What's Here? - Table of Contents
Libraries are an important part of the United States. In the year 2013, nearly 1.5 billion people visited public libraries. This means around 4 million people visit the libraries each day. The state of Arkansas alone has 221 libraries spread throughout the state.
What Makes Libraries Important For Any Society?
Libraries play an important part in the growth of a society. They are a source of knowledge and an access point to further educational opportunities for many underserved demographics in Arkansas. Libraries give every person a chance at personal and educational growth. They arrange workshops and programs for people and bring societies and communities together. Libraries support literacy and create learning opportunities on many levels.
Which Are Arkansas’ Notable Libraries?
Arkansas offers large-scale city libraries and small-scale, cozy, town libraries. One of the most popular libraries in Arkansas is the Arkansas State Library. It is home to 2.6 million books and resources. Another popular Library is the Fort Smith Public Library, which has been serving the community with its books, informational resources and workshops since the 1890s.
How Are Libraries Run?
It takes a lot of time and effort to run a library. There are plenty of supportive staff required to run each library. Library directors manage libraries, IT staff and technicians help manage databases. Librarians issue books and resources and catalog resources. Apart from librarians, archivists also play a big role in organizing and preserving informational assets of libraries.
Librarian Salary in Arkansas
The United States compensates librarians quite well. Librarians in the state of Arkansas have a median annual salary of $57,120 (Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023). This salary comes along with other benefits that include health insurance, 401(k) and paid sick leave.
Librarians and Media Specialists Salaries in urban areas of Arkansas
| Metro Area | # Employed | Mean Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO | 290 | $62,740 |
| Fort Smith, AR-OK | 160 | $57,050 |
| Hot Springs, AR | 30 | $59,240 |
| Jonesboro, AR | 60 | $56,300 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | 290 | $59,160 |
| Pine Bluff, AR | 50 | $54,240 | Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023 |
Librarians and Media Specialists Salaries in rural areas of Arkansas
| Metro Area | # Employed | Mean Salary |
|---|---|---|
| North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area | 170 | $50,580 |
| East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area | 90 | $52,550 |
| West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area | 140 | $55,720 |
| South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area | 140 | $50,960 | Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023 |
What Is the Job of an Archivist?
An archivist also works in a library. The job of an archivist is to maintain records and archives. They are responsible for preserving organizational records and historic events in databases for access in the future. Archivists ensure that the records and files stored are free from all sorts of biases.
Salary of an Archivist in the State of Arkansas
Archivists play an important role and are compensated accordingly. Their median annual salary is $53,310 (Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023). To become an archivist, the educational requirements are a master’s degree in either Library and Information Sciences, Political Sciences, History, or Sociology.
Libraries are very important for societies. Public Libraries are a great use of tax-payer money; dollar for dollar, they are a great investment toward creating a stable democracy. Any educated and progressive society relies on its knowledgeable and intellectual people for its development and peaceful transitions of power. This is why there is a need to make libraries accessible to more and more people.