Education for librarianship
Encyclopedia
Education for librarianship is the term for the educational preparation for professional librarian
s. This varies widely in different countries. In the United States
and Canada
, it generally consists of a one- or two-year Masters degree program in library science
. This program is taken following an undergraduate degree, although there are programs leading directly to the bachelor's degree (or the associate degree or the certificate) in library science which are used for formal training of paraprofessional library associates, library technician
s, and clerks (though such training is not required for such positions)--and also as preparation for graduate study in library science.
For further discussion, see: History of library and information science
offered the first courses in Library education in the country. The University would later establish the first separate library school in the country in 1961; the Institute of Library Science
, a former department of the now defunct College of Liberal Arts. Librarians usually have a four-year bachelor's degree
in library and information studies
, or a master's degree
in LIS or one a with concentration in Library Science. It is also not uncommon for librarians to possess a degree in Education, with a specialization or major in Library Science. With passage of the Republic Act No. 6966 (Repealed in 2003 with the passing of R.A. 9246 or "The Philippine Librarianship Act of 2003") in 1990, graduates of library and information science are required to take the licensure examinations for librarians in order to practice librarianship in the Philippines or countries which have reciprocity as regards the practice of the field. http://www.ops.gov.ph/records/ra_no9246.htm
specializing in the professional training of librarian
s. The first library school was established by Melvil Dewey
(the originator of the Dewey decimal system
) in 1887 at Columbia University
. Since then many library schools have been founded in the United States and Canada. The development of library schools in other countries began in 1915, when librarians' schools were founded at Leipzig
and Barcelona
(currently, as a faculty of the Universitat de Barcelona, the latter is the oldest library school in Europe). Many others were founded during World War II
. The University of Chicago
became the first library school to confer a master's degree in library science
, which is now the standard professional degree, and later became the first to give a doctoral degree in the field. Three other prominent American library schools are located at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
and at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
.
Most library schools in North America offer graduate programs only. Accreditation of these programs is granted by the American Library Association
. The bachelor's degree in Library Science (or Library Economics as it was called in early days) was, for the most part, phased out several decades ago. Librarians in North America typically earn a master's degree, either the MLS (Master of Library Science) or the MLIS (Master of Library and Information Science
). This degree allows one to work as a practicing librarian in public libraries, academic libraries, school library media centers, and special libraries, while many individuals with the MLS title work with major library vendors. The degree is also applicable to related sectors such as publishing.
Master of Library Science programs are typically structured to offer a mixture of required and elective courses in library science
and information science
. The required courses focus on core library skills such as cataloging
, reference, collection development as well as related areas such as the philosophy underlying the profession, information technology
and management
. Elective courses may include information management
, children's literature
, genealogy
and archives as well as specialized courses related to different types of libraries.
In recent decades, many library schools have changed their names to reflect the shift from print media to electronic media, and to information contained outside of traditional libraries. Some call themselves schools of library and information science (abbreviated to "SLIS", hence the term "SLISters" for their students), while others, such as the University of Washington
's Information School, have dropped the word "library" entirely: see List of I-Schools.
or Information science
. In some fields of librarianship, a Ph.D. in another related subject, such as archival studies, is the equivalent, and some faculty have doctorates in various subject fields, as well as an MLS (or similar) degree.
in library and information science
, library science
or information science
(called an MLS, MSLS, MIS, MS-LIS, MISt, MLIS, or MILS) from an accredited university. These degrees are accredited by the American Library Association
(ALA) and can have specializations within fields such as archiving
, records management
, information architecture
, public librarianship, medical librarianship, law librarianship, special librarianship, academic librarianship, or school (K-12) librarianship. School librarians often are required to have a teaching credential
, as well as a library science degree. Master's degree programs for school library media specialist initial preparation are also accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), which ALA recognizes. Many, if not most, academic librarians also have a second, subject-based master's degree.
The early history of education for librarians in the U.S. has been explored by Churchwell. .The University of Chicago studies in library science assessed the state of education for librarians in 1948. The pivotal role of the first PhD at the University of Chicago, Graduate Library School from 1921-1951 has been analyzed by John Richardson in his study, The Spirit of Inquiry .
At the turn of the millennium (1999-2000) problems related to the graduate education of professional librarians, pervaded professional and academic discourse These were initially identified by the Council of the American Library Association as the growing elimination of the "L" word [Library] from the names of schools, the seeming lack of attention to core competencies [cataloguing was often mentioned], and the national shortage of professionals to work with particular groups [specifically young people in public libraries and disadvantaged populations] and in particular environments [such as schools]. The Final Report of the Steering Committee on the Congress for Professional Education provides an analysis of these issues. The Coalition on
Reinventing Information Science, Technology, and Literary Education supported by the Kellogg Foundation provided additional analysis of future educational needs and direction. .
Bernie Sloan compiled an extensive bibliography, Changes in LIS Education in 2004.
in library and information studies
or information science
; separate master's degree
s in librarianship, archive management, and records management are also available. In the United Kingdom
, these degrees are accredited by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals
and the Society of Archivists.
In Germany
and some other countries, the first step for an academic librarian is a Ph.D.
in a subject field, followed by additional training in librarianship.
In Denmark
the first step to become a librarian is a 3-year long bachelor's degree
in Library and Information Science
(B.Sc.) at The Royal School of Library and Information Science. The students then have the choice between taking a half year long education for librarianship called Librarian D.B or take a 2-year master's degree
called Master of Library and Information Science
(M.L.I.Sc.). All the already mentioned courses takes place in danish
but The Royal School of Library and Information Science also offers an English-speaking 2-year master's degree called Master of Library and Information Science
(M.L.I.Sc.). Students who complete the bachelor's degree, the librarianship or one of the master's degrees offered get work as librarians, information employees or organization staff. The students can also obtain a Ph.D.
in Library and Information Science at The Royal School of Library and Information Science (first awarded at The Royal School of Library and Information Science in 2004). The students can also obtain a doctorate
in Library and Information Science at The Royal School of Library and Information Science (first awarded at The Royal School of Library and Information Science in 2006).
Librarian
A librarian is an information professional trained in library and information science, which is the organization and management of information services or materials for those with information needs...
s. This varies widely in different countries. In the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
and Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, it generally consists of a one- or two-year Masters degree program in library science
Library science
Library science is an interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary field that applies the practices, perspectives, and tools of management, information technology, education, and other areas to libraries; the collection, organization, preservation, and dissemination of information resources; and the...
. This program is taken following an undergraduate degree, although there are programs leading directly to the bachelor's degree (or the associate degree or the certificate) in library science which are used for formal training of paraprofessional library associates, library technician
Library technician
A library technician or library assistant is a skilled paraprofessional trained to perform the day-to-day functions of a library, and assists librarians in the acquisition, preparation and organization of information. They also assist library patrons in finding information...
s, and clerks (though such training is not required for such positions)--and also as preparation for graduate study in library science.
Historical development
Until the 19th century, the librarian in charge of a scholarly library was normally a scholar, often a university professor with a special interest in the library. There was no training program, and the new librarian was expected to follow the practices of other similar libraries. (Popular libraries in the modern sense had not yet developed.) In the 19th century, although some librarians followed this older pattern, others prepared as apprentices under the direction of established librarians.For further discussion, see: History of library and information science
Philippines
In 1914, the University of the PhilippinesUniversity of the Philippines
The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No...
offered the first courses in Library education in the country. The University would later establish the first separate library school in the country in 1961; the Institute of Library Science
UP School of Library and Information Studies
The School of Library and Information Studies of the University of the Philippines or UP-SLIS is the oldest library school in the Philippines. Formally established in March 1961 as the Institute of Library Science, it can trace it roots to 1914, making it one of the first library schools in Asia...
, a former department of the now defunct College of Liberal Arts. Librarians usually have a four-year bachelor's degree
Bachelor's degree
A bachelor's degree is usually an academic degree awarded for an undergraduate course or major that generally lasts for three or four years, but can range anywhere from two to six years depending on the region of the world...
in library and information studies
Library and information science
Library and information science is a merging of the two fields library science and information science...
, or a master's degree
Master's degree
A master's is an academic degree granted to individuals who have undergone study demonstrating a mastery or high-order overview of a specific field of study or area of professional practice...
in LIS or one a with concentration in Library Science. It is also not uncommon for librarians to possess a degree in Education, with a specialization or major in Library Science. With passage of the Republic Act No. 6966 (Repealed in 2003 with the passing of R.A. 9246 or "The Philippine Librarianship Act of 2003") in 1990, graduates of library and information science are required to take the licensure examinations for librarians in order to practice librarianship in the Philippines or countries which have reciprocity as regards the practice of the field. http://www.ops.gov.ph/records/ra_no9246.htm
Library school
A library school is an institution of higher learningHigher education
Higher, post-secondary, tertiary, or third level education refers to the stage of learning that occurs at universities, academies, colleges, seminaries, and institutes of technology...
specializing in the professional training of librarian
Librarian
A librarian is an information professional trained in library and information science, which is the organization and management of information services or materials for those with information needs...
s. The first library school was established by Melvil Dewey
Melvil Dewey
Melville Louis Kossuth Dewey was an American librarian and educator, inventor of the Dewey Decimal system of library classification, and a founder of the Lake Placid Club....
(the originator of the Dewey decimal system
Dewey Decimal Classification
Dewey Decimal Classification, is a proprietary system of library classification developed by Melvil Dewey in 1876.It has been greatly modified and expanded through 23 major revisions, the most recent in 2011...
) in 1887 at Columbia University
Columbia University
Columbia University in the City of New York is a private, Ivy League university in Manhattan, New York City. Columbia is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state of New York, the fifth oldest in the United States, and one of the country's nine Colonial Colleges founded before the...
. Since then many library schools have been founded in the United States and Canada. The development of library schools in other countries began in 1915, when librarians' schools were founded at Leipzig
Leipzig
Leipzig Leipzig has always been a trade city, situated during the time of the Holy Roman Empire at the intersection of the Via Regia and Via Imperii, two important trade routes. At one time, Leipzig was one of the major European centres of learning and culture in fields such as music and publishing...
and Barcelona
Barcelona
Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain after Madrid, and the capital of Catalonia, with a population of 1,621,537 within its administrative limits on a land area of...
(currently, as a faculty of the Universitat de Barcelona, the latter is the oldest library school in Europe). Many others were founded during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. The University of Chicago
University of Chicago
The University of Chicago is a private research university in Chicago, Illinois, USA. It was founded by the American Baptist Education Society with a donation from oil magnate and philanthropist John D. Rockefeller and incorporated in 1890...
became the first library school to confer a master's degree in library science
Library science
Library science is an interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary field that applies the practices, perspectives, and tools of management, information technology, education, and other areas to libraries; the collection, organization, preservation, and dissemination of information resources; and the...
, which is now the standard professional degree, and later became the first to give a doctoral degree in the field. Three other prominent American library schools are located at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign is a large public research-intensive university in the state of Illinois, United States. It is the flagship campus of the University of Illinois system...
and at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a public research university located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States...
.
Most library schools in North America offer graduate programs only. Accreditation of these programs is granted by the American Library Association
American Library Association
The American Library Association is a non-profit organization based in the United States that promotes libraries and library education internationally. It is the oldest and largest library association in the world, with more than 62,000 members....
. The bachelor's degree in Library Science (or Library Economics as it was called in early days) was, for the most part, phased out several decades ago. Librarians in North America typically earn a master's degree, either the MLS (Master of Library Science) or the MLIS (Master of Library and Information Science
Master of Library and Information Science
The Master of Library and Information Science is the master's degree that is required for most professional librarian positions in the United States and Canada. The MLIS is a relatively recent degree; an older and still common degree designation for librarians to acquire is the Master of Library...
). This degree allows one to work as a practicing librarian in public libraries, academic libraries, school library media centers, and special libraries, while many individuals with the MLS title work with major library vendors. The degree is also applicable to related sectors such as publishing.
Master of Library Science programs are typically structured to offer a mixture of required and elective courses in library science
Library science
Library science is an interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary field that applies the practices, perspectives, and tools of management, information technology, education, and other areas to libraries; the collection, organization, preservation, and dissemination of information resources; and the...
and information science
Information science
-Introduction:Information science is an interdisciplinary science primarily concerned with the analysis, collection, classification, manipulation, storage, retrieval and dissemination of information...
. The required courses focus on core library skills such as cataloging
Cataloging
Cataloging is the process of listing or include something in a catalog. In library science is is the producing of bibliographical descriptions of books or other kinds of documents...
, reference, collection development as well as related areas such as the philosophy underlying the profession, information technology
Information technology
Information technology is the acquisition, processing, storage and dissemination of vocal, pictorial, textual and numerical information by a microelectronics-based combination of computing and telecommunications...
and management
Management
Management in all business and organizational activities is the act of getting people together to accomplish desired goals and objectives using available resources efficiently and effectively...
. Elective courses may include information management
Information management
Information management is the collection and management of information from one or more sources and the distribution of that information to one or more audiences. This sometimes involves those who have a stake in, or a right to that information...
, children's literature
Children's literature
Children's literature is for readers and listeners up to about age twelve; it is often defined in four different ways: books written by children, books written for children, books chosen by children, or books chosen for children. It is often illustrated. The term is used in senses which sometimes...
, genealogy
Genealogy
Genealogy is the study of families and the tracing of their lineages and history. Genealogists use oral traditions, historical records, genetic analysis, and other records to obtain information about a family and to demonstrate kinship and pedigrees of its members...
and archives as well as specialized courses related to different types of libraries.
In recent decades, many library schools have changed their names to reflect the shift from print media to electronic media, and to information contained outside of traditional libraries. Some call themselves schools of library and information science (abbreviated to "SLIS", hence the term "SLISters" for their students), while others, such as the University of Washington
University of Washington
University of Washington is a public research university, founded in 1861 in Seattle, Washington, United States. The UW is the largest university in the Northwest and the oldest public university on the West Coast. The university has three campuses, with its largest campus in the University...
's Information School, have dropped the word "library" entirely: see List of I-Schools.
Degree programs
The normal preparation for a faculty member in a department of library science (or other name) is a Ph.D. in Library scienceLibrary science
Library science is an interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary field that applies the practices, perspectives, and tools of management, information technology, education, and other areas to libraries; the collection, organization, preservation, and dissemination of information resources; and the...
or Information science
Information science
-Introduction:Information science is an interdisciplinary science primarily concerned with the analysis, collection, classification, manipulation, storage, retrieval and dissemination of information...
. In some fields of librarianship, a Ph.D. in another related subject, such as archival studies, is the equivalent, and some faculty have doctorates in various subject fields, as well as an MLS (or similar) degree.
United States and Canada
In the United States and Canada, a librarian normally has a one or two-year master's degreeMaster's degree
A master's is an academic degree granted to individuals who have undergone study demonstrating a mastery or high-order overview of a specific field of study or area of professional practice...
in library and information science
Library and information science
Library and information science is a merging of the two fields library science and information science...
, library science
Library science
Library science is an interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary field that applies the practices, perspectives, and tools of management, information technology, education, and other areas to libraries; the collection, organization, preservation, and dissemination of information resources; and the...
or information science
Information science
-Introduction:Information science is an interdisciplinary science primarily concerned with the analysis, collection, classification, manipulation, storage, retrieval and dissemination of information...
(called an MLS, MSLS, MIS, MS-LIS, MISt, MLIS, or MILS) from an accredited university. These degrees are accredited by the American Library Association
American Library Association
The American Library Association is a non-profit organization based in the United States that promotes libraries and library education internationally. It is the oldest and largest library association in the world, with more than 62,000 members....
(ALA) and can have specializations within fields such as archiving
Archive
An archive is a collection of historical records, or the physical place they are located. Archives contain primary source documents that have accumulated over the course of an individual or organization's lifetime, and are kept to show the function of an organization...
, records management
Records management
Records management, or RM, is the practice of maintaining the records of an organization from the time they are created up to their eventual disposal...
, information architecture
Information Architecture
Information architecture is the art of expressing a model or concept of information used in activities that require explicit details of complex systems. Among these activities are library systems, Content Management Systems, web development, user interactions, database development, programming,...
, public librarianship, medical librarianship, law librarianship, special librarianship, academic librarianship, or school (K-12) librarianship. School librarians often are required to have a teaching credential
Teaching credential
A United States teaching credential is a basic multiple or single subject credential obtained upon completion of a bachelor's degree and prescribed professional education requirements. Teaching credentials are required in the United States in order to qualify to teach public school, as well as many...
, as well as a library science degree. Master's degree programs for school library media specialist initial preparation are also accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), which ALA recognizes. Many, if not most, academic librarians also have a second, subject-based master's degree.
The early history of education for librarians in the U.S. has been explored by Churchwell. .The University of Chicago studies in library science assessed the state of education for librarians in 1948. The pivotal role of the first PhD at the University of Chicago, Graduate Library School from 1921-1951 has been analyzed by John Richardson in his study, The Spirit of Inquiry .
At the turn of the millennium (1999-2000) problems related to the graduate education of professional librarians, pervaded professional and academic discourse These were initially identified by the Council of the American Library Association as the growing elimination of the "L" word [Library] from the names of schools, the seeming lack of attention to core competencies [cataloguing was often mentioned], and the national shortage of professionals to work with particular groups [specifically young people in public libraries and disadvantaged populations] and in particular environments [such as schools]. The Final Report of the Steering Committee on the Congress for Professional Education provides an analysis of these issues. The Coalition on
Reinventing Information Science, Technology, and Literary Education supported by the Kellogg Foundation provided additional analysis of future educational needs and direction. .
Bernie Sloan compiled an extensive bibliography, Changes in LIS Education in 2004.
Europe
In the UK and some other countries, a librarian can have a three- or four-year bachelor's degreeBachelor's degree
A bachelor's degree is usually an academic degree awarded for an undergraduate course or major that generally lasts for three or four years, but can range anywhere from two to six years depending on the region of the world...
in library and information studies
Library and information science
Library and information science is a merging of the two fields library science and information science...
or information science
Information science
-Introduction:Information science is an interdisciplinary science primarily concerned with the analysis, collection, classification, manipulation, storage, retrieval and dissemination of information...
; separate master's degree
Master's degree
A master's is an academic degree granted to individuals who have undergone study demonstrating a mastery or high-order overview of a specific field of study or area of professional practice...
s in librarianship, archive management, and records management are also available. In the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, these degrees are accredited by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals
Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals
The Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals is a professional body representing librarians and other information professionals in the United Kingdom.-History:...
and the Society of Archivists.
In Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
and some other countries, the first step for an academic librarian is a Ph.D.
Ph.D.
A Ph.D. is a Doctor of Philosophy, an academic degree.Ph.D. may also refer to:* Ph.D. , a 1980s British group*Piled Higher and Deeper, a web comic strip*PhD: Phantasy Degree, a Korean comic series* PhD Docbook renderer, an XML renderer...
in a subject field, followed by additional training in librarianship.
In Denmark
Denmark
Denmark is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe. The countries of Denmark and Greenland, as well as the Faroe Islands, constitute the Kingdom of Denmark . It is the southernmost of the Nordic countries, southwest of Sweden and south of Norway, and bordered to the south by Germany. Denmark...
the first step to become a librarian is a 3-year long bachelor's degree
Bachelor's degree
A bachelor's degree is usually an academic degree awarded for an undergraduate course or major that generally lasts for three or four years, but can range anywhere from two to six years depending on the region of the world...
in Library and Information Science
Library and information science
Library and information science is a merging of the two fields library science and information science...
(B.Sc.) at The Royal School of Library and Information Science. The students then have the choice between taking a half year long education for librarianship called Librarian D.B or take a 2-year master's degree
Master's degree
A master's is an academic degree granted to individuals who have undergone study demonstrating a mastery or high-order overview of a specific field of study or area of professional practice...
called Master of Library and Information Science
Master of Library and Information Science
The Master of Library and Information Science is the master's degree that is required for most professional librarian positions in the United States and Canada. The MLIS is a relatively recent degree; an older and still common degree designation for librarians to acquire is the Master of Library...
(M.L.I.Sc.). All the already mentioned courses takes place in danish
Danish language
Danish is a North Germanic language spoken by around six million people, principally in the country of Denmark. It is also spoken by 50,000 Germans of Danish ethnicity in the northern parts of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, where it holds the status of minority language...
but The Royal School of Library and Information Science also offers an English-speaking 2-year master's degree called Master of Library and Information Science
Master of Library and Information Science
The Master of Library and Information Science is the master's degree that is required for most professional librarian positions in the United States and Canada. The MLIS is a relatively recent degree; an older and still common degree designation for librarians to acquire is the Master of Library...
(M.L.I.Sc.). Students who complete the bachelor's degree, the librarianship or one of the master's degrees offered get work as librarians, information employees or organization staff. The students can also obtain a Ph.D.
Ph.D.
A Ph.D. is a Doctor of Philosophy, an academic degree.Ph.D. may also refer to:* Ph.D. , a 1980s British group*Piled Higher and Deeper, a web comic strip*PhD: Phantasy Degree, a Korean comic series* PhD Docbook renderer, an XML renderer...
in Library and Information Science at The Royal School of Library and Information Science (first awarded at The Royal School of Library and Information Science in 2004). The students can also obtain a doctorate
Doctorate
A doctorate is an academic degree or professional degree that in most countries refers to a class of degrees which qualify the holder to teach in a specific field, A doctorate is an academic degree or professional degree that in most countries refers to a class of degrees which qualify the holder...
in Library and Information Science at The Royal School of Library and Information Science (first awarded at The Royal School of Library and Information Science in 2006).
External links
- Jesse, the professional listserv discussion group for teachers of library science.
- StanleyK -"StanleyK" is an uncensored discussion list for those who teach in library and information science education programs and those interested in issues relating to the education of librarians. This list is not moderated. Named for Poet Laureate Stanley Kunitz whose writings in Wilson Library Bulletin were important to the passage of the Library Bill of Rights.
- Association for Library and Information Science Education (ALISE)
- Directory of currently ALA-accredited library schools
- List of Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) accredited library and information courses in the UK