So You Want To Be a Librarian...

NOTE: the title of this video is a play on the old Library manual by the same title
I tried to make a comprehensive video explaining all the things you should consider before becoming a #librarian, or contemplating working in a #library. These are things I wish I could have known before entering the field. Knowing these things might make you more prepared, well-equipped, and less likely to be disappointed if it’s not what you thought it would be, but it might also make you a better, stronger, well-versed librarian.

These are MY opinions based on MY experiences. I will share below others in the field sharing their experiences. Not everything I say is golden truth, take everything with a grain of salt. Also, it is worth mentioning, that just like your job depends on the community it's serving, your situation may also depend on the kind of co-workers you have and how they collaborate/communicate etc.
Elizabeth (books and pieces)- (has deleted her channel since the making of this video)
Other Booktubers:

[InfiniteText]

A NOTE ON SILENCE: while most public libraries have opened up their borders on silence, ACADEMIC libraries continue to sush people because students come in to study. Believe it or not I have been personally sushed myself by the students....yup. That happens too. Also if you work in small places like a tiny office building, or law building etc. the other people may have board rooms, meeting rooms, or offices and the "library" or documents will be placed in a transitional hallway or front desk and you may still need to live in a lot of silence with minimal human interaction. Public libraries and SOME other kinds of libraries have certainly opened up their spaces and encourage conversation. And children's libraries are a free-for-all because....children.

[randallwyrick]

My son got a Library Science degree and paired it with his love of music and film to become an audio/visual librarian. Every Wednesday evening he shows a free art film of his choosing in the auditorium of the public library where he works. My wife and I occasionally attend. However, the first time we did, we noticed that he had the sound turned quite low so that I actually struggled to hear it. Fortunately it was a French film with subtitles, haha. Anyway, now I understand why. He’s so used to the daily silence of the library that it must have seemed perfectly fine to him. Thanks again, Andreea, for a very interesting and informative video.

[cassaundrapattersonday]

I worked in a public library for 17 years and I referred to it as a "community center." Public libraries are not quiet anymore; there may be a designated quiet area or room. When people ask what training they need to work in a public library, I tell them that they must have solid customer service skills.

[TimeaKiss]

This was the best librarian video I've seen so far. Most people just talk without saying anything useful.

[txspacemom]

I was a medical Librarian. I enjoy it for 10 years. I am now transitioning over to an archival librarian. It can be done. Learn all you can, diversify your idea of what a librarian is (great videos like this help!) and keep an open mind.

[koalasbooks]

We have one designated space in our library where silence is enforced. Our reference desk is not in that area specifically because we need to be available for people to ask us questions and speak to us. We chat and joke around all the time at the reference desk. Cant imagine what it would be like if we were forced to sit in silence our whole shift 😬

[lilozine]

11:06 i started out in the library with a bachelors (you can also do this without) as a circulation services assistant. it's the perfect position for someone who wants to work in the library, usually on the first floor where talking is permitted, without a mlis degree. in this position i work with my supervisors, and student workers. we deal with books that have been returned and also books that have been paged for pickup and deliver them to the public/patrons. i get to work with books and patrons and i get to spend a lot of time at my desk, on a computer and even reading. i even started a bookclub here because i love books. this is just one way to work in a library and after doing it for six months, i have applied for my masters degree in library and information science and i start my program this september. so soon i will be an actual librarian. who knows where it might go from there. thank you for the video! very informative in terms of sharing that there are different types of librarians.

[deslozada]

Thanks so much for that reality check. I needed that today lol. I have heard stories at my local city library where it's mostly a homeless community (stories of both the surfing porn and a guy jerking off). Luckily they have a security guard to talk to them and escort them out, and both people were suspended for a number of months. Also patrons smoking crack in the bathrooms or "showering" in the sink, starting fights, etc. I think this information is especially important to know for people considering the field. Thank you for contributing and sharing your experiences and knowledge.

[WillelmusAestus]

I love how all the videos I find on librarianship really do their best to be scary with things like "oh you won't read", "oh you'll have to talk to people", "oh you need patience and to be able to bear silence", "well you'll have to move in order to land a job" and the list just goes on. But really to me these are not problems. I have some undiagnosed condition with which I find reading a lot of books incredibly frustrating; I am sociable and like explaining things I know to people who are curious; I like silence and a good, peaceful atmosphere; I love working with computers, typing and so on. And I do have moving to other cities in my plan too! These are all great news!

[spinstercatlady]

I swear you always have the best and most unique/interesting bookish vids!! I worked as a children's librarian at my local public library for years. For a small town in southeastern Kentucky, we actually have a VERY nice, new library! You're spot on in your job descriptions. There's loads of community based programs that I had to brainstorm and organize. While I enjoyed my job, in truth I'm just not super crazy about kids lol and ended up switching to a job working for a nonprofit organization as a cat rescue coordinator (again loads of community involved haha) which I LOVE. I do wish I hadn't elected to go to college for so long, because the job opportunities and salary levels just didn't equal out to all that time and money spent. Of course location is a big factor too, and if I'd been willing to move to a larger city of course their would've been more opportunities. I've always been a huge word nerd, so a job in editing or proofreading would be right up my alley. Any idea what the qualifications and opportunities are like for something like that? Is it possible to work from home in that field? Would love to see nore videos on bookish jobs and careers!!

[karineds]

I am librarian here in Brazil and I agree with everything you said. Great video for anyone who is thinking about the profession.

[Fam]

This is the best video I've seen to give you the REAL DEAL about being a Librarian! I am always tempted to switch jobs, but this video is so helpful to see that the grass is not any greener on the other side! Silence and being around books is very healing, however as you said, its not an escape!! Thank you so much!!!

[c.j.harden]

Thank you so much for this video!!! I think every profession has its share of challenges for introverts. As a deep introvert, I had to find a way to communicate with management, business partners, clients and co-workers in IT. It wasn't easy, but over time it became a mostly positive experience. Because of my love for books and learning, I have wished many times that I had followed a Library Science path... but now I wonder if my experience would have been much the same. Thank you again for this video!!!

[andrew]

"And you're not gonna read."
I lost it xD

[FinalBlowJoe]

I knew you'd make this video eventually and also knew it'd be really interesting and informative. I wouldn't of considered the silence aspect of working in a library as, like you said, it's taken for granted and assumed it will be really nice and relaxing whereas it could be rather disconcerting.

[Nyledam]

This was so interesting! I think university librarians in Germany might work somewhat differently but I do not know much about it in detail.

[mynameisq]

This video had me smiling the whole time. I worked for 3 years as a student as a virtual reality assistant/technical help. I had an incredible time getting to learn about VR and showing students how to integrate it into their work, and creating community events where people could use it to go to their honeymoon destinations if they could no longer walk or foreign students could get to see their home towns again. I got told I had such an easy job, full of quiet time. No! It was hard work!! I'm so lucky to have gotten my bachelor's after the lockdown started. I would give anything to do this wonderful job again! Thank you for your great insight.

[BizarreThings]

I love how you said just because you graduated you’ll get the job you want because that’s TRUE! I went into college thinking that and honestly that’s not how jobs work.

[angeladorwin]

Thank you! This was very helpful. Best video I've seen about this subject.

[krystyna_mari]

As I entered the BLIS program (Bachelor in Library and Information Science) here in the Philippines, people often ask me what librarianship is about. I really thought that they know what it is (yes, I'm surprised). To simplify, I tell them that it is the course for those who want to be librarians in the future. However, because of that answer, they perceive that I do love books so the course will suit me. Little did they know that the works of a librarian are beyond holding books! I still appreciate their questions, though. Seeing how interested they are, makes me more motivated in pursuing the course after being a tired irregular student (transferee).
I'm glad that I stumbled on your clear and informative video. You deserve all the love and thank you so much for this! <3