Discover Jobs and Careers in Library and Information Science | USC Library Science Degree Online | USC Library Science Degree Online
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University of Southern California

Discover Traditional and Digital Librarian Jobs and Careers

Advance your career with the Master of Management in Library & Information Science (MMLIS) online degree program from USC.

More Choices in an Evolving Field

The Master of Management in Library and Information Science & Graduate Certificate in Library and Information Management can expand your professional horizons, paving the way for you to choose from various exciting careers. From working at a biotech firm as a corporate librarian to working alongside impressionist paintings in an art museum, today's librarian has an array of pathways available as an information professional. Prepare yourself for the lasting and fulfilling career that's right for you with one of the University of Southern California's library and information science online programs.

The New Age of Librarianship: Fact vs. Fiction

FICTION: Libraries are silent, impersonal places where conversation is discouraged.

FACT: Today's libraries and information centers are lively, interactive meeting places where staff members communicate one-on-one with customers to improve their research experience.

FICTION: The job of a librarian ends when he or she helps a customer find a resource.

FACT: Modern librarians are trained professionals who act as agents of the educational process, offering customers their guidance and wisdom.

FICTION: Working at libraries and information centers means constantly working with books, hard copy, digital or e-content and databases.

FACT: Today's information centers house an incredible wealth of different media, including music, film and maps.

FICTION: A library science degree can only prepare you to be a librarian in a library.

FACT: On the contrary, the Library and Information Science Online Programs from the University of Southern California are designed to expand your career prospects. Degree holders may choose to pursue careers in a variety of government agencies as well as non-profit and private business settings.

Do More with Your Career

If you think all library and information science degrees lead to the same place, think again. Here are 10 unique and exciting career choices for an individual with an MMLIS or LIM graduate certificate to consider:

Law Librarian

Law librarians manage complex legal databases and assist legal professionals in their research, often playing an important part in the legal process. Although a law degree isn't necessarily required, law librarians are often well-versed in the field and may even participate in training sessions to teach attorneys or law students how to conduct their research more efficiently.

Medical Librarian

Medical librarians play a significant role in the health care process, managing important information that can be found in medical journals and the documentation of clinical trials. Some are employed by hospitals, while others choose to work at medical schools, serving as facilitators of the educational process for tomorrow's doctors.

Wine Librarian

Oenophiles with a love of literature, rejoice! The wine librarian is responsible for managing resources and information on vineyards, vintages, grape growing, fermentation and all other topics that wine enthusiasts may find interesting.

Business Researcher

Before a business opens its doors, it must effectively gauge the marketplace for consumer demand and marketing opportunities and examine the strategic profiles of the competition. Business researchers provide such a service, collecting, processing and organizing relevant market data to allow businesses to make smart decisions.

Special Collections Librarian

As the job title suggests, these individuals focus on the unique task of working with special collections. They often work closely with rare books, but may also find themselves in the company of historical maps, recordings or photographs, making this an incredibly appealing career choice for those with an interest in history.

Technology Coordinator

While the professional duties of technology coordinators may vary from one industry to another, the constant is a responsibility to ensure network and technical functionality. Additionally, they often find themselves in the role of educator, providing system training and making those around them as comfortable with emergent technologies as possible. Technology coordinators may be employed at schools, tech firms, health care organizations and just about any other information-intensive arena you can imagine.

Museum Librarian

Museum librarians are often involved in the development and archiving of artifact collections, works of art or other unique items. This field is a world unto itself, allowing professionals endless room for specialization. An art lover may wish to work at an art museum, while a history buff will choose to work in a history museum. Museum librarianship presents engaging career opportunities for people of all interests.

Chief Information Officer (CIO)

The chief information officer is generally an organization's greatest authority when it comes to all technology matters. They may work in academia, private business or various government agencies. A strong technical background is of the utmost importance for any CIO, as are an understanding of contemporary leadership and management strategies.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Librarian

Perfect for individuals with an interest in geography or cartography, this position entails the acquisition and maintenance of map collections, GIS databases and other geospatial resources.

Metadata Analyst

Metadata analysts can be found in a variety of settings, including banks, technical companies and academic institutions. They are exceedingly comfortable in the digital environment, where they play an essential role in database management operations, focusing primarily on tagging and cataloging.