What Can I Do with an Associate Degree in Library Science?

An associate's degree in library science could lead to a number of career and educational opportunities. Read on to find out more the career paths one might forge after earning this 2-year degree. Schools offering Archival Studies degrees can also be found in these popular choices.

Associate's Degree in Library Science

Library science involves the management and organization of information and materials. Most associate's-level library science programs lead to an Associate of Arts in Library Technology, while some schools instead award an Associate of Science in Library Science. These degree programs prepare students support positions such as library assistant and library technician. Information about these positions immediately follows.

Important Facts About These Occupations

Library Technician Library Assistant
Median Salary (2014) $31,680 $23,910
Job Outlook (2014-2024) 5% increase 5% increase
On-the-Job Training Short-term Short-term
Key Skills Communication, interpersonal, and technology skills Communication, interpersonal, and technology skills

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Library Technician

Library technicians are responsible for assisting librarians with tasks such as acquiring and preparing materials and helping clients find particular information. They assist with many of the day-to-day duties associated with libraries. Because the information storage and cataloging systems of libraries is becoming more technologically advanced, library technicians must have strong computer skills and be familiar with basic technical services. They may assist in the marketing of a library's services by interacting with readers through planned outreach programs. Library technicians help to catalog materials, input data and oversee circulation procedures. They may work in public, private or university libraries.

Library Assistant

Library assistants help librarians and library technicians with the lending and collection of books and other library materials such as videotapes and periodicals. They also register new patrons and issue new library cards. Library assistants are responsible for the sorting of returned materials and may repair or report items that have been damaged.

Further Study in the Field

Graduates of associate's-level library science programs may choose to pursue higher degrees in a related field. Students can often transfer their course credits to bachelor's-degree programs. Many students continue working toward master's degrees in library science because it is generally required to become a librarian.

To continue researching, browse degree options below for course curriculum, prerequisites and financial aid information. Or, learn more about the subject by reading the related articles below:

  • 1. Degree Options:

Popular Schools

  • University of Cincinnati

    Campus Locations:

    • Ohio: Blue Ash
  • Northeast Community College

    Campus Locations:

    • Nebraska: Norfolk
  • Mountwest Community and Technical College

    Campus Locations:

    • West Virginia: Huntington
  • Itawamba Community College

    Campus Locations:

    • Mississippi: Fulton
  • Grand Rapids Community College

    Campus Locations:

    • Michigan: Grand Rapids
  • East Mississippi Community College

    Campus Locations:

    • Mississippi: Scooba
  • College of Southern Idaho

    Campus Locations:

    • Idaho: Twin Falls
  • Allen County Community College

    Campus Locations:

    • Kansas: Iola
  • Stanford University

    Campus Locations:

    • California: Stanford
  • Harvard University

    Campus Locations:

    • Massachusetts: Cambridge
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