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Education

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

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.

Growth 2026–2032

+10%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

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

Credential requirements not reported

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
It is common for Teachers to become Teacher Librarians by adding a Teacher Librarian Grades K-12 endorsement.

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

  1. Check books in and out of the library.
  2. Teach library patrons basic computer skills, such as searching computerized databases.
  3. Review and evaluate materials, using book reviews, catalogs, faculty recommendations, and current holdings to select and order print, audio-visual, and electronic resources.
  4. Search standard reference materials, including online sources and the Internet, to answer patrons' reference questions.
  5. Plan and teach classes on topics such as information literacy, library instruction, and technology use.
  6. Confer with colleagues, faculty, and community members and organizations to conduct informational programs, make collection decisions, and determine library services to offer.
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