What does a public librarian do? – Tasks and work environment
A public librarian is responsible for providing information, literature, and cultural activities to the public via public libraries. Tasks include guiding visitors in literature searches, planning and conducting events such as storytimes and lectures, and working on reading promotion initiatives for different age groups. The role also involves cataloging, media purchasing, and administration of the library's collections. The work environment is often characterized by close contact with visitors, varied tasks, and a strong focus on service and accessibility for the entire community.
Salary development over time
The salary for a public librarian has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 35,200 SEK per month, rising to 36 100 in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has reached 37 600, representing an increase of approximately 7% over the three-year period. This development reflects a growing demand for qualified librarians, combined with investments in skills development and digital services within the library sector. Despite a relatively stable job market for the profession, competition for positions and the need for specialized skills have positively influenced salary growth. However, there are still moderate regional and employer-based differences.
Public librarian salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 37 600 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 31,100 SEK/month
- Highest salary: 42,500 SEK/month
- Hourly wage: 226 SEK
- Women earn: 37 400 SEK/month (98% of men's salary)
- Men earn: 38 200 SEK/month
- Regional differences: Some variation depending on employer and region
Many public librarians engage with their local communities through collaboration with schools, associations, and cultural institutions. This helps make the library a vibrant meeting place and an important resource for integration and democracy.
Education and qualifications
To work as a public librarian, a university degree in library and information science is generally required. The education includes both theoretical and practical components, often supplemented with internships or trainee periods within the library sector. Specializations in digital media or youth and children's libraries are also common.
- Bachelor’s degree: Library and information science (3 years)
- Internship: Common during the education
- Further education: Opportunities for master's, postgraduate studies, or research
- Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for university studies
- Courses/certifications: Digital competence and reading promotion work are advantageous
Common benefits and compensations
Public librarians are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowances, and generous vacation. Other common compensations include flexitime, professional development, and remote work options depending on the employer. The work environment often allows for good work-life balance.
Competition and challenges
The job market for public librarians is characterized by paradoxes: while there are great opportunities nationwide, recruitment can be challenging due to a high proportion of part-time work and regional difficulties. Demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. Digitalization and changing reading habits increase the need for adaptability and skills development. There is particular competition for specialized positions, such as children's librarians or digital managers, making specialized skills especially valuable.
Tips for those who want to become a public librarian
To succeed as a public librarian, it helps to combine a genuine interest in literature with curiosity about people and societal issues. Good communication skills make it easier to engage with visitors and tailor information to their needs. Flexibility is an advantage when tasks shift between information searches, events, and digital projects. Being service-minded facilitates collaboration with colleagues and the public. Engagement in further training and new technology enhances opportunities for career development, especially as the role of libraries evolves with society's digitalization. Attention to detail and organizational skills are also important for managing administration and cataloging efficiently.
Key facts about public librarians
- Educational level: Bachelor’s degree in library and information science
- Work environment: Public sector, often in municipal libraries
- Work form: Full-time or part-time, some remote work options
- Demand: Great opportunities nationwide, especially with specialized skills
- Number of job openings: 620 within the librarian and archivist profession
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a public librarian can advance to roles such as coordinator, unit manager, or specialized librarian responsible for digital services or youth activities. There are also opportunities to further qualify as an archivist or information specialist. The Employment Service’s forecasts show significant employment opportunities, although demand is expected to remain unchanged over five years. The recruitment situation involves a combination of difficulties filling certain positions and high demands for specialized skills. Those with digital skills and experience in reading promotion have good chances for career advancement.
Frequently asked questions about public librarians
- What does a public librarian earn?
- The average salary is 37 600 SEK per month.
- What education is required to become a public librarian?
- A bachelor’s degree in library and information science is usually required.
- Are there gender differences in salary?
- Women earn approximately 98% of what men do in the profession.
- What does the job market look like for public librarians?
- There are great opportunities nationwide, especially with specialized skills.
- What qualities are important for a public librarian?
- Service-mindedness, communication skills, and good organizational ability are central.
- What is the highest and lowest salary for a public librarian?
- The highest salary is 42,500 SEK and the lowest 31,100 SEK per month, depending on education and sector.
- What are the future prospects for the profession?
- Demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years according to the Employment Service.
