Librarian

Librarians oversee the proper administration and maintenance of the library. They look after the issues and returns of the books. They maintain regular subscriptions to newspapers, magazines, and journals. They record and maintain the inventory account of the materials in the library.

A Librarian performs different roles in different designations and capacities. Some of them are mentioned here:

• Library Assistant: Lending the books to patrons and receiving them already lent books back. Maintaining up-to-date records of the same.
• Library Manager: Analyses problems in the library and offers feasible solutions to them. Supervises the work of the Librarians and instructs them.
• Library Technician: Assists the Librarian in sorting and organizing books. Help readers find the required books or study resources.

Various responsibilities taken up by the Librarian are as follows:

• Keeping track of the books issued to the patrons and books returned from them. Also recording expenses like fines, fees, donations, etc., and also the loss due to mutilation of materials, damages to infrastructure, or loss of books.
• Supervising formulation of budget based on the previous year's performance. Periodically evaluating the inventory of books to reduce misplacement.
• Research newly released books and study resources, and analyze the readership in genre, authors, purpose, etc. Also, upgrading the collection by buying new books to meet the requirements of the readers.

Major educational qualifications required for Librarian are:

• Proficient experience working with electronic databases of library materials
• Clean background and ability to pass a drug screening
• Knowledge of library trends and issues
• Working knowledge of general library practices, acquisitions, and supervision of library staff
• Superior attention to detail and strong customer service and communications skills
• Proficiency in working effectively independently
• Excellent written and interpersonal skills
• Willingness and ability to be flexible, creative and innovative when teaching students and creating new programs

It takes around 7 to 12 years for the career advancement of a librarian to reach the highest rank in the organizational structure, like the Director of Libraries. The intermedial positions include Assistant Librarian, Senior Librarian, Archivist, Library Technician, Library Assistant, Library Clerk, Library Manager, Research Assistant, and Customer Relation Manager. The roles and responsibilities of the Library staff differ enormously in each capacity. Various alternative job profiles available to a Librarian at the time of transition to other jobs are as follows:

• Writer and Editor: Creates and edits written content, ensuring accuracy and quality.
• Counselor: Provides guidance and support for individuals in need of emotional or mental assistance.
• Customer Service Representative: Handles customer inquiries and resolves issues to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Content Creator: Generates engaging and relevant content across various mediums to attract and retain audience.
• Research Assistant: Assists in conducting research activities, gathering data and analyzing findings.
• Database Administrator: Manages and maintains databases, ensuring data integrity and security.
• Records Manager: Organizes and maintains records, ensuring efficient retrieval and storage.
• Government Records Analyst: Analyzes and evaluates government records for accuracy and compliance.
• Administrative Clerks: Perform administrative duties such as filing, organizing and supporting office operations.
• Post-secondary Teachers: Educate and mentor students in higher education institutions.
• Consultants: Provide expert advice and guidance in specific areas of expertise.

Libraries are found in various places like schools, colleges, universities, museums, hotels, offices, airports, local libraries, etc. There are more than 7,000 libraries across the country funded by the government. The need for librarians is high owing to such a large number of libraries.
Many non-governmental initiatives like PARAG by TATA Trust, leading to more than 4,000 libraries, are trying to develop the library culture among children right from their formative years.
The pandemic outbreak ignited the spark in many people to cultivate reading habits. The requirement for librarians will increase further in the future to meet largescale readership in the country. Thus, a career as a Librarian will prove to be promising and bright in the coming days.