22 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 22 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 a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast could be a fantastic way for you as a librarian to supplement your income. With your extensive knowledge and passion for books, you could create a podcast focusing on book reviews, author interviews, or even storytelling sessions. This niche has a ready-made audience of book enthusiasts and literature lovers, which aligns perfectly with your expertise.
You only need basic recording equipment like a microphone and headphones to get started, making it a budget-friendly venture. By choosing a free or affordable hosting platform, you could publish your episodes and easily promote them through social media and library networks. Over time, as your podcast grows, you could attract sponsors or advertisers, turning your passion for books into a lucrative side business.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
2. Start a youtube channel ($146K/month)
As a librarian, starting a YouTube channel could offer you a unique way to supplement your income and share your passion for literature and knowledge. Imagine creating engaging content such as book reviews, reading recommendations, and library tour vlogs that cater to a wide audience of book enthusiasts. You could also produce tutorials on effective research techniques, digital literacy, and how to leverage library resources, all of which would attract both students and lifelong learners.
Moreover, YouTube's established monetization system means that once you reach 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours within a year, you could start earning revenue through ads, sponsorships, and even viewer donations. With a consistent content schedule and strategic promotion, your channel could grow into a significant side business, providing not just financial benefits but also a platform to make a broader impact in the community.
How much you can make: $800 — $1,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Learn how this entrepreneurial couple made $5-7k a month by helping others find legitimate work from home jobs and creative ways to make money online through their blog and YouTube channel, as well as offering two flagship products designed to help beginner freelancers and new bloggers accelerate growth.
3. Create an online course ($83.3K/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.
How much you can make: $275 — $1,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 88 days (?)
Learn how one couple created a successful personal finance blog, The Savvy Couple, that now makes over $20,000 per month and has sold thousands of digital workbooks and courses, by focusing on purposeful content and optimizing their ROI with efficient time management.
4. 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.
How much you can make: $3,000 — $80,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 12 days (?)
Ryan Robinson explains how he built a blog with over 500k monthly visitors and generates $25,000-$55,000 in revenue each month through affiliate partnerships, sponsorships, and his own digital products like courses and books.
5. Start a freelance writing business ($62.6K/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.
How much you can make: $700 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 56 days (?)
How David Tile turned a freelance writing gig into an $80k/month business, discussing lessons learned through managing growing demands and maintaining a remote team operation.
6. 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.
How much you can make: $200 — $1,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
This case study follows full-time thriller and action-adventure author Nick Thacker who earns between $10k to $20k per month from writing, predominantly through Amazon Kindle Unlimited sales, and goes in-depth into his self-publishing strategy which maximizes sales and minimizes costs, such as developing a mailing list and utilizing print-on-demand services.
7. Start a travel blog ($119K/month)
Starting a travel blog could be a lucrative side business for you as a librarian if you have a passion for travel and enjoy sharing your experiences. Your skills in research, writing, and information organization could serve as an excellent foundation for creating engaging content about tropical island destinations. Imagine documenting the exotic creatures, clear oceans, palm trees, and water activities that these destinations offer; your readers would find your insights both informative and entertaining.
Living on or visiting tropical islands gives you firsthand experience to share these unique locations, providing authentic content that can attract a dedicated audience. Additionally, you could leverage your expertise in cataloging and archiving to create a well-organized, comprehensive resource that travelers would find invaluable. This not only opens up opportunities for supplemental income through advertising and sponsored content but also allows you to combine your professional skills with a personal passion, making your work both enjoyable and profitable.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,600,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)
Two friends started an online book club that now has 570 members and generates £10,500 MRR, by addressing the problem of 'Tsundoku,' charging a monthly subscription fee for one non-fiction book, one inspiring meetup, and one custom cocktail, inspiring conversation and community.
8. Start a content writing company ($46.4K/month)
Starting a content writing company could be a natural fit for a librarian. Given your expertise in research, information organization, and a deep understanding of diverse topics, you could create high-quality, well-researched content that stands out in the digital marketplace. You already possess many of the essential skills required, such as writing, attention to detail, and a knack for finding credible sources.
This venture also allows for flexible working hours, enabling you to manage your time comfortably around your existing job. As companies continue to compete for online visibility, the demand for quality content is growing, providing lucrative opportunities to supplement your income or transition into a full-time business. By leveraging your skill set and passion for information, you could carve out a niche in content writing, ensuring a steady stream of clients and projects.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $550,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Scribly.io, a subscription-based copywriting service providing high quality content that helps businesses scale at roughly 50% of the cost of hiring in-house, created by Dani, a first-time entrepreneur who started with just a few hundred dollars worth of projects and with the help of three other writers; as of last month, Scribly.io topped $14K monthly revenue.
9. Start a food blog ($38.5K/month)
As a Librarian, you already have a natural knack for research and providing valuable information to your community. Starting a food blog could allow you to combine your love for educating with a passion for healthy eating. You could use your expertise to create content that informs your readers about the importance of maintaining a healthy diet and offers accessible, budget-friendly recipes.
Additionally, your organizational skills as a Librarian could help you manage the blog efficiently, ensuring the content is well-structured and engaging. You could even hire professionals to set up and maintain your website, allowing you to focus more on creating meaningful and impactful content. By sharing insightful and informative posts, you could build a loyal readership while supplementing your income or potentially turning it into a full-fledged business.
How much you can make: $500 — $200,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
How one food blogger turned his passion into a business that brings in $15k-$20k per month through display advertising, affiliate marketing, and exclusive content, and doubled in revenue every year since going full time in 2018.
10. Start an educational blog ($63K/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.
How much you can make: $50 — $830,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $170 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
A one-man business teaching people how to use Microsoft Excel effectively has gone from getting ~15k pageviews a month in 2014, to more than one million pageviews every month as of today, generating an average monthly revenue of ~$10,000, with the majority of the money coming from online course sales and a newsletter, which has 40k+ active subscribers.
11. Start a tutoring or education business ($60.3K/month)
As a librarian, you could leverage your deep knowledge of research, literature, and education to start a tutoring or education business. With your existing skill set, you could provide essential support to students struggling with their schoolwork, helping them improve their academic performance.
Being a tutor allows you to awaken your entrepreneurial spirit, offering you the freedom to set your own schedule and operate independently. You’ll have the opportunity to form lasting relationships with both students and their parents, further enhancing your community ties. Plus, the financial rewards are significant, providing a substantial supplement to your income or the foundation for a full-time business.
How much you can make: $50 — $235,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $4,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Online makeup academy, Vizio Makeup Academy, founded in 2011 by Anastasia Andreani and her partner, has enrolled over 3,300 students and generated $2.4M in revenue this year, by offering professional makeup courses online and creating their own cosmetic line.
12. Become an IT consultant ($482K/month)
As a librarian with strong organizational and analytical skills, you could transition into IT consulting, where you utilize these strengths to evaluate and enhance a company’s IT systems. Leveraging your experience in managing digital resources and understanding user needs, you could design tailored solutions to improve a company's IT infrastructure and meet their business objectives.
This venture could be an excellent side business, allowing you to supplement your income while applying your IT expertise to diverse industries. By diagnosing IT issues and recommending improvements, you could provide invaluable support to clients, ensuring their systems are efficient and secure.
How much you can make: $2,100 — $4,166,667/month
How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study features Md. Yousuf Ali, the founder of Rank Trends, who shares how he started a successful digital marketing agency, which generated a revenue of over $6k per month through SEO and video production services.
13. Become a social media consultant ($99.2K/month)
As a librarian, you could leverage your organizational skills, attention to detail, and passion for learning by becoming a social media consultant. Helping local businesses and organizations boost their online presence through strategic social media use could be a rewarding side hustle or even a full-time venture. Given your experience with managing information and resources, you'll already have a head start in curating and sharing high-quality content.
Becoming adept at social media platforms, content marketing, and communication skills could be your next steps. You could take online or offline courses to hone these skills further. Not only does this opportunity offer work flexibility, but it also has a higher earning potential, enabling you to supplement your librarian income or transition into a new career path entirely.
How much you can make: $100 — $550,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.
14. Start an influencer platform ($71.6K/month)
As a Librarian, you could leverage your organizational skills and deep knowledge of information management to start an influencer platform, connecting brands with the right personalities to promote their products. With the increasing influence of social media, such a platform could become a valuable resource for brands seeking genuine engagement and influencers looking for collaboration opportunities.
Imagine a user-friendly digital marketplace where your expertise in information curation ensures that brands find the perfect influencers for their target audiences. Built-in analytics tools could help track campaign performance, making the platform invaluable to both parties. This venture presents a scalable income opportunity, requiring initial effort in software development, influencer database curation, and marketing to brands, but promising rewarding financial and professional growth.
How much you can make: $500 — $350,000/month
How long does it take to build: 240 days (?)
This case study is about a founder who launched a paywall platform for content creators in 2019, bootstrapping it from $0 and eventually selling it for $3.5M on Flippa, with the platform generating between $125,000 - $142,000 in Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR) on 95% margins.
15. Start a game store ($232K/month)
As a librarian, you already have a deep appreciation for knowledge, community involvement, and fostering a love for various media. Starting a game store could provide an extension of these values, tapping into the vibrant and passionate world of gamers and collectors. This venture would allow you to create a space where people gather to explore new board games, card games, and video games, mirroring the communal and educational environment of a library.
You could leverage your organizational skills and understanding of creating engaging spaces to curate a diverse and appealing selection of games. Furthermore, by hosting events such as game nights or tournaments, you could build a strong community around your store, similar to how you engage patrons in library programs. This entrepreneurial path would not only supplement your income but also allow you to share your passion for games and learning with a wider audience.
How much you can make: $300 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 76 days (?)
Luxpitality co-founders discuss how they grew their business to over 650 hotels around the world, generating $410,000 in monthly revenue by assisting new-age companies to set the perfect stage for their meetings.
16. Start an education products business ($31K/month)
Starting an education products business could be a natural fit for you as a librarian, given your deep understanding of educational needs and resources. You could develop and sell educational materials that enrich learners' experiences, such as workbooks, apps, and online courses, catering to different age groups and subjects. This allows you to make a meaningful impact while supplementing your income or even establishing a full-scale business.
The education market is vast, ranging from primary school students to adult learners, ensuring a broad and diverse audience for your products. By conducting thorough market research, creating high-quality content, and mastering distribution channels like online marketplaces and educational institutions, you could build a profitable avenue that leverages your passion for education. This venture not only taps into your existing skills but also provides ample room for creativity and growth.
How much you can make: $50 — $86,992/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Online learning community Frontend Mentor has over 200,000 members, with over 1,500 paid subscribers generating over $15,000 MRR, offering professionally designed challenges to improve front-end coding skills with a freemium business model and a focus on real-life experience.
17. Become a virtual assistant ($233K/month)
As a librarian, you could leverage your well-honed organizational skills and attention to detail to start a side business as a virtual assistant. With businesses increasingly outsourcing administrative tasks, there is significant demand for virtual assistants who can efficiently manage email correspondence, scheduling, data entry, and other essential functions remotely.
This role offers flexibility in terms of work hours and location, allowing you to create a comfortable home office setup that suits your needs. You could specialize in a niche that aligns with your interests and expertise, further enhancing your marketability. By defining your own work schedule, you could effortlessly balance your librarian duties with your entrepreneurial endeavors and supplement your income effectively.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Filipino Virtual Assistance by FVA Business Consultancy, founded by Julmar Grace Locsin, offers online and offline training to empower marketers, enable businesses, and equip freelancers which has trained 25,000 students from their 31 courses, has 16 coaches assigned from different territories, and fifteen in the FVA team for global digital leadership that will impact the world through digitalization, one life at a time.
18. Start a niche newsletter ($38.1K/month)
As a librarian, you could leverage your extensive knowledge and passion for certain subjects by starting a niche newsletter. Imagine curating specialized content, whether it’s about rare book collections, literary trends, or digital archiving techniques, and sharing this with a highly interested audience. This is a fantastic way to supplement your income while tapping into your existing skill set and expertise.
By consistently researching, writing, and sharing valuable insights, you could build a dedicated subscriber base who values your unique perspective. The demand for high-quality, focused content is strong, and people are willing to pay for information that enhances their understanding and interests. Over time, this effort could evolve into a sustainable and rewarding side business or even a full-time venture, offering both financial and personal fulfillment.
How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,055 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Sex blogger turns a free WordPress blog into a $2,000 a month part-time digital business by investing in education, self-hosting, and building relationships within the NSFW community.
19. Start a virtual events business ($185K/month)
Starting a virtual events business as a librarian makes perfect sense, especially given your organizational skills and deep familiarity with researching and presenting information. You could leverage your experience in creating engaging and educational content to design compelling virtual events, such as book launches, literary discussions, and author interviews.
With the trend of virtual events on the rise, there is considerable potential to tap into both corporate and entertainment sectors seeking such services. Your ability to adeptly navigate new technologies and platforms positions you well to succeed in orchestrating memorable online experiences for diverse audiences.
In addition, by specializing in literary and educational events, you could offer a niche service that differentiates you from general event planners. This new venture could supplement your income or even grow into a full-fledged business, drawing on your inherent strengths and professional background.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $897,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 179 days (?)
Two friends started an online book club that now has 570 members and generates £10,500 MRR, by addressing the problem of 'Tsundoku,' charging a monthly subscription fee for one non-fiction book, one inspiring meetup, and one custom cocktail, inspiring conversation and community.
20. Start a custom company uniforms business
As a librarian with an entrepreneurial mindset, starting a custom company uniforms business could offer you a unique way to supplement your income or delve into a side business. With your organizational and research skills, you could efficiently manage the logistics of sourcing high-quality materials and coordinating with skilled designers and sewers to produce tailored, professional attire for various businesses and organizations.
The consistent demand for professional attire means you could secure a steady stream of clients needing everything from suits and dress shirts to aprons and safety gear. Your ability to build relationships through excellent customer service will be invaluable in establishing long-term contracts and repeat business, ensuring a sustainable income source. Additionally, the creative aspect of customizing uniforms to reflect different brands and values would allow you to exercise and expand your artistic talents.
How much you can make: $275,000/month
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Multi-million dollar presentation folder company, Company Folders, offers over 100 million variations of products and has won multiple awards, including making Inc.’s list of 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in America for three consecutive years, due to their focus on quality, variety, and personalized customer service.
21. Start a food tour company ($34K/month)
As a Librarian looking to supplement your income or start a new venture, starting a food tour company could be an exciting and viable option. Leveraging your research skills and attention to detail, you could craft unique culinary experiences for travelers, guiding them through a curated selection of restaurants, vineyards, or breweries in your city. Your knack for organization and passion for knowledge would be invaluable in planning tours that showcase the local culinary scene in a meaningful and engaging way.
By focusing on a specific niche or location, you could set a flexible schedule that fits around your current responsibilities. This business also offers multiple revenue streams: charging customers for the tours themselves or earning commissions from establishments you introduce to your clientele. Embracing this entrepreneurial route could not only provide a supplementary income but also turn your love for food and culture into a rewarding business venture.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $75,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 81 days (?)
How Jessica Baumgart founded a successful food tour business in Denver, which broke even and started making a profit after just three months, generating $20,000/month in revenue from offering different food tour experiences.
22. Become a digital product designer ($89.1K/month)
Exploring a digital product designer business can be a particularly intriguing opportunity for librarians who are entrepreneurially minded. As a librarian, you possess a unique skill set in organizing information, understanding user needs, and navigating digital tools—all essential traits that can be seamlessly transferred to digital product design. By creating and selling user interface design templates, you could effectively leverage these skills to build a side hustle or even a full-time business.
Building a portfolio of digital products like PSD templates for new businesses or educational tools for online learning platforms could be the start of a lucrative venture. Given the increasing demand for well-designed digital interfaces, your ability to interpret and anticipate user behavior places you in a prime position to succeed. Plus, digital product design allows for flexible work hours, enabling you to balance your current job as a librarian with your entrepreneurial pursuits.
How much you can make: $3,500 — $300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
A software agency started by a non-technical founder helps diverse clients with their minimum lovable product, boasting a revenue of over $700,000 this year with a 20% profit margin and a team of 8.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
