To Aspiring 21st Century Librarians
By Cassidy Lee, MLIS, MEd
Librarianship is more than just curating books; it is about shaping access to knowledge, advocating for equity, and adapting to the evolving needs of communities. Yet the field constantly faces challenges from systemic biases in cataloging and limited job opportunities to chronic underfunding and the undervaluation of library professionals.
My journey as a librarian has been shaped by these realities, pushing me to question and reimagine the role libraries play in education and society. In this article, I explore key issues that define modern librarianship, the barriers to career advancement, the financial struggles that plague the field, and the importance of specialization in carving out meaningful professional paths.
Navigating the Field
This field can be incredibly tough to break into. It is marked by a longstanding homogeneity, with limited turnover and few entry points unless someone retires or steps down. In my experience, every position I’ve held as a librarian or supervisor was to replace someone who retired. While this is a natural part of any profession, it also means there’s limited mobility, especially for librarians of color, who comprise only about 15% of the profession (American Library Association, n.d.).
I remember applying for my first full-time librarian role and seeing very few positions available that weren’t in public libraries. While public librarianship is essential, I had a strong passion for educational and academic libraries. When I finally got the chance to step into a school library, I was met with an entirely different challenge: proving that school librarians are more than just “bookkeepers.” I had to consistently advocate for my role as an educator, curriculum developer, and technology specialist, even when administrators saw the library as an afterthought.
Salaries and Funding
Librarians generally earn more than library workers (who are criminally underpaid), although librarians are still underpaid compared to non-educational professions. For instance, the median annual wage for librarians and library media specialists was $64,320 in May 2024, a figure typically reached after several years of professional experience (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025). Entry-level positions often start significantly lower; for example, public librarians may begin with salaries around $40,000, depending on geographic location and the size of the hiring institution (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025). I’ve seen firsthand how library budgets are often the first to be cut in schools and communities, even as we provide critical access to information, internet services, and educational resources.
Specialization Matters
Specializing in a specific area of librarianship has been a game-changer for me. Having a Master’s in Library and Information Science (MLIS) is valuable, but it’s not always understood outside traditional library spaces. By focusing on a specific field, you not only carve out a niche but also open doors to opportunities outside of libraries if needed.
My concentration in instructional technology and curriculum development allowed me to transition into roles where I could combine librarianship with my background in education pedagogy. I’ve developed digital literacy programs, created gamified learning experiences, and even consulted on curriculum design. This flexibility has served me well, especially when traditional library jobs were scarce.
I’ve seen how specialization can empower librarians to advocate for better pay and recognition as well. When I began emphasizing my skills in research and digital media, I found more opportunities beyond traditional libraries, including in EdTech, publishing, and instructional design. Specialization doesn’t just expand career prospects; it helps define the value of librarianship in an evolving information landscape.
Despite the challenges within librarianship, there is immense power in rethinking how we classify knowledge, advocate for fair wages, and expand the scope of our expertise. The fight for equitable hiring practices, sustainable funding, and professional recognition is ongoing, but change is possible through persistence and strategic specialization. As libraries continue to serve as hubs for learning and community engagement, we need to continue to push for reforms that reflect the diversity of the populations we serve. By embracing innovation, advocacy, and adaptability, we can redefine what it means to be a librarian in the 21st century.
References
American Library Association. (n.d.). Librarian ethnicity. Retrieved May 23, 2025, from
https://www.ala.org/tools/librarian-ethnicity
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. (2025). Librarians and library media specialists. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved May 23, 2025, from
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/librarians.htm
CASSIDY A. LEE
is an experienced educator, writer, and editor with two decades of service in English language arts, library science, and instructional technology. She holds advanced degrees, including an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction and an M.S. in Library and Information Studies, and is currently a Doctoral Candidate in Curriculum and Instruction.
A certified teacher and former library director, Cassidy merges instructional expertise with resource management. She currently serves as a graduate assistant, teaching foundational education courses to undergraduates and preparing the next generation of educators.
Cassidy is the founder of Cassidy A. Lee Press, LLC, where she offers developmental editing, book coaching, and publishing consultations for writers at every stage. Her mission is to guide aspiring and established authors through the creative and publishing process with confidence and clarity.
She also leads a free writing accountability and critique group, where she supports writers through structured feedback and mentorship. Additionally, she organizes writing workshops and courses designed to help participants develop their craft, complete projects, and establish writing routines.
Her professional affiliations include the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), the American Library Association (ALA), Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana (A+PEL), the Black Writers Collective, and The Authors Guild.
Across all her work in education, publishing, and literary advocacy, Cassidy is driven by a passion for creativity, inclusion, and lifelong learning. Her leadership empowers others to grow, write, and share their stories boldly.