LibGuides: Library & Information Science Careers: What Can I Do With a Degree in Library Science?

About Careers for Librarians and Archivists

There are a lot of great resources at Simmons and on the web where you can find information about library careers. Have fun exploring!

ALA: Office for Research and Statistics Reports
Free summaries of the ALA's reports on librarian salaries, benefits, and more.
How to Become a 21st Century Librarian
From Library Journal, this article notes that "Today’s libraries are full of collegial, and sometimes even downright noisy, collaboration, creation, and community activities, and are as much about technology as print on paper."
LIScareer.com
Practical career development advice for new librarians and information professionals, MLS students, and those considering a library-related career.
Occupational Outlook Handbook: Librarians
Overview of the profession from the U.S. Department of Labor. Includes information about: General nature of the work, working conditions, employment, training and qualifications, job outlook, earnings, and related occupations.
Simmons College InfoLink
The SLIS InfoLink is a monthly newsletter produced for the SLIS community of students, faculty, staff and alums. The InfoLink is released seven times a year. Each issue includes a feature article focused on a vital aspect of the LIS profession.
So You Want to be a Librarian
This open access e-book provides information about librarianship as a career, including types of libraries, types of jobs within libraries, professional issues, and educational requirements.

Alternative Careers for SLIS Graduates

Not interested in working as a more "traditional" librarian or archivist? Explore some of these resources to discover the many career paths open to information professionals.

7 Options for Flexible LIS Careers
Create a rewarding career in LIS that fits with your schedule and interests.
Alternative Jobs: The Nontraditional Career Path
The authors of the new book Career Q&A: A Librarian’s Real-Life, Practical Guide to Managing a Successful Career show information professionals how to assess their strengths and sell their skills, as well as where to look for alternative job opportunities.
Finding a Non-Traditional Career Path
Part of a series of posts from the Special Library Association, this article offers advice to LIS professionals who might be interested in non-traditional career paths.
Hitting the Trifecta: Alternative Career Paths for Those with an MLS
Covers alternate careers for those with MLS degrees; panelists presented the path their careers took after library school.
Librarians in the Information Age: Alternative Uses of MLS Degrees
From LIScareer.com, this article notes that "The definition of traditional librarian jobs should be changing, since technology has changed the way knowledge is stored and disseminated. In turn, that has caused a change in the way that corporations conduct business, opening new opportunities for people with library training in the corporate world."
LIS-Forum: Path To an Alternative Career
Librarian Paul Duckworth describes several steps in moving toward an alternative career path. Some jobs defined include knowledge management, information brokerage, and consulting, telecommuting, and bibliotherapy.
Non-Traditional Jobs for Librarians
From the ALA. a list of nontraditional jobs for librarians. Includes usability, competitive research, and database administration.

Books from the Career Collection

Use these books to discover more about career options in libraries and archives. The career collection is located on the main floor of Beatley Library, just past the Circulation Desk, and browsing is recommended!

ARL Annual Salary Survey
Call Number: E-Book

This report analyzes salary data for all professional staff working in the 125 ARL member libraries during FY2014–2015.
Career Opportunities in Library and Information Science
Call Number: Z682.35.V62 T39 2009

This book includes information for how to start or alter the direction of a career in library and/or information science.
Careers in Music Librarianship II
Call Number: Z695.M95 C35 2004

Examines the changing profession in a collection of essays that provide a practical introduction to the profession of music librarianship.
A Day in the Life: Career Options in Library and Information Science
Call Number: Z682.35.V62 D39 2007

95 authors describe a typical workday or work routine, sharing joys, sorrows, and annoyances in refreshingly candid fashion
The New Information Professional: Your Guide to Careers in the Digital Age
Call Number: Z682.35.V62 L39 2010

Provides in-depth coverage of career opportunities in eight core information fields.
Opportunities in Library and Information Science Careers
Call Number: Z682.2.U5 M33 2002

Comprehensive information on the field of library and information science provides readers with everything they need to make an informed career choice.

International Careers

Interested in working outside of the United States? Explore these resources for more information on international careers for librarians and archivists.

ALA International Relations Office
Provides information on library employment and foreign credentials, international associations/organizations/conferences, awards/grants/exchanges and more about ALA's international activities.
International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) and Institutions Listserv
IFLA-L is an electronic mailing list that brings you: news and information relevant to the international library sector; a forum of general interest to the international library community; congress updates; announcements; newsletters; and new publications.
International Librarianship
A list of links about international relations between libraries and librarians, with a focus on information for Americans interested in making connections abroad. This list is for informational purposes only; no endorsement is implied.
International Librarianship: Getting There from Here
A comprehensive article that includes tips for developing skills, finding jobs and more.
International LIS Jobs
From The Global Librarian, this page links to a wide array of resources for pursuing an international career.