Library Science????

Question

I am in high school and need ti choose my major. My goal is to somdeay work at the Smithsonian of Natural History as a Librarian, but I don't know what that mojor would be. Can anybody help me??

Answer 1

What an impressive goal!

I am a librarian in a small public library. My background in liberal arts helped me get my job. (I majored in History and Spanish)

I suggest you look into Anthropology or a related area. This will give you the background you need for your work at the Smithsonian. You will need to go for a Master's Degree (MLS).Keep in mind that those universities offering degrees in library science (a graduate level degree) may not offer library science as a minor for undergrads. I went to Kent State University. Back in the 70s and 80s, KSU offered library science as minor. But it wasn't very popular and it was dropped from the curriculum. Keep that in mind. However, while you are attending college as an undergrad, you can apply to work as a student worker at your college or university library. You may end up shelving books as I did, but you learn the collection! Every little bit helps!

I also think you should write/e-mail the Natural History Museum at the Smithsonian. Ask your questions of the staff there. You will get thoughtful and thorough answers to your questions.

If you have any opportunities to intern or volunteer in libraries, take them. The Smithsonian is what we call in the field a "Special Library." Art museum libraries, law libraries and medical libraries fall into that category, too.

Good luck! This could be a great job! :)

Answer 2

I was considering becoming a librarian myself, so I did a little research on that. I found that you can major in what you want, in your case I would go with History and you can do a minor in library science.