To become a reference librarian, one must complete a degree in library science, gain experience in libraries, and complete specialized training. The reference librarian should also be familiar with the reference interview technique and have people skills.
To become a reference librarian, you must first complete the normal course of education for general library work. This will include a master’s or associate’s degree in library science, although educational requirements will vary between libraries or library districts. This typically involves two to six years of study or more, sometimes including specialized training and licensing. You should be familiar with the tasks involved, including the reference interview, a technique specific to reference departments. Meeting these requirements will help you become a reference librarian.
Anyone wanting to become a reference librarian should start with a general understanding of how modern libraries work. This can be done even before starting a library science course. Spend time in libraries and familiarize yourself with how reference materials are organized, indexed and accessed. The American Library Association and similar organizations in other countries can provide resources and information. If you are a student, you can help out in the school library or seek employment as a library page to get a feel for the inner workings of the library.
Librarians must complete specialized training in information management. Smaller libraries may only require an associate’s degree, which can usually be completed in two years. To become a reference librarian, however, it may be necessary to complete a graduate program in library science. This can only be accomplished after completing a bachelor’s degree, sometimes in related fields such as law, English or social sciences. An advanced degree can also be useful if you desire eventual advancement to an administrative position.
Some libraries will also require licensure to become a reference librarian. For example, school and university libraries often require teacher certification. Some states and cities may require a license or certificate to be eligible for employment. A reference librarian in a law or commercial library will also need detailed knowledge of these topics. Familiarity with computer information retrieval is also essential.
The reference librarian should be practiced in the reference interview technique. This is a series of questions that librarians use to correctly understand and process a request for information. Some library users are unfamiliar with the library environment and feel uncomfortable or ignorant when asking for help. The purpose of the reference interview is to clarify the information request and direct the user to the requested information as accurately as possible. This involves people skills and talent for communication, as well as familiarity with available reference materials.
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