Library science (often termed library studies, bibliothecography, and library economy) is an interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary field that applies the practices, perspectives, and tools of management, information technology, education, and other areas to libraries; the collection, organization, preservation, and dissemination of information resources; and the political economy of information. Martin Schrettinger, a Bavarian librarian, coined the discipline within his work (1808–1828) Versuch eines vollständigen Lehrbuchs der Bibliothek-Wissenschaft oder Anleitung zur vollkommenen Geschäftsführung eines Bibliothekars.Rather than classifying information based on nature-oriented elements, as was previously done in his Bavarian library, Schrettinger organized books in alphabetical order. The first American school for library science was founded by Melvil Dewey at Columbia University in 1887.

Topics

1. By Way of Introduction

2. The Practice of Librarianship

3. The Library Committee

4. Public Library Systems of Great Britain

5. Library Finance

6. The Library Departments

7. Bookstock I. Selection, Accessioning and Processing

8. Bookstock II. Classification

9. Bookstock III. Cataloguing

10. Bookstock IV. Care of Stock, Revision, Stocktaking

11. Bookbinding

12. Membership and Registration

13. Bye-Laws and Regulations

14. Issue Methods

15. Reference Libraries: Material and Method

16. Cooperation: Regional and National

17. Reports and Statistics

18. Publicity

19. The Library Association

Becoming a Librarian

Step Step 1

Conduct thorough research

Learn about library science, what being a librarian entails and all the potential career paths available to librarians. Some common options include k-12 school librarian, public librarian, law librarian, university librarian, digital librarian and branch management. Knowing this in advance can help determine what undergraduate degree and/or master's degree to pursue further down the line. A Master's in Library and Information Science (MLIS), also known as MLS, is a popular choice for aspiring librarians.

Step Step 2

Earn a bachelor's degree

This can be in any field but choosing an undergraduate degree that will complement a MLIS degree will only help down the road. For example, those interested in becoming a school librarian can get a bachelor's degree in education, along with teaching credentials. Undergraduate degrees in library science are available, but not required, so really, any bachelor's degree can provide a foundation for building a librarian career.

Step Step 3

Research MLIS programs diligently

Since programs may vary in focus, it's important to be sure the program aligns with your career goals. For instance, if a program focuses on youth services, but you want to be a librarian in a science library, you may want to keep looking. Some MLS programs don't have a special focus or may offer a general MLIS degree with specific areas of concentration, which may be the best choice for students who plan on specializing in one of the offered concentrations.

Step Step 4

Get a job in the public library

Many libraries have part-time positions and may also be willing to work around an employee's schedule. While this step isn't necessary, it's an excellent way to gain valuable work experience, network with other people in the field and possibly work up the ladder while earning a MLIS degree. If this isn't an option, volunteering is also a great way to get a foot in the door.

Step Step 5

Find out what certifications and credentials may be needed

In addition to the MLIS degree, as this may vary from state to state. Some states, like New York, require testing and certification after degree completion, while other states don't, or may only require certain types of librarians to be certified, such as k-12 librarians. Certification may be required for a variety of reasons, such as keeping public funding or working with children.

Step Step 6

Earn a MLIS or comparable degree from an ALA accredited college

This type of education is what many employers are looking for when hiring a librarian. Although there are other avenues to becoming a librarian, an MLIS degree is a direct path and will qualify graduates for many different types of librarian jobs.