Librarian Ranks
There are five librarian ranks. A librarian may move to a higher rank by demonstrating performance
that meets the criteria for promotion. Every librarian has the opportunity to rise to the highest rank.
Librarians should consult with their supervisors about the promotion system and its criteria early in
their first year in the Library.
Librarian I
Two year appointment – must apply for promotion to Librarian II
Librarian II
Three year appointment – must apply for promotion to Librarian III
Librarian III
Indefinite appointment – may apply for promotion to Librarian IV after three years
Librarian IV
Indefinite appointment – may apply for promotion to Librarian V after four years
Librarian V
Indefinite appointment
LIBRARIAN 1
This is the beginning professional rank for librarians. It is associated with a limited term of
employment, normally two years.
For promotion to Librarian 2, a librarian must:
A. Demonstrate effective job performance and professional growth.
B. Begin to fulfill the criteria for service to the library, university, and/or community.
C. Begin to fulfill the criteria for professional contributions.
LIBRARIAN 2
This rank applies to those librarians who demonstrate competence in all relevant areas of their
position responsibilities and make contributions to the University and Library. A Librarian 2 will have
at least two years of professional experience.
For promotion to Librarian 3, the Librarian must:
A. Demonstrate continued effectiveness in job performance through evidence of increasing
knowledge, understanding, and skill in performing the duties of his or her position. Demonstrate an
ability to work effectively without supervision, to suggest new methods or procedures, and to
foresee problems and suggest solutions. In addition, a candidate must be a specialist or expert in a
particular field of librarianship or subject area.
B. Provide evidence of substantive contributions to the library, university, and/or community.
C. Provide evidence of substantive professional contributions at the regional, national, or
international level.
LIBRARIAN 3
This rank applies to librarians who have in-depth knowledge of a particular area of librarianship or
subject discipline and make substantive contributions. A Librarian 3 will have at least five years of
professional experience.
For promotion to Librarian 4, the Librarian must:
A. Demonstrate continued effectiveness in job performance through evidence of substantial
knowledge, understanding, and skill in performing the duties of his or her position. Demonstrate
examples of leadership that enable the library to achieve its mission. In addition, a candidate must
be a recognized specialist or possess expert knowledge in a particular area of librarianship or subject
area that makes her or him a resource person for other library staff.
B. Provide evidence of outstanding contributions to the library, university, and/or community.
C. Provide evidence of outstanding professional contributions at the regional, national, or
international level.
LIBRARIAN 4
This rank applies to librarians who have expert knowledge of a particular area of librarianship or
subject discipline and make outstanding contributions. A Librarian 4 will have at least eight years of
professional experience.
For promotion to Librarian 5, the Librarian must:
A. Demonstrate exceptional effectiveness in job performance, and contribute to high-level decisionmaking and strategic planning within or beyond the department.
B. Provide evidence of exceptional contributions to the library, university, and/or community.
C. Provide evidence of sustained, exceptional accomplishments that have won professional
recognition at the national and/or international level.
LIBRARIAN 5
This rank applies to librarians who have an exceptional mastery of a major library specialization or
subject discipline and whose contributions advance the missions of the library and university. A
Librarian V will have at least twelve years of professional experience.