Library and information management
The library and information management sector covers a wide variety of job roles and responsibilities. As well as working in libraries, opportunities are available within business and industry, including schools, local and central government, the voluntary sector, and professional bodies.
Roles and skills
Typical jobs in this sector include:
- academic librarian
- archivist
- careers adviser
- information officer
- information manager
- public librarian
- social researcher.
Key skills that are useful in this sector will vary according to the role, but can include: 
- IT skills, with a willingness to keep up to date with new technology
- strong interpersonal and communication skills
- teamwork
- research skills
- organisational skills
- methodical approach and attention to detail
- flexibility.
For job profiles and detailed information on pursuing a career in this sector, see the Prospects website:
Contents
Gaining experience
To prepare for a graduate-level career in library and information management, you should research the sector carefully. You should also talk with people who are in the sector already.
Work experience is essential for gaining a graduate position and for securing a place on a postgraduate course. You can get this through part-time work, internships, volunteering and making speculative applications.
Make a connection
To connect with people already working in the sector, consider joining Saint Connect, the University of St Andrews’ exclusive, global, online community for networking and career mentoring.
See more ideas for making a connection.
Work experience and internships
It is worthwhile trying to gain library experience during your studies, which will provide insight into the work. This might be paid or a short period of work shadowing.
- The ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Summer Internship Scheme has previously offered University Library placements
- Make speculative applications to other libraries for work experience during vacations.
- Read .
- - find work experience in archives and records management
Find internships (Careers Centre)
Attend events
The Careers Centre often puts on events where you can talk to employers visiting ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø. Visit the events page for more information.
Volunteering
Volunteering can be a great way to enhance your employability skills, while gaining relevant work experience.
- –a list of placements that is updated annually, ranging from paid one-year roles to two-week voluntary opportunities.
- Contact the University of ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Library or the for a voluntary position.
Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP)
Consider becoming a . This will look good on your CV and show your interest and commitment to the industry.
CILIP also has a BAME and LGBTQ+ support network for members, the .
Make a speculative application
You could also consider making a speculative application to find work experience or work shadowing opportunities. This is where you apply to a company or organisation that is not advertising positions.
Further study
Some roles within this sector may require a relevant first degree or a degree accredited by CILIP and a postgraduate qualification.
For librarian positions, a postgraduate diploma or an MA or MSc in library and information science or management accredited by CILIP is essential.
To secure a place on a postgraduate course, relevant work experience is also essential.
For more information about postgraduate study or professional qualifications, see the further study pages.
Finding a job
Check out our job listings for vacancies or see the resources below for jobs in the library and information management sector.
Jobs in the UK
- and
- - advertises information and records management jobs.
- (membership required to view jobs)
- The NHS -
- (includes US, Canada, and non-North American postings)
- (primarily US postings but also includes global postings)
Graduate training schemes
A graduate training scheme is a paid, entry-level job that also acts as a training programme.
Graduates from non-library and information disciplines and who have little or no library and information work experience can use to get their career in this profession started.
Jobs outside the UK
Applying for a job
The recruitment process for library and information management graduate training schemes and jobs varies from company to company, but is likely to consist of one or more of the following:
Check employer websites, as many provide details of their own recruitment and selection processes. Smaller organisations may accept a CV and cover letter only, and will have a less formal approach to the selection process.
If you would like personalised help on any aspect of applying for a job, you can book an appointment with a careers adviser. â¶Ä¯