Librarian

A music librarian is someone who maintains all the materials available in the music library, ensuring they are well stocked, organized, and categorized. A librarian may act as the face of the library, performing various customer service roles, or they may manage a team of library assistants. They often are required to assess the quality of materials and order new materials as needed. If there is not one on staff, they also are required to perform the role of catalog specialist and music archivist .

A librarian can be found wherever a music library is available, most frequently in universities. Often, within a university, one librarian may be responsible for all arts materials including dance, theater, and visual art departments. Librarians are responsible for more than just books, because music libraries often include a catalog of sheet music, magazines, research papers, and recorded materials.

Librarians are expected to have a Bachelor’s in Library Sciences. Music librarians will find it helpful to have a background in music and music history through another degree or supplementary classes. Some will obtain an undergraduate degree in music and a Master’s in library sciences or a similar combination.