Music Librarians

Overview

Music Librarians

Introduction

As prominent professionals in the information services field, librarians help others find information and select materials best suited to their needs. They are key personnel wherever books, magazines, audiovisual materials, and a variety of other informational materials are cataloged and kept. Librarians help make access to these reference materials possible. Music librarians perform many of the same duties as traditional librarians, but specialize in managing materials related to music. Approximately 142,200 librarians are employed...

Quick Facts


Median Salary

$64,370

Employment Prospects

Fair

Minimum Education Level

Masters Degree


Experience

Experience as a library assistant or technician recommended


Skills

Information Management|Performance, Music, and Acting|Organizatio


Personality Traits

Helpful|Organized|Realistic

Earnings

Salaries for music librarians depend on the location, size, and type of library, the amount of experience the librarian has, and the responsibilities of the position. Median annual earnings of all librarians in May 2023 were $64,370, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The median annual salary for workers in all careers was $48,069. Salaries for librarians ranged from less than $38,690 f...

Work Environment

Most libraries are pleasant and comfortable places in which to assist those doing research, studying, or reading or listening for pleasure. Music librarians must constantly read about and listen to music to keep informed in order to serve library patrons. They must also strive to stay abreast of constantly changing technology, which may seem overwhelming at times.

Some music librarians m...

Outlook

Employment for librarians is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all careers through 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The field of music librarians, however, is small, which means competition for jobs will be keen, particularly because there is little turnover in the best positions. Music librarians with advanced education and a knowledge of more than one foreign l...