As of last year, there were close to 290,000 professional and technical workers employed as librarians and library media specialists in the U.S. This included 186,500 librarians, 37,400 library technicians, and 65,500 library assistants. In May 2024, the median annual wage for librarians and library media specialists was $64,320.For several years, my mother was a librarian: first at the main library in Glendale, Arizona, then at Motorola on the other side of the Valley of the Sun. It was an exciting time for me, as that meant more time spent checking out a handful of books to read, which has been a lifelong passion of mine. She recently told me she loved having a plethora of information to research anything anyone needed and being able to help people who visited the library. I’ll add that it’s probably the only place outside of our home that had more shelves filled with a diverse mix of books and magazines.
Literacy is fueled by regular reading. With evidence on the benefits of consistent reading from an early age, it’s no wonder some librarians are looking for ways to continue serving the public in a such a positive way, while stepping out on their own to do it. Like many employees working during today’s uncertain economic climate, thoughts of leaving an industry they love can be heartbreaking—but sometimes becoming self-employed makes the most sense for your particular needs.
What’s Next?
Becoming your own boss can be daunting, but it is doable, especially with a little direction and support. The following are some tips, advice, and ideas for self- and/or lateral employment while still being part of a career you know and love.
Transitional Work
Like with just about any job a person may have, moving around within their industry or stepping out on their own means there are skills they have that can fit many types of work. When it comes to librarians and related careers, the following are some of the transferrable skills as listed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Communication—Explain information clearly in service to people, organizations, and communities.
- Initiative—Stay current with changing information and technology to know the latest tools available for gathering and distributing data and research.
- Interpersonal—Work well with others, including the public, ensuring equity and justice for library patrons (or clients).
- Organizational—Conduct research efficiently and manage resources logically to facilitate needs of individuals, communities, and organizations.
- Problem-solving—Identify problems, research solutions, and draw conclusions to help people, especially those in underrepresented communities.
- Reading—Know the latest literature to be able to address questions and provide direction to individuals and the community.
After thinking about some of the skills you may have, it should be easier to choose your new path from a wider net. Potential occupations, many of which also can be done as a self-employed contractor, include:
- Research specialist
- School, reference, law, or medical librarian
- Marketing and communications specialist
- Communications outreach coordinator
- Professor/teacher
- Curriculum developer
- Documentation specialist
- Content production manager
- Archivist/digital collections manager
- Museum collections manager
- Preservation specialist
- Records manager
- Digital assets manager
- Insurance forms research librarian
- Acquisitions and copyright manager
- Technology consultant
- Data officer
- Government research analyst
- Multimedia director
- Market researcher
- Web developer
- User experience (UX) researcher
The Work-From-Home Must-Haves
- Reliable, high-speed Wi-Fi
- An online presence—i.e., social media, website
- High-memory laptop for mobility
- Ergonomic chair
- Webcam and (extra) monitor
- Separate work and home life areas
- Appropriate lighting
- Fireproof safe
- Paper shredder
- Laser printer
- Noise-canceling headphones with mic
- Productivity apps
- Reliable, easy-to-use accounting system
- External hard drive
- Portable phone/device charger
Check out WIRED for more suggestions and details.
A Helping Hand
It can be scary going at it alone; however, the first thing to remember is that you aren’t actually ever alone. Inspiration and various types of support for your new business are only a click away. Here are some examples.
LinkedIn Learning—This professional network provides a diverse mix of videos, certificate courses, and more through its Small Business and Entrepreneurship section to refresh your skills and/or learn how to grow and maintain your new business.
U.S. Small Business Administration—Through its special programs, this federal agency helps “small businesses win at least at 23% of all federal contracting dollars each year.” It also can assist individuals in partnering with recognized contractors to win contracts and provides education and mentoring on the federal contracting process.
AARP Small Business—An organization that supports mid-life and senior individuals, AARP makes available several online tools, education and mentorship opportunities, and downloadable pamphlets and worksheets to make the transition to entrepreneurship easier.
Additional Information
One of the more popular transitions is that to a researcher of some kind. The following articles offer pros and cons and sage advice for this type of move: