librarian
Americannoun
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a person trained in library science and engaged in library service.
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a person in charge of a library, especially the chief administrative officer of a library.
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a person who is in charge of any specialized body of literature, as a collection of musical scores.
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of librarian
Explanation
A librarian is someone who works in a library maintaining books and information and lending them to patrons. If you have a research project ahead of you, make friends with the librarian. There are many different types of librarians, from archivists who care for, organize, and lend very old or valuable documents; to school librarians who organize book-related projects and buy books and electronic resources that are appropriate for the students they serve. To become a librarian, you might want to get an advanced degree in library science. The Latin root of librarian is liber, "book." In the 17th century, a librarian was known as a "library-keeper."
Vocabulary lists containing librarian
ESL Library Vocabulary
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Florida's B.E.S.T. Common Suffixes: -an
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Stier, director of children’s services and an “I Love My Librarian Award” honoree, launched the Activating Community Voices program, which joins stakeholders together to address issues including food insecurity, homelessness and early childhood development.
From Salon • Apr. 26, 2026
She is one of 10 librarians nationwide to receive a 2026 “I Love My Librarian Award” from the ALA for her public service, particularly her work supporting people with disabilities, digital literacy and workforce development.
From Salon • Apr. 26, 2026
Rose added that independent bookshops were "so important" and The Spicy Librarian was "curated for readers, by readers" and provided a way to share passions.
From BBC • Feb. 13, 2026
Washington State Librarian Sara Jones continues to monitor threats to library service throughout the state, including book bans and reshelving requests.
From Seattle Times • Mar. 26, 2024
Dr. Broken Arrow would know about bear livers; she doubted whether the Librarian of Jordan College would.
From "The Golden Compass" by Philip Pullman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
