What is Information Science, Really?

Unlike many other fields, it can be difficult to nail down an exact definition of an information scientist due to the nature of the field. Individuals in this profession engage in work that has to do with the ever-changing information technology landscape and often features interdisciplinary work. For this reason, very seldom will two information scientists appear to be the same. It’s important to find a program that fits the pathway you would like to pursue!

MLIS Career Pathways

MLIS encompasses a diverse range of disciplines with practical applications. A common label used to describe this is “Pathways,” which provide students with insights into various information science careers and fields of study. These Pathways can include (but are not limited to):

Academic Librarianship
Archives & Records Management
Assessment Librarianship
Data Curation and Data Management
Digital Collections
Geographic Information
Information Organization
Public Librarianship
Science Information
User Experience (UX)
Youth Services

Pathways often come with curated course listings that are deemed relevant to each specific interest, along with information about the career path itself, including professional organizations, publications, job titles, and potential practicum settings. Make sure when looking at potential schools that you consult the various career pathways they offer so you can make sure that the program is right for you.