BellaOnline Forums Career Library Sciences How to become?????

I work as a page at my local library, and although I've asked 3 of the 4 library aides I work with how I could go about getting into the "career", they've not given me a real answer. I know that 3 of the 4 have degrees in various other "career choices" (1 was a teacher, another only got as far as substitute teaching, don't know what the 3rd was), the 4th actually went from being a page to being an L. Aide (but had a lot of "temporary experience" as a L.Aide). None of them have really given me any firm ideas about how to go about becoming a Library aide myself (much less a full librarian).

I'm going on 2 years now as a page (same position, same library for the 2 years). The one thing I think I will DEFINITELY do is to take a course in Children's Lit. at the local U. (They don't have a Library Sciences course-load here, so that's out.) I don't have the desire or the inclination to teach at all, I don't have the access or opportunity to get "temporary experience" as an aide...... I'm rather at a loss about how to go about this.

Any ideas??? Advice??? Thanks!!!! --Kati

If your goal is to work as a library aide, then I would suggest to begin with an associates in liberal arts.

Take course in children's lit (as you mentioned), computers, and communications.

To work as a librarian you don't have to be in a school. You do need to get a Batchelor's degree (in almost any area if you're not going into a school) and then a Masters in Library and Information Sciences.

There are several universities now offering distance Masters programs. Florida and Arizona both have distance programs. There are several others. Check out the www.ALA.org site.

If you have any other specific quesitons, please feel free to ask.

Thank you SO MUCH for some firm answers. Although I know a lot of computer basics, I've been aware that I really do need to brush up my word processing skills and math skills. As I said, THANK YOU for a solid "game plan". I'm going to start looking into college courses next summer/fall as DD starts first grade. Can't really do much before then. Blessings. --Kati

Good luck. If you need any other information or encouragement (things will get you down from time to time) just pop back in. We're always here.

Cool! Thanks again for the feedback and positive information. Blessings. --Kati

My pleasure. We need more caring people in the profession.