Becoming a Librarian.

<p>Hello, I'm currently an undergrad student, and I am possibly interested in getting my master's in Library Science after my undergraduate degree to become a librarian. I was wondering what kind of undergrad degrees look good for getting into a master's program- like would majoring in english benefit me?</p>

<p>I’m currently wondering the same thing. What BA should I get if I want to get my Masters in Library Sciences. Can I do it in something general like English or, what I really want to do, is History.</p>

<p>An English or history major (or other humanities major) would be fine. Lots of academic librarians have graduate training in a particular subject (for instance, music, law, or whatever) as well as the library science training.</p>

<p>This is a very exciting field right now, because the way information is stored and accessed is changing so fast.</p>

<p>Consider coursework in computing or informatics.</p>

<p>Forgive my ignorance, but what motivates someone to pursue this field? I have rarely heard of anyone truly desiring to be a librarian. I obviously have no clue what this path entails, and am merely curious as to what has led you in this direction, so please do not take offense, as it is not intended.</p>

<p>People come at library science degrees from various places. I had a bachelor’s degree in Communication and had a Master’s degree with a permanent ABD in Performance Studies when I decided to go to library school. We have had three students at the college where I work go to library school in the past two years, one had a sociology BA, one was English, and one Communication.</p>

<p>On some level it doesn’t matter what your BA is, as long as it’s a “regular” degree. What’s more important, as you plan your college career, is thinking ahead a little to what kind of librarian you want to be. In some librarian jobs, a “techie” background would be very helpful (Access Services or Electronic Services), while in others, teaching might be your focus (Reference/Instruction or Information Literacy). The customer service aspect of a public library reference desk is very well served by good communication and public service skills, while an academic librarian often wears a “faculty” hat as well–and, in fact, some academic library jobs require a second master’s degree in a subject specialist area. If you have a passion for music or art or film and wanted to pursue a career as an archivist or music librarian or something more on the museum studies end of things, you might focus your undergrad work in those areas.</p>

<p>If I may offer you a bit of advice, befriend the librarians at whatever school you currently attend, and if you aren’t already working in the library see if you can do so. Most librarians love to mentor budding library school students, and will be a great source of information as you plan the rest of your schooling.</p>

<p>I’m also perfectly happy to offer advice form inside the profession. As someone who works in an award-winning library with a mission of nurturing the profession I’m open for any questions you might have.</p>

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<p>Comfortable work environment, working in an academic environment (if desired), possible tenure-track positions at universities, decent salary, serving those who seek information, a love of books. The list goes on.</p>

<p>And just an FYI, the people who sit at the front desks and check out your books aren’t usually librarians. They are likely library technicians or assistants, or even student workers, working for an hourly wage.</p>

<p>I’ve always thought about library science, and would have gotten my master’s in that had I had access to a local program. Now I’m afraid at my age (56) , it’s probably too late and need to look forward to being a volunteer instead :-(</p>

<p>This video says it all…</p>

<p>[YouTube</a> - Librarians Do Gaga](<a href=“http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_uzUh1VT98]YouTube”>Librarians Do Gaga - YouTube)</p>