26 Business Ideas For Librarians [2024]

Interested in starting a business as a librarian in 2024?

If managed well, building a business as a librarian could be more lucrative than employment. So, which are the best business ideas for Librarians?

We put together 26 of some of the best librarian business ideas you can start in today.

For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other librarian businesses to help you see what it takes.

Here's the full list:

1. Start an online book store ($37.7K/month)

As a librarian, starting an online book store could be a natural extension of your existing passion for books and your expertise in curating collections. You are already well-versed in understanding what makes a book valuable, whether it's a recent bestseller or a rare, out-of-print gem. By leveraging online platforms like eBay, Abebooks, and other high-traffic bookstores, you could tap into a global market, selling curated collections to book lovers around the world.

Additionally, your existing knowledge of the literary world could help you in finding a lucrative niche—be it rare collectibles, vintage editions, or even self-published works by indie authors. Developing a unique book brand and sourcing the right books could set you apart from the competition, allowing you to provide a curated and differentiated experience for your customers.

By launching and marketing your online store effectively, you could cultivate a dedicated community of book enthusiasts, supplementing your income or even creating a full-fledged business. Focus on building a unique, hyper-focused bookshop that not only sells books but also builds a vibrant, engaged community around the love of reading.

2. Start a publishing business ($531K/month)

As a librarian with a deep love for literature and strong organizational skills, starting a publishing business could be a natural extension of your professional expertise. You could leverage your extensive knowledge of books, authors, and reader preferences to carve out a niche in the publishing world, producing and distributing written materials such as books, magazines, and digital content.

Creating a solid business plan will help you outline your goals and target market, while your connections within the literary community could assist in securing funding and building a skilled team of editors, designers, marketers, and sales professionals. By staying informed on current trends and adapting to market changes, you could transform your passion for literature into a rewarding and profitable side business or even a full-time entrepreneurial venture.

3. Start an educational technology product ($48K/month)

As a librarian, you could leverage your expertise in information management and educational resources to create an educational technology product that supplements your income. Imagine designing a digital tool that makes learning more engaging, accessible, and personalized for students and educators alike. By identifying gaps in the educational system, you could develop interactive learning apps or comprehensive online platforms that address specific needs, such as assisting teachers with lesson planning or creating gamified experiences to help students understand difficult concepts.

The process would involve thorough market research to understand your users' needs and continuous updates to stay current with technological and educational trends. Additionally, marketing your product and seeking partnerships with schools and educational institutions could expand your reach and impact. If the idea of blending technology with education to make a tangible difference excites you, launching an edtech product could be a fulfilling entrepreneurial venture.

4. Start an educational blog ($116K/month)

As a Librarian, you could leverage your expertise and passion for information by starting an educational blog. Focusing on niches such as literary analysis, research techniques, or book recommendations could draw in readers eager to learn from your well-honed skills. With free platforms like WordPress, you could easily start creating high-quality content without breaking the bank.

Promote your blog through social media and SEO to build a steady readership. Monetization opportunities like affiliate marketing and selling digital products could offer a significant supplementary income. Consistency and genuine value in your blog posts will be key to attracting and retaining a loyal audience.

5. Start a newsletter ($213K/month)

Starting a newsletter could be a highly effective and lucrative side business or supplemental income stream for a librarian. Given that there’s been a more than 50% increase in newsletter readership over the past five years, there is a growing audience eager for curated, expert content. Your rich experience and knowledge in organizing and distributing information could position you as a trusted voice in this space.

You could create a newsletter featuring book recommendations, industry news, literacy tips, or educational resources, leveraging your expertise to educate and connect with your subscribers. This platform not only allows you to establish yourself as a thought leader but also to sell related services, books, or partner with local businesses for sponsorships. Additionally, as newsletters are directly delivered to inboxes, you'll have a more engaged and targeted audience, maximizing your potential to inform, persuade, and generate income.

6. Start a writing & editing business ($213K/month)

As a librarian, starting a writing and editing business could be a natural extension of your skills and passions. You could leverage your expert knowledge in information organization and academic standards to provide high-quality writing, editing, and proofreading services to businesses, corporations, and individuals. This entrepreneurial venture could help you supplement your income, diversify your skill set, and gain financial independence.

With freelancing, you could tap into the incredible earning potential of the writing and editing industry. This side business would enable you to expand your professional network and perhaps even carve out a new career path by proving your expertise in various writing and editing projects. Whether your dream is to write for prestigious magazines or author books that reach a global audience, starting a writing and editing business could be one of the easiest and most fulfilling ways to achieve those aspirations.

7. Start a freelance writing business ($65.5K/month)

As a librarian with strong writing skills and a passion for knowledge, starting a freelance writing business could be a logical extension of your expertise. Your ability to conduct thorough research and write compelling content would allow you to offer valuable writing services across various niches, whether it be academic articles, blog posts, or educational resources.

With the flexibility to define your own work schedule, you could supplement your income or even transition to a full-time writing career. Freelance writing would enable you to work from the comfort of your home and take on projects that align with your interests and expertise, making it an appealing entrepreneurial venture for an innovative librarian.

8. Become an author ($227K/month)

As a librarian, your extensive knowledge of books, authors, and literary trends sets you up perfectly to become an author yourself. You could leverage traditional publishing routes, submitting your manuscript to reputable publishing houses, or you might prefer self-publishing, giving you complete control over your creative process and marketing strategies.

The potential to generate income is significant, as you could earn through book sales, royalties, and even speaking engagements or workshops that highlight your expertise. Writing and publishing could supplement your income while allowing you to share your unique perspectives and stories with a broader audience, making the journey as enriching as it is entrepreneurial.

9. Start a skills training business ($94.8K/month)

As a Librarian, you could leverage your expertise in research, organization, and information management to start a skills training business, teaching others vital skills such as information literacy, digital research, and efficient data management. Your deep understanding of how to locate and evaluate information can be incredibly valuable to individuals and businesses looking to improve their research capabilities or streamline their data processes.

By establishing an online presence, you could reach a broad audience and create various training programs tailored to different skill levels and needs. With the global skills training market predicted to hit $47.2B by 2027, you have a significant opportunity to supplement your income and potentially achieve financial freedom. Not only would you enhance others' abilities, but you could also charge competitive rates for your expertise, building an impressive client portfolio while doing what you love.

10. Start an interior design consulting business ($33.4K/month)

If you have a passion for interior design, leveraging your skills as a Librarian to start an interior design consulting business could be a rewarding side venture. Your organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to curate aesthetically pleasing environments can translate well into creating beautiful and functional spaces for clients.

You could offer services such as space planning, furniture selection, and color consultation to help clients transform their homes or offices. By showcasing a portfolio of past design projects, marketing your services, and staying current with design trends, you can establish a successful business that allows you to supplement your income or even transition into a new career path entirely.

11. Become a blogging coach ($26.4K/month)

As a librarian, you could supplement your income or even start a side business by becoming a blogging coach. With your strong organizational skills, research expertise, and ability to convey complex information clearly, you could guide aspiring bloggers on how to build successful business blogs, choose engaging topics, and optimize their content for better conversions.

You have the unique advantage of understanding and working with a vast range of information, allowing you to provide practical tips on repurposing and promoting blog content effectively. As businesses and individuals increasingly adopt blogging as a key content marketing strategy, your knowledge and coaching could be in high demand, providing you with a rewarding way to leverage your existing skills and potentially make substantial profits.

12. Start an online t-shirt business ($86.2K/month)

As a librarian, you could explore the entrepreneurial world by starting an online t-shirt business to supplement your income. Your natural affinity for memorable quotes and literary references can serve as a unique selling point, allowing you to design customized quote t-shirts that cater to book lovers and intellectuals alike.

Running an online business offers flexibility, enabling you to balance your current role with your new venture. With industry insights and a focus on niche markets like literary-themed apparel, you could tap into a passionate customer base. Whether you're interested in tie-dye prints, screen printing, or solid color t-shirts, the opportunities in this field are extensive and promising.

13. Create an online course ($91.9K/month)

As a Librarian, you could leverage your extensive knowledge and expertise by creating an online course that addresses educational gaps or specialized topics within your field. For example, you could develop courses on information literacy, cataloging techniques, or research strategies, catering to lifelong learners and fellow professionals in need of convenient and practical instruction.

By offering self-paced or cohort-based structures, you could build a steady student base and generate passive income, making it a lucrative side business or even a full-time venture. With low startup costs and the potential to reach a global audience, launching an online course allows you to monetize your instructional talents while sharing valuable insights with those eager to learn.

14. Become a content strategist ($66.8K/month)

As a librarian, you could leverage your expertise in research, organization, and information management to start a successful content strategist business. Your deep understanding of how to find and interpret high-quality information would be invaluable in helping companies create content strategies that align with their business goals and resonate with their target audiences.

By conducting market research, analyzing data, and staying updated on industry trends, you could create impactful content strategies for various organizations. Your strong project management and communication skills would ensure timely delivery and successful collaboration with marketing and sales teams, positioning you as a key player in their content development initiatives. This entrepreneurial venture could allow you to supplement your income or even transition into a new career path that harnesses your unique librarian skills.

15. Start a white pages tool

As a librarian, your expertise in information management and research could seamlessly translate into starting a white pages tool. With your keen attention to detail and knack for organizing data, you could build a user-friendly, digital version of the traditional telephone directory. By offering verified and updated contact information, you could provide immense value to individuals seeking long-lost connections or businesses aiming to expand their client base.

This entrepreneurial venture leverages your existing skill set while opening up new opportunities in the digital space. Considering the massive migration to online communication, a reliable white pages tool meets a crucial market need. By capitalizing on this necessity, you could supplement your income or even transition into a full-fledged online business, all while utilizing your established knowledge and experience as a librarian.

16. Start a blog ($44.9K/month)

As a librarian with a wealth of knowledge and a passion for literature, starting a blog could be a lucrative and fulfilling side business or even a full-time endeavor. By leveraging the trustworthiness of blogs (rated as the 5th most trustworthy source of gathering online information) and the fact that 77% of internet users read blogs, you could share your expertise on topics like book reviews, library science, or reading recommendations, reaching a broad and engaged audience.

With approximately 409 million people viewing more than 20 billion pages each month, the potential to grow your blog and monetize it through ads, affiliate marketing, or sponsored posts is significant. This allows you to supplement your income while providing valuable content to readers, all from the comfort of your home or during your downtime. Choose a niche you will enjoy writing about, ensure you have a solid content strategy, and maintain a regular posting schedule to keep your audience coming back for more.

17. Start an online rug store

As a librarian, you could start an online rug store to supplement your income or even develop a side business. Your research skills would come in handy when sourcing fine hand-woven or hand-dyed antique rugs, carpets, and textiles from regions known for their rug-making expertise, such as Europe, Persia, and Morocco.

Focus on auctions, collectors, academics, museum curators, and homeowners who are in search of exceptional and rare rugs, leveraging your ability to curate unique collections. Start with local products to minimize costs and logistical issues, allowing controlled risks and room for testing new ideas.

With the accessibility of online tools and services, launching an online rug store is more affordable and feasible than ever. Utilizing your knowledge of literature and culture could further enrich your marketing efforts, as you connect stories of the rugs' origins with potential customers, thereby adding a personal touch to every sale.

18. Start a product design inspiration blog ($4.74K/month)

As a librarian, starting a product design inspiration blog could be a fantastic way to leverage your research skills and passion for information curation. Librarians are adept at discovering and organizing vast amounts of information, allowing you to curate high-quality and relevant content for your audience, showcasing the latest trends and ideas in product design.

By choosing a specific niche within product design that excites you, you could create a unique and engaging blog, drawing from your ability to evaluate and present information clearly. Additionally, using low-cost platforms like WordPress or Wix will enable you to launch your blog on a budget, and your existing knowledge of digital resources ensures you can maintain a professional and user-friendly site.

You could also tap into various monetization strategies such as affiliate marketing, sponsored content, or even selling related products or services. This creates a viable path to supplementing your income or building an entirely new business, while continuing to engage with your love for information and creativity.

19. Start a data analytics software business ($454K/month)

As a librarian, your keen organizational skills and attention to detail make you well-suited for the world of data analytics. By harnessing your ability to manage and interpret vast amounts of information, you could start a data analytics software business that caters to libraries, educational institutions, or other knowledge-based organizations.

Imagine developing user-friendly software that helps institutions better understand their usage patterns, optimize resource allocation, and make informed strategic decisions. Your software could include custom reporting tools, intuitive dashboards, and visualizations that make complex data more accessible and actionable for your clients.

Emphasizing the simplicity and efficiency of your tools could attract a broad range of potential clients, providing significant value by enhancing their decision-making processes. Leveraging your unique perspective as a librarian, you could carve out a niche in the data analytics industry and create a successful, rewarding business.

20. Start a nebulizer production business

As a librarian, you could leverage your extensive organizational and research skills to dive into the nebulizer production business. This healthcare niche presents an opportunity to provide essential respiratory devices to medical facilities and individuals in need. By using your ability to curate and manage information, you could efficiently handle the logistics, compliance, and marketing aspects required for a successful side business.

Furthermore, your community engagement and networking skills as a librarian can be instrumental in establishing connections with healthcare providers and suppliers. These skills could also help you identify and reach your target market, enhancing the growth prospects of your nebulizer production venture. This entrepreneurial path could supplement your income while allowing you to make a positive impact on public health.

21. Start a niche accessories brand ($288K/month)

As a librarian with an eye for entrepreneurship, starting a niche accessories brand could be a rewarding side business or even a primary source of income. Leveraging your organizational skills and attention to detail, you could create and market unique accessories, such as custom bookmarks, book-themed jewelry, or literary-themed bags, catering to the literary community. You could sell these items through platforms like Etsy, Amazon, Facebook, and eBay, tapping into a market that's projected to be nearly $473.46 billion.

Additionally, by focusing on a niche market, you could enjoy significant profit margins due to the product markup on exclusive, customized items. The growth in the custom accessories market suggests long-term viability and a steady demand for unique items. This venture could not only supplement your income but also allow you to channel your passion for books and creativity into a profitable business.

22. Start an art business ($61.4K/month)

As a librarian with a passion for art, starting an art business could be a fulfilling and financially rewarding venture. You could easily integrate the organizational and research skills honed in your library career to manage inventory, market your artwork, and curate collections that resonate with buyers.

Entrepreneurial librarians could sell their creations online through platforms like Etsy, participate in local craft fairs, or even collaborate with galleries and museums. This flexibility allows you to set your own schedule and prices while diversifying your income sources and indulging in your artistic interests.

23. Start an online influencer business ($46.3K/month)

Starting an online influencer business could make great sense as a Librarian, given your natural affinity for curating and sharing valuable information. With your deep knowledge of literature and research, you could become a trusted voice in the book or educational niches. By collaborating with publishers and educational companies, you could review new releases, recommend reading lists, or share study tips, thereby building an engaged audience.

This influencer role could open doors to affiliate marketing opportunities where you earn a commission on books or educational products sold through your recommendations. Additionally, you could secure sponsorship deals for product embeds in your content, whether it's a YouTube channel, blog, or social media platforms. This side business could not only supplement your income but also position you as a thought leader in your field.

24. Start an innovation and technology co. ($1.99M/month)

As a librarian, you already possess strong research skills, expertise in managing information, and a keen eye for detail – all of which are invaluable when diving into the world of innovation and technology. By starting an Innovation and Technology Co., you could leverage these strengths to offer consulting services that help businesses integrate the latest technologies, such as AI, blockchain, and IoT, into their operations.

This venture would allow you to bridge the gap between cutting-edge tech solutions and everyday business needs, helping organizations streamline workflows, enhance productivity, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market. Your ability to stay current with technological trends and provide bespoke solutions to clients could make you an indispensable resource in the tech consulting sector.

In essence, transitioning into the innovation and technology space could be a fulfilling entrepreneurial path that utilizes your existing skills while addressing critical business demands in the modern era.

25. Start an alkaline coffee business

As a Librarian, you possess a keen attention to detail and a love for research, which are invaluable skills when exploring new ventures such as starting an alkaline coffee business. Alkaline coffee, enriched with phytonutrients and transforming coffee into a healthier, alkalizing drink, has seen a surge in popularity due to its health benefits. By leveraging your research skills, you could identify the best phytonutrient blends and curate a product that stands out in the market.

Starting an alkaline coffee business could supplement your income by tapping into the growing demand among health-conscious coffee enthusiasts. With an effective marketing strategy and thoughtful packaging, you could attract a dedicated customer base. Plus, managing this endeavor alongside your librarian duties could offer a satisfying balance between your passion for books and exploring the health-food market.

26. Start a web management business

Starting a web management business could be a viable and rewarding opportunity for librarians looking to supplement their income or even transition into a new career. With your strong research skills and attention to detail, you could offer services such as website maintenance, content updates, and digital archiving, catering to small businesses, non-profits, or educational institutions.

Additionally, your familiarity with organizing and categorizing information would be a significant asset in managing and optimizing web content for search engines, improving user experience, and ensuring compliance with digital information standards. By leveraging your existing skill set, you could create a flexible side business that complements your current profession as a librarian while exploring new entrepreneurial avenues in the digital world.

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.

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