Online Library & Media Technology Degrees
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The traditional library has been transformed with the rise of technology, and so has the role of the librarian. There was a time when libraries simply housed thousands of paper books, and patrons sought the help of the librarian to help them find the book of their choice. Today, libraries still have paper books, but they also are filled with more advanced technologies such as digital libraries, computers, access to the Internet, and even remote access to some sources. Therefore, many librarians are referred to as information professionals since they can offer professionals and individuals a wide range of sources for anything they are searching for.
Every area of society has been inundated by technology, but no other field has been transformed as drastically as the library science area. People who have not visited a public library in many years are surprised when they enter to find that technologies have taken over the almost every aspect of the library. The old image of a librarian being a bookworm has been replaced with a high-tech information specialist who not only understands how the books are organized, but also has knowledge of sophisticated technologies that are used daily to help people find what they need quickly.
Most full-time positions in library and media technology require a master's degree. Students may enter a library information science master's program with bachelor's degree in any discipline, but they cannot work as full-fledged librarians until they have successfully completed the master's degree.
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What are some of the specializations within this degree program?
There are three main branches of the library and media technology career: assisting library users, improving and assisting others with library technology, and administration. Librarians are classified by the library in which they work, such as academic libraries, public libraries, or special libraries. In large libraries, librarians specialize in a particular area or discipline such as medical librarian, children's librarian, or government documents librarian. (BLS)
What degree levels are available?
- Master of Library & Information Science: 2 years to complete
- PhD in Library & Information Science: 5-6 years to complete
What are the educational and certification requirements?
The minimum requirement to work as a librarian is the Master of Library & Information Science. This degree offers specializations so that students can concentrate on one area that is of the most interest to them. It is vital for the student to choose a degree from a university that is accredited through the American Library Association because these degrees have strict requirements that the student must complete in order to be licensed and certified upon graduation to work as a librarian.
Students can continue their education and obtain a PhD in library science, but this is normally completed when students plan to teach in postsecondary education settings rather than working as a librarian. Many times, librarians who have worked in the field for a number of years may wish to earn their doctorate degree to move into the the world of academics.
Librarian certifications vary by state; about half the states require librarians to hold teaching credentials as well as a license for school librarians through the American Association of School Librarians. Many of the states that require teaching credentials do not require the librarian to actually have teaching experience, but they require the credentials. Therefore, in some states, librarians must have teaching certification along with the librarian certification, which is two separate exams that must be passed before they can apply for and work as a librarian. (BLS)
What kinds of classes will I be expected to take?
- Curriculum and Instructional Design: This class will instill you with the pedagogical technique needed to devise learning outcomes and research state academic demands. You also will design curricula to be closely analyzed.
- Child and Teen Literature: Improve your grasp of the genres and qualities of literature specifically created for young people. You will need to learn the ins and outs of library-published journals as well.
- Media Options for Elementary and Secondary Schools: If you have a desire to become a fully fledged teacher librarian, do your best to earn an A+ in this class. It teaches you how to manage young people in a library setting.
- Reading and Cognition: This class will essentially turn you into the best reader you could possibly be. Cognitive functions and text analysis are the major skills boosted here.
- Diverse Learning Strategies: Those who graduate with a degree in library technology must learn how to apply that knowledge to a variety of backgrounds. This course hones your abilities in this capacity, as well as handling gifted, talented, and disabled learners.
If I pursue this program online, will I be required to complete any on-site training?
Most library technology programs will not demand that you participate in live, in-person training events in order to complete the program and earn your degree.
What are some other degrees that are related to this program?
- Instructional Technology: This degree program will teach you, for example, the ways that iPods can boost student learning. Information technology blends with education in this field.
- Curriculum and Instruction: Earn a degree in this field if you're interested in teaching at the elementary or secondary school level. Homeschooling and math-and-science are potential specializations here.
- Education Specializations: This field generally describes the range of specialties that an educator can take. These include kindergarten, special education, and agriculture, among other fields.
