Librarian

A librarian is an information professional trained in library science: the organization and management of information and service to people with information needs. The word is also used for those in charge of collections in general. Librarians work typically in one of the many types of library, and increasingly in other information-provision settings; the term is also used sometimes in a popular sense to refer to anyone who works in a library. Although librarians have been traditionally associated with collections of books, as seen by the etymology of the word "librarian," modern librarians deal with information in many formats, including books, magazines, newspapers, audio recordings in various formats (both music recordings and audiobooks), video recordings in various formats, maps, photographs and other graphic material, bibliographic databases, and Internet resources in general. They often provide other information services, including computer provision and training, coordination of public programs, basic literacy education, and help with finding and using community resources.

In most western nations the librarian is a professional with a Masters degree in library science who is educated to analyze information needs and provide patrons in a variety of settings with information resources appropriate to meet those needs.

In a library, there are many other positions besides the librarians, including library associates, library technicians, library assistants, pages, shelvers, and volunteers.