What Are the Courses in a Bachelor's of Library Science Degree Program?
A library science degree focuses on the policies and procedures of library administration. Library science professionals are able to use multiple resources, including the latest technology, to find solutions to patrons' specific problems or questions. Read on to learn more about library science curricula.
<h3 id="section---LibraryScienceDegree">Library Science Degree</h3>
<p>Students must complete approximately 120 credits in about four years to successfully earn Bachelor of Library Science degrees. They may be required to complete core courses, electives, general education subjects and cooperative education credits.
</p>
<h3 id="section---InformationAboutLibraryScienceDegreePrograms">Information About Library Science Degree Programs</h3>
<p />
<table border="1"><tr><td> Prerequisites </td><td> Required SAT scores, 2.5 GPA, high school diploma or equivalent</td></tr>
<tr><td> Degree/Certificate Levels </td><td> Certificate program, Associate of Science, Bachelor of Science, Master of Library Science</td></tr>
<tr><td> Online Availability </td><td> Partial since internship required</td></tr>
<tr><td>Possible Careers </td><td> School library media specialist, library director, library assistant</td></tr>
<tr><td>Median Salary (2021)</td><td>$34,050 <i>(Library Technicians and Assistants)</i>*</td></tr>
<tr><td>Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td>-4% growth <i>(Library Technicians and Assistants)</i>*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i>
</p>
<h3 id="section---LibraryScienceCoreCourses">Library Science Core Courses</h3>
<p>Core courses might cover library logistics, reference and database searching; library information technology; and library materials archiving. These and other courses provide aspiring library science professionals with the tools they need to manage libraries and effectively assist patrons. Students must complete core courses such as:
</p>
<ul><li> Research methods
</li><li> Electronic information resources
</li><li> Indexing and abstracting
</li><li> Library organization
</li><li> Records management
</li></ul><h3 id="section---SpecialTopicsInLibraryScience">Special Topics in Library Science</h3>
<p>In addition to core courses, most colleges and universities also require students to complete elective courses in order to explore the ethical issues facing libraries today. This includes First Amendment rights and censorship. Electives may also cover the history and traditions of libraries and literacy. Library science program students might explore elective course topics such as:
</p>
<ul><li> Information ethics
</li><li> Issues within public libraries
</li><li> Function within the school library
</li><li> Special collections
</li></ul><h3 id="section---CooperativeEducation">Cooperative Education</h3>
<p>Some schools that offer bachelor's degree programs in library science require students to complete cooperative education credits. Students could earn these credits while gaining hands-on experience. Cooperative education programs can provide valuable training, as well as an opportunity to meet experienced professionals within the library industry.
</p>
<h3 id="section---CareerInformation">Career Information</h3>
<p>Individuals who earn this degree might go on to pursue careers in libraries, schools, publishing companies and local government. They might possess the qualifications necessary to work with computers, networked computer laboratories and library automation systems.</p>