University offers online masters degree in library sciences

University offers online masters degree in library sciences

Professionals who hold a degree in library and information sciences have an abundance of career options. Although most Americans traditionally think of librarians as working in elementary schools, these individuals can pursue careers in government, advertising or healthcare.

Librarians who have high levels of education may be more attractive to future employers. To meet the needs of nontraditional learners who wish to boost their careers, many schools are launching online library sciences programs. This gives working adults the opportunity to earn advanced degrees without neglecting their current jobs.

For example, the University of South Carolina offers an online masters degree in library and information sciences. Coursework for this program focuses on topics such as technical services, the history of information organizations and technologies, printing, indexing and digital libraries.

Graduates of this program may work with electronic media, internet resources as well as other non-print materials such as CDs, DVDs and computerized databases. These professionals are often experts at research and archiving, however, librarians may qualify for administrative positions as well.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that librarians earned an average of $52,530 during the 2008-2009 academic year.

By Mark Danson