What does a City Librarian do? – Tasks and Work Environment
A city librarian is responsible for planning, developing, and managing activities at the city's central library. Tasks include coordinating staff, developing the library's offerings, working with information dissemination, promoting reading, and collaborating with schools, cultural institutions, and the public. The role also involves budget management, procurement, and ensuring that library services are accessible to all residents. The environment is often dynamic, involving interactions with colleagues and visitors, requiring excellent service skills and organizational ability.
Salary Development Over Time
The salary for a city librarian has shown relatively stable and positive growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 35,200 SEK per month, increasing to 36 100 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has continued to rise to 37 600 SEK per month. This represents a total increase of approximately 6.8% over three years. The salary increase reflects a growing demand for qualified library services, with digitalization and project management skills becoming increasingly important. Salaries are also influenced by public sector budget constraints and regional differences in demand for library managers. The trend indicates a cautious but steady rise, with experience and further education potentially leading to higher salaries.
City Librarian Salary – Complete Overview
- Average salary: 37 600 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 31,100 SEK/month (male, public sector, upper secondary education)
- Highest salary: 42,500 SEK/month (female, public sector, doctoral degree)
- Hourly wage (average): 226 SEK
- Women: 37 400 SEK/month (98% of men's salary)
- Men: 38 200 SEK/month
- Regional differences: Supply and demand vary, especially between larger and smaller cities
Education and Qualifications
To work as a city librarian, a university degree in library and information science is generally required, often complemented with leadership or project management experience. Further education and specialization in digital information management or cultural administration are advantageous and can influence advancement opportunities. Practical experience from library work and good IT and communication skills are essential to meet the evolving demands of the profession.
- Degree in library and information science: 3–4 years at university
- Leadership training or project management courses: often meritorious
- Internship in libraries: common part of the education
- Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for university studies
- Further education: Digital services and information management
Many city librarians engage in community projects and actively work to increase inclusion among city residents. The role has evolved from traditional book management to also include digital services, event planning, and collaboration with local actors. The ability to adapt to new technological solutions and communicate with diverse audiences are central qualities in today’s library world.
Common Benefits and Compensation
City librarians in the public sector are often covered by collective agreements that provide benefits such as occupational pension, extra vacation days, wellness allowances, and opportunities for professional development. Other benefits may include flexible working hours, subsidized meals, and support for health care. Some employers also offer remote work options and participation in national and international networks within the library sector.
Challenges and Competition
The competition for city librarian positions is relatively high, especially in large cities where many seek attractive workplaces with good development prospects. The field is also undergoing change, with increased digitalization and new skill requirements, creating a greater need for further education and specialization. Challenges include balancing traditional library tasks with new digital services, meeting diverse user needs, and managing limited resources within the public sector. The ability to lead change processes and collaborate across professions is often crucial for success in the profession.
Tips for Aspiring City Librarians
To succeed as a city librarian, it is beneficial to combine a strong service orientation with a genuine interest in knowledge dissemination. Being communicative and attentive facilitates collaboration with colleagues and visitors, while analytical skills help identify and develop new services. Engagement with digital development is a clear advantage, as library activities increasingly move toward digital platforms and information management. Being proactive and capable of driving projects contributes to a vibrant and relevant library operation. Flexibility and adaptability are important qualities when new tasks and challenges arise. Building networks within the library community and engaging in professional development increase career opportunities. Finally, patience and the ability to handle change are valuable, as the profession is constantly evolving in response to societal developments.
Key Facts about City Librarians
- Salary range: 31,100–42,500 SEK/month
- Average salary: 37 600 SEK/month
- Educational requirement: Degree in library and information science
- Hourly wage: 226 SEK (average)
- Number of job openings: 620
Career Paths and Future Outlook
After three to five years as a city librarian, there are opportunities to advance to senior roles such as library director, operations developer, or project manager within larger library organizations. Specialization areas include digital library services, reading promotion projects, or collaborations with schools and cultural institutions. According to the Employment Service's forecast, the job market for librarians and archivists is stable, with good opportunities nationwide and unchanged demand over the next five years. However, recruitment is characterized by a paradox: both difficulties in filling positions and overcapacity within the profession, making further education and specialization often essential for career development.
Frequently Asked Questions about City Librarians
- What is the average salary of a city librarian?
- The average salary for a city librarian is 37 600 SEK per month.
- What education is required to become a city librarian?
- A university degree in library and information science is usually required.
- Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, women earn on average 98% of what men do in the profession.
- What are the future prospects for city librarians?
- The job market is considered stable with good employment opportunities according to the Employment Service.
- What benefits are often included for city librarians?
- Common benefits include occupational pension, extra vacation days, wellness allowance, and professional development.
- What is the highest and lowest salary for a city librarian?
- The highest salary is 42,500 SEK/month and the lowest is 31,100 SEK/month.
- How many job openings are available in the profession?
- Currently, there are 620 job openings for librarians and archivists.
