Education · 1 of 5

The path

Short, cheap and hands-on. Many people start working first and add the qualification afterwards.

1. 1

   High school

   Grade 12

   English and computer classes. Get a job shelving books as a page, which is how a large share of this workforce started.

2. 2

   Certificate or associate degree

   1 to 2 years

   A one-year certificate or a two-year associate degree in library and information technology at a community college. Many run fully online.

3. 3

   First technician post

   After the qualification

   Circulation, interlibrary loan, processing or media support. You will learn one library's catalog system in depth.

4. 4

   Pick a technical area

   2 to 4 years in

   Cataloging and metadata, the library management system, or public technology help. This is what moves you off the front desk.

5. 5

   Decide about the master's

   Optional, 2 years

   If you want to be a librarian rather than a technician, you will need an accredited master's degree. Many people do it part time while working.