What's Here? - Table of Contents
Libraries are an integral part of the history and culture of America. A survey done by the American Library Association revealed that a total of 94% of respondents agreed that public libraries throughout the country help to create greater equality by providing free and unlimited access to educational resources and books.
Alaskan Natives make up 15% of the entire population in the state. The progress of Alaskan Natives is dependent upon education and accessibility to educational resources. By improving the public sector and state libraries, Alaskans have a greater chance at growth and prosperity.
There are amazing libraries in Alaska that have preserved the culture and heritage of the state. On June 6 of 1900, Congress passed an act that established the Alaska Historical Library and Museum with the mission of preserving artifacts, objects, and ancient scriptures. This, later on, became the foundation of the formation of the Alaska State Library in 1955.
Librarian Salary in Alaska
The job of a librarian pays decently well in the state of Alaska. The salary of a librarian is $52,540 (Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2021), but it is usually more than that. Apart from the salary, librarians are provided with health insurance, paid sick leave and 401(k). The job of a librarian requires great responsibility and enthusiasm.
To become a librarian in the state of Alaska, you must at least have a master’s degree in Library Sciences or Library and Information Sciences. The University of Alaska, Anchorage Campus offers a dedicated department for Library and Information Sciences. Apart from this university, there are plenty of other institutes that offer degrees in Library Sciences.
Librarians and Media Specialists Salaries in urban areas of Alaska
| Metro Area | # Employed | Mean Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Anchorage, AK | 170 | $75,460 |
| Fairbanks, AK | 40 | $61,860 | Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2021 |
What Other Support Staff Help in the Running Libraries?
There is also support staff in the libraries, apart from librarians, who strive to make libraries function effortlessly. Library directors, technicians, assistants, aides, clerks, and archivists play an important role in making sure that libraries run smoothly. Their salaries are influenced by factors such as experience, skills, etc.
Who are Archivists?
An archivist is charged with plenty of important tasks in libraries. The job description of an archivist is to catalog, organize, and manage information and record for effective retrieval later on. Archivists ensure that history, records, and archives are encoded in the system without any biases or agendas. Archivists median annual salary is $67,070 (Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2021).
Finally, libraries are an important cultural and educational site. The state of Alaska treasures and values its public libraries greatly. These libraries not only promote education and give opportunities to people, but they are also important tourist sites.