Overview of Library Science and Administration

Library science and administration is the field of study focused on understanding the methods and practices for organizing, preserving, and providing access to information for different organizations. This includes utilizing different technologies, understanding intellectual property rights, and applying advances in technology to improve access and utilization. Library science is a field of study that focuses on the technical systems used in libraries as well as the ways in which information is stored and disseminated. Library administration is focused on the management and organization of libraries, knowledge management, and providing access to library resources.

Career Opportunities for Graduates With A Master’s Degree in Library Science and Administration

Graduates with a master’s degree in Library Science and Administration can pursue a variety of career paths. Common roles are library directors, information technology specialists, electronic resource librarians, and reference librarians. Additionally, graduates can find a myriad of administrative roles or even pursue roles in social media or marketing departments. Professions such as archivists, curators, and other jobs related to collecting and preserving information are also available to those with a master’s degree in Library science and administration.

Internship or Co-op Opportunities Related to a Master’s in Library Science and Administration

The American Library Association and the Association of College and Research Libraries offers internship and co-op opportunities for students pursuing higher education in this field. Additionally, many local, state, and federal organizations offer internships for library science and administration. As libraries are transitioning to more digital resources and technology, many library-specific internships involve providing public access to digital resources and helping to implement them into library systems.

Specialized Tracks or Concentrations Within a Master’s in Library Science and Administration

Most programs offer specialized courses in library science and administration. Common concentrations include digital libraries, information technology, archival management, and children’s literature. Specialized tracks give students the opportunity to develop specialized skills related to the field and provide more job-specific education.

How Does A Master’s Degree in Library Science and Administration Prepare Students for Their Career?

A master’s degree in library science and administration prepares students for a variety of library- and information-related careers. The curriculum provides the skills and education necessary to develop and implement library systems, access digital resources, and understand library-specific organizational structure. Additionally, core courses provide students with an understanding of the practices of librarianship and library organization, as well as library-specific technologies.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Library Science and Administration

The increasing prevalence of artificial intelligence will likely have a significant impact on library science and administration in the future. Artificial intelligence can help in providing better access to library resources, by automatically extracting and organizing data from a variety of sources. As artificial intelligence systems become more prevalent, it will be easier to save, store, and access data, leading to improved access to information.

The Career Outlook for Students with a Master’s in Library Science and Administration

With the increasing demand for library science and administration professionals, the career outlook is expected to remain positive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in these fields is projected to grow 7% by 2029. The increasing emphasis on digital resources and online library management systems will create a demand for library science professionals. Additionally, the need for archivists, curators, and information technology professionals is expected to remain strong.

Here are the top reported starting salaries for graduates in Library Science and Administration:

Long Island University, Salary: $55,989

University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus, Salary: $55,981

CUNY Queens College, Salary: $54,117

Pratt Institute-Main, Salary: $52,945

Sam Houston State University, Salary: $51,622

Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Salary: $50,890

University of Maryland-College Park, Salary: $49,873

Texas A & M University-Commerce, Salary: $49,242

San Jose State University, Salary: $48,739

St. John’s University-New York, Salary: $47,517

For privacy reasons, not all schools report the first year salaries for students who earned their master’s degree in Library Science and Administration.