Library Science Degree

Library science, or the study of librarianship, is an interdisciplinary field that is concerned with teaching students the skills needed to work in a library. Librarians are trained information specialists who are responsible for collecting, organizing, and finding information. They must also know how to make systems, which make information easy to access and find. In order to gain the requisite credentials to become a librarian, individuals should consider enrolling in a library science degree online.
 

For aspiring librarians, a master’s degree in library science is typically required in order to practice in this profession. Nevertheless, bachelor’s and associate degree programs can help you start a career in this field by allowing you access to certain entry level positions. Both of these degrees offer training in the fundamentals of library science.

In addition, online library science degree programs are offered by a large number of institutions at various different educational levels.
It is recommended that whatever program you choose to enroll in, make sure the degree is an American Library Association accredited program. ALA accredited degree programs may lead to better job opportunities for you.

Associate degree programs in library science introduce students to the fundamentals of management and organization of library materials and information. Students must complete general education courses as well as core library science courses.
An associate degree may open doors for positions as library technicians or assistants. In order to further your qualifications, you may transfer your credits to a bachelor's degree program in library science.
Entry Requirements
Specific entry requirements are liable to vary by school; however, generally they are as follows:

• A high school diploma or GED
• Letters of recommendation
• Statement of entry

Curriculum
The curriculum of these 2-year programs is concerned with giving students an introduction to the fundamentals of library science.
Some of the courses offered in these programs include:

• Introduction to library technician
• Library media services
• Library acquisitions
• Care of library materials
• Library automation
• Library technical services

Bachelor’s degree programs offer students the foundational knowledge they need in the field of library science. In order to get a master’s degree in library science and seek employment in the field, a bachelor’s degree is the first step.
Entry Requirements
Specific entry requirements are liable to vary by school; however, generally they are as follows:

• An associate degree in library science or a related discipline, OR
• A high school diploma or GED
• Minimum GPA requirements are determined by individual programs
• Letters of recommendation
• Statement of entry

Curriculum
Students must take general education courses as well as the core library science courses offered in this program. The duration of this degree is typically four years.
Some of the courses that may be offered in this degree include:

• Advanced Cataloging and Classification
• Reference Resources and Services
• Managing Collections in Libraries
• Leadership and Management in Libraries

For those who wish to seek employment as librarians and information professionals, a master’s degree in library science is typically the minimum educational requirement that employers are looking for. Of the 50 or so American Library Association-accredited schools in the U.S., many offer 100% online master's degree programs.
Entry Requirements
Specific entry requirements are liable to vary by school, however, generally they are as follows:

• A bachelor’s degree in library science or a related discipline
• GRE or GMAT scores
• Minimum GPA requirements are determined by individual programs
• Letters of recommendation
• Statement of entry

Curriculum
These programs are concerned with further developing a student’s research, analytical, and critical thinking skills with respect to information technology. Students will learn how to effectively manage and lead libraries and all of the information contained therein.
A thesis project as well as practical experience or an internship may also be required for program completion.
These programs typically take two years to complete.
Some of the courses offered in this program include:

• Organization of Information in Libraries
• Collection Development
• Library Administration and Management
• Technology for Library Services

Ph.D. programs in library and information science are for those who wish to seek positions in research and academia in the field.
Entry Requirements
Specific entry requirements are liable to vary by school; however, generally they are as follows:

• A bachelor’s degree in library science or a related discipline
• Specific GPA requirements are determined by individual programs
• GRE or GMAT scores
• Letters of recommendation
• Statement of entry

Curriculum
The curriculum of these programs teaches students how to apply and make use of a variety of tools and technologies to locate and evaluate, organize, manage, and preserve information.
The degree culminates with a thesis project on an original piece of research in the field.
Some of the courses offered in this program include:

• History, Concepts, and Research Opportunities
• Organization of Information
• Digital Libraries

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the data corresponding to librarians is as follows:

• In 2012, librarians earned an annual median salary of $55,370.
• The top ten percent of professionals in this field earned more than $85,430.
• The projected employment growth in the field between the years 2012-22 is 7%. 
• In 2012, the annual median salaries earned by librarians in the top four industries in which they were employed were:

Certification may be required in the following circumstances:

• In order to work as a school librarian, individuals may have to have a teacher’s certification.
• Some states requires librarians in public libraries to be certified.

Some states also require prospective librarians to pass a standardized test, such as the PRAXIS II Library Media Specialist test.
In order to find out what particular certification requirements apply to you and if you need to take any further tests, contact your state’s licensing board for more information as requirements often vary by state.

•  ‘The largest library in the world is The Library of Congress, with more than 158 million items on approximately 838 miles of bookshelves. The collections include more than 36 million books and other print materials, 3.5 million recordings, 13.7 million photographs, 5.5 million maps, 6.7 million pieces of sheet music and 69 million manuscripts.’
• Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the United States, was among other things, a librarian. He also founded the Library Company of Philadelphia in 1731, America's first lending library and predecessor of the free public library.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a librarian, here’s what you have to do:

• Get your high school diploma
• Enroll in an undergraduate degree program in library sciences
• Enroll in a master’s degree in library sciences
• Depending on your career goals, you may enroll in a Ph.D. in library and information sciences
• Determine whether or not you need certification in order to work as a librarian