How To Become A Librarian : Qualifications, Skills Needed
How To Become A Librarian: Qualifications, Skills Needed Becoming A Librarian. A master’s degree in library science or information studies is necessary for most librarian jobs. Are you fascinated by art, biology, business, technology? Combine your passion with a desire to help others and become a librarian.
Librarians work in a variety of settings including museums, hospitals, businesses, public libraries, colleges, universities and schools. In their work, librarians research, instruct, and connect people to technology. Librarians build websites, digitize archives, and manage social media.
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What Library Science Is and How to Study It
Library science is an academic discipline that is sometimes referred to as information studies. This field focuses on how to classify and use data or objects and emphasizes the importance of preserving knowledge and promoting literacy.
Contrary to the myth that libraries are old-fashioned, the academic discipline surrounding the thoughtful management of libraries is not stodgy, explains Peters, who has a master’s degree in the field.
What Is a Librarian?
A librarian is a specialist in information science. As the custodian of a library, they are responsible for the library’s catalog, both physical and virtual. This allows them to help library patrons find whatever book, reference, or information they’re looking for. Specializations within library science often concentrate on how to oversee particular types of libraries, such as legal libraries or public libraries.
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How Long Does It Take To Become A Librarian?
It takes about 4 to 6 years to become a librarian. This is the time it takes to complete either a bachelor’s degree in information science, history, English, or other research-related areas – or a master’s degree in library and information science (MLIS) accredited by the American Library Association. Librarians at minimum hold bachelor’s degrees in English, education, history, anthropology, and other social sciences. A bachelor’s degree takes four years to complete.
Steps to Becoming a Librarian | How To Become A Librarian
1. Conduct thorough research
Knowing this in advance can help determine what undergraduate degree and/or master’s degree to pursue further down the line. A Master’s in Library and Information Science (MLIS), also known as MLS, is a popular choice for aspiring librarians. Researching about library science, what being a librarian entails and all the potential career paths available to librarians.
2. Get Your Bachelor’s Degree
This can be in any field but choosing an undergraduate degree that will complement a MLIS degree will only help down the road. For example, those interested in becoming a school librarian can get a bachelor’s degree in education, along with teaching credentials. Undergraduate degrees in library science are available, but not required.
3. Research MLIS programs diligently
It’s important to be sure the program aligns with your career goals. For instance, if a program focuses on youth services, but you want to be a librarian in a science library, you may want to keep looking. Some MLS programs don’t have a special focus or may offer a general MLIS degree with specific areas of concentration, which may be the best choice for students who plan on specializing in one of the offered concentrations.
4. Get a Master’s Degree in a Library Science Program
This is the most crucial step you need to take to become a librarian. Librarians must have a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science accredited by the American Library Association, or ALA. These programs cover the foundations of library science: information studies, collection management, and library operations.
5. Get a job in the public library
Many libraries have part-time positions and may also be willing to work around an employee’s schedule. While this step isn’t necessary, it’s an excellent way to gain valuable work experience, network with other people in the field and possibly work up the ladder while earning a MLIS degree.
6. Find out what certifications and credentials may be needed
For MLIS degree, as this may vary from state to state. Some states, like New York, require testing and certification after degree completion, while other states don’t, or may only require certain types of librarians to be certified, such as k-12 librarians. Certification may be required for a variety of reasons, such as keeping public funding or working with children.
Can I earn my MLIS degree online?
Yes, this degree can be earned online, depending on the college. Earning an MLS degree online is very popular, since local on-campus programs aren’t always available. There are several top-quality online programs, plus it allows students with outside obligations such as family and work to have a flexible school schedule.
Can I become a librarian if I don’t have a MLIS degree?
It is possible, depending on the state, type of library, experience and what your degree is in. For example, the local public library system might hire someone as a librarian who has a master’s degree in management combined with library experience, since a librarian often takes on management tasks. However, earning the MLIS degree gives graduates a leg up on the competition while offering the most career options, as many libraries will require their librarians to have this degree.
Top 6 Best Courses and Training Programs for Librarians | Online Librarian Degree Programs
1. University of Arizona Global Campus
Online Bachelor of Arts in Library Science and Media. Requiring the completion of 120 credits, this fully-online program is designed to enhance your research and information-gathering skills. The curriculum also covers how technology has impacted learning and how this may help enhance information access.
2. Southern Connecticut University
Bachelor of Science in Information Management and Services and Master of Library and Information Science. Southern Connecticut University’s BS in Information Management and Services prepares graduates for jobs in libraries and information centers. Completion of the program entails finishing 39 credits. The MLIS, on the other hand, prepares graduates for management roles in all kinds of libraries and related information agencies.
3. Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Science in Library Science, Bachelor of Science in Education: Library Science, and Master of Library Science. Kutztown University offers several programs for anyone who wants to become a library media specialist. The programs promise training in implementing research and in systems and strategies to drive information sharing.
4. University of Nebraska-Omaha
Bachelor of Science in Education Online: Library Science. The program is reported to have produced close to a third of library professionals in Nebraska, according to the university site. These include library assistants, library managers, and library technicians. The curriculum includes a wide array of core courses.
5. St. John’s University
Master of Science in Library and Information Science. Also offered online, this graduate degree program is accredited by the American Library Association (ALA) Committee. It requires 36 credit hours along with “four core courses, a management course, and seven elective courses,” according to the university site.
6. University of Southern Mississippi
Master of Library and Information Science. With accreditation from two official bodies, SACSCOC and ALA, this program offers the skills and knowledge professionals need to advance in the field. Comprising 40 credit hours, students can complete their studies in one to three years.
Earnings and Job Outlook for Librarian
Salaries of librarians and library workers vary according to the individual’s qualifications and the type, size, and location of the library. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wages of librarians in 2018 was $59,050 per year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has also reported that employment of librarians is expected to grow by 6 percent between 2018 and 2028.
