Undergraduates need a wide background in the humanities, for music librarians need to be familiar with the relationship of music to other disciplines. A master's degree in library or information science is required by most employers. Because music librarians need a thorough knowledge of music history and repertory, a second master's degree in music is required or highly desired for some positions. Libraries specializing in folk music or musics of non-Western cultures require training in ethnomusicology, archives management, and other languages. In libraries where music is combined with other subjects, such as dance or fine arts, background in those subjects may also be expected.
Some library schools offer special courses or internships in music librarianship.
Commitment to music draws individuals interested in librarianship to this field of specialization. To enjoy it and to become an accomplished practitioner, intellectual curiosity, concern for detail, and an ability to organize ideas as well as things are essential. Music librarianship is a financially stable career, and one that many musicians find compatible with a part-time second career as a performer. Technical services librarians, such as those in cataloging or acquisitions, may work entirely behind the scenes. Music librarianship offers a broad range of administrative and supervisory positions.