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Library Jobs

Career overview

Library and information science professionals play a critical and sometimes underappreciated role in media organizations, publishers, universities, and research institutions. From news researchers who support investigative journalism teams to digital archivists preserving decades of media content, librarians and information specialists keep the knowledge infrastructure of modern organizations running.

In media companies, library professionals manage news archives, photo libraries, broadcast footage collections, and rights databases. They support editorial teams with research, fact-checking, and source discovery. At book publishers, librarians and rights managers track intellectual property, manage licensing agreements, and support editorial acquisitions. In academic settings, library professionals support research, instruction, and collection development across disciplines.

The field has evolved significantly in the digital era. Digital preservation, metadata management, linked data, and information architecture have become core competencies alongside traditional library science skills. Many library roles now require familiarity with database management, digital asset management systems, taxonomy development, and even basic data analysis. The rise of generative AI has created new demand for information professionals who can evaluate source quality, manage knowledge bases, and design retrieval systems for AI-assisted research workflows.

Library jobs in media and publishing tend to attract candidates with a Master of Library Science (MLS) or Master of Information Studies (MIS) degree, though practical experience and specialized knowledge of a domain can sometimes substitute. Many organizations value candidates who combine traditional library training with strong technology skills and domain expertise in the organization's subject area.

Skills Employers Are Looking For

  • Library management systems (Ex Libris, OCLC, Alma)
  • Database research (LexisNexis, Factiva, ProQuest, Westlaw)
  • Digital asset management
  • Cataloging and metadata standards (MARC, Dublin Core, RDA)
  • Digital preservation and archiving
  • Taxonomy and controlled vocabulary development
  • Records management and information governance
  • Reference and research services
  • Copyright and intellectual property knowledge
  • Collection development and curation
  • Data literacy and basic SQL
  • Information architecture
  • User instruction and research training

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an MLS degree to work in a library or information science role?

For many traditional librarian roles, particularly in academic and public library settings, an ALA-accredited MLS or MLIS degree is required. However, in media companies, publishers, and corporate environments, the requirements are more flexible. Roles focused on digital asset management, research, records management, or knowledge management often value relevant experience and technical skills alongside or in place of a graduate degree. Always check individual job postings for specific requirements.

What types of organizations hire library professionals beyond traditional libraries?

Media companies, book publishers, law firms, corporate legal departments, pharmaceutical companies, financial institutions, government agencies, nonprofits, and research organizations all hire information professionals. In media specifically, broadcast networks and streaming companies maintain large content libraries that require professional management. News organizations hire research librarians and fact-checkers. Publishing houses employ rights managers, catalogers, and editorial researchers.

What technology skills are most important for modern library roles?

Proficiency with library management systems (such as Ex Libris, OCLC WorldCat, or Alma), digital asset management platforms, database research tools (LexisNexis, Factiva, ProQuest), and metadata schema standards (Dublin Core, MARC, Schema.org) are highly valued. Familiarity with content management systems, basic SQL or data querying, and digital preservation standards is increasingly important. Experience with taxonomy development and information architecture is relevant for knowledge management roles.

Are library and information science jobs available remotely?

Remote work availability varies by role. Digital archivists, research librarians, and knowledge managers can often work remotely or in hybrid arrangements. Roles that involve physical collections, patron services, or on-site archive management typically require an in-person presence. Many academic library roles have moved to hybrid models post-pandemic, with core service hours on-site and research and administrative work done remotely.

How is AI affecting library and information science careers?

AI is reshaping certain library tasks, particularly routine cataloging, search, and retrieval functions. However, it is also creating new demand for information professionals who can design and curate the knowledge bases that AI systems draw on, evaluate the quality and reliability of AI-generated information, and help organizations navigate the ethical and legal questions around AI and intellectual property. Information science professionals with a strong understanding of both traditional library practice and AI systems are well-positioned for this transition.

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Salary by level

  • Library Assistant / Research Associate

    $36,000 - $50,000

  • Librarian / Information Specialist

    $50,000 - $68,000

  • Senior Librarian / Digital Archivist

    $65,000 - $85,000

  • Principal Librarian / Knowledge Manager

    $80,000 - $105,000

  • Library Director / Chief Information Officer

    $95,000 - $145,000