librarian
Americannoun
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librarians
plural
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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
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
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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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.
See Examples For:
He shared his experiences with therapy and medication in 2024, and also spoke about the more difficult times he has faced as a librarian and finding joy during difficult times.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 24, 2026
Kim Condas, a retired librarian for the Central Intelligence Agency, said her recent Blue Apron shipment box arrived damaged and missing key ingredients like the tomatoes for the “baked garlic shrimp and tomatoes” recipe.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 19, 2026
In the comments to Threets’ post Monday, followers responded with concern and support for the librarian.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 19, 2026
Anehlina Vietrova is a librarian in the Kherson Library system.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 18, 2026
The librarian helps me get the layout just right.
From "Wayward Creatures" by Dayna Lorentz
Your local booksellers and librarians will be happy to help you choose between hotly anticipated titles from Marlon James and Min Jin Lee, along with beloved East L.A. artist Guadalupe Rosales’ photo-filled memoir.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 2, 2026
And what about support staff like teaching assistants, canteen staff and librarians?
From BBC ● Jul. 13, 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
Until the 1990s, Apple had a team of corporate librarians who guarded the company’s archival treasures like they were trade secrets.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 3, 2026
When I stepped out to the sidewalk, the librarians were waiting with balloons and cake.
From "Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics" by Chris Grabenstein
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.
