Information science includes many different types of careers in a variety of disciplines and settings. In addition to library science, information science can include data analysis, data science, user experience design, and information architecture, among other disciplines. You can do much more than “just” become a librarian with a degree in library and information science. For our purposes here, however, we will discuss how such a degree can benefit aspiring librarians. Library and information science is the “newer” term for what used to be called a degree in library science. The American Library Association (ALA) has designated that an ALA-accredited Master’s in Library and Information Science (MLIS) or a Master of Library Science (MLS) is the gold standard and recommended degree for professional librarians in the United States. Here, we will examine the different types of degrees available within the discipline of Library and Information Science.
Associate Degree and Certificate Programs in Library and Information Science
The ALA has designated some associate and certificate programs across the country in library and information science. Although these programs are not ALA-accredited, they are good for those who wish to enter the field of library and information science by “dipping a toe into the water” rather than diving into a four-year bachelor’s degree program. Associate degree and certificate programs in LIS can prepare you for technician or assistant jobs in libraries, and can be a stepping stone to more advanced degrees and careers in library science. Some associate degree and certificate programs in LIS include, but are not limited to:
- Associate of Science in Library Technology – Fresno City College (CA and online)
- Certificate of Achievement in Library Technology – Fresno City College
- Associate of Applied Science in Library Technician – Pueblo Community College (CO and online)
- Associate of Science in Information and Library Science – University of Maine at Augusta
- Associate in Applied Science in Library Technical Assistant – Rose State College (OK)
Bachelor’s Degree in Library and Information Science
If you wish to pursue a career in library and information science, the first step is to obtain a bachelor’s degree. This need not be within library and information science, but it may be. Other fields that lend themselves to careers in library and information science include English, history, literature, history, and liberal studies.
The bachelor of library and information science, however, is quickly becoming the preferred undergraduate degree for aspiring librarians. These degrees are fairly new in the U.S. and are therefore harder to find. Examples of these, or closely related, degrees include (but are not limited to):
- Bachelor of Science in Information Management and Services -Southern Connecticut State University
- Bachelor of Science in Library Informatics – Northern Kentucky University
- Bachelor of Science in Information and Library Science – University of Maine at Augusta
- Bachelor of Science in Library and Information Science – University of Southern Mississippi (online)
- Bachelor of Science in Library Science – Kutztown University (PA)
Find Bachelor’s Degree in Library and Information Science in Your State (link)
Classes in a Bachelor’s Degree in Library and Information Science Program
While courses will vary from one college or university program to the next, the most common courses found within a bachelor’s degree program in library and information science include:
- Reference Sources and Collection Development
- Basic and Advanced Cataloging
- Children’s literature
- Information technology in libraries
- Web development and evaluation
- Storytelling and programming for youth
- School, rural and small libraries
Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS)
The master’s degree in library and information science (MLIS) is, as mentioned above, the recommended degree (by the ALA) for professional librarians in the U.S. The ALA has accredited some master’s degree programs in library and information science, which are listed here. It is always best to choose a MLIS program that holds ALA accreditation over a non-accredited one, as many libraries will not hire those without a degree from an ALA-accredited program.
Find Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science in Your State (link)
Classes in a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science Program
Once again, classes in a MLIS program will differ from one university to another. Generally, however, they will include topics such as:
- Big data analytics and management
- Health informatics
- Cybersecurity
- Text and data mining
- Web usability
- Archival studies and records management
- Emerging technologies
- Information intermediation and instruction
- Internship
Specializations Possible Within a Library and Information Science Degree
Most MLIS programs offer specializations for those who wish to concentrate their studies in a particular field or discipline within library and information science. Some common specializations include:
- Public librarianship
- Management and administration
- Young adult services
- Information systems design/analysis
- Cultural heritage information management
Advantages of a MLIS over a MLS
Some students may wonder, are there any advantages in choosing a MLIS program over a MLS program? The answer is, not really. Many schools are re-naming their MLS programs to MLIS to keep up with the advances in technology with which today’s librarians need to be familiar. Additionally, a MLIS degree offers you many more opportunities than “just” becoming a librarian. Careers in other parts of information technology, such as database administration and development, information architecture, and knowledge organization, are possible when you hold a MLIS degree.
Careers in Library and Information Science
Careers in library and information science involve working with the public for the common good. People who work within these jobs hold a passion for making a positive change in the world. They help to bridge the gaps between people, information and technology. These careers encompass technology, information, research, and customer service. There are so many different jobs available for those who hold degrees in library and information science, including, but not limited to:
- Public librarian
- School librarian
- Data curator
- Geographic information systems specialist
- Youth services librarian
- User experience specialist
- Digital collections librarian
- Academic and research librarian
Ph.D. in Library and Information Science
For those who wish to take their library and information science education to the ultimate level, there are doctoral programs in library and information science. These degrees are targeted at students who wish to become leaders and managers in the field, especially in research, teaching, and leadership roles. The ALA accredits doctoral programs in MLIS as well, and it is always best to choose an accredited program over a non-accredited one. Some examples of jobs that PhD holders in library and information science went on to obtain include:
- Senior Product Researcher at Netflix
- Assistant Professor
- User Experience Researcher and Designer at IBM
- Manager of Functional Analytics and Industry Analytics
- User Researcher at Facebook
