Why Consider Studying to be a Librarian

Libraries became established institutions as early as the 17th century. One of the first libraries in America was founded in 1731 by Benjamin Franklin, with the main intention being a means of organizing vast collections of documents.  The chances are, every single one of us has stepped foot inside a library at some point in our lives and if you’re a lover of literature and language then your school or local library might still be somewhere you often frequent.  
Librarians hold a very important role within these institutions as they are the people tasked with overseeing all the various components that are related to information resources.  The profession has come a long way since the 17th century and much of the work librarians do in this day and age is highly informed by technology.  Librarians are highly educated and passionate individuals who are dedicated to helping their communities find the resources they need and it’s a job that’s as important today as it was 400 years ago.

What Does the Job Involve?

The main role of a librarian is to connect people to the immeasurable amount of information that is available on any given subject through a wide range of media.  However, the modern librarian doesn’t just find information for people, they also act as an advocate for the educational process and are there to offer people their guidance and wisdom. 

What Qualifications Will I Need to Become a Librarian?

Librarians are required to do highly specialized work therefore it is advisable to complete a library science degree or other bachelor’s degree to begin with.  The American Library Association advises students that it isn’t completely necessary to take a library-specific course at this stage and that a degree in a discipline they are passionate about is just as useful.  This gives future librarians the chance to focus on areas that interest them most and popular choices include history, psychology and art.
However, in order to pursue a career as a librarian after graduation you will most likely be required to hold a master’s degree in library science and sometimes even a doctorate if you are seeking an advanced role.  Fortunately for students who wish to work whilst they study or live in a rural setting there has been a rise in online MMLIS programs, most of which can be completed in 2-3 years.  Whether studying your master’s degree online or on campus, the program is likely to require you to complete a thesis or a capstone project in addition to a fieldwork placement.

Are There Good Career Options Available After Graduation? 

There are lots of interesting and rewarding career opportunities for aspiring librarians, some of which depend on an individual’s preference for working in a specific area or type of library.  Students who have specialized in subjects such as law or psychology at degree level might find a career as a librarian stimulating – there’s the chance to work in a number of settings from law offices to healthcare institutions – or a career as a general librarian could involve working in academic and public libraries communicating and advising a vast and varied amount of individuals on numerous topics.  Certain online MMLIS degrees such as this one, are designed to expand your career prospects even further and can provide you with the opportunity to work in a variety of exciting work environments from museums to government agencies.
The modern library is a field which is constantly evolving along with the world of technology and science and offers future librarians a huge variety of fascinating and rewarding career opportunities.

@/