Library science degree overview

Library science and administration degree programs – also known as library science and library and information science degree programs – teach the skills needed to work as librarians and information specialists.

Students who study the field learn how to:

• Use information software to select and acquire information resources
• Catalog, manage, and preserve hard copy and electronic collections of books, journals, documents, photographs, films, sound recordings, and other information resources
• Perform audits of library a database/inventory
• Perform ongoing updates of a library database/inventory
• Coordinate lecture series, author signings, and other related events
• Assist library users with conducting research and finding information on any subject
• Create and administer library budgets

Bachelor’s Degree in Library Science and Administration – Four Year Duration
The four-year program that awards a Bachelor’s Degree in Library Science and Administration prepares students for two possible paths: further studies at the master’s level or entry into the field as an assistant or associate librarian or information specialist.

Here is some sample coursework offered at the bachelor’s level:

• Online Search and Information Handling – how information is organized and retrieved, introduction to library technologies, software programs, and databases
• Cataloging – principles of cataloging library material, coding information for the electronic environment
• Current Trends and Issues in Library Science – history of books and libraries, contemporary issues in the field
• Business Writing – memos, letters, reports
• Field Work and Workshops – library tours, practical experience, guest speakers
• Technical Services and Circulation – selection aids, collection development
• Children’s Literature and Interactive Library Programs – children’s programming, storytelling
• Managing Digital Collections – selection and management of electronic materials, copyright
• Specialized Libraries – resources for libraries in the business, technology, legal, and medical sectors
• Supervisory Skills – working as a supervisor in a library environment
• Machine Readable Cataloging (‘MARC’) – creating and manipulating records for online catalogs
• Non-book Materials – organizing and managing non-book materials, including audio tape, video tape, pictures, maps, computer files

Master’s Degree in Library Science and Administration – One to Two Year Duration
It is important to note that a Master’s Degree in Library Science and Administration – often referred to as a Master of Library Science Degree or MLS – is the standard minimum education requirement for librarians who work in public libraries, public school libraries, and college/university libraries.

Archival Studies
Degree programs in archival studies teach students how to design and implement systems for creating and managing records and archives. Classes include creating and preserving records and selecting records for archiving.

Database Management
This degree program teaches students how to construct and organize large information databases. Coursework includes the fundamentals of operating systems, programming, and algorithm design.

Education
Students who major in education study the learning and teaching processes. Among the courses they take are educational psychology and teaching techniques.

Graduates with a degree in library science and administration come away from their studies with several transferable skills:

• Information awareness – they are very internet- and research- savvy and know how and where to best locate information
• Technical skills – they are familiar with technology, including smartphones, tablets, and cloud computing
• Multitasking – they are comfortable switching gears and locating countless kinds of information as required
• Oral and written communication
• Organization
• Creativity
• Attention to detail
• Patience

Library science and administration is all about information and information management. Career opportunities in the field, therefore, are wide, simply because many work sectors deal with gathering and handling information.

Here are some of the occupational categories in which the skills learned in a degree program in library science and administration can be applied:

• Public libraries, in roles such as children’s librarian, youth services librarian, reference librarian
• Public and private school libraries
• Academic libraries at colleges, universities, research institutions, learning resource centers
• Special libraries in sectors including law, healthcare, science and technology, non-profits, government agencies, museums, industry associations, community organizations