librarian

American  

[lahy-brair-ee-uhn] / laɪˈbrɛər i ən /

noun

1. a person trained in library science and engaged in library service.

2. a person in charge of a library, especially the chief administrative officer of a library.

3. a person who is in charge of any specialized body of literature, as a collection of musical scores.

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librarian British  

/ laɪˈbrɛərɪən /

noun

1. a person in charge of or assisting in a library

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Other Word Forms

• sublibrarian noun

Etymology

Origin of librarian

First recorded in 1660–70; libr(ary) + -arian

Example Sentences

“I’ve been a librarian here for a good many years,” she said, “but this is the first time I’ve ever had a hound dog ask if he could come in my library. I’m honored.”

From Literature

It was a librarian, one of the women his mom always said hello to when she stopped in.

From Literature

A librarian told him it would take at least six days to get the books from the shelves.

From Los Angeles Times

My sister is doing her best impression of a librarian who caught kids eating candy in the nonfiction section.

From Literature

“My word!” the librarian, Mr. Dussek, muttered as he walked around the corner.

From Literature

Related Words

• curator