Computerized information systems have simplified certain tasks, such as descriptive cataloguing, which can now be handled by technicians instead of librarians. For instance, technicians can now easily retrieve information from a central database and store it in the library's computer. Although budgetary constraints could dampen employment growth of library technicians in school, public, and college and university libraries, libraries sometimes use technicians to perform some librarian duties in an effort to stretch shrinking budgets. Growth in the number of professionals and other workers who use special libraries should result in relatively fast employment growth among library technicians in those settings. Earnings Median annual earnings of library technicians in 1998 were $21,730. The middle 50 percent earned between $16,500 and $27,340. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $12,610 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $33,370. Median annual earnings in the Sources of Additional Information Information about a career as a library technician can be obtained from: Council on Library/Media Technology, P.O. Box 951, Oxon Hill, MD 20750. Internet: http://library.ucr.edu/COLT For information on training programs for library/media technical assistants, write to: American Library Association, Office for Human Resource Development and Recruitment, 50 East Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611. Internet: http://www.ala.org Information on acquiring a job as a library technician with the Federal Government may be obtained from the Office of Personnel Management through a telephone-based system. Consult your telephone directory under U.S. Government for a local number or call (912) 757-3000; TDD (912) 744-2299. That number is not toll free and charges may result. Information also is available from their Internet site: http://www.usajobs.opm.gov Information concerning requirements and application procedures for positions in the Library of Congress can be obtained directly from: Human Resources Office, Library of Congress, 101 Independence Ave. SE., Washington, DC 20540-2231. State library agencies can furnish information on requirements for technicians, and general information about career prospects in the State. Several of these agencies maintain job hotlines reporting openings for library technicians. State departments of education can furnish information on requirements and job opportunities for school library technicians. School Teachers-Kindergarten, Elementary, and Secondary (O*NET 31304, 31305, and 31308) Significant Points Public school teachers must have at least a bachelor's degree, complete an approved teacher education program, and be licensed. Many States offer alternative licensing programs to attract people into teaching, especially for hard-to-fill positions. Employment growth for secondary school teachers will be more rapid than for kindergarten and elementary school teachers due to student enrollments, but job outlook will vary by geographic area and subject specialty. Nature of the Work Teachers act as facilitators or coaches, using interactive discussions and "hands-on" learning to help students learn and apply concepts |