Careers > Careers Outside of Libraries

Careers Outside of Libraries

What else can you do with a library and information science degree?

In our more networked world, a wealth of online discussion can be found on careers. Some of the paths individuals have forged can be found in this online article in a recent newsletter from UNYSLA, the Upstate NY Special Libraries Association.

A recent ALA Library Journal article describes new service trends in libraries and careers that are technology-based.

An MLS (Master of Library Science) or MLIS (Master of Library & Information Science) prepares students for library work, but some graduates use their education in non-library settings. MLS/MLIS graduates working outside the library include:

• Book publishing workers who use their knowledge of books to choose and edit manuscripts
• Chief information officers who decide which information technology a business needs and how employees will share information
• Content managers who find and organize material for online communities
• Database administrators who organize, update, and store data using extensive programming skills
• Information brokers who conduct research for people who contract for it
• Sales workers who sell software and other products to libraries
• Taxonomists who work for data processing and e-commerce companies by classifying information about putting it in appropriate categories
• Webmasters who design, maintain, and program web sites
• (Source: Librarians: Information Experts in the Information Age PDF)

Read more about non-traditional career opportunities

• Librarians in the Information Age: Alternative Uses of MLS Degrees

Professional Organizations

1. Association of Independent Information Professionals
2. American Society for Indexing
3. ARMA International - Records & Information Management
   

Back to top