Become a Librarian
If you're looking for a job that is highly skilled, in demand and involves giving back to your community, then becoming a librarian just might be the ticket. While the path to becoming a librarian isn't an easy one, it is rewarding and diverse. Like many other jobs today, the key is education. Getting your bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is the first step towards most careers and it is not any different for librarians.
Your focus as an undergrad is your choice though. Whether your interests are in arts, science, psychology or marketing, the experience you gain will be of value towards your career as a librarian. But, as we said earlier, that is just the first step. It is strongly suggested that potential candidates acquire a master's degree in Library and Information Studies from a reputable institution. Some suggest avoiding library science as an undergraduate major if you're going to major in the library field.
Many of your future employers will be required to only choose from those who have earned their degree from a program approved by the American Library Association. Many positions which are governed by state, county or city boards have very strict standards for education which not all institutions are able to fulfill. In addition, many kindergarten through grade 12 schools will stress including a specialty in school librarianship or teaching, from an approved college or university.
Below is a suggest list of ALA approved colleges and university programs that meet the association's high standards. This list can and will change. For the absolute latest information, be sure to visit the ALA website.
Alabama, University of Albany, State University of New York Alberta, University of Arizona, University of British Columbia, University of Buffalo, State University of New York California - Los Angeles, University of Catholic University of America Clarion University of Pennsylvania Dalhousie University Denver, University of Dominican University Drexel University Emporia State University Florida State University Hawaii, University of Illinois, University of Indiana University Iowa, University of Kent State University Kentucky, University of Long Island University Louisiana State University McGill University Maryland, University of Michigan, University of Missouri-Columbia, University of Montreal, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, University of North Carolina - Greensboro, University of North Carolina Central University North Texas, University of Oklahoma, University of Pittsburgh, University of Pratt Institute Puerto Rico, University of Queens College, City University of New York Rhode Island, University of Rutgers University St. Catherine University St. John's University San Jose State University Simmons College South Carolina, University of South Florida, University of Southern Connecticut State University Southern Mississippi, University of Syracuse University Tennessee, University of Texas - Austin, University of Texas Woman's University Toronto, University of Valdosta State University Washington, University of Wayne State University Western Ontario, University of Wisconsin - Madison, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, University of
