Library Science

The American Library Association (ALA) is the oldest and largest library association in the world, providing association information, news, events, and advocacy resources for members, librarians, and library users. Founded on October 6, 1876 during the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, the mission of ALA is to provide leadership for the development, promotion, and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.

The Florida Library Association (FLA) develops programs and undertakes activities to earn it a leadership position for all areas of librarianship. To do this, the Association works with other professional organizations and professions that are relevant to librarianship; provides increasing opportunities for librarians and support staff in Florida to advance their skills so that they can maintain their effectiveness in the new information age; works closely with the information industry, facilitating productive links with the library community; and continues its role as legislative advocate for excellence in all types of library service within the State of Florida and beyond.

An advanced degree in library and information studies is vital for future librarians who wish to work in schools, government agencies, hospitals, and more. These are the top schools for a master's degree in library and information studies.

INALJ is a community of information professionals working together to help you find a job! INALJ covers all 50 states, Canada and many international jobs as well.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor is the principal Federal agency responsible for measuring labor market activity, working conditions, and price changes in the economy. Its mission is to collect, analyze, and disseminate essential economic information to support public and private decision-making. As an independent statistical agency, BLS serves its diverse user communities by providing products and services that are objective, timely, accurate, and relevant.

This site describes some alternative career opportunities for individuals with MLS and MLIS degrees. Various examples are given showing success stories from individuals that have used their library training in non-traditional ways to have successful careers. A common theme when listening to librarians is to expect the unexpected, to be prepared for job changes, and to be flexible. They often train for one area of librarianship and end up in another, or their careers consist of many jobs in many fields, some less related to libraries than others.

This session covered alternate careers for those with MLS degrees. The panelists presented the path their careers took after library school. Most of this group have MLS degrees and have worked in academic libraries. Eventually, they looked for new opportunities to use the skills gained from their library degrees, and found themselves selling books for jobbers and publishers, developing electronic journal management tools, programming systems, converting library systems data for an integrated library system vendor, working as a consortium program director, and working as subscription agents. This lively presentation covered the choices these professionals made, illustrating career opportunities that may exist for anyone interested and willing to strike out in a new direction.