International Student Guide to Studying Library and Information Science in the US

If you are an international student in the United States interested in becoming a librarian, you are going to need to study library and information science, either at an undergraduate or graduate level - or both. By studying library and information science, you will learn the skills you need to work as a librarian or information consultant.

Bachelor’s Degree in Library and Information Science

Although most librarians need master’s degrees in library and information science, a bachelor’s degree program will prepare you to work as a school librarian. If you do pursue an undergraduate degree in library and information science, there are some things you might do in order to get the most out of your undergraduate experience:

Become involved in a student chapter of the American Library Association
Join Beta Phi Mu, the library science honor society
If you plan to be a school librarian, you might volunteer as a coach, tutor, or camp counselor
Work as a volunteer or paid staff member in your local library

Typical Courses

Common courses that you might take as an undergraduate studying library and information science include, but are not limited to:

Library Media Methods
Resources for Young Adults
Storytelling
Cataloging and Classification
Collection Development

If you need additional funding to study library and information science, explore financial resource options like scholarships and loans.

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Choosing a Library and Information Science Program

If you decide to pursue an undergraduate degree in library and information science, there are certain questions that you will need to ask yourself about each program that you consider. These questions include:

Does the program also offer a master’s degree that’s accredited by the American Library Association?
Does the program offer a bachelor of science in education (B.S.Ed.)?
What requirements do I need to meet in order to be certified as a school librarian?
Does the program offer opportunities for hands-on learning and experience?
What do currently enrolled students and recent graduates from the program have to say about the program?

Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science

Most professional-level librarian positions require an ALA-accredited master’s degree in library and information science. This degree is referred to as an MLS, MLIS, MSIS, MSLS, MA in LS, or MS in LIS, depending on the school at which the program is offered. Many students choose to earn a bachelor’s degree in another area of interest before pursuing a master’s degree in library and information science. For instance, if you are interested in working as a science librarian, you might consider earning a bachelor’s degree in science before continuing on to a master’s degree in library and information science. Your undergraduate degree is less important to your later career than your MLS, but your undergraduate major or minor can help you to focus your career path and provide useful background for future specialized professions.

Although some smaller or rural libraries are staffed by non-MLS workers, if you want to pursue a career as a professional librarian, you are going to want your MLS. This gives you a much better chance of securing a position in a library, and MLS workers are generally paid better than non-MLS workers.

Non-Librarian Careers

Just because you’ve studied library and information science doesn’t mean you have to become a librarian. Other careers you might consider include:

Archivists: Archivists care for permanent records and historically valuable documents. These might include papers, letters, diaries, clippings, legal documents, maps, films, videos, sound recordings, and other records.
Computer Systems Analysts: Computer systems analysts improve existing technology and business processes and create new computer systems.
Curators: Curators run the educational, research, and public service activities of museums, zoos, and other institutions.
Teachers: Teachers work in public and private elementary, middle, and high schools and seek to prepare students for college or the work world.