The basic work of a librarian remains the same with just one difference. The librarian in the corporate world is mainly concerned with digital libraries and thus needs to have knowledge on all the possible databases. If you are pursuing the job then you should take necessary training and education to operate all types of databases. You can start directly as a librarian in corporate world, but it is advisable to take necessary experience before going for it.
The major responsibilities include the managing of different databases of books, study material, international journals, tracking employee's data, and assisting top level managers in providing information related to their company. They are also responsible for keeping out threats like theft of important data from the corporate library. They can start as a junior level librarian and slowly can take up the highest position as an Information manager to provide information based on the company to the managerial level.
The basic requirement to pursue a career as a corporate librarian is to have a master's degree in library science. Having other degrees such as a master's degree in Management will help you grab the job easily. The next important requirement is the ability to adapt to different environments and likewise learn the strategies and tactics of the field. The librarian is also required to have an in depth knowledge on corporate laws and strategies. There are several companies which provide prior training to the job aspirant before enrolling them in their library.
There are several institutes and universities which provide a degree course on corporate libraries. The main aspect of the training is to provide knowledge and necessary skills to easily manage and maintain a corporate library's work. Out of all the institutes, the Universities of Illinois provides the best corporate librarian training to the students. You can also try out University of Michigan to opt for the course on library science. With the introduction of the internet the need of computer training on different databases and a warehouse has become the need of the times. A thorough knowledge on the computer system and databases is very important, if you are pursuing a career as librarian in the corporate world.
The training provided by the company to its employees on library science is very specialized and mainly concerned with the particular company. The training is provided to make you aware of the corporate laws and computer system. Besides these, training on developing interpersonal skills is also important and will help you to get into your job. A prior experience as a librarian in public or school libraries will help you get the job easily. The experience holds different importance, as it will ensure that the candidates that the corporate firms are enrolling and are well equipped with the basic knowledge and strategies to manage and maintain a library.
The number of corporate libraries is increasing day by day and as such the need of a corporate librarian has also gone up. According to information from the bureau of employment, a steep rise in the job opportunities as librarian in industries and the corporate world is noticed. In and around there is crunch in the supply of librarians and the need of more and more librarians is being noticed in recent times. The main reason for such growth is globalization. The introduction of the internet has made the world globalize and as a result the need of library information personnel has been raised. The job prospect at a global level is very high.
The salaries obtained by corporate librarian may differ drastically due to many factors like prior experience, the degree, and skills. For the new recruits as librarian the salaries which are offered are pretty high and are around $35,000 to $45,000 per year. As a library and information manager the salaries can go up to $80,000 per year. For librarians with experience, the starting salary is $50,000 per year, which is pretty good.
The career prospect in the corporate world as librarian is very high and is one of the growing fields to pursue. Various corporate companies recruit directly from universities and also provide them necessary training. The career is very rewarding, if carried on with dedication and determination.
