Library Science
Library science is a course that most librarians take only at the post-graduate level. Those dreaming to become professional librarians often pursue a specific bachelor’s degree related to the type of library work they wish to take on after graduation. A history degree, for instance, will prove useful to those eying jobs in a historical library or institute.
Individuals working toward a library science degree learn the specific skills required by library science jobs or information consultancy posts by attending classes that teach development, storage, location, organization, and use of various information sources or material (e.g. books, periodicals, websites, videos or CDs, and slides).
Library science degree holders may focus on one area of expertise, say, acquisitions, cataloguing, bibliography, reference, special collections, or administration. Aside from extensive knowledge of various academic and public information materials, librarians must also possess an understanding of the latest publishing, computer, and media trends for them to efficiently manage the selection and organization of library materials. Keys to success and career advancement include excellent organizational skills, an inquisitive mind, attention to detail, thoroughness, a passion for learning, and a broad knowledge and interest base.
Other Job Opportunities for Library Science Graduates
Those thinking of pursuing a library science degree must first determine which area they are most likely to excel in. Would-be librarians can choose from among various library types, among them, public libraries, school library media centers, college or university libraries, and special libraries. They can also focus on serving particular populations or age groups, such as children, adults, or people with special needs. Librarians assigned at school library media centers assist teachers in curriculum development, the acquisition of instructional materials, and even team instruction.
People holding library and information science jobs are regarded as chief information custodians. Serving public or corporate libraries, academic or professional facilities, all librarians equip users with the know-how, skills, and resources needed to locate materials on every subject imaginable. The library is the biggest information trove for virtually all types of readers and knowledge seekers—from toddlers just starting to read to post-graduate students and professionals—providing a wide range of materials such as CD-ROMs, websites, virtual libraries, and even remote access to various resources.
While the Internet has made information available at the click of a mouse, people still rely on librarians to filter databases, refine searches, evaluate sources, and verify search results. Hence, the development of high-speed, integrated, and accurate storage systems for bulk information is now the focus of modern library science studies.
Other library jobs include posts in information centers or libraries owned and managed by government agencies, private companies, law firms, advertising agencies, museums, professional associations, hospitals, religious organizations, and research laboratories. A librarian managing a company library may provide salespeople with new product trends or competitors’ latest activities while another in charge of a medical library may help health professionals, patients, and other consumers research on medical breakthroughs, new treatments, and clinical trials. Meanwhile, library science careers in government focus on the preservation of publications, records, and documents chronicling government efforts and decisions. The libraries of all these institutions and facilities require the leadership and expertise of a competent library science graduate and practitioner.
