Online library science degrees are meant for students who want to become librarians for schools or community libraries, or want to manage collections of books or other materials. Graduates of library science degree programs are experts in research and information, and finding the best answers to questions on nearly every topic one can think of.
Within library science programs, students may be able to specialize in areas such as youth services, information services, digital libraries, school librarianship, or archival studies. Regardless of concentration, students will likely take core courses in information studies, information seekers’ behavior, and information management, and study collection development, research, and the evaluation of information. Students interested in becoming school librarians should check into their state’s requirements for certification, education, and experience when looking at online library science programs.
Many library science degree programs also offer joint certifications or degrees, such as certifications in school librarianship, public librarianship, or nonprofit management, or degrees in history, law, health informatics, or business. Such certifications or degrees would prepare students for careers in health or law libraries, museums or archive collections, or non-profit organizations.
Library science graduates play an important role in the educational realm because of the expertise they can offer to both teachers and students. Within a school, librarians can work with students to find age-appropriate or level-appropriate books to read for pleasure or for school reports, and can help students sort through millions of websites and digital resources to find valid information. They can also help teachers find the best resources for lesson plans, and ensure that students are always being taught the best information available.