Librarians work for a variety of public and private information centers, as well as for schools,
universities and traditional libraries. In general, a Master of Library Science (M.L.S.) degree is required, as well as a love of information, research, books, database work and customer service.
Work during high school and college as a part-time library page or clerk.
- Learn a foreign language in high school and continue studying it in college. Many graduate programs require knowledge of a second language.
- Maintain a high G.P.A. while obtaining a bachelor's degree in a field that will give you a broad education.
- Contact the American Library Association (ala.org) for a list of the 59 graduate schools it has accredited.
- Write to your graduate school choices for their admission guidelines and applications. Do this well before your senior year in college.
- Talk to your college counselors for their input well before your senior year. Ask them about your state's certification requirements if you want to become a school librarian. You may need to become certified as a teacher by taking required courses and a state exam, in addition to receiving an M.L.S. degree.
- Apply to the graduate schools on time and make certain you send them all necessary paperwork, as requested.
- Decide if you want to work for the public or private sector. Upon acceptance to a graduate school, carefully plan your courses and electives accordingly.
- Strive to graduate with honors.
- Send out job applications early, and include references from the supervisors at your part-time library jobs and any internships.
Librarians work for a variety of public and private information centers, as well as for schools, universities and traditional libraries. In general, a Master of Library Science (M.L.S.) degree is required, as well as a love of information, research, books, database work and customer service.