5 Great Websites for Library Science Majors

Websites for Library Science Majors

The American Library Association's Student Resource Pages
LibraryScienceDegree.org
International Literacy Association
Finding a Library Job
Librarian.net

Students working on degrees in Library and Information Science are in it for the long run. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a career position in this field requires a master's degree. For help along the way, listed below are five great websites that will help students locate specific resources, become familiar with issues that occupy professional librarians and information technologists, and keep abreast of developments in this field.

1. The American Library Association's Student Resource Pages

The American Library Association is the world's oldest and largest professional organization for librarians, and as such acts as a hub of information for librarians and those planning a career in Library and Information Science. Drawing its membership from around the world, the ALA dominates the field of Library Science. In addition to its organizational website for members, the ALA maintains several pages designed especially for students. Here will be found information about scholarships and other forms of financial aid, data concerning internships, recommendations for degree programs, and information about starting one's career.

2. LibraryScienceDegree.org

Library Science Degree.org maintains a site that is both easy to maneuver and packed with a great deal of information for the student. In addition to a lively blog written by librarian Alison Schwartz, students will find a wealth of information about how to select graduate programs that are right for them, how to assess the programs they are considering, and facts about some of the career opportunities open to them once they've finished their degrees. This is a site designed to help students take charge of their professional education.

3. International Literacy Association

Its no wonder that the International Literacy Association would make our top five list. Being the foundation of the career in library science, literacy and literacy campaigns throughout communities and in schools are at the forefront of all librarians. This particular website showcases community involvement and resources aimed at helping to promote literacy education. Literacy Daily, the site blog, stays up to date with the latest information.

4. Finding a Library Job

The INALJ acronym stands for "I need a library job." This website functions essentially as a job-listing and job-posting resource. Positions are listed according to locations and divided roughly into posts in the various US states, Canada, and abroad. The site contains not only information about currently available jobs, but also a host of interesting articles, interviews, blog posts, and ideas certain to inspire a budding librarian. Students plotting a career path will get clear information here about where the jobs are and what they entail.

5. Librarian.net

This is the professional blog of Jessamyn West, a library technologist living and working in Vermont. With the subtitle "Putting the Rarin Back in Librarian since 1999," Jessamyn's blog covers topics that students planning a career in Library and Information Science may find surprising, challenging, and at times intriguing. Discussions range from the purely career-oriented to political and philosophical. Jessamyn has published two books on library-related issues and gives talks on her field as well, so is well versed in the issues that matter to professionals. Driven by a passion for books and libraries, Jessamyn West will inspire and motivate students to look at their chosen field in new and exciting ways.

Whether they are seeking job listings, career advice, motivation, or fellowship in their professional path, students will enjoy these websites. They'll be of use both to the student and, in later years, to the professional librarian and information technologist.