University of Kentucky®
UKOnline offers a fully online master’s degree program in Library & Information Science (MSLS). With this degree, there are a variety of career opportunities available, beyond the popular librarian position. Exploring the different career paths this degree affords will broaden your horizon and spark interest in lesser known fields fueled by these information experts.
The Importance of Accreditation in the Field of Library Science
Selecting an ALA-accredited library science program guarantees your education aligns with updated standards and meets the criteria set by the American Library Association. Graduating from a program that is ALA accredited ensures you are qualified for the jobs seeking candidates that meet this criteria, which many do.
UK Online’s master’s program in Library and Information Science is accredited by the American Library Association. It is one of about 50 fully online accredited programs offered in the United States. Additionally, it is the only accredited program offered in the state of Kentucky.
Career Opportunities
Careers in the field of library science extend beyond the very popular career of librarian. Here are some careers in addition to a school or local librarian that you may not have considered:
Community Engagement Director
Lead the way in achieving goals for people in your municipality. Libraries are a local resource for connecting people to programs and resources. As a Community Engagement Director, you'll be in charge, making important decisions about staff and services to reach those goals. Success in this role means working closely with the community, gathering resources, and using strong communication skills. Careers include: Social Media Manager for libraries, and Library Outreach Coordinator.
Development/Grant Writing
Your role may involve crafting compelling grant proposals, identifying funding opportunities, and building relationships with donors. As a development professional, you'll play a crucial role in supporting library programs and services through successful fundraising efforts. Career include: Development Officer, and Director of Philanthropy/Fundraising.
Database Management
Leverage your expertise to make sense of a vast sea of data. You help play a major role in planning, developing, testing, implementing, operating, maintaining, and/or modifying the digital information systems. This role can take place in academic institutions, corporate settings, or even healthcare providers. Job titles include: Information Architect, Database Administrator, Electronic Records Specialist and more.
Preservation/Conservation
You can specialize in safeguarding valuable materials, ensuring their longevity and accessibility. Potential position titles include: Conservator, Archival Manager, Collections Care Specialist, and Preservation Librarian/Archivist.
Government (Federal/State) Librarian
Our government institutions are charged with the cultivation, dissemination, and protection of materials that are the essence of American culture and knowledge; supporting and informing lawmakers; and protecting intellectual property. Librarians at this level include roles such as: Reference Librarian for Government Agencies, Information Analyst in Intelligence Agencies, Cultural Heritage Specialist, and Legislative Research Librarian.
Publishing/Acquisitions
Work to advance research, open access and scholarly communication by enhancing access to a diverse range of scholarly outputs, including open access journals, open monographs, open textbooks, and open access digital projects. These experts often work for universities, research organizations, or scholarly publications. Job titles can include: Special Collections Curator, Acquisitions Librarian, and Digital Asset Manager.
Database Software Development and Sales
Companies that develop and sell software to libraries and publishers often seek out those with a degree in library science. Positions like these can include sales and software development. Those with a degree in library science understand the complexity and benefits of organizing and retrieving information, making them well suited for these kinds of positions. Possible job titles include: Data Engineer, Database Architect, and Database Administrator.
A career in Library & Information Science offers vast opportunities in a variety of settings. People who go into this field have a passion for helping people by connecting them to information that helps them achieve their goals. That may take the form of being a librarian at a school or local library. But it also supports many other careers that fuel the need to connect people to information. As our knowledge base grows exponentially in this digital era, the professionals in this field are extremely needed and valued. If these career paths seem interesting to you, consider getting a master’s degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Kentucky!
