Dynamic Careers

Rapid and profound changes in information and communication technologies, have revolutionized how we approach, understand, and appreciate information. Traditional repositories, from libraries to archives, are seen in new ways, and professionals with the skills to develop, organize, manage, and use collections of information are in high demand.

What is the outlook for the Library Science field? (Will I be able to get a job?)

More than 90% of IU SLIS graduates find jobs within 3-6 months of graduation.

The growth of the Internet and the development of the World Wide Web have opened up new avenues for librarians. Technology helps, but has certainly not replaced librarians skilled at answering complicated reference questions, working with children, managing staff, developing database searching techniques, defining user needs and teaching people how to use libraries and the resources they contain. Jobs are also prevalent in positions outside traditional library settings, for example with library automation vendors or publishers (print and electronic). Graduates who are willing to seek positions in smaller cities and rural areas increase their opportunities for obtaining a traditional library job quickly.

Over the next six years 41,000 librarians, about 20% of the work force, will reach retirement age. Currently 56% of all librarians are over age 45. Salaries are increasing, job descriptions are changing, and the demand continues to increase for people with the skills to handle information in many settings.

What kinds of jobs are available to someone with an MLS degree?

Graduates with an MLS degree take a variety of positions, depending on their educational course work and skills. Those interested in public service find positions in reference or youth services; bibliographic or technology instruction; library management or educational administration. Those whose interests lean more toward content management seek work in cataloging or archiving; online searching or document analysis; technical writing or publishing. MLS graduates with a special interest in systems design or networking may seek jobs in database design, programming or as Web Developers/Managers. The possibilities are endless!

How much money can I expect to earn with an MLS degree? What is the salary range?

In general, average starting salaries range from $31,000 to $38,000 depending on an individual's qualifications and the type, size, and location of the library. Graduates with special technical skills or managerial experience can often earn more. For example, directors of large public and academic libraries may earn from $75,000 to $120,000 annually. During the past two years, the average starting salary for an MLS graduate has increased 5.4% and 6.5% respectively, easily outpacing inflation (2.7%) during the same time period.

What skills should an MLS graduate have to be competitive in the job market?

Employers look for MLS graduates who have strong organizational, analytical and communication skills. The ability to work with people, as well as good information technology skills are important in almost every position.

Some specialized careers, such as youth services, or Web master require specific skills, such as storytelling or experience with specialized Web design and presentation application software. As the Web becomes a popular means to share information with library users, MLS graduates are increasingly expected to have an understanding of information design and hypertext markup language, no matter what career path they pursue.

What additional course work would complement my MLS?

Positions in academic libraries and some special and public libraries require or prefer applicants to have advanced training or a second master's degree. SLIS has established dual master's degree programs, which allow students to complete two degrees with fewer credit hours than would be required if the degrees were earned separately. For example, students interested in archives administration, public history, genealogy, museum administration, or historic preservation have pursued the Master of Arts in History and MLS dual degree program.