Information for foreign-trained librarians
(5111) Verified: 2009 10 15
Information on requirements to practise
The occupation of librarian is not regulated. Therefore, employment is subject to demand, and qualification requirements are set by individual employers. However, a master's degree in library science or its equivalent from an institution accredited by the American Library Association (ALA) is usually required for employment.
For specific information about the education and training required to work as a librarian in the province of Quebec, you may contact:
- Corporation des bibliothécaires professionnels du Québec (CBPQ)
- 103-353, rue Saint-Nicolas
- Montréal QC H2Y 2P1 Canada
- Phone : 514-845-3327
- Fax : 514-845-1618
- Email : info@cbpq.qc.ca
- http://www.cbpq.qc.ca/
Information on assessment of qualifications
Foreign-trained librarians may contact the Canadian Library Association (CLA) for information on careers in the Canadian library community. But the CLA does not license library professionals or provide accreditation.
- Canadian Library Association (CLA)
- 328 Frank Street
- Ottawa ON K2P 0X8 Canada
- Phone : (613) 232-9625
- Fax : (613) 563-9895
- Email : info@cla.ca
- http://www.cla.ca/
If you need to have your credentials assessed before coming to Canada, you may contact an evaluation service and consult our Fact Sheet No. 2, "Assessment and recognition of credentials for the purpose of employment in Canada." Although the evaluation services offer expert advice on how qualifications obtained abroad compare with credentials obtained in a Canadian province or territory, the evaluation is advisory only and does not guarantee recognition of your qualifications for employment or certification purposes in Canada. Please note that they charge a fee for their services.
Other relevant information
For a general description of duties and employment requirements, you can refer to the information prepared by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada regarding:
Specific provincial/territorial information