Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Library Science Professor
What library science professors actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a library science professor?
Record an online lecture on metadata. From there, the day usually includes teach library science courses, supervise practicums, and conduct research. Flexible schedules with many online courses.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a library science professor working full time.
- Record an online lecture on metadata.
- Meet students by video.
- Review a practicum report.
- Research digital archives.
- Teach a live online seminar.
- Answer discussion posts.
- Write a paper.
Where library science professors work
Faculty work in offices, classrooms and online, often remotely.
Hours and schedule
Flexible schedules with many online courses.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Teach library science courses
- Supervise practicums
- Conduct research
- Develop online courses
- Mentor students
- Publish research
- Serve professional associations
Tools you’ll use every day
- Integrated library systems
- Metadata tools
- Learning management systems
- Video platforms
- Databases
- Digital repository software
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Online teaching options
- Flexible schedule
- Information access mission
- Growing digital field
What’s hard
- Small field
- Few positions
- Lower pay for academia
- Changing technology
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love libraries and information
- I want to teach online
- I like research
- I enjoy mentoring
- I like technology
- I’m willing to earn a doctorate
Not sure? Take the free Library Science Professor fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Protect student privacy
- Follow research ethics
- Support patron privacy principles
- Follow campus safety