Library Science Degree Online | Online Degrees in Library Science

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Librarians utilize the newest information technology to conduct research, classify materials, and assist students and library patrons to find information. Librarians manage subordinates and organize and direct information systems and programs for the public and make sure that information is searchable in a way that meets the needs of users.

• Nature of the Work - The established view of a library is being changed from a place to access books or paper records to one that also features the most advanced electronic resources, such as digital libraries, the Internet, and remote access to a wide range of information sources. As a result, librarians, frequently called information professionals, blend traditional duties with activities centered around evolving technology.
• Library Science Degree Online - Employers often favor graduates from the 56 schools accredited by the American Library Association. Many programs take 1 year to complete while some take 2 years. An average graduate program features classes in the basics of library and information science like the history of printing and books, censorship and intellectual freedom, and the evolving role of information and libraries in society.
• Licensure - States usually have certification prerequisites for librarians in local libraries and public schools, though there are many differences among states. School librarians in 14 states must have a master’s degree, either a Master of Library Science or a Master’s in Education with a concentration in library media. Also, nearly half of all states require that school librarians have teaching certificates, although they may not all require experience teaching.
  
  

Library Science Degree Online | Online Degrees in Library Science

Prospective librarians also examine Internet search methods, online reference systems, and automated circulation systems. College course options include classification, cataloguing, indexing, and abstracting; resources for children or young adults; and library administration. Computer-related course work is an important and growing part of an MLS degree. Many programs provide interdisciplinary degrees that combine traditional training in library science with technical courses in information science.

The MLS degree gives prospective librarians general training for library work, but many people choose to specialize in a particular area, such as children’s services, reference, or technical services. A Ph.D. in library and information science is beneficial for a college teaching job or in a large public library system, or for a top administrative job in a college or university library.

A master’s degree in library science (MLS) is required for librarian positions in most academic, public, and special libraries. Librarians in the Federal government must have an MLS or the equivalent in experience and education. School librarians do not usually need an MLS but must meet the licensing requirements of their state.

Library Science Degree Online - Graduate - Job Outlook


In 2006, librarians held about 158,000 jobs. Many were employed in school and academic libraries, but more than one-fourth were employed in public libraries. The rest worked as information professionals for companies or worked in special libraries or other organizations.

In spite of slower-than-average expected employment growth, job opportunities are still anticipated to be good due to a large number of librarians that are anticipated to retire in the next decade.

Employment of librarians is anticipated to increase by 4 percent between 2006 and 2016, slower than the average for all careers. Growth in the number of librarians will be slowed by the increasing use of electronic resources and by government budget cuts. Both will result in fewer librarians finding jobs and the replacement of librarians with less costly library assistants and technicians. As electronic resources become widely available and more easy to use, fewer librarians will be needed to maintain and help users access these resources.

More than 2 out of 3 librarians are aged 45 or older, which will eventually result in an abundance of employment opportunities over the next 10 years as many librarians start to retire.

Library Science Degree Online - Graduates - Earnings Statistics

The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics reports incomes of librarians differ depending on the individual’s qualifications and the library’s size, type, and location. Librarians that have administrative responsibilities often have greater incomes. Average annual incomes of librarians in May 2006 were $49,050. The middle 50 percent made between $39,250 and $60,750. The bottom 10 percent made less than $30,950, and the top 10 percent made more than $74,750. The average annual income in 2007 for all librarians in the Federal government in supervisory, non-supervisory, and managerial positions was $80,875.

Related Occupations: Librarians are an essential component in the transfer of ideas and knowledge by providing people with access to information. Jobs requiring similar organizational, analytical, and communication skills include archivists, researchers curators, and museum technicians and computer and information scientists. School librarians have many tasks similar to those of school teachers. Today, librarians store, catalogue, and access information using technology. Other occupations that use computer skills include computer scientists and database administrators and computer systems analysts.


Library Science Degree Online - Colleges and Universities

There are an excellent number of choices if you want to earn a Library Science degree online. Online schools and colleges now provide the same curriculum as the traditional education. Learning online provides you with so much more flexibility to suit your lifestyle and current employment. We include our top recommendations for colleges and universities where you can attain a Library Science degree online.


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