# Library and information management

**Source**: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/careers/career-options/sectors/library/
**Parent**: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/careers/career-options/sectors/

The library and information management sector covers a wide variety of job roles and responsibilities. As well as working in libraries, opportunities are available within business and industry, including schools, local and central government, the voluntary sector, and professional bodies.

## Roles and skills

Typical jobs in this sector include:

- academic librarian
- archivist
- careers adviser
- information officer
- information manager
- public librarian
- social researcher.

Key skills that are useful in this sector will vary according to the role, but can include:

- IT skills, with a willingness to keep up to date with new technology
- strong interpersonal and communication skills
- teamwork
- research skills
- organisational skills
- methodical approach and attention to detail
- flexibility.

For job profiles and detailed information on pursuing a career in this sector, see the Prospects website:

[Information, research and analysis profile](https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/browse-sector/information-research-and-analysis)

## Contents

- [Gaining experience](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/careers/career-options/sectors/library/#d.en.139994)
- [Finding a job](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/careers/career-options/sectors/library/#d.en.139995)
- [Applying for a job](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/careers/career-options/sectors/library/#d.en.139996)

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## Gaining experience

To prepare for a graduate-level career in library and information management, you should research the sector carefully. You should also talk with people who are in the sector already.

Work experience is essential for gaining a graduate position and for securing a place on a postgraduate course. You can get this through part-time work, internships, volunteering and making speculative applications.

### **Make a connection**

To connect with people already working in the sector, consider joining [Saint Connect](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/careers/connection/saint-connect/), the University of St Andrews’ exclusive, global, online community for networking and career mentoring.

See more ideas for [making a connection](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/careers/connection/).

### **Work experience and internships**

It is worthwhile trying to gain library experience during your studies, which will provide insight into the work. This might be paid or a short period of work shadowing.

- The [St Andrews Summer Internship Scheme](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/careers/internships/st-andrews-internship-programme/summer-internship-scheme/) has previously offered University Library placements
- Make [speculative applications](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/careers/how-to-apply/speculative-applications/) to other libraries for work experience during vacations.
- Read [CILIP: getting started](https://www.cilip.org.uk/page/CareersStartingOut).
- [Archives and Records Association: placement opportunities](http://www.archives.org.uk/careers/placement-opportunities.html) - find work experience in archives and records management
- [The National Archives - student placement scheme](http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/about/jobs/student-and-work-placements/student-placement-scheme/)

[Find internships (Careers Centre)](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/careers/internships/)

### Attend events

The Careers Centre often puts on events where you can talk to employers visiting St Andrews. Visit the [events page](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/careers/events/) for more information.

### **Volunteering**

Volunteering can be a great way to enhance your employability skills, while gaining relevant work experience.

- [The Archives and Records Association](http://tinyurl.com/plyhdfl)–a list of placements that is updated annually, ranging from paid one-year roles to two-week voluntary opportunities.
- [The British Library](https://www.bl.uk/)
- Contact the [University of St Andrews Library](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/library/) or the [St Andrews library](https://www.onfife.com/venues/st-andrews-library/) for a voluntary position.

### **Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP)**

Consider becoming a [student member of CILIP](https://www.cilip.org.uk/page/JoinAsAStudent). This will look good on your CV and show your interest and commitment to the industry.

CILIP also has a BAME and LGBTQ+ support network for members, the [Changing Lives programme](https://www.cilip.org.uk/page/changinglives).

### **Make a speculative application**

You could also consider making a [speculative application](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/careers/how-to-apply/speculative-applications/) to find work experience or work shadowing opportunities. This is where you apply to a company or organisation that is not advertising positions.

### Further study

Some roles within this sector may require a relevant first degree or a degree accredited by CILIP and a postgraduate qualification.

For librarian positions, a postgraduate diploma or an MA or MSc in library and information science or management accredited by CILIP is essential.

To secure a place on a postgraduate course, relevant work experience is also essential.

For more information about postgraduate study or professional qualifications, see the [further study pages](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/careers/further-study/).

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## Finding a job

Check out our job listings for vacancies or see the resources below for jobs in the library and information management sector.

[Find jobs (Careers Centre)](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/careers/jobs/)

### Jobs in the UK

- [Information Professional Jobs (CILIP)](https://informationprofessionaljobs.com/candidates/) and [CILIP Graduate Trainees](https://informationprofessionaljobs.com/graduate-training/)
- [jobs.ac.uk](http://www.jobs.ac.uk/)
- [LG Jobs](http://www.lgjobs.com/)
- [The Information and Records Management Society](http://jobs.irms.org.uk/home/index.cfm?site_id=15073) - advertises information and records management jobs.
- [Archives and Records Association](http://www.archives.org.uk/careers/placement-opportunities.html) (membership required to view jobs)
- The NHS - [Knowledge and library services | Health Careers](https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/health-informatics/roles-health-informatics/knowledge-and-library-services)
- [Library Jobs - ALA JobLIST | Jobs in Library & Information Science & Technology](https://joblist.ala.org/) (includes US, Canada, and non-North American postings)
- [Libraries Jobs - HigherEdJobs](https://www.higheredjobs.com/admin/search.cfm?JobCat=34&CatName=Libraries) (primarily US postings but also includes global postings)

### Graduate training schemes

A graduate training scheme is a paid, entry-level job that also acts as a training programme.

Graduates from non-library and information disciplines and who have little or no library and information work experience can use [CILIP’s Graduate Training Opportunities scheme](https://informationprofessionaljobs.com/graduate-trainees/) to get their career in this profession started.

### Jobs outside the UK

- [GoinGlobal](https://online.goinglobal.com/?accid=20100729lksdjflksjruiweyiury273864234y3uwhro78263y4iu3hweri73y43lwekh)

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## Applying for a job

The recruitment process for library and information management graduate training schemes and jobs varies from company to company, but is likely to consist of one or more of the following:

- [online application](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/careers/how-to-apply/application-forms/)
- [psychometric tests](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/careers/how-to-apply/psychometric-tests/)
- one or two [interviews](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/careers/how-to-apply/interview-skills/)
- [assessment centre](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/careers/how-to-apply/assessment-centres/).

Check employer websites, as many provide details of their own recruitment and selection processes. Smaller organisations may accept a CV and cover letter only, and will have a less formal approach to the selection process.

If you would like personalised help on any aspect of applying for a job, you can [book an appointment with a careers adviser](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/careers/appointments/).

[Applying for a job](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/careers/how-to-apply/)

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## Additional resource

- [Working in the Legal Sector | The British and Irish Association of Law Librarians](http://biall.org.uk/working-in-legal-sector/)