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Careers

Government Documents

Government Documents may be for YOU, if you are interested in:

  • Tracking down primary source information
  • Assisting and educating information seekers with a wide range of research interests
  • Employing computers to manipulate and visualize data

Suggested Courses:

In addition to the MLS Core Requirements, we recommend:

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Job Outlook for this field:

The U.S. Government Printing Office has forecast that most U.S. federal information will be available electronically by the year 2003. Even so, there are more than 1200 depository libraries assisting with the dissemination of this information and insuring free access to citizens. More and more libraries, academic, public and special, are recognizing the need to provide information specialists to assist users with statistical datasets, geographic information systems, and electronic access to government information. While there may be fewer positions specifically described as "government information librarians," positions are readily available for people qualified in the area of government information, especially if the candidate is familiar with the use of statistical datasets.

Employers seek:

  • People skills: ability to work with diverse populations, communicate effectively both orally and in writing; and provide instructional assistance. Should be able to work as a member of a team since many Government Information Librarians now serve with other reference areas in providing reference services.
  • Familiarity and interest in current public affairs
  • Familiarity with the organization of government and publishing programs
  • Language skills especially for libraries collecting and providing access to information from International Governmental Organizations (frequently French or Spanish) and for collections with foreign documents.
  • Strong Electronic skills, specifically familiarly with spreadsheet and use of statistical information. Also increasing need for knowledge of geographic information systems. Skills should include collection management of electronic resources.
  • Strong management and supervisory skills would be very helpful.

Opportunities to gain experience in this field:

IUB's Government Publications Department provides several internships each semester for students to work directly with government information. All internships are customized to fit the needs of the individual SLIS student but can include reference and instructional experiences, cataloging and technical processing, management of electronic resources, and web resource development.

IUB's Government Publications Department also hires a number of SLIS students to serve as reference assistants. These positions provide invaluable exposure to the wealth of current and historical collections originally acquired from government sources.

IUB's Geography and Map Library also encourages applicants from the School of Library and Information Science for internships or paid positions to work with maps, atlases, and GIS programs.

Professional Associations

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