- Guide Introduction
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Library Staff Licensing Pathways
What's Here? - Table of Contents
Montana’s Treasure Trove: Why You Should Become a Librarian in Big Sky Country
Libraries are far more than just repositories for books. In Montana’s vast and spread-out communities, librarians play a vital role. They are educators, digital navigators, event organizers, and champions of lifelong learning. Here’s why becoming a librarian in Montana could be your perfect career move.
Why Montana Needs Librarians
- Bridging the Digital Divide: Montana has areas with limited internet access. Librarians bridge this gap by offering free computer use, internet workshops, and digital literacy training, empowering Montanans to participate in the online world.
- Supporting Entrepreneurship: The Montana Libraries SPARK program trains librarians to assist aspiring entrepreneurs. Librarians help with everything from business plan creation to finding resources.
- Community Hubs: Libraries host cultural events, story times, and technology classes, fostering a sense of community and offering enriching experiences, especially in rural areas.
Becoming a Montana Librarian
If you’re passionate about information access and empowering communities, here’s how to get started:
- Master’s Degree: Most librarian positions require a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree. Montana doesn’t have an MLIS program, but several online options are accredited by the American Library Association.
Education Requirements by Librarian Type
- School Librarians: In addition to the MLIS, Montana requires school librarians to have an educator license (see Montana school librarian certification requirements).
- Public Librarians: An MLIS is preferred for public librarian positions, though some may accept a bachelor’s degree in Library Science.
- Academic Librarians: Academic librarians typically need an MLIS and a subject master’s degree in a relevant field.
Beyond the Degree
Beyond the hard skills, librarians need to be well-rounded with the possession of great soft skills as well.
- Strong Research Skills: Librarians excel at finding information and evaluating its credibility.
- Communication Skills: You’ll be interacting with people from all walks of life, so clear and patient communication is key.
- Technology Expertise: Librarians need to be comfortable with various technologies to assist patrons with online resources and databases.
Becoming a librarian in Montana offers the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives. With a love of learning and the right qualifications, you can help Montanans of all ages reach their full potential.