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Library science certificate programs prepare professionals for career advancement and require a certain number of credit hours. Accreditation from the American Library Association is important, and choosing a specialization is necessary. Work experience and a master’s degree may also be required.
Library science certificate programs often complement a college or university’s master’s program in the field. Depending on the school, the curriculum focuses on preparing library professionals for career advancement. To ensure you receive the appropriate librarian training, check the school’s accreditation status. Guidelines for earning a certificate in library science vary, but generally include the following specific application guidelines, choosing a specialization, and enrolling in the courses required to complete a certain number of credit hours.
Check the college or university’s accreditation, especially if it offers a master’s program in addition to the certificate. Most library science certificate programs receive this status from the American Library Association (ALA). The ALA bases accreditation on whether the school offers a diverse curriculum taught by qualified faculty. In addition to meeting educational requirements, the school must also provide adequate financial aid and career placement services to become accredited. Potential employers often prefer library science graduates from accredited schools.
As you complete an application, get accepted, and get financial aid, you should consider choosing a specialization. For example, some universities offer programs designed for information scientists and librarians interested in learning about digital libraries, information management and information technology. Others offer programs specializing in records and information management, library administration, and systems design, among others. An advanced certificate in library science in digital libraries and digital preservation can also be obtained from specific schools that offer these programs.
To earn a library science certificate, a certain number of course credit hours are required. For example, some schools require you to complete 18 hours per semester of library and information science related courses. These include required and elective courses such as digital curation and electronic web publishing, while others require 18 credit hours of required and elective courses, plus three hours in a library-related internship. Also, if you have a master’s degree in library and information science along with your certificate, you must complete an additional nine to 15 hours of study.
Still other schools require students to complete more extensive programs, including 40 credit hours toward a certificate in library and information science. You would also be asked to complete a student project examining issues in libraries and information science and information management. Afterwards, you would take a final oral exam related to library science topics.
In addition to requiring work experience, most programs will generally expect you to complete a master’s degree either before or after earning a library certificate. Some schools also allow you to complete the certificate and master’s programs simultaneously. Finally, you must pass all courses with a grade point average of 3.0 or better to earn the Certificate in Library Studies.
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