Library and information services

Working in library and information services can be an interesting career choice for the right graduate. These jobs usually provide a lot of variety and interaction with people, coupled with an opportunity to develop knowledge in one or more specialist areas. This area of study at postgraduate level also offers the opportunity to specialise after completing a broad undergraduate degree such as arts.

The library and information services sector focuses on acquiring, organising and disseminating information resources to meet the needs of customers. With ever-increasing volumes of information available and increasing access to information on the web, the management and organisation of this information has become a very specialist role. Jobs exist primarily in three categories: academic libraries, such as in a university; public libraries; and big organisations with large-scale information management needs such as law firms.

Employment within this area is steady and the majority of vacancies at graduate level are in the public sector. There is a clear career path for graduates to follow, with initial roles being quite generalist and increasing in specialisation as careers progress. A third-level qualification is a prerequisite for both entry and future promotion.

First and foremost this career suits a particular personality: someone who is very detail oriented and persistent at working on a given project. It is crucial to be self-motivated, resourceful and enthusiastic, with an ability to prioritise and to structure information. It would also suit someone who likes interacting with people, including co-workers and clients.