Even Though Libraries Are Under Attack, Experts Say Library Science Programs Remain Important
Credit: AzmanL / Getty Images- The American Library Association has documented an increase in attacks on libraries and librarians.
- Experts say that accredited master’s programs in library science are still important in the path to becoming a librarian.
- Regardless of difficulties in the field, experts and data on higher education say library science programs are still popular.
Despite librarians across the U.S. facing physical and verbal attacks, debates over book censorship, and funding cuts, experts and professors say that library science programs are still experiencing strong student interest and enrollment.
One such student, Ainsley Clifton, just finished her final semester as a graduate student at the University of Oklahoma’s School of Library and Information Studies, where she specialized in archival studies with a graduate certification.
She was drawn to this field because of her love of books.
She told BestColleges she feels confident entering this field. And she believes that for librarians “it is important to provide the materials the audiences want to the communities they are part of, along with showcasing a variety of materials, as it is good to recognize the many viewpoints that are present in the communities the libraries serve.”
But librarians’ ability to do just this has been hit with fights over funding and censorship.
Do you love books and want to become a librarian?
Learn more about library science master’s programs.
Librarians Under Attack
Public libraries are on the frontline of many public health and social issues, and some even employ social workers to better serve the public.
Despite the role of libraries in dealing with issues like the opioid crisis and the homelessness crisis, library funding has been under attack for several years, predominantly from Republicans, on both the local and national level.
And not just public libraries have had to fight for their existence — academic libraries have also had to deal with funding cuts and misunderstandings about what purpose they serve.
These increased attacks on libraries and librarians have not gone unnoticed.
“The threat to intellectual freedom and the access to information continues to remain an issue for many library professionals across the country,” Cindy Hohl, president of the American Library Association (ALA), told BestColleges.
The ALA tracks and keeps data on public libraries across the country.
“ALA’s preliminary data for 2024 found there were 414 attempts to censor library materials and services. Sharing strength in the time of adversity keeps us strong. We must continue to stand up for libraries,” Hohl said.
Despite the difficulties facing the profession, library science master’s degrees have been awarded at similar levels over the past two decades, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
What Do Librarians Do?
Librarians do more than just catalog and organize books. They also support research endeavours and connect patrons with community services. Public and academic librarians offer slightly different services.
“Librarians are trained to serve everyone — whether it’s helping a veteran with a telehealth appointment or a homeschool parent looking for resources. Communities need library professionals,” Hohl said.
“As local institutions, libraries are always evolving to match the needs of their community whether that is providing internet access, voter registration, career development, or connecting citizens with other community partners and resources.”
Dr. Awa Zhu is an associate professor at the School of Information Sciences at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, director of programming for the Association for Library and Information Science Education, and member of the Association for Information Science and Technology.
Zhu told BestColleges that she recalls a news outlet labeling librarians as one of the disappearing careers. She said this was likely based on technological changes shifting some of the roles of librarians. But she says the functions of librarians are still essential.
“In recent decades, librarians have been particularly dedicated to supporting marginalized groups and underserved populations,” Zhu explained.
“As technology advances, we have seen a widening digital divide. Libraries are crucial to communities not just because of their specific functions but because of their deep understanding of community needs and their strong desire to adapt to changing environments.”
Zhu emphasized the importance of public libraries for local communities, saying they provide:
- Technology workshops
- Advocacy for education and literacy
- Tutoring services
- Preservation of community archives
- Job and employment assistance
- Election centers
What Do Librarians Study in College?
Both Zhu and Hohl said that interest in library science programs has persevered. To pursue most librarian jobs, prospective candidates usually need a master’s degree in library science.
“Generally, having a master’s degree in library science enhances career mobility and prepares individuals for a professional career in this field,” Hohl said.
The ALA is an accreditor of library science programs, and Hohl said many employers require an ALA-accredited master’s for positions.
Zhu said that technological advancements and political divisions make a library science master’s degree more essential than ever before as librarians are entrusted with upholding values, ethics, and cultural sensitivity while interacting with the community daily.
Zhu said enrollment and interest in her library science program has remained strong.
“A master’s degree in library science is not about managing books,” Zhu said. “It is about understanding the complex and everchanging information landscape, upholding ethical standards, and fostering a community where knowledge and ideas can flourish.”
Zhu said that while it is a tough time for libraries and librarians, librarianship is “a super resilient profession” because of librarians’ dedication and values. She said that while there has been a “high level of uncertainty” within the field, there has never been any doubt about the “professional values that underpin library science.”
“These values remain steadfast despite the challenges we face,” Zhu said.
But national politics creates an uncertain future.
“In November, I noticed a general atmosphere of sadness and concern regarding the future, particularly when it comes to funding,” she said. “This has been a significant topic of discussion and worry among colleagues and within the community.”
But, Zhu said libraries continue to provide critical services to their communities and emphasized the importance of libraries as “neutral spaces that reflect the diversity of their communities.”