Careers in Libraries
Working in a Library
Everyone belongs at Massachusetts libraries. Library staff make a difference in their communities by providing free access to books, information, cultural events and programs that help people of all ages and backgrounds learn and grow.
There are many pathways to working in a library! While many positions require graduate degrees, your life skills matter. There are many career opportunities available in libraries for anyone to serve their community.
Stories from Library Staff
Here are just a few of the many dedicated library staff making a difference in Massachusetts:
Librarians: We wrote the book on making a difference.
Join us with a career at your library.
Uplifting the Community
(Library Director – Alex)
Impacting Teens’ Lives
(Teen Librarian – Erin)
Building Skills for a Lifetime
(Licensed School Library Teacher – Georgina)
Where Everyone Belongs
(Library Director – Hermayne)
Inspiration and Support
(Library Director – Janelle)
Building Community
(Former Library Director, MBLC Commissioner – Jessica)
Connecting with People
(Library Assistant – Lobna)
Practical Skills for Teens
(Teen Librarian – Luis)
Library Jobs in Massachusetts
Library careers often begin in various roles beyond the traditional librarian position, such as a page, library assistant, archivist, or information technology specialist. Different life experiences bring unique perspectives and skills that add value to a career in libraries. Search the resources listed below to discover a wide range of job opportunities in Massachusetts libraries.
Accredited Library Science Programs
Aspiring librarians generally begin with a bachelor’s degree, which can be in any field, before pursuing a Master of Library Science (MLS) or a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) from a program accredited by the American Library Association (ALA), or librarian certification granted by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC).
- Directory of ALA-accredited programs in a searchable database format
- Directory of ALA-accredited programs in PDF format (clicking this link will download the entire directory, current as of date listed)
- Directory of AASL-recognized master’s programs in school librarianship
- ALA’s Foreign Credentials Evaluation Assistance (for those who have earned or will earn a master’s degree in library studies outside of the United States
Scholarships
Explore scholarships offered by professional organizations such as the American Library Association (ALA) and institution-specific scholarships and fellowships.
- Learn more about the ALA Scholarship Program
- List of all ALA Scholarships and application due dates
- ALA Scholarships for currently underrepresented groups in the field
- ALA Century Scholarship (for students with disabilities)
- ALA Spectrum Scholarship (for racial and ethnic underrepresented groups)
