Academic librarian : Career development

Academic librarians tend to specialise at an early stage in their careers. One way to do this is to become a subject librarian - perhaps starting as an assistant subject adviser. Another way to specialise is to focus on a particular function such as IT development or electronic resource management.

Career progression is steady rather than rapid. It is important to update skills periodically in addition to taking on and developing more specialised roles and knowledge. Obtaining higher level professional qualifications is also important in order to progress.

Competition is keen at all levels, so perseverance and dedication are necessary, not only to find a first post but also for any subsequent promotions.

Geographical mobility and a willingness to change posts are important for career progression. It is sometimes necessary to move between jobs in order to experience more than one type of work or setting, and it may be the case that promotion involves a change of employer and/or location.

Some information professionals undertake secondments with different institutions. Others take on special projects or move to another job on the same grade in order to increase their skills and experience. This demonstrates initiative, specifically in preparation for more senior posts. Many academic librarians become chartered members of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP)  and start applying for senior positions after having gained five years' or more experience.

Some professionals move into posts in other settings, including commercial organisations, professional practices, voluntary organisations, government departments, public libraries, schools, law courts and healthcare organisations. An information management qualification is recognised in many other sectors.