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AJ
Student
Waterbury, Connecticut
1
Question
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How rewarding is being a library assistant versus a librarian? #Spring25
I'm starting a certificate program for Library Technology. Not sure if I will want to continue for a Masters later.
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2 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
2450
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hi, AJ !
The sure way that you can find out which position between being a Librarian Assistant or a Librarian is something you'd like is to literally spend the day at the Library and notice the work these two positions do. It'll be like free range Shadowing ! If you love literature, books, magazines, newspapers, websites, movies and music and interacting with the public, you may just enjoy this job, but only you can test the satisfactory factor because it would be you doing the work.
There are two potential Public Libraries in Waterbury at which you can apply for work. They are the Bunker Hill Branch Library and Silas Bronson Library which is the Main Branch. There are also sometimes openings in the library at Post University. Librarian Assistants in your city make significantly less pay than Librarians. If you go for a Bachelors Degree in Library and Information Science it would still be a degree targeted to Library Assistant. But this would help you learn about literature and the way Libraries are set up and managed. Then, later on, if you decide to become a Librarian, you only have to go for your Masters for two years. You can decide about this at any time. The more knowledge you have, the easier your job will be so the academic path is very important. It's fine if you haven't decided yet.
If you are taking the Librarian Assistant certificate program at the community college or a vocational school, there are academic/career counselors and teachers that can fill you in on any details about the hiring trend in connection with academic degrees suggested as well as content of work and broad knowledge of literature and media needed. Make strong contacts there and spend time in the libraries. Read a lot and become familiar with the other services that the libraries in Waterbury offer. There are usually events and programs offered by libraries and it would help you to explore these and know about them before applying for a position.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
The sure way that you can find out which position between being a Librarian Assistant or a Librarian is something you'd like is to literally spend the day at the Library and notice the work these two positions do. It'll be like free range Shadowing ! If you love literature, books, magazines, newspapers, websites, movies and music and interacting with the public, you may just enjoy this job, but only you can test the satisfactory factor because it would be you doing the work.
There are two potential Public Libraries in Waterbury at which you can apply for work. They are the Bunker Hill Branch Library and Silas Bronson Library which is the Main Branch. There are also sometimes openings in the library at Post University. Librarian Assistants in your city make significantly less pay than Librarians. If you go for a Bachelors Degree in Library and Information Science it would still be a degree targeted to Library Assistant. But this would help you learn about literature and the way Libraries are set up and managed. Then, later on, if you decide to become a Librarian, you only have to go for your Masters for two years. You can decide about this at any time. The more knowledge you have, the easier your job will be so the academic path is very important. It's fine if you haven't decided yet.
If you are taking the Librarian Assistant certificate program at the community college or a vocational school, there are academic/career counselors and teachers that can fill you in on any details about the hiring trend in connection with academic degrees suggested as well as content of work and broad knowledge of literature and media needed. Make strong contacts there and spend time in the libraries. Read a lot and become familiar with the other services that the libraries in Waterbury offer. There are usually events and programs offered by libraries and it would help you to explore these and know about them before applying for a position.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Thanks! I definitely plan to network through my professors and counselors. I also have a friend whose grandmother is part of a library board in a nearby town. I haven't been to the Bunker branch, but the Silas is a quick 10-min drive for me. Thanks again. :)
AJ
You are very welcome, AJ !
Michelle M.
Miha B
Academic and Career Counselor | Human Resources Specialist | Internal Auditor
30
Answers
Winter Park, Florida
Updated
Miha’s Answer
Hi AJ,
That’s such a great question!
Library Assistant:
Role: Supports day-to-day operations—checking books in/out, shelving, helping patrons with basic questions.
Education Needed: Often a high school diploma or associate degree; your Library Technology certificate is a perfect fit.
Rewarding Aspects: Direct contact with the public, helping people find what they need, keeping things organized.
Limitations: Less input on collection development, programming, or policy decisions.
Librarian:
Role: Plans programs, manages collections, trains staff, works on research and outreach.
Education Needed: Usually requires a Master’s in Library & Information Science (MLIS).
Rewarding Aspects: More autonomy, opportunities to specialize (children’s librarian, digital archives, academic reference, etc.), and a bigger role in shaping library services.
Considerations: Longer path and more schooling—but often comes with higher pay and leadership roles.
That’s such a great question!
Library Assistant:
Role: Supports day-to-day operations—checking books in/out, shelving, helping patrons with basic questions.
Education Needed: Often a high school diploma or associate degree; your Library Technology certificate is a perfect fit.
Rewarding Aspects: Direct contact with the public, helping people find what they need, keeping things organized.
Limitations: Less input on collection development, programming, or policy decisions.
Librarian:
Role: Plans programs, manages collections, trains staff, works on research and outreach.
Education Needed: Usually requires a Master’s in Library & Information Science (MLIS).
Rewarding Aspects: More autonomy, opportunities to specialize (children’s librarian, digital archives, academic reference, etc.), and a bigger role in shaping library services.
Considerations: Longer path and more schooling—but often comes with higher pay and leadership roles.
Thank you! I'm usually ok w/ doing more of a support role, so staying an assistant might be best for me, but I'll keep everything in consideration. Thanks again!
AJ