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Librarian

Information Services · Public Information & Documentation Official scale

Organise, manage, and provide access to information resources in libraries, archives, and documentation centres. Librarians serve in government ministries, schools, universities, and the National Library of Jamaica.

Salary Breakdown

$2,190,302 JMD – $2,945,712 JMD
0 - 3 years

Librarian (PIDG/LB 1) $2,190,302 - $2,945,712 per annum - Ministry of Finance scale, 2025/26.

Estimated Take-Home Pay

Based on the midpoint of the Entry salary range ($2,568,007 JMD), after NIS, NHT, Education Tax, and PAYE.

Est. Net / Month$186,367 JMD
Est. Net / Year$2,236,408 JMD
Show deduction breakdown
Gross (annual)
$2,568,007 JMD
NIS (3%)
−$77,040 JMD
NHT (2%)
−$51,360 JMD
Education Tax
−$56,046 JMD
PAYE Income Tax
−$147,151 JMD
Net (annual)
$2,236,408 JMD

Estimate only — illustrative rates and thresholds, not tax advice. Confirm current figures with Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) and the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).

Career Path Roadmap

  1. 1

    High School & CXC Subjects

    Pass CSEC English, Mathematics, and humanities subjects. Information Technology is also beneficial.

    5 years (Forms 1-5)
  2. 2

    Bachelor's Degree in Library & Information Science

    Pursue a BA or BSc in Library and Information Science at UWI or an accredited institution.

    3 - 4 years
  3. 3

    Entry-Level Library Assistant

    Work as a Library Assistant (PIDG/LB 1) in a public, school, or academic library. Learn cataloguing systems and library management software.

    1 - 2 years
  4. 4

    Librarian

    Progress to PIDG/LB 2. Manage sections, develop programmes, conduct research assistance, and oversee digital resource access.

    3 - 5 years
  5. 5

    Chief Librarian / Director

    Move into leadership (PIDG/LB 3-4). Direct library services, manage budgets, develop policies, and represent the institution in national information networks.

    5+ years
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Required Education

  • CSEC/CXC English, Mathematics, and humanities subjects (minimum 5 subjects)
  • CAPE or equivalent for university entry
  • BA/BSc in Library and Information Science

Common Local Certifications

  • Chartered Librarian designation (CILIP)
  • HEART/NSTA - NVQ-J Level 1 to Level 4 in Library and Information Services (Qualifications Registry of Jamaica)

Where to Train

University of Technology, Jamaica

Kingston & St. Andrew · Public University
Accredited 17 accredited programmes

A recommended place to train as a Librarian

University of the West Indies, Mona

Kingston & St. Andrew · Public University
Accredited 12 accredited programmes

A recommended place to train as a Librarian

Local Institutions Offering Programs

  • University of the West Indies, Mona (UWI) - Dept. of Library & Information Studies, Mona
  • University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech)