I had numerous responses to my own Blog post Library Science Ranks #4 in Highest Unemployment, but none have any valid reason to reject a bachelor degree as the required entry level. It’s just been that way for over 100 years, so why change. Maybe change is necessary to address the needs for more technically competent librarians within the profession, inadequacies within the degree programs, and changing demands on librarians, not to mention changing library missions and operations, and maybe a more fair and compatible educational advancement structure.

Although, there are lesser degrees and certifications for lesser positions within the profession. Library Technician is a big one for an associate degree, or even bachelor. You just can’t get hired as a “librarian” without a masters degree – from an ALA accredited program. Granted times are hard right now with many libraries not only closing but cutting staff and services. Gee, this sounds like a GREAT time to restructure the library school education system. It does seem like ALA would be in the forefront of that rather than reinforcing the fortress.

I have a recent college degree and am an experienced tech professional. My current job involves working with leading companies that create knowledge, design search tools into their content and optimize both for discoverability through Google, FB, etc. Though the moniker “info expert” might reasonably be applied to me, I’m in awe of sharp people in their 20s-30s who seemlessly interact with information and the world.

In my case, the divide has nothing to do with knowing the tools — I help build ‘em for heaven’s sake. It’s about thought patterns & expectations. Growing up in an era when information was organized hierarchically, in silos and behind gates has trained me to think in terms of ontoligical containers. It has also engendered an expectation that I must “go to” or “find” information. Adults 20-30 years youngers don’t seem to share this orientation. Theirs seems to be that information is an intimate part of their existence. They take it in as naturally as the air they breathe or get it as effortlessly as any object that has become commonly available, like water from a tap. Given these expectations and this facility, why would my way (which is a bit constrained and labored) be attractive to them?

What distinguishes my output from the output of intelligent, savvy younger people is that I’m better at assessing the veracity of information to build knowledge or product. I (generally) am quicker to spot artifice or contaminants such as the influence of money, ideology or institutional culture. They simply haven’t lived long enough to see where the information they compile will take them and hone their authentication skills.

Librarianship, I believe, is still hanging its hat on organizing and finding information. Perhaps a more durable value-add might lie in helping our society to maintain and assess the veracity of the information it produces.