Library Specialties

Do you enjoy...

Law? Medicine? Music? Psychology? Art? Working with children? Working with college students? Whatever your interest, there is a place for you in the library profession. Here, we give you some idea about the variety of work and environments you can encounter within the library profession. We also give you links to organizations where you can find additional information.

Library Work Environments

Academic

Academic libraries serve colleges and universities, their students, staff and faculty. Larger institutions may have several libraries on their campuses dedicated to serving particular schools such as law and science libraries. Many academic librarians hold two master's degrees--an MLS and one in a particular area of study, such as biology, psychology, etc. Most become specialists in their area of knowledge and can have faculty status.

Public

• Public libraries serve communities of all sizes and types. Public libraries serve the general public. They provide programming in areas such as service to teens, children, and senior citizens.
  
  
  
  

School

• School libraries are usually part of a school district or system. School libraries serve students between kindergarten and grade 12. Many are called media centers. School librarians are often required to have a second degree in education or a certificate in school media.
  
  
  
  

Special

• Special libraries offer unique opportunities to work in a specialized environment of interest, such as corporations, hospitals, museums, and the government. Special libraries can serve particular populations, such as the blind and physically handicapped, while others are dedicated to special collections, such as the Library of Congress. Listed below resources where you can gather more information on various type of special libraries.
  
  

Library Specialties and Specialized Organizations

• Aquatic and Marine Science Librarians

  
  

  • The International Association of Aquatic and Marine Science Libraries and Information Centers

  
  

• Archivists

  • Society of American Archivists

  
  

• Art Librarians

  • Art Libraries Society of North America

  
  

• Bookmobile and Outreach Librarians

  • ALA Office for Literacy and Outreach Services
    
    

    Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services

  
  

• Children's Services Librarians

  • Association of

  
  

• Film Librarians

  • Video Round Table (ALA)

  
  

• Government Documents Librarians

  • Government Documents Round Table (ALA)

  
  

• Law Librarians

  • American Association of Law Libraries

  
  

• Map and Geography Round Table (ALA)

  
  

• Medical Librarians

  
  

  • Medical Library Association

  
  

• Music Librarians

  • Music Library Association

  
  

• Prison Librarians

  
  

• Reference Librarians

  
  

• Science Librarians

  • Read about a couple of science librarians

  
  

• Special Libraries Association

  
  

• Substance Abuse Librarians

  
  

  • Substance Abuse Librarians & Information Specialists

  
  

• Theatre Library Association

  
  

• Theological Librarians

  
  

  • 
    American Theological Library Association

  
  

• Youth Services Librarian

  
  

If you know of information that should be included here but is not, contact the HRDR Office at 800/545-2433 ext. 4280, or email
Beatrice Calvin