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Careers in Information and Library Science CAn begin with Undergraduate or Graduate degree preparation

  • for those who have an adventuresome spirit, are attentive to details, and who like to solve puzzles, help others, and synthesis seemingly random data into meaningful conclusions
  • the unique knowledge and skills that library and information specialists bring to the job, make them valuable members of any organization that collects, preserves, organizes, manipulates, presents, or disseminates information in any of a full range of formats and media from digital to 3-D
  • whether in our cultural institutions: libraries, museums, archives, and art galleries; or employed as an information architect, records manager, Website developer, or information entrepreneur
  • our programs may help you reach your learning goals whether you are currently in high school student, an undergraduate, hold an undergraduate degree, hold a graduate degree, hold an LIS degree, are changing careers, are nearing or entered retirement, or live in another state or country


If you are currently in high school
High school students may qualify to take certain ILS courses during their senior year. High school students interested in careers in information and library science are encouraged to contact the department office for an appointment with a faculty member of ILS to discuss applying to college and pre-college work and mentoring experiences with ILS professionals. Generally, ILS 302 Information Service would be a good course for an advanced high school student to take to explore further a career in the information field.

If you are an undergraduate
Many undergraduates, whether majoring in education or business, have found that a minor or second major in ILS can enhance their skills and their employability. An undergraduate major in ILS can give you a solid background in library skills that can help you gain a paraprofessional position in a cultural institution. Undergraduates with senior standing may qualify to take some graduate level courses. Generally, these courses are chosen from ILS 501 Introduction to Information Science and Technology and ILS 503 Foundations of Librarianship.

If you hold an undergraduate degree
More and more students are entering the MLS program immediately after obtaining the undergraduate degree. Others return years after completing the undergraduate degree to pursue a first graduate degree.

If you hold a graduate degree
Many students come to us after a full or beginning career in another profession. Some come with advanced degrees, such as M.S., M.A., M.B.A., J.D., D.D.S., M.D., Ed.D., Ph.D. and are looking for new jobs that build on these degrees or new jobs that take them in new directions through completion of the Master of Library Science (MLS) degree.

ILS also offers a 30-credit Sixth year (post-master's) Diploma in Library Information Studies.

Information Studies provides an advanced educational program leading to a sixth year professional diploma, which meets the formal continuing education and specialization needs of library and information professionals. A master's degree in library science or information science is required for admission to the Information Studies specialization. Programs will be individually planned with consideration of the students' educational background, experience, and career objectives. Programs will encourage interdisciplinary course work, action research, and problem solving.

If you are nearing or have reached retirement
A few post-retirement professionals have returned to school to earn the Master of Library Science (MLS) degree. One of our senior students said he wanted to be properly prepared for part-time or volunteer work in libraries.

If you live in another state or country
The Department of Information and Library Science offers over forty graduate courses through web-delivered learning. It is possible to complete the Master of Library Science (MLS) by taking these online courses.

ILS' Master of Library Science is accredited by the American Library Association (ALA). Many jobs in library and information science require or prefer the ALA-accredited MLS as the entry-level degree.

ILS also offers some bi-lingual courses. For example, Cataloging and Development of a Digital Union Catalog for Ancient Chinese Books, taught by Dr. Josephine Sche, requires reading knowledge of both Chinese and English.