Write an article based on this "Understand what defines library science. Know about different types of librarianship. Decide whether you're cut out to be a librarian. Conduct informational interviews to learn more."
The study of library science includes library management, the preservation, archival, and dissemination of information, the development of information technologies, and research education. Librarians can specialize in any one of these areas, and many have responsibilities that require expertise in all of them. Tasks librarians might have include the following: Cataloging items in a library's database Developing taxonomies to organize data Implementing new technologies to update the organization of old collections Using research skills to answer reference questions Facilitating educational programs for students and the public Managing a library branch, including other employees Keeping a library's collection up to date by ordering new books and resources Perhaps you're interested in becoming a children's librarian, or you may want to participate in the archival of scientific information. There are many different types of libraries, and librarians may have a variety of responsibilities within them. Public libraries have branches that are open to anyone who wants to obtain a library card. They often have public education programs to promote literacy for both adults and children. They play an important role in providing the public with free access to information. Librarians in public libraries take on a customer service role as well as making sure the collection is up to date, communicating with other libraries, and facilitating public programs. School libraries are an important part of grade schools and middle schools, and serve the function of providing children with the resources they need to receive a well-rounded education. School librarians teach children research skills and help to develop children's interest in reading as well as managing the library itself. Academic libraries are found at colleges and universities, and they have comprehensive collections that serve the needs of students pursuing higher education. Academic libraries are often specialized, with separate buildings for a law library, a science library, an art library, and so on. Librarians at academic libraries work at reference desks, catalog new materials, help students with complicated research projects, archive special materials, and keep libraries operating as cutting edge purveyors of knowledge. Librarians at specialized libraries often need secondary degrees, such as a degree in law or within the field of science, to be qualified for their positions. Many people who love reading are interested in becoming a librarian, but the job requires much more than an appreciation of good books. Good librarians have a passion not just for knowledge, but for finding the best way to organize it. They're concerned with preserving information and making it as accessible as possible to those who need it. Many librarians describe their decision to pursue library science as a calling to share information with others. With today's ever-changing information technology landscape, librarians have to be technologically adept. Some library science programs now require classes in coding. Not every librarian interacts with the public. Some librarians spend more time on archival, cataloguing, and other tasks. If you love information, but don't necessarily feel passionate about education, library science could still be the right field for you. Contact the librarian in a library that interests you, whether that be a public, school, or academic library. Arrange to have a meeting so that you'll have the opportunity to discuss librarianship with someone who has chosen that career. Ask the librarian about his or her specific job duties, so you'll know what to expect. Ask how he or she made the decision to become a librarian, and what traits librarians should have. Ask which Masters of Library Science (MLS) programs he or she would recommend.