Library Resource Management

Going to the library today is a very different experience than visiting a library just 20 years ago. Before, libraries were filled with books, magazines and newspapers; now they are filled with CD's, DVD's and Internet services and are connected digitally with many other libraries in the network. Librarians today have much more dynamic job descriptions than ever before.

Earning a Library Science Degree

As the library resource management field grows and changes to integrate new technologies, librarians need the skills necessary to stay on top of new developments. These days, most applicants for librarian positions now need a library science degree in order to be considered for the job.
 
Earning a library resource management degree helps ensure that a librarian is equipped with all the skills necessary to work in the modern library system. Studying library and information science will equip a student with up-to-date knowledge of library resource management software, as well as the wide variety of media forms that are currently offered by the library.
 
On any given day, a librarian may assist people in finding specific books, help them find information on a given subject, or refer them to a different library that might provide access to better materials. Much of a librarian's work is now done online, thanks to the wealth of resources available on the Internet.

Library Science Education Requirements

While some libraries may hire people with only a high school diploma for librarian positions, most public libraries, especially those at colleges and universities, now require applicants to possess a more advanced degree. A bachelor’s degree is often a starting point for those interested in library resource management.
 
Typical coursework in a library science program may include:
  • censorship
  • foundations of library science and resource management
  • intellectual freedom
  • history of books and printing
  • materials processing.
In general, courses offered in library science programs are geared toward preparing the librarian for his or her daily tasks.

Advanced Degrees in Library Science

The most common advanced degree to qualify a librarian is the Master’s of Library Science (MLS). This degree will prepare the librarian for working in a library, while giving the option to specialize in a specific area (i.e. reference, children’s books and media, technical services, etc.).
 
Tuition costs for an MLS can range from $3,000 to $9,000 per year, depending on whether you are a full-time or part-time student and whether you plan to study in-state or in an out-of-state program.

An Online Library Resource Management Degree

Many library science degrees are also offered online. Here is a list of just some of the institutions that offer library science degrees online:
  • Mansfield University (PA)
  • Syracuse University (NY)
  • University of Arizona
  • University of North Texas
  • University of Pittsburgh (PA).
Before enrolling in a program, make sure that the school is accredited by the American Library Association (ALA); most libraries require their employees to be educated in ALA-approved schools.

Job Opportunities in Library Science

A library is almost always in need of good researchers. If you don’t have any library experience, then generally you will start work at the circulation desk until you get more comfortable with the workflow of the environment. With more experience, greater responsibilities will come in the form of employee management, database searching and material requests/referrals.
 
The average employee in the library science field makes between $22,000 and $25,000 per year. Government employees average around $45,000 per year. Libraries with more distinct specializations often require librarians to have corresponding skills and education, and they are thus paid at a higher rate.

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