What's Here? - Table of Contents
Libraries are an important part of American culture. According to Library Research Services, almost 3.6 million people in Colorado have a Library card. This means almost 3 out of 5 people in Colorado visit libraries on regular basis. These libraries give the public access to knowledge and information all year round.
The importance of libraries in any society is undeniable. But libraries are especially important in the state of Colorado. Statistics show that 1 in 10 houses in Colorado don’t have access to the internet. Colorado’s libraries ensure that each person in Colorado has access to educational resources and the internet.
Famous Libraries in Colorado
There are plenty of Popular Libraries in the state of Colorado. The Crested Butte Historical Library is a two-story building known as Old Rock. It is one of the most beautiful Libraries in the country. The Naturia Community Library is a 4,000 square foot award-winning library. Shortly after its completion, it was awarded the title of the Best Small Library in America.
Becoming a Librarian in Colorado
Librarians are required by the state of Colorado to have at least a master’s degree in Library Sciences or Library and Information Sciences. Librarians are required to manage libraries. Their job description includes issuing books, resources in the library, giving access to files and records, and maintaining and cataloging a record of the library information assets.
Librarian and Support Staff Salaries in Colorado
Librarians in Colorado are compensated quite well. Their median annual salary is $68,320 (Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023). They are also provided with benefits such as health insurance, 401(k) and paid sick leave. Support staff in libraries include aides, library directors, archivists, IT specialists, and technicians.
Librarians and Media Specialists Salaries in urban areas of Colorado
| Metro Area | # Employed | Mean Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO | 150 | $81,280 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | 250 | $62,790 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | 960 | $71,550 |
| Fort Collins, CO | 140 | $68,520 |
| Grand Junction, CO | 50 | $63,140 |
| Greeley, CO | 110 | $63,490 |
| Pueblo, CO | 60 | $58,600 | Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023 |
Librarians and Media Specialists Salaries in rural areas of Colorado
| Metro Area | # Employed | Mean Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area | 80 | $52,150 |
| Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area | 100 | $58,750 |
| Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area | 120 | $68,570 | Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023 |
Archivist Salaries in Colorado
Archivists are professionals who are responsible for maintaining organizational, cultural, historical, and medical records, files, and archives. A master’s degree in Library Science, Political Science, History, or Sociology is a requirement for the job of an archivist. An archivist median annual salary in Colorado is $62,310 (Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023).
Why Are Library Science Teachers Important?
Library Science teachers have the responsibility of training future librarians. Although they might not work in Libraries directly, they play an important role in the welfare and well-being. Plenty of universities in Colorado have a dedicated department of Library and Information Sciences that offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Library and Information Sciences.
Libraries are an important part of the culture and heritage of Colorado. Many people frequently visit Colorado’s beautiful libraries. These libraries promote the growth of the community and bring it together by organizing workshops and events. The welfare and well-being of the state of Colorado depend upon its constituents being educated and knowing when politicians and news outlets are feeding them false information. Our democracy also rests precariously on the education, or lack thereof, of our country’s citizens.