Although entry requirements vary by employer, librarians typically need have or be working towards one of the following qualifications:

• a Diploma in Library and Information Studies (Level 5)
• an undergraduate library qualification
• an undergraduate degree in any subject, and a postgraduate degree in Library and Information Studies.

Some librarian positions require particular subject knowledge. For example:

• law studies are useful for law librarians
• New Zealand or Māori history courses are useful for librarians working with specialised collections in these areas
• expertise in information technology is needed to be a systems librarian.

A tertiary entrance qualification is required to enter further training, but useful school subjects include English and any other NCEA Level 3 (Bursary) subjects that involve research.

Three library programmes are offered in New Zealand. Courses are only offered in the North Island, through Te Wānaga-o-Raukawa or Victoria University. Distance learning courses are available through the Open Polytechnic or Victoria University.

Librarians learn some skills on the job, and often need to learn how to use particular library management systems, databases and cataloguing rules.

Librarians may attend continuing professional development courses and workshops. They may also attend conferences and seminars in New Zealand and abroad.

The Library and Information Association of New Zealand Aotearoa (LIANZA) administers a professional registration scheme for librarians with a postgraduate qualification. Librarians who choose to participate in this voluntary registration scheme have to reapply for registration every three years, and demonstrate they have up-to-date knowledge of current library trends.

Some employers may prefer to hire registered librarians.

Useful experience for librarians includes:

• volunteer or paid work in libraries
• work in bookshops
• research or computer work
• work in archives or records management
• customer service jobs such as working in restaurants, hotels, or retail shops
• teaching.