About Information Sciences and Librarianship

An Information Sciences and Librarianship degree encompasses a series of courses, which teach students about computer software, principles of programming, database systems, systems analysis and management of catalogues, and documentation along with library budgeting. This field of study can be pursued at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral level.

　　

Is Information Sciences and Librarianship right for me? 

Students that are conscientious and scrupulous in their work tend to feel right at home in Information Sciences and Librarianship programmes. Individuals that like clear goals, deadlines and action plans are well suited to this field of study.

　　Students pursuing this degree will learn a number of advantageous skills such as information awareness, creativity, multi-tasking, budgeting, attention to detail and the ability to manage work teams. Acquiring expertise in these skills will teach you versatility and help you in managing the challenges of professional life.

　　

Study options and costs 

　　This degree can be studied at the bachelor’s level. The duration of this programme is 4 years. The general course work for Information Sciences includes the following core subjects: Cybersecurity, Software Development, Data Management and Analytics, and Data Communication. The core courses for librarianship are academic writing, information handling, library science, literature, and supervisory skills. A bachelor’s degree prepares students for entry-level jobs in the field of information technology, software, web development, data networks and librarianship. The cost of a bachelor’s in this subject for international students in Australia begins at around AUD 20,000 per year, with the average tuition fee sitting at around AUD 30,000 per year. 

　　A master’s degree can also be pursued if a student wishes to specialise in this field. The duration of this programme is 2 years if a student enrols full-time. The core courses in Information Sciences include Human Centred Computing, Innovations in Information Technology, Machine Learning and Software Design. The core classes for Librarianship include Informational Law and Literacy, Reference Services and Resources, and Management of Library Collections. The estimated cost of this degree is $40,000 per year in the US.

　　Students aiming to spend their careers conducting advanced research tend to opt for a doctorate degree. The duration of this programme is 4 to 6 years and the degree culminates with the submission of a doctoral dissertation based on original research. General topics students choose from are Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Molecular Information Systems, Cloud Computing and Robotics, Natural Language Processing, Retrieving Information. The culture of information-related organisations can also be studied. The average cost of this degree in the US and UK is approximately $27,000 to $30,000 per year.

　　

Future outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of workers in the Information Sciences and Library occupations is expected to grow 11% and 9%, respectively, faster than the average of all other occupations. Demand for workers with this degree is expected to increase because of the rise in expansion of firms and libraries on digital platforms, thus, making this degree very lucrative.

　　

Career Pathways for Information Sciences and Librarianship graduates

　　

Data Administrator

　　A database administrator uses software to store and organise data, such as financial information and customer shipping records. They make sure that data is available to users and is secure from unauthorised access. The average salary of a data administrator is $83,000 per year.

　　

Information security analyst

 

　　Information security analysts protect information systems against cyber threats such as hackers. These professionals use many strategies to keep the data of companies safe while adhering to governmental laws and regulations. The average salary of an information security analyst is $92,796 per year.

　　

Security Systems administrator

　　A security systems administrator is someone who gives expert advice to companies regarding their internal security procedures and also helps detect any flaws in a company's computer network that may make them vulnerable to cyberattacks. The average salary of a security systems administrator is $89,718 per year.

　　

Information Research scientist

 

　　Information research scientists design innovative uses for new and existing technology. They study and solve complex problems in computing for business, science, medicine, and libraries. They even design and conduct experiments on software to test their integrity. The average salary of an information research scientist is $131,490 per year.

　　

Librarian

 

　　Librarians and library media specialists help people find information and conduct research for personal and professional use. They are involved in management of the library along with its budgeting and cataloguing. They also acquire new books or material for the library archives. The average salary of a librarian is $61,190 per year.