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Library Science Professors

Overview

Library Science Professors teach college students how to organize, manage, and help people find information in libraries and digital databases. They create course materials, grade assignments, and guide students through hands-on projects using modern library technologies like digital cataloging systems and online research databases. These professors also conduct their own research on topics like information literacy and data management, often collaborating with colleagues to develop new programs that blend traditional library skills with cutting-edge technology. They work in flexible academic environments where they can balance teaching, research, and mentoring the next generation of librarians.
Library Science Professors

Did you know?

Most tenure-track positions require a PhD in Library Science or related field, with an MLS being the minimum qualification for most teaching roles.

At a Glance

Median Wage

$76,910.34 Avg/yr

Growth

Stable

Top Skill

Science

Key Responsibilities

  • Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
  • Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities.
  • Serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues.
  • Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
  • Compile bibliographies of specialized materials for outside reading assignments.
  • Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and present findings in professional journals, books, electronic media, or at professional conferences.
  • Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as collection development, archival methods, and indexing and abstracting.
  • Develop and teach online courses.
  • Act as advisers to student organizations.
  • Participate in campus and community events.
  • Edit manuscripts for professional journals.
  • Select and obtain materials and supplies, such as textbooks.
  • Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.
  • Write grant proposals to procure external research funding.
  • Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
  • Select and invite guest speakers to speak to classes.
  • Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
  • Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
  • Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
  • Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.
  • Perform administrative duties, such as serving as department head.
  • Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
  • Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
  • Provide professional consulting services to government or industry.
  • Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, giving presentations at conferences, and serving on committees in professional associations.

Career Considerations

Advanced Degree Requirements

Most tenure-track positions require a PhD in Library Science or related field, with an MLS being the minimum qualification for most teaching roles.

Digital Transformation Adaptation

Professionals must stay current with rapidly evolving information technologies and digital library systems that are reshaping the field.

Competitive Academic Market

The academic job market is highly competitive with limited tenure-track positions available, often requiring research publications and practical library experience.

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