AREAS
ACADEMIC LIBRARIES
Service to Faculty and Students
Reference
Circulation
Technical Services: Acquisitions, Cataloging, System Automation, Indexing/Abstracting,
Archiving
Special Collections
Media Services
Teaching
Administration/Management
Research
Publishing
EMPLOYERS
Universities and colleges
STRATEGIES
Earn a master's degree in library or information science from a program accredited
by the American Library Association (ALA). Any bachelor's degree in liberal
arts is good preparation. Classes in communications, foreign languages, business
management, computer science and statistics can be helpful. Related undergraduate
degree is useful when working with particular specialties such as art or agriculture.
Develop excellent computer skills. May work one-on-one with students and faculty
or teach and present seminars. Others may work in more technically-oriented
positions such as systems design or database management.
Gain experience in business and management to work in administration. Work part-time
in a college or university library to gain relevant experience.
AREAS
SCHOOL LIBRARIES AND MEDIA CENTERS
Teaching
Administration
Technical Services
EMPLOYERS
K-12 Schools: Public and private
Public school districts
STRATEGIES
Many states require a master's degree in library science and a specialty certification.
Some states also require teaching certification or student teaching in a library/media
center. Work or volunteer experience related to children and teaching is useful.
May help teachers develop curricula, prepare lesson units, team teach or provide
staff development. Collections usually include non-print media; media center
may house computer labs. Become familiar with various technologies and develop
strong computer skills. Learn to work both independently and with groups.
AREAS
PUBLIC LIBRARIES
User/Reader Services: Reference, Information and Referral Services, Youth Services,
Special Collections
Technical Services: Acquisitions, Serials Management, Collection Development,
Cataloging, System Automation, Archiving
Administration
EMPLOYERS
Central libraries
Library branches
Library services to jails, retirement homes, hospitals, etc.
Bookmobiles
STRATEGIES
Develop a broad liberal arts background and earn a master's degree in library
or information science from an ALA accredited program. Take many computer courses.
Should enjoy working with new technology. Some librarians specialize in a particular
subject area, such as government collections or technology, or a particular
type of materials, such as maps or photography. Creativity, a flair for drama,
a positive attitude, and an enjoyment of children are important for those working
in youth services. May coordinate events and plan programs for youth of all
ages. Take courses in child development and psychology.
AREAS
SPECIAL LIBRARIES AND INFORMATION CENTERS
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
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
Earn a master's degree in library or information science from an accredited
program. Most positions require a bachelor's degree in a field related to the
collection topic, e.g. business, science, art, etc. Some require graduate degree
in the field. Many law librarians have the Juris Doctor (law degree). Knowledge
of foreign languages may be required in certain fields. Special collections
librarians generally have interests, skills, and knowledge related to collection.
May work with particular populations in special libraries, e.g. lawyers or doctors.
Develop skills in research and a solid background in information technologies.
Special collections exist on a countless array of topics, not all are included
here.
AREAS
INFORMATION SYSTEMS/TECHNOLOGY
Design/Development
Management/Operation
Database Administration
Computer Support
Network Administration
Programming
Systems Analysis
Training
EMPLOYERS
Libraries: Public, academic and special
Data processing centers
Corporations
Research centers
Government
Universities
STRATEGIES
Professionals involved in information systems help organizations with the storage,
retrieval, and management of records or information and incorporate and support
information technology into 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.
Build a strong computer background in programming skills using several languages,
various operating systems, database management, software and networks. Increase
employment opportunities through product-related certification or by earning
Certified Computing Professional (CCP) status conferred by the Institute for
Certification of Computing Professionals. CCP's must pass an examination and
meet various requirements. Gain related experience through internships, co-ops
or part-time employment. Develop excellent written and oral communication skills.
May work with technical and non-technical staff. Learn to work well on a team.
AREAS
INFORMATION SERVICES
EMPLOYERS
Information service agencies: Research centers, Self-employed/consulting, Large
corporations
STRATEGIES
Provide information research and services to corporations, writers or individuals
needing information or references on a particular subject. Develop excellent
research, writing and organizational skills. Expertise in an industry or subject
area may be helpful. Supplement undergraduate curriculum with courses in business
to gain an understanding of marketing principles.
AREAS
ELECTRONIC PUBLISHING
EMPLOYERS
Database producers
Distributors of electronic publications
Electronic publishers
Self-employed
STRATEGIES
Create and distribute publications in electronic form. Develop writing skills
through classes in English, journalism or technical writing. Learn advanced
website design and programming.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Qualifications important to the field include the ability to work well with
people, good written and oral communication skills, intelligence and curiosity.
Research and computer skills, an eye for detail and a general love of learning
are also essential.
Understanding trends in media, computers/technology, and publishing is important
to success in profession.
Virtually any undergraduate degree can offer good preparation for graduate programs.
Supplement undergraduate curriculum with courses in communications, media, computers, business or technology. Some areas of information or library sciences may require related bachelor's or master's degrees.
Choose master's degree programs in library or information science that are accredited by the American Library Association to maximize employment opportunities.
A doctorate, either Ph.D. or DLS, may be required for research and university teaching in information science programs or to reach the highest levels of library administration.
Currently most library science professionals work in school and academic libraries,
but employment opportunities are growing most for information scientists in
settings such as corporations, consulting firms and information brokers and
in environments involving information on the Internet.
Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University
of Tennessee, Knoxville. (2005) UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA
Employer