librarian

American  

[lahy-brair-ee-uhn] / laɪˈbrɛər i ən /

noun

1. a person trained in library science and engaged in library service.

2. a person in charge of a library, especially the chief administrative officer of a library.

3. a person who is in charge of any specialized body of literature, as a collection of musical scores.

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librarian British  

/ laɪˈbrɛərɪən /

noun

1. a person in charge of or assisting in a library

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Other Word Forms

• sublibrarian noun

Etymology

Origin of librarian

First recorded in 1660–70; libr(ary) + -arian

Explanation

A librarian is someone who works in a library maintaining books and information and lending them to patrons. If you have a research project ahead of you, make friends with the librarian. There are many different types of librarians, from archivists who care for, organize, and lend very old or valuable documents; to school librarians who organize book-related projects and buy books and electronic resources that are appropriate for the students they serve. To become a librarian, you might want to get an advanced degree in library science. The Latin root of librarian is liber, "book." In the 17th century, a librarian was known as a "library-keeper."

Example Sentences

Katz, 51, a librarian in West Hollywood, has two children with her “nesting partner,” and another partner whom she does not live with.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026

My son, a college librarian, has seen that phenomenon as well as a general erosion of research skills and decision-making aptitude among some students.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 14, 2026

When asked why he never hired a librarian, Gowda says no-one ever suggested that to him.

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026

Wolverhampton librarian Elisabeth Whitehouse can tell which children have been read to in their early years.

From BBC • Dec. 27, 2025

“Find everything you wanted?” the librarian at checkout asks me.

From "Muffled" by Jennifer Gennari

Related Words

• curator