Librarian Career in South Africa
Explore the official OFO occupation, common tasks, specialisations and approved South African qualification pathways.
Occupation overview
Develops, organises and manages library services such as collections of information, recreational resources and reader information services.
What does a Librarian do?
A librarian develops and manages organised collections of information and recreational resources, and helps people find, understand and use them. The work may include acquiring materials, cataloguing and describing resources, supporting readers, managing specialised collections, and coordinating services for groups such as children, schools, legal organisations or people with special needs.
Specialisations
How to become a Librarian in South Africa
- Build strong reading, information-handling, organisation and people-service abilities through school and practical experience.
- Consider the Diploma: School Librarianship (SAQA ID 3039, NQF level 5, 256 credits) as a relevant pathway, particularly for school library work.
- For further specialisation in school librarianship, consider the Postgraduate Diploma in Specialised Education: School Librarianship (SAQA ID 114746, NQF level 8, 120 credits).
- Explore the area of library work that interests you, such as acquisitions, cataloguing, reference services, children's services, heritage collections, legal librarianship or library management.
- Confirm current programme, provider, admission and assessment details with SAQA, the relevant quality council or an accredited provider before applying.
Edupstairs Preparation Guidance
Library careers can lead to different specialist and management areas, including information services, collection development, school librarianship and heritage collections management. The listed qualifications provide relevant pathways, but should not be treated as universal requirements for every librarian role. Check the expectations of the organisation and type of library where you want to work.
Useful school subjects
- English
- Computer Applications Technology
- History
Skills that may help
- Organisation and careful management of information resources
- Cataloguing and classification of library materials
- Reader support and information-service skills
- Collection development and resource selection
- Clear communication with different users and communities
- Attention to detail
- Coordination and service management
- Ability to work with specialised collections and information needs