Librarians and Potential Librarians: What computer skills are needed to be a librarian?
Posted by admin on February 14, 2008
This question is for librarians who are recent graduates, those that are in a mater of library and information science program and those that have been working for a short while as a librarian.
I have a nutrition degree without any computer classes. I know only basic stuff such as sending and receiving e-mail, surfing the net, and using Word for typing. Thus,
I have a nutrition degree without any computer classes. I know only basic stuff such as sending and receiving e-mail, surfing the net, and using Word for typing. Thus,
1) What computer skills are needed to as a librarian nowadays?(Please include the type of librarian you are/will become, public or private library and the computer skills needed)
2) Do you feel I would need to take further computer classes to prepare for a master of library and information science? What computer classes would you recommend?
3) Generally, what types of librarian requires the least knowledge of computers and information technology? What types require the most?
Thank you very much. Your help is greatly appreciated.
By: pink_cap
About the Author:
Posted under Computer Skills
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As a solo-practitioner librarian currently working in a corporate (i.e., special/specialized) library, I must confess that nowadays librarians in ALL sectors (i.e., public, academic, special (specialized), school, etc.) must be proficient in using computers and a variety of software applications. Gone are the days of card catalogs! To better understand the scope and variety of computer skills required, I encourage you to peruse the desirable and required computer skills in the job descriptions listed in several of the below websites.
Although I graduated with my Master’s Degree in Library & Information Science (MLIS) way back in 1999, I have been working in libraries since 1991. I suggest that you master the Microsoft Office suite of applications. Get your feet wet: volunteer at a local library in your area whether it be public, academic (i.e., college or university), special (i.e., corporate, law, high tech, etc.), or school (i.e., lower, middle, high school) libraries. If you are fortunate to have a nearby Library & Information Science program, I encourage you to make an appointment to discuss your potential future as a librarian. Because you have a degree in nutrition, you will have an advantage in the academic and science fields of librarianship.
Oh, and don’t sweat the computers! If you’ve made it to yahoo answers, you’re obviously a bit more competent than you give yourself credit. And be prepared, librarianship is a very demanding, yet rewarding, profession. It is not for the faint of heart! If you truly enjoy helping others, delving for information, and providing first-rate customer service to patrons, this career most certainly is for you! The other factor that you should consider is that as more and more baby-boomers retire in the next decade, there will be an incomprehensible shortage of librarians of all types, therefore, once you earn your MLIS, you will have a free-for-all in terms of career options!
Go ahead, pop yourself some popcorn, watch the Parker Posey cult classic “Party Girl” (URL below), and get ready to embark on an exciting new career path. Also check out the websites of the professional organizations and blogs listed below for additional information. I hope this information has been helpful and best wishes to you.
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