In the digital age, you may wonder why you should consider getting a degree in library science. You may still have a library in your neighborhood, but feel that the demand for paper books is shrinking while ebooks and other digital media are expanding and are available at home. Since you can now Google anything under the sun, the digital age seems to have made library science irrelevant. However, library science is as relevant, if not more essential, than ever before in the information age.
The Transformation of the Library
The traditional library is not dying but is undergoing a transformation into a center for information science and education. Librarians, more than ever before, are educators and consultants for individuals and companies that want to locate the information they need to find quickly. While the digital access is taken for granted by those who have it, the resource is not always available in low-income areas or to those who live in isolated rural areas. For these segments of the population, the library is an essential resource that connects them with the global exchange of information.
The New Dimension of Library Science
With the dramatic change in the role of the library in the 21st century is the revolution of library science. Increasingly, the librarian is an educator and imparts his or her expertise to visitors who want to filter through extraneous data and locate the information they need. In addition, the library scientist is an archivist who preserves and stores primary sources and precious, antique material in its original form.
Applying for a Graduate Degree in Library Science
USC’s library degree program is online, and it is one of many fine programs. Before applying, you should first consider what courses each program offers and the requirements. Many institutions of higher learning require courses in information science, databases, archives and classification studies. As you continue your course at USC or another institution, you can specialize in certain areas of library science, such as law, science or humanities libraries.
When applying, decide whether you want to take your course online or on a campus. While some enjoy the camaraderie with other classmates on a physical campus, an online course will allow you to continue pursuing your career. Fill out your application online or on paper and see if you need to take prerequisite courses or standardized tests, such as the GMAT or GRE.
What You Can Do With an M.L.S?
To work as a librarian, you need a bachelors degree and a masters of library science. The kind of degree you need to secure a position varies from state to state. Depending on your area of concentration, you may be able to work in a law or medical library. In addition to working as a librarian, you could make a number of career moves, and apply for a position as a data analyst at a website, an information specialist at a consulting firm or an educator. A graduate degree in library science is increasingly versatile in an era when the availability of information is growing.