Librarian and Information Worker
Library science is a challenging career, which is concerned with information in every form, including books, libraries, the Internet and other forms of database management.
It involves the collection, organisation or arrangement and supplying of sources in various formats for education, information, cultural development, recreation, and the supplying of information services to various communities and specialists.
Librarian and information workers select and identify information sources that will satisfy the needs of users. They organize and manage the information sources and facilities for easy accessibility.
Librarian and information workers can work in public libraries, where they attempt to satisfy the educational, recreational and information needs of local communities. They also work in school media centres providing for the information needs of pupils and teachers. At universities, universities of technology and college libraries they fulfil the information needs of students, lecturers and researchers.
In specialized libraries and information centres, they offer specialized and personal service to users, for example, that are attached to research institutions, industries, financial institutions, professional career practices or cultural organisations.
At national libraries, they are responsible for the compilation, upkeep and supply of a complete collection of material published in and on specific countries. They may also work in related areas where library training and skills are applicable, for example freelancing and lecturing.
Librarianship thus offers a variety of career possibilities that range from the use of a computer and telecommunication technology to the utilisation of information for the advancement of the social and economic development of the South African community. The work of a librarian and information worker is becoming more complex with the improvement in information technology and therefore there is a need for qualified persons to work especially at research at university and university of technology libraries.
Satisfying Aspects
- helping others to locate information
- keeping up with the latest books and periodicals
- variety of work
- working without supervision
Demanding aspects
- some routine duties
- having to work some evenings and/or weekends in some situations
- not being able to locate some remote works
Requirements
A librarian and information worker should:
- have the ability to have a good relationship with people
- enjoy working with machines and data
- be fond of books and enjoy reading
- have aptitude for organisation and management
- be systematic, accurate and responsible
- be creative and imaginative
- have computer aptitude
- have wide range of interests and good general knowledge
- have inquiring mind
- be tidy and neat
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
National Senior Certificate meeting diploma requirements for a diploma course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: Languages, Mathematics
Training
Degree: Degree courses, for example BBibl or Library and Information Science - UWC, UFH, Information Systems - RU, UCT, UFS, NMMU.
Diploma: N.Dip.: Library and Information Studies- DUT, School Librarian - UV. Course takes 3 years.
Postgraduate: Information Science Honours, Masters and doctorate can be followed at UNISA and UJ
It is expected that students at both universities and universities of technology will gain practical experience in a library for a specified period.
Employer
- Public libraries
- University, university of technology and college
- Special libraries such as those in hospitals, private industry and correctional institutions
- Government departmental libraries
- Private organisations
- Schools (librarian teacher)
- Research bodies such as HSRC and CSIR
Contact
Sabinet
P O Box 9785
Centurion, 0046
Tel: (012) 643 9500 Fax: (012) 663 3543
info@sabinet.co.za
Library and Information Association of South Africa
P O Box 1598
Pretoria, 0001
228 Proes Street
Tel: (012) 328-2010 Fax: (012) 323-1033
www.liasa.org.za
www.aclib.sabinet.co.za