One of the most feasible alternatives to working in a library for MLIS grads is to take up a position with a university. Many professors in library science may take on a recent master’s degree-holders to participate in research projects and data analysis. Teaching in a university setting may also be possible, depending on the qualifications stipulated by a particular college. A master’s degree may also enable you to teach in secondary schools, after you secure the proper teacher license.
Archival work is an excellent potential career path for matriculants of Masters of Library and Information Science programs. The overarching task of an archivist is to monitor valuable records, both the physical items themselves and the intellectual worth they represent. Records managers are experts compared to archivists. However, records collectors typically preside over large numbers of records that will be destroyed; archivists tend to small quantities of materials for long periods of time. An MLIS degree is suitable for entry level work as an archivist, but prestigious positions may prefer a Ph.D. specifically in archival studies.
Another alternative to the humdrum stereotypical library professional is the cataloging librarian. These experts organize informational materials in a way that can be easily accessed. Books and DVDs are resourcess that catalogers will frequently classify, but digital information continues to grow in importance to their work. Information architecture is related to cataloging, but it focuses exclusively on managing how libraries and resource databases are organized online. In this particular field, MLIS graduates can spend time working on websites and intranets, and away from hardcovers and paperbacks.
Many Masters of Library and Information Science offerings include a number of courses in social media, databases, and occasionally even graphic or Web design. MLIS programs include these classes in response to libraries' growing need for staff adept in Web programming. Such coursework could steer graduates into professional careers as website designers. Web design definitely ranks as a promising field: The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports than an estimated 13 percent growth in the field's employment should take place by 2018.