A career in library science can be begun with an associates degree, and
be furthered by continued studies on the bachelors, masters and doctoral
levels. Depending on you personal interests and the type of focus you
take in your library science degree, you can choose from many careers
within the library science field. The basic library science degree program
will give you the knowledge you need to work in a variety of library and
archival positions. A concentration in a particular field enables you
to work in a specialized library or other field.
Reference Librarian
Reference librarians are trained to help people research information.
They use the skills from their library science degree that focus on communication
skills needed to assist patrons in their library searches. They ask specific
questions to direct patrons to the databases, catalogues and electronic
resources that will fulfill their search needs. They handle specialized
materials including old, expensive and delicate texts. They also develop
materials for seminars and educational functions within the library. Reference
librarians average about $40,000 per year.
Library Director
Librarians of various backgrounds can take on administrative functions
within the library which eventually lead to the position of library director.
It is important that the holder of this position have a library science
degree because they need to know the inner workings of the library. They
also need to have administrative experience and, likely, higher education
to move into this position. Library directors earn about $51,000 per year.
Law Librarian
A law librarian is a reference librarian who has additional training,
often from the library science degree program, to work in a law library.
Law libraries are often found in communities that have a local law school
or on a university campus. Law librarians assist their patrons in locating
and using documents and texts that deal with law and judicial issues using
traditional catalogues and electronic materials. They also do basic legal
research, give classes and develop seminars related to the law library.
A law librarian typically earns about $57,000 per year.
