Library Programs (ALA accredited)
- EmporiaNote that they have a cohort program in Portland, so this is the closest option for face-to-face instruction in an ALA-accredited program.
- Information School at UWThis school is in Seattle and is considered one of the top 10 programs in the country. Note that they have a distance education program as well (see http://ischool.uw.edu/academics/mlis/degree-options ).
- San Jose State UniversityThis is another good program that is available on the West Coast. It is the closest option in California and they also have a distance program.
- Directory of ALA-Accredited Master’s Programs in Library and Information StudiesThis is a directory of programs throughout the nation. From this link you can search their database and limit by specific criteria such as distance education.
- Best Library & Information Studies SchoolsThis is the U.S. News & World Report Rankings for library school programs as of 2009.
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Articles and Websites about Becoming a Librarian
- LibraryCareers.org
- How to Become a 21st Century Librarian by Meredith Schwartzby Meredith Schwartz
Library Journal, 3/20/2013 - “How to Become a Librarian”By Rachel Singer Gordon
Library Journal, 9/15/2009 - The Library JournalThis is a great source of information about the field of librarianship today. Note the "Careers" option in the top menu.
Statistics, Salaries, and Prospects
- Labor Trends & Statistics for Library Workers
- Occupational Outlook Handbook: Librarians
- The Long Wait | Placements & Salaries Survey 2011by Stephanie L. Maatta
Library Journal, 10/14/2011 - ARL Salary SurveyBy David Rapp
Library Journal, 12/20/2011
Books about Becoming a Librarian
Call Number: Available through Summit
ISBN: 0980200482
Publication Date: 2009
You can also download this book for free here.
Call Number: Available through Summit
ISBN: 1573872563
Publication Date: 2006
Call Number: Available through Summit
ISBN: 1555706983
Publication Date: 2010
Call Number: Available through Summit
ISBN: 1843346087
Publication Date: 2011
Librarian Blogs
Librarian |
 Emily Miller-Francisco |
Talk to a Librarian
Feel free to e-mail or call one (or more) of the librarians at SOU to talk about your interests in librarianship. Go to the Library Faculty page to see the librarians here. Also, if you're interested in becoming a public librarian, you may find it useful to talk to someone at the Ashland Public Library.
Tips
Every career path is different, but here are some tips that you might find useful.
- Get experience
If you don't have library experience already, try to get a job working or volunteering in one. This can be an important step in networking and also seeing how libraries operate. It might also be helpful to try volunteering for an online answering website. - Talk to librarians in the field
Librarians tend to be friendly folk and very happy to talk to students interested in pursuing a career in librarianship. - Join an association
On the left I list several possible associations that you might be interested in. There are lots more if your interests are more specific. Many of the associations have special student rates. They are great ways to learn more about the field and to network. - Read job listings
On the left I list some librarian job listing sites. It can be helpful to peruse them to see what kind skills are being requested. I especially recommend learning what you can about technology. - Study Broadly
Unless you have your heart set on being a specialist librarian (e.g. a medical, legal, business, or children's librarian), I would recommend that you get as broad of an education as you can. (Again, classes in computer science are likely to be especially helpful.) - Go to an ALA-accredited program
There are other options out there, but an ALA-accredited degree will give you the most options when you graduate. Many jobs require it.
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