A technical librarian manages access to a variety of library resources and data, including digital documents and bibliographic records. The preparation you will need to become a technical librarian will typically depend on the employer who hires you. In many cases, however, you will need either a bachelor's or master's degree in library and information science, or a similar major, for this job. You may need related experience as well, and some employers will expect you to have more experience if you have less education. Additionally, you will typically need a range of skills to qualify for this for this position, including those that involve using computers and related applications, using bibliographical tools, and communicating verbally and in writing.
As far as education is concerned, you will typically need a college degree to become a technical librarian. Most employers will want you to have a degree in a field such as library sciences for this job. In some cases, a bachelor's degree may prove sufficient, but often a master's degree is required. When less education is acceptable, you might find that some employers expect you to have more experience to make up for it.
The courses you will take in a library science program may vary a bit, depending on where you choose to go to school. Most programs, however, will include instruction in such topics as media selection and types of information media. You may also study archiving and digital research methods. Additionally, your degree program might include a literature studies component.
As with bachelor's degree programs in library and information sciences, master's degree programs also vary in terms of course requirements. In many cases, however, these programs cover such topics as understanding, organizing, and retrieving information; laws regarding the handling of information; and information ethics. You might study record management, archival preservation, indexing, and library computing as well. This type of program may also included classes in organizational behavior and the management of information in special types of libraries, such as those in health care facilities.
In addition to an undergraduate or graduate degree, you will likely need related skills in order to become a technical librarian. For example, you may need experience using computers and applications that are used in library information management. You might also need experience with a variety of common applications that are used on personal and business computers, including those that involve multimedia. Knowledge of database management and bibliographic tools is usually important as well. Word processing and oral and written communication skills are also important, and many employers will expect you to have good interpersonal skills when you want to become a technical librarian.
