Many Kinds of Librarian Jobs

What are the types of librarians? Are there more than one type? It may seem like a one-size-fits-all profession, but many kinds exist. Each kind has responsibilities unique to it.

Academic librarians

These types of librarians are those who are in charge of college and university libraries. It is rare for academic librarians to work alone because the workload is just too much. Library aides, internet staff, catalogers, book binders, and even abstractors and indexers are often found in tertiary education libraries. Usually, there is a hierarchy in an academic library; there is a head librarian and one or several other librarians. Academic librarians may also enjoy benefit of having student assistants.

Public librarians

These types of librarians are those who are in charge of public libraries (city, municipal, provincial, and congressional libraries). They’re considered elite in the profession because snagging a job in a public library means enjoying the benefits of working for the Philippine government, e.g., competitive salary + benefits.

School librarians

Those who are in charge of elementary and secondary education (grade school and high school) libraries. They’re the most patient breed of librarians for obvious reasons.

When I was training in a school library, I developed profound respect for school librarians who have been doing this for several years (even decades). Even if children can only use the library during their free time, being around dozens of eager kids who need something simultaneously can be challenging.

Special librarians

Those who are in charge of learning centers and/or libraries of parent institutions or big organizations are “special”. Among the types of librarians, these special ones are rare, because in the past, special libraries are also rare. However, many organizations are setting up their own special libraries to deal with documentation issues or to complement the research that goes on in the organization. Some examples of special libraries are WHO library, Supreme court library, and other local special libraries that also serve as specialty bookstores.

Why Do Types of Librarians Matter?

Knowing the job description of a librarianship position would help a new librarian decide whether the position is worth the application or not. After all, there are many openings for librarians in the world even in the current economic climate.

10 Occult Books That Can Be Classified Under LCC G

If you hear the word “occult,” you might imagine dark rooms, candles, and someone whispering Latin badly. But in library science, the occult often sits quietly under LCC Class G — the section for Geography, Anthropology, and Folklore . Why? Because many occult works deal with myth, symbolism, ritual, cultural belief systems, and human attempts to understand the unseen. In other words, they are less about flying broomsticks and more about how people make meaning. Here are ten notable occult books that can reasonably fall under LCC G , especially within folklore (GR), customs (GT), or cultural anthropology. 1. The Golden Bough – James George Frazer Frazer’s massive comparative study of myth and religion explores magic, ritual sacrifice, fertility rites, and sacred kings. It is not a spell book. It is anthropology with a dramatic flair. Why LCC G? Because it analyzes myth and ritual across cultures. This comfortably sits in folklore and anthropology (GR). 2. The Hero with a Thousand Face...

3 Easy Ways to Instantly Improve Your Handwriting

Handwriting doesn’t have to be a lost art, even in today’s digital world. Whether you’re taking notes, writing a letter, or just doodling in your journal, legible handwriting is a skill worth mastering. Let’s start with three quick tips to make your writing more readable: 1. Pay Attention to Spacing Spacing is one of the most overlooked aspects of legibility. It’s tempting to let your letters and words run together, but that’s the quickest way to turn your notes into an indecipherable mess. Make a conscious effort to leave some space between each letter and word. This breathing room allows the reader to clearly distinguish one word from the next. Slow down, and you’ll find your spacing naturally improves. 2. Hold the Pen Correctly You might not think much about how you hold your pen, but it plays a big role in your handwriting. Too tight a grip, and your hand tires quickly, causing shaky lines. Too loose, and you’ll struggle to control the pen. Aim for a relaxed but steady grip that le...

5 Books That Make You Better at Getting Things Done

1. The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz This book says energy is more important than time. Weird, right? But it makes sense. The authors say we should work like athletes — focus hard for a bit, then take real breaks to rest and recharge. Instead of running on empty all week, you learn to build routines that give you energy, not drain it. Basically, it’s saying: stop acting like a robot and start acting like a human who takes naps. 2. Getting Things Done by David Allen If your brain feels like a messy desk full of sticky notes, this book is your cleaning guide. David Allen teaches you how to put every task, idea, or reminder somewhere safe — so your mind can finally relax. Once you’ve written everything down, you can actually focus on what’s in front of you instead of wondering what you forgot. It’s for people who want to feel calm, in control, and slightly smug about their tidy to-do lists. 3. The Effective Executive by Peter Drucker Peter Drucker is...

A Librarian’s Method for Organizing a Wardrobe: Current, Non-current, or Archive?

I did not set out to fix my wardrobe. I was just tired of negotiating with it every morning. My closet was full, but I wore the same few things. The rest stared back at me like a group project I never agreed to join. I had already tried the usual advice: declutter, be ruthless, imagine an ideal self who attends brunch more often than I do. None of it stuck. Then I realized the problem was not the clothes. It was the lack of a system. I am a librarian. When something does not work, I do not add more space. I reclassify. Again, I remind myself that I am a librarian. When something is chaotic, my first thought is NOT “buy more storage.” It is “this needs a system.” My closet did not need more hangers. It needed cataloging. Librarians do not panic about having too many books. They decide where each book belongs: current , non-current , or archive . So I tried the same method on my wardrobe. The Library Method, Explained Without the Jargon In libraries: Current ...

First Impressions of Hanoi, Vietnam

So This Is What 14 Degrees Looks Like The very first thing I saw of Hanoi was not a building. Not a landmark. Not even a proper tree. It was fog. From the plane window, the land below looked like a watercolor painting someone had forgotten to finish. The trees were faint shapes, like shy ghosts standing politely in line. It was late January. The captain announced it was 14 degrees Celsius. So this is what 14 degrees looks like, I thought. It looks like a country half-asleep under a gray blanket. The Expectation That Quietly Packed Its Bags Before arriving, I carried a small, unflattering assumption in my suitcase: that Vietnamese people might not be especially warm or smiley. That assumption lasted about as long as the walk from immigration to baggage claim. People were kind. Not loud. Not overly expressive. Just… kind. The kind of kindness that responds to how you show up. If you are friendly, they are friendly. If you are respectful, they soften. It felt less like customer serv...

What Does an Abstractor Do? And Other Frequently Asked Questions.

My very first job ever is ABSTRACTOR. And, in the year 2000, I had to sit a person down and spend no less than fifteen minutes explaining what I do. Now, it's easier because people are more likely to get it when I tell them about the main job description of an abstractor. What exactly does an abstractor do? An abstractor is a person who summarizes important information from documents and records, making it easier to understand the main points without reading the whole text. This is often used for legal documents, such as those related to property ownership, for submitting studies to peer-reviewed journals, and for thesis writing. Here are some questions you might want to ask if you're considering a job as an abstractor. Does an abstractor need to be a graduate of library science and information courses? An abstractor does not necessarily need to have a degree in library science. Typically, abstractors have backgrounds in fields related to the documents they work with, such as ...

Librarian Resources: Books on the Passion of Christ

Offer your patrons several reading choices for Lent. Here is a list of notable books that delve into the passion of Christ, each offering a unique perspective on this profound subject: 1. "The Passion of Jesus Christ: Fifty Reasons Why He Came to Die" by John Piper - Synopsis: This book offers fifty clear reasons why Jesus Christ underwent the suffering of the cross, according to the Bible. John Piper delves into the theological and spiritual implications of Christ's Passion, aiming to deepen the reader's appreciation and understanding of Christ's sacrifice. 2. "The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ" by Anne Catherine Emmerich - Synopsis: Based on the visions of the German mystic, Anne Catherine Emmerich, this book provides a detailed account of the events leading up to and including the crucifixion of Jesus. Emmerich's vivid descriptions bring to life the sufferings of Christ in a way that encourages empathy and reflection. 3. "Je...

Why is Data Science a Good Extension Career for Librarians?

As a librarian with a degree in library science, pursuing a second course can enhance your skills, broaden your expertise, and open up new career opportunities. If you're a librarian looking to expand his or her career, here is a good option for you: data science. Why Data Science? Data Management Skills Data science courses will equip you with skills in data analysis, management, and visualization, which are becoming increasingly important in libraries for handling large datasets and digital collections. These skills enable you to efficiently organize and analyze large volumes of information, making data more accessible and useful to library patrons. Research Enhancement Understanding data science can enhance your ability to support researchers and academics in data-driven research. By gaining proficiency in data science, you can assist in developing research methodologies, managing research data, and providing advanced data analytics services. This can make your library an...

Libraries as Community Makerspaces

A makerspace increases the value of a library as a community resource. Why? It provides a place for professionals to pursue their hobbies after their work hours and to explore their creativity in close proximity to books and other resources that inspire and provoke ideas. Traditionally, libraries are repositories of books and quiet places of reading. Modern libraries, however, have features that allow them to serve as community resources that function as hubs where people can discuss ideas and plan projects over coffee and snacks. Makerspace events allow users to maximize the library as a community resource, as well as promote the library collection. HOW TO CREATE LIBRARY MAKERSPACES? The formula we use to create a library makerspace is as follows: Theme + Collaboration + Resource/Venue Support = Makerspace success! Theme The theme allows the library and its collaborators to link the activity’s theme with purpose and nature of the library....

Mastering the Art of Legible Handwriting: A Guide for Students and Adults

In the digital age, the art of handwriting often takes a backseat. However, the importance of writing legibly cannot be overstated, especially for students and adults in various professional fields. Whether it's jotting down notes, signing documents, or sending a handwritten letter, clear and legible handwriting ensures effective communication. This guide focuses on handwriting improvement, emphasizing cursive writing and various handwriting exercises that can help you write more legibly. Understanding the Importance of Handwriting Improvement Handwriting is not just about aesthetics; it's a fundamental tool for learning, especially for students. Research shows that writing information by hand enhances memory retention and comprehension. For adults, legible handwriting in the workplace is a sign of professionalism and attention to detail. Therefore, investing time in handwriting improvement is essential for personal and professional development. Embracing Cursive Writing for ...

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