What Can BS Information Management / MLIS Graduates & Librarians Do as Freelance Professionals Online? 📚 By Nadeem Sohail

 

✍️ *This article was written with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI.*

🌐 Introduction

In the era of digital transformation, librarians and information professionals are no longer confined to physical libraries. With a degree in BS Information Management or Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS), professionals can now extend their expertise into the world of online freelancing — working independently and globally, right from Pakistan.

💼 What Online Jobs Can Librarians Do?

🔹 Metadata and Cataloging Specialist

📝 Description: Creating metadata, MARC records, cataloging books, digital resources, and archives.

🌍 Platforms: Upwork, Freelancer, Fiverr

🛠️ Skills: MARC21, AACR2, RDA, DDC, Koha, Dublin Core

🔹 Digital Archivist / Repository Manager

📝 Description: Managing digital repositories (like DSpace), organizing collections, assigning metadata.

🌍 Platforms: PeoplePerHour, Upwork

🛠️ Skills: DSpace, Greenstone, OAI-PMH, metadata standards, digitization tools

🔹 Data Entry & Management (Library-focused)

📝 Description: Entering and organizing bibliographic data, classification, and indexing.

🌍 Platforms: Fiverr, Guru, Freelancer

🛠️ Skills: Excel, Koha, LMS software, attention to detail

🔹 Virtual Research Assistant

📝 Description: Helping researchers find academic literature, compiling bibliographies, citation management.

🌍 Platforms: Upwork, Freelancer, LinkedIn

🛠️ Skills: Mendeley, EndNote, Zotero, Google Scholar, Scopus, APA/MLA styles

🔹 Information Consultant

📝 Description: Assisting institutions to set up library systems or train staff.

🌍 Platforms: LinkedIn, FreelanceDirect, Toptal

🛠️ Skills: Training, library automation, research tools, report writing

🔹 Academic Writing & Citation Formatting

📝 Description: Helping students and professionals with thesis formatting, references, and citation audits.

🌍 Platforms: Fiverr, Upwork, AcademicWork

🛠️ Skills: APA, MLA, Chicago, IEEE citation styles

🔹 Content Curation & Knowledge Management

📝 Description: Curating content for blogs, knowledge bases, and educational websites.

🌍 Platforms: Guru, Remote.co, Workana

🛠️ Skills: Knowledge management, LMS platforms, content organization

🧠 Required Skills for Freelance Librarians

To succeed in the freelancing world, you’ll need more than just library science knowledge. Here are the technical and soft skills you must develop:

Technical Skills: Koha ILS, DSpace, Greenstone, Metadata Standards (MARC21, RDA), Mendeley, EndNote, Zotero, Digital Literacy & Research Tools, Excel, Google Sheets

Soft Skills: Communication, Time Management, Client Relationship Management, Problem Solving, Proposal Writing

🌍 Accessible Freelancing Platforms from Pakistan

Here are some popular freelancing websites where Pakistani librarians can register:

🔗 Fiverr: Easy to create gigs related to cataloging, research help, and citation services. (https://www.fiverr.com)

🔗 Upwork: Project-based, long-term contracts with international clients. (https://www.upwork.com)

🔗 Freelancer.com: Competitive bidding for small projects like metadata entry, research tasks. (https://www.freelancer.com)

🔗 PeoplePerHour: Great for consultation-based freelance services. (https://www.peopleperhour.com)

🔗 LinkedIn: Professional platform for networking, direct project-based hiring. (https://www.linkedin.com)

🚀 How to Start Freelancing as a Librarian?

1. Identify Your Niche

2. Learn Marketable Skills using platforms like Coursera, YouTube, or DigiSkills.pk

3. Create Strong Profiles on Freelancing Websites

4. Offer Attractive Gigs/Services

5. Build Portfolio

6. Start Small, Deliver Big

7. Join Freelance Communities

🇵🇰 Freelancing Support for Pakistanis

These platforms can help you get started with free training:

🎓 DigiSkills.pk – Government of Pakistan's free freelancing training platform

📘 eRozgaar – Punjab Government initiative to train freelancers

🖥️ National Freelance Training Program (NFTP) – HEC-backed freelancing program

📌 Final Thoughts

Freelancing as a librarian or information professional is a real, accessible, and growing opportunity. Whether you are a fresh graduate or an experienced librarian, there are platforms and paths for you to work with global clients from the comfort of your home.

📚 References

https://www.fiverr.com

https://www.upwork.com

https://www.freelancer.com

https://digiskills.pk

https://www.erozgaar.pitb.gov.pk

https://nftp.pitb.gov.pk/

https://www.linkedin.com

Top 10 Skills Every Librarian Needs in the Age of Artificial Intelligence Writen by Nadeem Sohail with Help of AI

 

The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping every profession — and librarianship is no exception. As libraries evolve from being traditional information hubs to smart, digital learning environments, the role of the librarian is transforming. In this new landscape, librarians are expected not only to manage information but to guide users through a complex web of data, technology, and ethics.

Here are the top 10 essential skills every librarian must develop to remain relevant, efficient, and impactful in the AI era:

1. AI Literacy

Understanding the fundamentals of AI — including machine learning, natural language processing, and generative AI tools like ChatGPT — is crucial. Librarians don’t need to become data scientists but should grasp how AI functions, how it's used in libraries, and how it impacts users' information behaviors.

2. Data and Information Literacy

AI thrives on data. Librarians must be equipped to teach students and faculty how to critically evaluate digital content, identify bias in algorithms, and navigate misinformation.

3. Digital Curation and Preservation

As more content is born digital, preserving it becomes vital. Librarians must use AI tools to automate tagging, metadata generation, and digital archiving — ensuring long-term access to digital heritage and research materials.

4. Research Data Management (RDM)

Modern librarians often serve as research partners. Understanding FAIR principles, data management planning, and compliance with funder policies are now core responsibilities — often enhanced through AI-driven platforms.

5. Technology Integration and Troubleshooting

Librarians are increasingly responsible for maintaining Integrated Library Systems (ILS), discovery tools, and institutional repositories. Skills in open-source systems (e.g., Koha, DSpace), APIs, and system interoperability are essential.

6. Ethical and Legal Awareness in AI Use

AI introduces new ethical challenges: privacy, surveillance, intellectual property, and algorithmic bias. Librarians must guide institutions in adopting responsible AI practices and ensuring equitable access to digital services.

7. Instructional and Facilitation Skills

The librarian’s role as educator is more prominent than ever. Whether it's leading a workshop on using AI tools responsibly or guiding students through data visualization software, strong communication and teaching skills are a must.

8. Metadata and Linked Data Knowledge

AI relies on structured data. Understanding MARC, RDA, BIBFRAME, and linked data frameworks allows librarians to enhance discoverability, improve cataloging efficiency, and support semantic search tools powered by AI.

9. Soft Skills: Adaptability, Collaboration, and Communication

As AI reshapes workflows, librarians must be adaptable. Collaboration with IT, researchers, educators, and administrators becomes key.

10. Awareness of Emerging Technologies

Staying ahead of trends such as AI-powered chatbots, virtual reference services, augmented reality (AR), and smart libraries ensures that librarians remain proactive rather than reactive to technological change.

Conclusion

The AI era isn’t a threat to librarianship — it’s an opportunity to evolve. Librarians who embrace change, upskill continuously, and adopt a forward-thinking mindset will play a central role in shaping the future of education and research. By blending traditional values with tech-savviness, librarians can continue to be the ultimate human interface in an increasingly algorithmic world.

✍️ Author Note / Disclaimer

This article, "Top 10 Skills Every Librarian Needs in the Age of Artificial Intelligence," was written by Nadeem Sohail with the assistance of AI tools (ChatGPT by OpenAI) to enhance clarity, structure, and content generation. All ideas and final editorial decisions reflect the author's expertise and professional judgment.

References

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3.       Raju, R. (2017). Information literacy and the role of libraries in the age of fake news. IFLA Journal, 43(2), 127–132.

4.       Jaguszewski, J. M., & Williams, K. (2013). New Roles for New Times: Transforming Liaison Roles in Research Libraries. Association of Research Libraries.

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