information and library science

In companies across the country, corporate library science specialists are integral parts of the management team, as they track and organize information on products, trends, and markets. In hospitals, these information experts organize the barrage of material on medical developments. In law libraries, museums, research centers, universities, and government agencies, library science experts handle the complicated and important job of managing the world's information.

And yes, they also work at the local library -- a familiar face, a helping hand, and a resident expert to patrons of all ages. Whether running a story hour for preschoolers, helping senior citizens navigate the Web, or choosing books for a library's collections, library science specialists are the local authorities on information and access.

At Southern -- the only school in Connecticut to offer an American Library Association-accredited program (Master of Library Science) -- undergraduate majors gain many of the skills, knowledge, and professional perspective necessary to begin building careers in this exciting field.

Most professional library science positions require a master's degree in the field, and Southern's undergraduate program is good preparation for graduate study. In fact, the majority of Southern's library science majors go on to earn master's degrees, a number of them in Southern's own well-regarded graduate program in library science. However, students who want to get right to work after graduation also have a range of options, including work in publishing, instructional design, information services, and library support positions.

Students who major in library science and instructional technology at Southern enjoy the camaraderie and close faculty contact of a small, supportive department. Students immerse themselves in all aspects of helping to run a library, from the publishing business and book acquisition to computerized lending, cataloging, and online searching. Through creative coursework and team projects, students put their new knowledge to work in activities like analyzing a community's library needs and drafting a proposed plan, or studying a particular age group and devising a comprehensive list of books and materials to fit their needs. Students also gain valuable hands-on experience through internships in professional library settings throughout the region.

Library science students also learn the technology that is increasingly an everyday part of the field: computers, multimedia, video, the Internet. Through special courses, students explore the range of media, technology, and services available in the modern library. Students can also develop their interests and abilities in these areas through challenging coursework in other departments at Southern, such as computer science or communication.

Library science specialists use the latest in information technology to connect people with information. They make a measurable difference to the bottom line of corporations, contribute enormously to the efforts of medical researchers, and assist lawyers who are preparing cases. They also have an enormous impact on how Internet information is organized and delivered. If you enjoy the challenge of searching for answers, and you like working with people, a career in library science and instructional technology might be right for you.

Connecticut State University Consortium-qualified students can fulfill their library science major requirements at Southern while enrolled at one of the other state universities in the Connecticut State University System.

 

degrees

B.S. in library-information service

M.L.S. (Master of Library Science)

M.L.S. with Connecticut school media specialist certification

Sixth Year Professional Diploma in Library/Information Studies

Joint degree program leading to an M.L.S. degree and a Juris Doctor degree in cooperation with the School of Law, University of Connecticut

Visit the Information and Library Science Department site for more information on library science degrees and the field of information and library science.

Visit the School of Graduate Studies site for information on graduate degrees in information and library science.