Program Overview

Information/Library Sciences Program Details

The Information/Library Sciences program encompasses various areas, including academic libraries, school libraries and media centers, public libraries, special libraries and information centers, information services, information systems/technology, and electronic publishing.

Academic Libraries

Sub-Areas:

• Service to Faculty and Students
• Reference
• Circulation
• Technical Services
  • Acquisitions
  • Cataloging
  • System Automation
  • Indexing/Abstracting
  • Archives
• Serials Management
• Manuscripts
• Access/Outreach
• Music
• Metadata
• Web Design/Maintenance
• Digital Files
• Digital/Paper Preservation
• Government Documents
• Special Collections
• Media Services
• Teaching
• Administration/Management
• Research Support
• Cartographic Information Specialist
• Publishing
• Bibliographic Support
• Local Area Network Manager
• Electronic Services
• Prospect Research
• Collection Development
• Instructional Technology
• Audiovisual Materials
• Information Literacy

Employers:

• Universities and colleges
• Junior and community colleges
• Specialized academic programs (e.g., seminaries, optometrist programs)

Strategies and Information:

Academic librarians may work one-on-one with students and faculty, teach and present seminars, or work in technically-oriented positions such as systems design or database management. A bachelor's degree in liberal arts is good preparation, with classes in communications, business/management, computer science, and statistics being helpful. Developing excellent computer skills and gaining experience in business and management are also beneficial. Earning a master's degree in library or information sciences from a program accredited by the American Library Association (ALA) is required.

School Libraries and Media Centers

Sub-Areas:

• Teaching
• Administration
• Technical Services
• Administrator (school system level)

Employers:

• K-12 schools (public and private)
• Public school districts

Strategies and Information:

School librarians or media specialists may help teachers develop curricula, prepare lesson units, team teach, or provide staff development. Many states require a master's degree in library science and some require a specialty certification or an educational endorsement. Work or volunteer experience related to children and teaching is useful. Developing strong computer skills and learning to work both independently and with groups are also essential.

Public Libraries

Sub-Areas:

• User/Reader Services
  • Reference
  • Information and Referral Services
  • Youth Services
  • Children
  • Young Adults
  • Special Collections
• Technical Services
  • Acquisitions
  • Serials Management
  • Collection Development
  • Cataloging
  • System Automation
  • Archives management
• Web Development/Maintenance
• Special Collections
• Administration
• Genealogical Research

Employers:

• Central libraries
• Library branches
• Library services to jails, retirement homes, nursing homes, hospitals, senior centers, etc.

Strategies and Information:

Some librarians specialize in a particular subject area or type of materials. Creativity, a flair for drama, and an enjoyment of children are important for those working in youth services. Developing a broad liberal arts background and earning a master's degree in library or information science from an ALA-accredited program are necessary. Strong computer skills and the ability to enjoy working with new technology are also beneficial.

Special Libraries and Information Centers

Sub-Areas:

• Indexing/Abstracting
• Competitor Intelligence
• Strategic Information
• Knowledge Management
• Records Management/Archives
• Information Architecture
• Document Design
• Information Management
• Usability
• Digital Preservation
• E-mail Management
• Hypermedia
• Visual Resources
• Reprography
• Grey Literature
• Antiquarian Books

Employers:

• Large hospitals
• Medical schools
• Law firms
• Law schools
• Bar associations
• Large corporations
• Industrial and scientific collections
• Research labs
• Local, state, and federal government agencies
• Nonprofit organizations
• Public libraries
• Colleges and universities
• Art schools
• Museums and art institutions
• Prisons
• Galleries
• Historical societies
• Publishing houses
• Advertising and public relations agencies
• News organizations and electronic media
• Picture services
• Motion picture studios
• Television stations
• Trade and professional associations

Strategies and Information:

Special collections librarians generally have interests, skills, and knowledge related to the collection and may work with a particular population in special libraries. Most positions require a bachelor's degree in a field related to the collection topic, and some require a graduate degree in the field. Knowledge of foreign languages may be required in certain fields. Developing skills in research and a solid background in information technologies are essential. Earning a master's degree in library or information science from an ALA-accredited program is necessary.

Information Services

Sub-Areas:

• Research
• Indexing/Abstracting
• Online Retrieval
• Information Architecture
• Programming
• Database Management

Employers:

• Information service agencies
• Outsourcing companies
• Research centers
• Large corporations
• Self-employed (consulting, freelance editing, research)

Strategies and Information:

Information services professionals provide research and services to corporations, writers, or individuals needing information or references on a particular subject. Expertise in an industry or subject area may be helpful. Supplementing the undergraduate curriculum with courses in business to gain an understanding of marketing principles is beneficial. Developing excellent research, writing, and organizational skills are essential.

Information Systems/Technology

Sub-Areas:

• Design/Development
• Management/Operation
• Database Administration
• Computer Support
• Network Administration
• Programming
• Systems Analysis
• Web Development/Maintenance
• Training
• Reprography
• Information Architecture
• Digital Preservation
• Privacy Regulation

Employers:

• Libraries (public, academic, and special)
• Data processing centers
• Corporations
• Research centers
• Government
• Universities

Strategies and Information:

Professionals involved in information systems help organizations with the storage, retrieval, and management of records or information and support information technology in an organization. An undergraduate degree in management information systems (MIS) or computer science is the preferred background before earning a master's in information science. Building a strong computer background in programming skills using several languages, various operating systems, database management, software, and networks is essential. Increasing employment opportunities through product-related certification or by earning Certified Computing Professional (CCP) status is beneficial.

Electronic Publishing

Employers:

• Database producers
• Distributors of electronic publications (business firms, universities, nonprofit organizations, professional associations, etc.)
• Electronic publishers
• Self-employed

Strategies and Information:

Electronic publishers or publishing professionals create and distribute publications in electronic form. Developing writing skills through classes in English, journalism, or technical writing is necessary. Learning advanced website design and programming is also essential.

General Information and Strategies

Qualifications important to the field include the ability to work well with people, good written and oral communication skills, intelligence, curiosity, research and computer skills, an eye for detail, and a general love of learning. Understanding trends in media, computers/technology, Internet, and publishing is important to success in the profession. Virtually any undergraduate degree can offer good preparation for ALA-accredited graduate programs. Maintaining a high grade point average in undergraduate work and working on gaining strong recommendations from faculty are beneficial. Working in campus or community libraries part-time or during the summers to gain exposure to the library environment is also essential. Supplementing the undergraduate curriculum with courses in communications, media, business, or technology is necessary. Choosing master's degree programs in library or information science that are accredited by the American Library Association maximizes employment opportunities. Currently, most library science professionals work in school, public, and academic libraries, but employment opportunities are growing most for information specialists in settings such as corporations, consulting firms, and information brokers, and in environments involving Internet-based information. A doctorate, either Ph.D., DLS, or DA, may be required for research and university teaching in library and information science programs or to reach the highest levels of library administration.