Essentially, librarians oversee the organization of the special interest information resources and assist others in accessing and utilizing this material. For librarians in the private sector who work with special libraries, the pressure is higher, but so is the salary. Since libraries are open on weekends, librarians' workweeks often extend past the usual five days, and they work many holidays as well. Library assistants normally perform clerical and registration duties while providing general support to librarians. These jobs, with their minimal training requirements, are appealing to retirees, students, and others with part-time availability.
Library technicians are increasingly familiar with the automation developments in libraries.
These advanced degree programs, open to liberal arts graduates of any major, are intended to give librarians a broad base of knowledge. Although many colleges and universities offer these programs, many employers prefer to hire those who have graduated from the approximately 50 schools accredited by the American Library Association. In some states, school librarians are required to have teaching certification as well. Special libraries, such as medical, law, and science, prefer to hire librarians with supplemental, subject-specific education. A Ph.D. in library and information sciences is advantageous for advanced positions such as college professorships and top administrative opportunities.