Who is a library craftsman?
A library craftsman is a craftsperson or a worker skilled in library science or a closely related field. A library is a building or a room where books and other information materials are kept for use by various users. Library science deals with collection, preservation, retrieval and organization of books and other information materials within libraries and other information centers. Under the supervision of senior library officers, library craftsmen assist in management and operation of libraries primarily helping customers locate books and other information materials among other duties.

Other closely related title(s)

1. Library assistant
2. Library clerk
3. Records management assistant
4. Archives assistant

What is the work environment?
Library craftsmen work indoor; in offices among other environments.

Some important skills to have
To perform optimally as a library craftsman, a number of essential skills are required. Some of these skills include;

1. Customer service skills
2. Basic computer skills
3. Excellent organization skills
4. Good problem solving skills
5. Research skills
6. Interpersonal skills
7. Communication skills
8. Among others

What are some career opportunities?
Library craftsmen can find employment opportunities in various places such as; school libraries, libraries in colleges and universities, private, community and public libraries, information centers, information departments within businesses and government departments among others.

With some experience in the industry, library craftsmen can use their creativity and start their own businesses.

Becoming a library craftsman

Minimum admission requirements
A Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), mean grade D (plain) and above is required.

Training & Study options
With a KCSE mean grade D (plain) and above, you can proceed to a Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college and enroll for a relevant craft certificate course. Craft courses are also offered within Vocational Training Centers (VTCs) within your region.

What course(s) can you pursue in TVET colleges?

1. Craft certificate in library science
2. Craft certificate in library information studies
3. Craft certificate in library and information technology
4. Craft certificate in information studies (library science)
5. Craft certificate in library and archival studies
6. Craft certificate in archives and information studies
7. Or other similar/ related courses

Education Progression
Upon a successful completion of a craft certificate course, you can advance your education upward (in a relevant field) up to university level if you like. How is this possible?

1. Get a craft certificate
2. Advance to diploma certificate, (in a relevant field)
3. Advance to degree certificate, (in a relevant field)

How to Join TVET College.
There are two ways you can follow to join training institution(s) in pursuit of your career of choice. The majority way is applying through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (Kuccps). This is a state owned agency that admits/ places government sponsored students to TVET colleges and universities. One of the advantages of applying through Kuccps is that, upon successful placement, you will pay subsidized fee as a government sponsored student.

To be placed through Kuccps you must have attained a certain pass mark required for various education levels such as degrees, diplomas, certificates and artisan courses. For a craft certificate course, you need a minimum of KCSE mean grade D (plain) and above. For more details on placement criteria, visit Kuccps website. The second approach is applying directly to training institution of your choice. Students who opt to apply this way do not get government fee subsidy and are therefore self-sponsored.

How to fund your post-secondary education.
If you are a needy student, upon application, you can get education loan from Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), a state owned institution that gives education loans to students joining technical colleges and universities. You can also access education bursaries from your local Member of Parliament (MP) or the County Government among other sources.

Always remember this!
Information provided on this website is for career awareness only, and not for any other purpose.

Before you make any career choice, or commit yourself to any career or study option, be sure of what you are doing. It is advisable to seek professional advice from career advisors to navigate this very important process.

Need more information? We can provide you with additional career and education related information to meet your individual needs.