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That said, a law librarian and a medical librarian is typically required to have a JD or medical degree, respectively, in addition to an MLIS. Many corporate librarians also have a JD or a master's in a field related to wherever they work.
Yes, you are correct. I know many public librarians with dual Masters' or PhDs too, but it's not required as it often is for those jobs. Still, they are librarians who make a lot of money - and that's all the other poster asked!
That said, a law librarian and a medical librarian is typically required to have a JD or medical degree, respectively, in addition to an MLIS. Many corporate librarians also have a JD or a master's in a field related to wherever they work.
I know several medical librarians at various big name schools. None of them have an M.D.
Yes, you are correct. I know many public librarians with dual Masters' or PhDs too, but it's not required as it often is for those jobs. Still, they are librarians who make a lot of money - and that's all the other poster asked!
What they actually asked (or speculated rather) is "[t]here has to be some kind of high paying jobs for people with masters degrees in library." I suppose there are some, but if you're a high-paid librarian you almost certainly got that way be coupling it with another specialized graduate degree.
I know several medical librarians at various big name schools. None of them have an M.D.
Actually, yeah... I meant to add that part to my above comment. A law librarian almost always has a JD, but to be a medical librarian, I think only a science background (like a BS in biology, maybe MS) would be required.
What they actually asked (or speculated rather) is "[t]here has to be some kind of high paying jobs for people with masters degrees in library." I suppose there are some, but if you're a high-paid librarian you almost certainly got that way be coupling it with another specialized graduate degree.
As I mentioned in the original response, our "County Librarians" (or whatever title they choose in a system) typically make around $130K - and that is a job that does NOT require additional degrees, although some might have them anyway. Even our branch managers make $90-100K, also not needing a PhD etc, which is decent scratch no matter where you live.
But no, we don't expect to become RICH off this profession - and as we say about teachers, if you're in it for the money you chose the wrong job.
Oh, but we do get awesome benefits and retirement! I have a CalPERS account, which is basically untouchable, and grows ridiculously fast... I've only been contributing for a few years, and could already buy a car with it. We also get full medical, dental, vision, life insurance, etc, which aren't as common in the private sectors these days.
Do people look at waiters and waitresses and think running a restaurant is easy because all it involves is a cook in the back and a tray to carry food and beverages? My son's aunt and uncle are librarians with MLS degrees and the job isn't just stamping and shelving books. That's what the volunteers and library aids do.
When I was in graduate school and then working in universities, the reference librarians were highly skilled, very knowledgeable about various journals, and invaluable to researchers, especially graduate students who were just learning the literature in their fields.
Nope, this has NOTHING to do with the question at hand - seeing as a librarian position has ALWAYS required the MLIS/MLS, even back when my late grandfather entered the career in like 1940. I am actually a librarian with the MLIS, and tbh we get really really sick of answering this question! To the OP, I just have to say "If you think it's an easy job, that only means you have zero clue as to what we actually do." Lemme guess, you think librarians put books on shelves, check books in/out, and read the rest of the day? If so, you are wrong on all counts.
Now for the less snarky answer, the reason we need this degree is because it's a HIGHLY specialized field. There are no (maybe one or two) undergraduate library degrees, and what we need to be successful cannot be learned on the job - maybe eventually, but much faster & more cost-effective to cram into a 2-year graduate degree instead. What do we do, exactly? I'll cut & paste the job description for a public librarian below, but you also have to consider the other types of librarians... academic (college or primary school), corporate, legal, medical, archival, cataloging, etc.
1. Assists patrons in locating and using library facilities and materials, in selecting materials, and in answering a wide variety of questions.
2. Recommends library materials to be purchased, repaired or discarded; may be responsible for the selection and maintenance of library materials of assigned section(s) of the collection and suggests which materials shall be noncirculating materials.
3. Performs reference work; performs research; prepares detailed bibliographies, book lists and other information.
4. Plans and conducts children's. young adults, and adults' programs; meets with school principals; visits and works with various adult and community groups to promote the use of and interest in the library.
5. Catalogs and classifies library material; determines and assigns main entry, cross references and subject headings; adapts Library of Congress cards for the library and participates in determining cataloging policy.
6. Writes reports and correspondence; may supervise the maintenance and/or preparation of various files and records.
7. Plans or assists in planning and setting up displays and exhibits; assists in maintaining a pleasant and orderly atmosphere in the branch or department,
8. May supervise subordinate staff. (FYI: The "subordinate" staff usually includes clerks & pages, who ARE the ones shelving books & doing check in/out)
Knowledge of:
Library tools, methods and procedures; A wide variety of reading material; Library reference materials; Principles and procedures of reference used to locate specific topics; Classification and cataloging systems and principles; Basic computer operations needed to access library networks, applications, software, and productivity tools, as well as common office software applications such as email clients, word processing programs and internet browsers; Digital devices such as personal computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones and eBook readers used by patrons to access library services; Planning, organizing and implementing children's, adult and young adult programs to meet patron needs; Principles and techniques of book selection and evaluation to establish balanced library collections; Library services, programs and policies which serve the community; Common office computer applications and automated Library circulation systems; Principles of supervision; Monitoring budgets; Effective training techniques.
And this is just scratching the surface!! Still think it's an easy job any yahoo can do??
^^^This. I was an Executive Dean at a university and I supervised the librarians. The literally worked harder than anyone on my team. Being a librarian is extremely demanding, it's not an easy job and there is truly a science behind it which is why they require the MILS/MLS degree. To be honest with you if you have a degree in Mechanical Engineering, you should contact a search group that is geared toward placing people with your experience.
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