What do librarians do?

Most of the staff that you encounter in the library are not librarians. The helpful library staff and student aids provide check-out services and general help. They also shelve the materials, process new materials, and ensure the library is a pleasant place to visit.

Librarians have a master's degree in Library Science (MLS) or Library and Information Science (MLIS). In academic libraries, most librarians also have additional graduate degrees to support the many degree and career programs on campus. 

Faculty librarians, among other duties, help students at the reference desk by providing technology help, research help, and citation help. They also teach information literacy sessions.  Information literacy is:

• Locating information (research on the Internet, article databases, library materials, government information, and archival information)
• Evaluating information (choosing the best sources for the situation and need)
• Using information (citing sources, avoiding plagiarism, copyright restrictions, and ethical use of information)
• Information technology and media (because information involves many technologies, librarians are usually very tech-savvy and can help students and faculty with applications and devices)

Librarians also manage the library services and staff and maintain and organize the library collection and services.