Online librarian education programs prepare
graduates to work in a variety of public and private library settings.
Most librarian jobs require a master's degree, as outlined below,
preferably from a program accredited by the American Library Association
(ALA).
Online Master's Degree in Library Science Program Overview
Graduates of online library science master's degree programs are
tech-savvy information experts, able to locate, access, evaluate and
utilize information from myriad local and remote sources. Basic
coursework covers the development and role of libraries in society,
ethical issues facing librarians, technology skills, information
organization, research methods and management techniques. Learning
options include specializations in public, school, digital, special and
academic libraries.
Some schools confer a Master of Library Science; others award a Master of Science in Library and
Information Science.
These programs are similar. Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in
any subject, and letters of recommendation from previous instructors or
advisors are usually required. The American Library Association (
www.ala.org)
has accredited several degree programs that occur completely online and
several more that are mostly online with a few in-person courses
required.
Online library science master's degree programs normally last 2-3
years. While most instruction is delivered through an online learning
management system (LMS), some programs require attendance at several
days of on-campus orientation. Internships or cooperative work
experience in a library setting may be mandatory for graduation and
librarian certification. Students specializing in school media may also
have state teaching requirements to fulfill.
Candidates must have reliable Internet access and a solid foundation
in basic computer skills, such as e-mail and word processing. Online
instruction is mostly asynchronous, meaning that students do not have to
be online at a scheduled time. However, some classes may have scheduled
real-time online discussions, and students are expected to participate
in course activities on a weekly basis. Assignments are usually
submitted through the LMS.
List of Common Library Science Courses
Coursework varies by specialization, but 6-9 core courses usually
form the foundation of the library science degree. These provide the
basics of organizing, managing and retrieving information using
traditional and modern tools.
Foundations of Library Science Course
This introductory class gives a broad overview of the history of
libraries and their changing role in society. Students become familiar
with relevant vocabulary, tools and resources. They learn about current
trends and issues facing librarians' profession.
Collection Development Course
Students learn how to ensure that the library's collection of
resources meets the unique needs of the community it serves. Topics and
skills covered include collection analysis, evaluation of community
needs, selection criteria and management procedures.
Library Management Course
Whether in a school, academic, public or corporate library,
librarians need basic management and leadership skills. They learn how
to develop effective information policies, manage staff and resources,
assess patron needs, evaluate organizational efficiency and plan
budgets. Professional ethics and communications skills are strongly
emphasized.
Students are introduced to Internet, software and hardware
technologies. They learn criteria for evaluating electronic resources
and tools, and they develop strategies for incorporating technology into
the instructional process.
Reference Sources Course
Students become familiar with the many print and electronic tools
that librarians use to assist patrons. They learn how to use basic
search strategies, interact with patrons to assess information needs and
build a collection of reference resources in a variety of library
settings.
In 2009, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (
www.bls.gov)
predicted average job growth for all types of librarians from 2008-2018.
The long-range outlook is favorable because many librarians will reach
retirement age in the next several years. Growing numbers of graduates
from library science programs may increase competition for traditional
librarian positions. The fastest job growth rate will be in
non-traditional library settings such as corporations and consulting
firms, where librarians may work as database managers, trainers and
Webmasters. The BLS also reports that as of May 2009, school and
academic librarians tend to have higher average yearly wages, around
$58,000-$59,000, than public librarians at about $50,000.
Librarians with a master's degree can find online certificate
programs for various specialties, such as digital libraries, school
media and educational technology. Some librarians may need to complete
professional development courses on a regular basis to maintain their
certification, and many of these courses are available online. Doctoral
programs in library science are available, but they are conducted
primarily on campus. Certain courses may have distance-learning options.
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