What's Here? - Table of Contents
School Librarians
School librarians help school-aged children understand the workings of the library and how to leverage technology and numerous available learning materials for study and assignment purposes. State departments of education usually require school librarians to be certified educators so that they can perform their duties more effectively.
How Are School Librarian Salaries Determined in Illinois?
Each school in Illinois fixes wage ranges for their members of staff and this also applies to school librarians. You will be placed on a salary scale within the acceptable range for a person with your position and qualifications. As salaries are to be considered compensation for the services rendered, you are more likely to be considered as more valuable to the institution if you have higher qualifications and more years of experience than most other entry-level employees.
Librarians and Media Specialists Salaries in urban areas of Illinois
| Metro Area | # Employed | Mean Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IL | 100 | $62,050 |
| Carbondale-Marion, IL | 50 | $43,150 |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL | 130 | $67,810 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | 4,140 | $70,050 |
| Decatur, IL | 30 | $54,180 |
| Kankakee, IL | 50 | $53,310 |
| Peoria, IL | 130 | $55,310 |
| Rockford, IL | 100 | $59,370 |
| Springfield, IL | 100 | $62,210 | Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023 |
Librarians and Media Specialists Salaries in rural areas of Illinois
| Metro Area | # Employed | Mean Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area | 130 | $53,590 |
| West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area | 170 | $47,580 |
| East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area | 60 | $56,120 |
| South Illinois nonmetropolitan area | 50 | $47,030 | Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023 |
How Can One Increase Their Salary?
You are placed on a suitable salary scale based on your qualifications and experience on entry into the school system as a school librarian. These salary scales usually determine the percentage increase that accrues to you based on the duration of service. However, taking part in professional development activities, which are necessary for license renewal can reveal you as an individual committed to growth. This, as well as, other stellar contributions you have made to your institution concerning the school’s vision can qualify you for an honorary raise with other benefits. Contact the payroll or finance office of your institution for more information about salary increases.
Are There Any Associations That Provide Help or Resources?
School librarians in Illinois are eligible members of the Association of Illinois School Library Educators (AISLE) which represents the interests of librarians in elementary and secondary schools. They provide a community for these school librarians to network and grow with the improvement of library user experience in mind. They provide resources on advanced learning that are crucial for professional development. They hold annual conferences and periodic webinars to educate members on new and improved practices.
Public Librarians
Public libraries provide a wealth of resources for study and research in different fields from history to the arts. As these libraries cater to a wider audience, public librarians are required to be knowledgeable about a lot of fields. They are also expected to organize clubs and events that help library users get the best results from their visits.
How Are Public Librarian Salaries Determined in Illinois?
There are a total of 645 public libraries in Illinois and the salaries of public librarians in each of them are determined by the governing board of the institutions. They consider the minimum wage as well as the professional status of public librarians. There are defined salary ranges and your qualifications, experience and other factors as decided by the libraries determine how much you earn.
How Can One Increase Their Salary?
Professional development exploits are necessary for license renewal and they also serve as an easy ticket to salary increases. Each library has its specific salary review process and formula. Sometimes, you can get honorary increases for performing exceptionally well and representing the interest of the institution adequately.
Are There Any Associations That Provide Help or Resources?
The Illinois Library Association (ILA) welcomes all librarians, library users, and enthusiasts; creating a community that advances the services provided in libraries all over the state. Public librarians who are members will benefit from networking opportunities and professional development resources. Some of these resources help public librarians stay aware of how the minimum wage affects them.
Academic Librarians
Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) will not provide a wholesome experience for most students without access to quality study and research materials. This is what the library is for and why academic librarians give themselves to extensive study and research.
How Are Academic Librarian Salaries Determined in Illinois?
The institutions determine salary ranges for academic librarians based on what is considered fair by national and state standards. Your qualifications and experience determine your final placement on a salary scale. Since academic librarians will educate the college students on how to use the library via library courses and other information resources, they are usually expected to have qualifications that are comparable to other lecturers. This will also reflect on their income.
How Can One Increase Their Salary?
The academic world offers numerous opportunities for career advancement via promotions, for example. These are proven to influence your pay positively. This is why academic librarians are expected to portray an excellent work ethic and a flair for progress. These are bound to work in your favor during yearly employee reviews and may lead to a raise.
How Can an Academic Librarian Get Tenured and How Does This Affect Their Lifetime Earning Potential?
The award of tenure is important to the academic staff of IHEs as it provides job security and access to other benefits. Different institutions have their rules and requirements about the process. However, the review for eligibility is usually done at the level of the library faculty, for academic librarians. The University of Illinois provides a suitable example and will only grant tenure when such an award improves the quality of the institution.
Are There Any Associations That Provide Help or Resources?
The Illinois Association of College & Research Libraries Forum (IACRL) is a group under ILA dedicated to the welfare of academic librarians and the proper running of libraries in IHEs. They provide members with beneficial materials and a community that fosters professional development.