Teacher Librarian
Administer libraries and perform related library services in a school setting. Tasks may include teaching-related activities such as co-teaching, teaching STEM-related topics, teaching others on the use of technology, and providing school instructional leadership. Library-specific tasks may include selecting, acquiring, cataloging, classifying, circulating, and maintaining library materials; and furnishing reference, bibliographical, and readers' advisory services. May perform in-depth, strategic research, and synthesize, analyze, edit, and filter information. May set up or work with databases and information systems to catalog and access information.
Annual openings
266
BLS median wage
$76,480
Typical education
A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university, including completion of an approved program in library science, media science or similar area, is required.
10-year growth
+10%
Career requirements
What does this career require?
The education, credentials, and on-the-job competencies Colorado employers expect for this role.
Typical education
A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university, including completion of an approved program in library science, media science or similar area, is required.
Credential requirement
No specific credential listed yet
Credential detail
In addition to a Colorado Teacher’s license, a Teacher Librarian Grades K-12 endorsement is required.
Experience detail
No previous work experience is required. Completion of a student teaching/practicum/internship that includes both elementary and secondary school library experience is required.
Employer competency information
- ● Communication - Be perceptive and responsive listeners, able to communicate with students in a variety of ways; help students to articulate their thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively ● Strategic Planning & Organizing - Able to develop short-term and long-term lesson plans, monitoring and modifying those plans as needed to enhance learning in real-time ● Instruction - Know and demonstrate knowledge of the content being taught, making the instruction and content relevant to students while fostering a positive learning environment and adjusting instructional approaches as needed ● Working with Tools and Technology - Know when and how to use technology to maximize student learning as well as to facilitate the use of technology available in the library ● Reading - Able to develop reading skills in students while also utilizing these skills to facilitate their own lifelong learning
Is this work a fit?
What the work actually feels like
How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.
Automation exposure
Moderate exposure
Some routine tasks may shift as tools improve, but the role is likely to adapt.
A typical day
- Check books in and out of the library.
- Teach library patrons basic computer skills, such as searching computerized databases.
- Review and evaluate materials, using book reviews, catalogs, faculty recommendations, and current holdings to select and order print, audio-visual, and electronic resources.
- Search standard reference materials, including online sources and the Internet, to answer patrons' reference questions.
- Plan and teach classes on topics such as information literacy, library instruction, and technology use.
- Confer with colleagues, faculty, and community members and organizations to conduct informational programs, make collection decisions, and determine library services to offer.