Selecting the correct career is a crucial decision with far-reaching implications. It is a choice that will shape your future, underscoring the importance of making an informed decision.
Over the next few weeks, The African Reporter will engage with business people, professionals and other role players, focusing on a specific career every week.
By doing this, we aim to provide valuable guidance to our younger readers navigating their career choices.This week, we give a platform to the school librarian career.
Fikile Mabuza is a school librarian and teacher who loves working in the library, as she gives learners access to information, creative writing, and fosters a learning environment.
“I love helping children find what they want to unlock their imagination. Helping them to read and write has been a beautiful journey because we do a lot of fun activities that encourage them to read more,” she said.
What is a librarian?A librarian is a professional responsible for managing, organising and providing access to information resources in libraries. They help students, teachers and community members find the information they need and promote reading, research and learning.
What do they do?A school librarian manages the school’s library collection, helps students and teachers locate resources, supports research and reading programmes, teaches information literacy skills, and ensures the library is a welcoming space for learning.
What knowledge or skills do I need?You should have strong organisational skills, research and information management skills and a love for reading and learning. Communication and technology skills are also essential, as librarians often guide others in using digital resources.
What high school subjects are helpful?English, information technology (IT) and social sciences are useful. Courses that develop reading, writing and research skills are particularly helpful.
Fikile Mabuza is a school librarian. Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni
What qualifications do I need?You usually need a diploma or degree in library science, information studies, or a related field. Some schools also require teaching qualifications, especially if the librarian interacts directly with students in classroom settings.
What are the daily responsibilities of a school librarian?• Organising and cataloguing books and digital resources;• Helping students and teachers find and use information effectively;• Running reading programmes, workshops, or library events;• Managing borrowings and returns of books;• Teaching students how to use online databases and research tools;• Keeping the library environment safe, welcoming and conducive to learning.
What are the advantages of being a school librarian?• You promote reading, learning and research skills;• You work closely with students and teachers, positively impacting their education;• It is a calm, organised work environment;• You have access to a wide range of books and resources;• You can be creative by running events, reading programmes and library activities.
What are the job’s challenges?• Managing limited budgets for books and resources;• Balancing administrative tasks with student support;• Encouraging students to use the library in a digital age where information is often online.
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Who would be a good fit for this career?Anyone who loves reading, learning, helping others, organising information and working in a school environment would find school librarianship rewarding. Patience, attention to detail and a passion for education are key.
How does technology play a role in a school librarian’s work?Modern librarians often manage digital libraries, online databases and e-books. They teach students how to search for reliable information online and use technology responsibly for research and learning.
Can a school librarian organise programmes and activities?Yes, librarians often run book clubs, reading challenges, storytelling sessions and information literacy workshops. These programmes help students develop a love for reading and improve research skills.
Is there room for career growth?Absolutely. Experienced librarians can become head librarians, library co-ordinators, or pursue specialisation in digital libraries, archival work, or educational resource management.
How does a librarian support teachers?They help teachers find teaching materials, suggest books for classroom activities and collaborate on research projects. They act as a resource hub to make lesson planning easier and more effective.
Are school librarians involved in student assessments or learning outcomes?Indirectly, yes. By teaching research skills and guiding students in using resources, librarians support academic achievement and help students develop independent learning skills.
What personal qualities make a librarian successful?Successful librarians are organised, patient, approachable and passionate about learning. They are problem-solvers who enjoy helping others, love reading and adapt easily to changes in technology and educational needs.
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At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!