To become a document librarian, one needs a master’s degree in library science, experience with government document classification systems, and familiarity with government agencies. Working in a library as an assistant and having a degree in a related field can be helpful. Critical thinking, communication skills, and a passion for knowledge are also important qualities.
The path to becoming a document librarian requires a master’s degree in library science (MLS) or equivalent from an accredited college or university accredited by the American Library Association in the US or a similar accrediting agency in other countries. In addition to a master’s degree, a document librarian must have experience working with the state and federal escrow program that provides access to nearly all unclassified government documents through libraries across the country. It is also helpful to have working knowledge of government document classification systems used to organize these documents, such as the Superintendent of Documents (SuDoc).
Document librarians are specialist librarians who categorize and disseminate government documents and information through the federal escrow program and help the public gain access to the government information they want. As these depository locations are often in public and academic libraries, document librarian duties tend to overlap with other duties typical of a generalized librarian position, such as administrative tasks, abstract writing, and customer service. As such, the requirements for becoming a document librarian are obtaining a bachelor’s degree and then an MLS, which prepares individuals to understand established library procedures and information resources.
During a student’s undergraduate or graduate studies, it is helpful to work as a page or library assistant in a public, government, or academic library. These library jobs are entry-level and easy to obtain. They also provide skills and experience with information systems that may be helpful in becoming a document librarian in the future.
In addition to an MLS degree, it may be helpful, but not required, to gain experience or a degree in a field related to the specialized area, such as law, foreign language, or political science. A document librarian may be faced with issues of a very specific and legally sensitive nature that require access to a single paragraph in a specific government document. Familiarity with government agencies and the roles of each can be helpful in becoming a document librarian who is well equipped to handle these queries. This knowledge can help a librarian quickly find information that may not be available through methods the general public might use, such as an Internet search.
Many personal qualities are useful for someone who wants to become a document librarian. The ability to think critically and work with established classification systems is essential to understanding library systems. Exemplary communication skills and the ability to write clearly are invaluable for communicating information in a way that is accessible to the general public. An understanding of human nature, a desire to help the public, and a passion for knowledge are basic to anyone wanting to become a document librarian.
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