Five Hot Jobs in Library and Information Science
Updated October 18, 2022 ยท 1 Min Read
Hot Jobs in Library and Information Science
- Head Librarian
- Library Services Manager
- Data and Digital Management Services
- Head of Instruction Services
- Outreach Librarian
The field of library and informational science is rich and diverse. It therefore opens doors to a wide array of careers. Choosing a career path, even within a field you greatly enjoy, can be overwhelming. This article will assist you in this process by providing information and inspiration about five great jobs in library and information science.
Head Librarian
If you enjoy the "library" portion of library and information sciences most strongly, you might be a good candidate for head librarian. All types of libraries need head librarians: elementary, middle, high school, and college libraries; community public libraries; and specialized institutions such as law and medical libraries. This allows you to focus your career on the topics and populations you are most passionate about. In this position, you must be highly familiar with the collections in your library, and you must enjoy working with patrons to help them locate their desired materials.
Library Services Manager
This is an excellent career if you enjoy the library environment and are more interested in making sure it runs smoothly. In this role, you will serve as a liaison between your library and the community resources from which you receive materials. You will train and supervise library staff and work with them to ensure that your library maintains the services and materials needed by your patrons. This is ideal if you enjoy conducting consumer research, preparing for future needs, and multitasking.
Data and Digital Management Services
Much of the information people seek in this day and age exists in digital format. If you enjoy and excel at the technological side of library and information sciences, this is a great area in which to pursue a career. You will be responsible for creating and consistently updating digital databases and collections. This is perfect if you enjoy learning about a wide variety of topics, as you will need to make sure your library contains the most up to date resources.
Featured Online Master's in Library Science
Head of Instruction Services
All schools have libraries. This is because all subjects, for all grades, assign either books to read or assignments that require students to search for their own reading materials. If you enjoy the education setting, this might be the right area for you. You will communicate with teachers to make sure your library is stocked with all the required materials. You will work directly with students to help them locate the materials they need. This position allows you to focus on the grade level you prefer and assist students in a uniquely positive way.
Outreach Librarian
If you are an outgoing person who loves to network within your community, this might be the role for you! You will connect library with other institutions and services in order to help your patrons be more involved in their communities. You might work on forming reading and study groups, create volunteer opportunities with hospitals and care homes, and collaborate with academic and career service organizations. The American Library Association created this list of inspiration for current and future outreach librarians.
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The five great careers listed above each highlight one or more of the three basic career paths within library and information science: interpersonal interaction, digital services, and administration. There are opportunities for you to work in schools, communities, or professional agencies. You can work with children, adults, or both. Enjoy the process of exploring this possible careers further and choosing your preferred path within library and information services!