What are careers in library science?

Information officers, archives librarians, and electronic resource librarians are careers in library science.

• Information Officer

An information officer works with electronic information, especially online databases, content management systems, and open access and digital resources to manage and develop information.

Information officers will also typically work with traditional library materials. They will spend a great deal of their time working with internal and external databases. They will also be expected to work with the staff and provide access to resources and train them on how to find, use, and store information.

Typical duties for an information officer can include:

• Selecting, managing, and distributing information resources in a range of formats

• Classifying, collating, cataloging and storing information, usually using special computer applications, for easy access and retrieval

• Creating and searching databases

• Cataloging and indexing materials

• Scanning materials

• Conducting information audits

• Developing and managing electronic resources using, for example, online databases and content management systems

• Overseeing the development of new information systems

• Helping assess proposed new subscription databases and make recommendations based on staff/client needs

• Developing and managing information resources and networks via intranet sites

• Writing reports, publications, and internet content

• Responding to requests from staff and external clients

• Promoting the information service to ensure staff and clients are aware of all relevant knowledge and information resources

• Providing user education via leaflets, websites, and tours of the library or information room

• Delivering services such as online resource housekeeping and training materials

• Providing training and advice to colleagues, and sometimes clients, on the use of electronic information services and key research resources.

• Archives Librarian

Another career option in library services is that of an archive librarian. While a librarian manages libraries or individual collections, the duties of an archive librarian include preserving, appraising, and organizing archives, as well as teaching others about historical documents and facilitating access to them.

They may help museum or library staff access these documents, write descriptions for specific documents and practice regular preservation techniques on entire collections. They may also create educational activities for staff and visitors about historical texts and archiving techniques.

Archive librarians often have hard skills relating to preservation, appraisals, and education. For instance, they may have specialized knowledge of preservation techniques that maintain the condition of documents of a certain type or from a specific era. They may also have soft skills relating to organization, analysis, and indexing.

Archive librarians may receive training that helps them identify historical documents, verify their authenticity, or preserve specific types of documents. They may also receive training that helps them conduct educational programs. For instance, they may get training on various chemicals that help in the preservation process.

Archive librarians can work in a variety of settings, but are typically found working in libraries or museums and they work in collaboration with educators, archivists, and historians. They commonly work in a specific section or exhibit that contains the historical materials that they specialize in.

• Electronic Resource Librarian

As libraries become more and more digital, an electronic resource librarian is becoming a more common career path in library sciences. An electronic resource librarian is responsible for the electronic resources within their library. They can work in a local library or an academic or research library setting.

This position typically involves knowledge and use of an integrated library system, which keeps track of an item's lifecycle. An electronic resource librarian can have a variety of different areas that they specialize in including acquisitions or purchasing of materials.