Public librarian : Career development

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

Competition at all levels is keen, so perseverance and dedication will be needed not only to find a first post but also any subsequent promotions. Large libraries often have a clear structure for promotion to management positions with responsibility for a specific subject, service or site. Such positions usually require a number of years of professional experience. Managers can be responsible for particular areas of library service, for example services to minority groups, or take overall responsibility for a specific area, for example acquisitions.

In small libraries, promotion and development opportunities are limited unless you move to other libraries, areas or authorities. Very senior roles are rare and highly competitive.