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Public librarian : Salary and description

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  1. Job description
  2. Salary and description
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Case studies

  • Range of typical starting salaries: £19,427 - £23,473 (salary data collected Aug 09, Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) )
  • Average salary at senior level/with experience (e.g. after 10-15 years in post): £29,000 (salary data collected Aug 09, CILIP).
  • It is possible to earn around £36,000 plus in senior management posts in large authorities. CILIP recommends a head of service salary of £49,000 plus (salary data collected Aug 09).
  • Salary range is dependent on many factors, including local authority (many local authorities have their own independent pay scales), career route/progression, the size of the employing authority, and degree of responsibility.
  • Working hours and conditions include regular unsocial hours, such as evenings and weekends.
  • Working conditions vary - buildings can be modern and purpose-built, or cramped, dusty and old. Settings also vary and can include large central libraries, small branch libraries serving particular communities and also mobile libraries, which visit rural or outlying areas.
  • Self-employment/freelance work is unlikely. However, it might be possible to take on some consultancy work after a number of years of professional practice.
  • Part-time, job-share and career break opportunities are all good.
  • Currently, there are more men in senior librarian positions than women, but this is changing.
  • Jobs are quite widely available, with most opportunities being in towns and cities.
  • Work can be noisy and pressurised, involving constant contact with the general public and handling enquiry after enquiry.
  • Travel between sites or in a mobile facility may be required.
  • Absence from home at night and overseas work or travel are uncommon.
 
AGCAS
Written by Jo Febry, University of the Arts London
Date: 
October 2009
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