Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Librarian
What librarians actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Open the library and check holds and returns. From there, the day usually includes help patrons find information, select and manage collections, and teach research and digital skills. Public and academic librarians often work evenings and weekends; school librarians follow school schedules.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a librarian working full time.
- Open the library and check holds and returns.
- Lead a preschool story time.
- Help a patron research a family history.
- Select new books for the collection.
- Teach a job-seekers workshop on resumes.
- Help students with a research project.
- Plan next month’s programs.
Where librarians work
Librarians work in public, school, academic and special libraries, mostly indoors at desks and with the public.
Hours and schedule
Public and academic librarians often work evenings and weekends; school librarians follow school schedules.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Help patrons find information
- Select and manage collections
- Teach research and digital skills
- Plan and run programs
- Manage databases and digital resources
- Catalog materials
- Promote library services
Tools you’ll use every day
- Integrated library systems
- Online databases
- Cataloging tools
- Digital media tools
- Presentation software
- Community outreach tools
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Help people learn every day
- Quiet, intellectual work
- Community impact
- Variety of library types
What’s hard
- Requires a master’s degree
- Budget cuts
- Competitive jobs in some areas
- Evening and weekend shifts
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love books and information
- I enjoy helping people learn
- I’m organized
- I like teaching skills
- I want a community role
- I’m willing to earn a master’s
Not sure? Take the free Librarian fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Protect patron privacy
- Follow emergency procedures
- Lift boxes of books properly
- Maintain a safe, welcoming space