Becoming a professional librarian in Virginia is a career path that requires a structured educational and credentialing process. The library profession has evolved far beyond traditional book management to encompass information science, digital literacy instruction, and community engagement. Successfully navigating this career depends on meeting specific state-level educational and licensure mandates that vary based on the setting where you intend to practice. Understanding these distinct requirements provides the roadmap for a fulfilling career helping Virginia residents access and utilize information.
The Essential Educational Foundation
The prerequisite for nearly all professional librarian positions in Virginia is the completion of a Master of Library Science (MLS) or Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree. This advanced degree establishes the foundational knowledge necessary for managing information resources and serving diverse populations. The degree must be secured from a program accredited by the American Library Association (ALA), which ensures the curriculum meets national standards for the profession. While an ALA-accredited degree from any institution in the United States is recognized, Old Dominion University is the only institution in Virginia currently offering an ALA-accredited MLIS program. Coursework emphasizes core competencies like information organization, digital technologies, research methods, and the principles of intellectual freedom.
Specialized Certification and Licensure Requirements
Securing the formal administrative credentials necessary to practice in a specific setting is the next phase. Requirements differ significantly between public/academic institutions and public schools, making this a pivotal stage in the career preparation process. The credentials ensure that professional librarians are qualified to manage resources and serve the public effectively.
Becoming a Public or Academic Librarian
A state-level Professional Librarian’s Certificate is mandatory for all full-time professional librarian positions in public libraries serving a population of 15,000 or more, and for libraries operated by the Commonwealth. The Library of Virginia grants this certificate, which requires holding an ALA-accredited MLS or MLIS degree. The application process requires submitting a completed application and an official graduate transcript confirming the degree conferral.
Academic libraries are exempt from the state’s certification mandate for public libraries. These institutions still maintain the ALA-accredited MLS/MLIS as the standard minimum educational requirement for professional librarian roles. Job descriptions often specify the need for advanced subject expertise or a second master’s degree in a relevant field.
Becoming a School Librarian
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) administers the requirements for working in a public school library. This path requires obtaining a teaching license with a Library Media preK-12 endorsement, tying it directly to the state’s educational licensing system. A candidate must first possess a valid Virginia teaching license.
The Library Media endorsement can be earned either by graduating from an approved preparation program or by completing a minimum of 24 semester hours of post-baccalaureate coursework. Required courses cover teaching for learning, literacy and reading, and program management. A supervised clinical experience or practicum is also required, though one year of successful, full-time experience as a school librarian may substitute for this.
Building Practical Experience and Necessary Skills
Formal education must be supplemented with hands-on experience and the acquisition of specific technical and interpersonal skills. Practical experience allows aspiring librarians to apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world environment before assuming a professional role. Internships, practicums, and volunteer work are highly valued across all library settings in Virginia. Many MLIS programs require or strongly encourage the completion of an internship as part of the curriculum. Opportunities exist at diverse institutions, from the Library of Virginia to local public libraries like Chesapeake Public Library and Norfolk Public Library. These placements provide experience in areas such as archival processing, youth services, and digital collection management.
Modern librarianship demands a high degree of proficiency in digital literacy and information technology. Candidates should be comfortable instructing patrons on topics like online security, evaluating digital sources, and using specialized library software, such as integrated library systems (ILS). Strong communication, analytical thinking, and a commitment to customer service are equally important, as librarians frequently assist patrons with complex research inquiries.
Navigating the Virginia Library Job Market
Candidates must focus on specific channels and tailor their application materials to the library environment when searching for jobs in Virginia. Professional organizations, such as the Virginia Library Association (VLA) Jobline, are excellent starting points for identifying open positions across the state. Major employers include large public systems like Fairfax County Public Library and academic institutions such as the University of Virginia and Virginia Commonwealth University. Successful candidates tailor their resumes and cover letters to highlight experience with specific library functions, such as collection development or instructional design. Networking is also valuable, as engaging with the local library community through VLA events can provide insights into unadvertised opportunities.
Continued Professional Growth and Advancement
The path to librarianship requires an ongoing commitment to professional development beyond initial hiring. Continuing education (CE) is necessary for keeping skills current in areas like emerging technologies and evolving information access policies. Librarians frequently fulfill CE requirements through webinars, workshops, and courses offered by state and national organizations. Joining professional associations like the Virginia Library Association (VLA) and the Virginia Association of School Librarians (VAASL) offers access to specialized resources and networking opportunities. The VLA, for instance, sponsors the Virginia Library Leadership Academy (VALLA). Participation in these organizations can lead to specialization in areas like administration or archives, paving the way for career advancement.