Film and Video Librarians

High School

Take classes in English, history, science, foreign languages, art, computer science, and mathematics to prepare for this career. Classes that require you to write numerous research papers will give you good experience in writing and utilizing different library resources. Film and video librarians will often give class lectures or hold discussion groups. If you dread speaking in front of a small group, consider taking a speech class or join the debate team to hone your verbal communication skills.

You should also take film classes or perhaps join a photography club. Such activities will give you familiarity with films outside of the mainstream and experience with different equipment.

Postsecondary Training

The direction you take in college depends largely on where you would like to work. Many librarians working in a school setting hold an education degree with a specialization in media or information studies. Most, if not all, librarians working in college, corporate, or public libraries have a master's degree in library science (M.L.S.) or a master's degree in information systems (M.I.S.). It is important to have earned an M.L.S. or M.I.S. from a program that is accredited by the American Library Association (ALA). Most programs last from one to two years, with some schools offering off-site study opportunities. Many film and video librarians have a bachelor's degree in liberal arts and/or extensive experience in film.

Certification

Some colleges and universities offer undergraduate and graduate certificate programs in library science, library science specialties, and emerging fields such as artificial intelligence. These programs typically last six months to a year and are available in online, in-person, and hybrid formats. The ALA offers a list of library certificate and degree programs at https://www.ala.org/aboutala/offices/library-certificate-and-degree-programs.

Other Education or Training

Many librarians rely on annual conferences and continuing education classes to advance their knowledge. The Association for Library Collections and Technical Services, for example, offers a variety of online courses. Recent offerings included Fundamentals of Electronic Resources Acquisitions and Fundamentals of Collection Development & Management. The association also offers seminars and workshops at its annual conference. Other organizations that provide continuing education opportunities include the American Library Association, Association for Information Science and Technology, Special Libraries Association, and the Canadian Library Association.