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Become a Librarian

Is this the perfect job for me?

Take a look at Joyce Valenza's blog article "What Librarians Make" - a passionate articulation of the importance of librarians

School librarians assist students and teachers in their quest to find information. No longer is the library simply a warehouse for books. Instead, the library is the busy hub of the school, a gathering place to access information from a variety of sources -- databases, CD-ROMs, magazines, reference books, the Internet, media, and much more. The librarian is an information guide teaching and helping students to effectively navigate and evaluate the information seas. Today's librarians not only catalog and process library materials, manage the library, and develop library programs and events like librarians years ago, they collaborate with teachers to develop lessons specifically designed to meet student needs, assist in planning for their library's and school's future, serve on school committees, team up with local public libraries to better serve their clientele, teach information literacy skills, promote reading through storytelling and book talking, and much more. The responsibilities of a librarian are as varied as the students they help every day. Sound like the perfect job for you? 


Want to change the world? Become a school librarian

Statistics reveal that many of us have been in the profession for twenty plus years and in Pennsylvania, between 20-30% of current librarians are eligible to retire in the next five years. With the number of librarians dwindling, a concerted effort must be made to recruit new people to the field.

In an effort to provide information helpful to those making a career decision, the developers of this website have several goals:

  1. to provide information necessary to obtain Pennsylvania certification,
  2. to provide information about library programs offered in the state,
  3. to provide information in the recruitment efforts,
  4. to provide resources that explain what a librarian does, and
  5. to provide support for new librarians
  6. PSLA Recruitment Presentation on Becoming a Librarian (2004-PowerPoint)

In addition, we have included statistics which may be useful when discussing the shortage with administrators or possible recruits.

Today’s libraries are more than just books. They are vital, technology filled centers. It is our responsibility to spread the word about our rewarding profession.

PSLA President

 

Additional information about PA certification can be found at www.statelibrary.state.pa.us/libraries