Pre-Library and Information Science
January 8, 2025 2025-12-05 13:38Pre-Library and Information Science
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Pre-Library and Information Science
Prepare for graduate studies in library and information science.
Pre-Professional Program in Library and Information Science
The Pre-Library & Information Science Advising Track is not a major — it’s an advising pathway you add alongside your chosen academic program at the University of Lynchburg. Students who plan to pursue a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) or related graduate program typically come from diverse academic majors, but they all benefit from developing strong research, information literacy, writing, and critical-thinking skills.
This advising track helps you understand and prepare for the competencies expected in modern library and information science professions. Whether you major in English, History, Communication, Computer Science, Sociology, or another discipline, the track provides structured guidance on recommended coursework, graduate school preparation, internships, and application expectations.
You’ll work closely with a faculty advisor who understands MLIS admissions trends and the skills needed for success in libraries, archives, museums, digital information environments, and knowledge management roles.
Our goal is to help you become a competitive applicant with a strong academic and experiential background tailored to your career interests in the information field.
How to Declare the Pre-Library & Information Science Advising Track
- Email the Office of Academic Advising.
- Request to declare the Pre-Library & Information Science Advising Track.
- You will be paired with a faculty advisor who will guide your academic and experiential planning.
Declaring ensures structured advising support and appropriate course sequencing.
Recommended Majors
Because MLIS programs admit students from nearly every discipline, many majors pair well with this track:
- English (BA)
- History (BA)
- Communication Studies (BA)
- Computer Science (BS)
- Sociology (BA)
- Political Science (BA)
Your advisor will help you select electives that align with your specific interests.
Prerequisite Coursework for MLIS Programs
Most MLIS programs do not require specific prerequisite courses, but they value applicants with strong:
Research & Writing Foundations
- English composition and writing-intensive classes
- Research methods (humanities, social sciences, or STEM)
Information & Technology Skills
- Information literacy coursework
- Computer science or digital media (optional but helpful)
Content Knowledge Areas
- History
- Literature
- Sociology
- Education
Programs also appreciate students with experience in:
- Community engagement
- Data literacy
- Digital tools or media production
Your advisor will help you choose electives that align with your preferred LIS branch (archives, public libraries, academic libraries, youth services, metadata, information technology, etc.).
Recommended Lynchburg Courses
Based on your institutional documents and LIS career competencies:
- ENGL 123W – Writing Seminar
- Library research or information literacy courses
- HIST electives, particularly those with research components
- COMM courses in media, strategic communication, or information design
- CSCI courses for students interested in digital librarianship
- SOCI or PSYC electives for community-focused LIS work
Experience & Internships
MLIS programs strongly recommend — and employers highly value — relevant experience. Suggested experiences include:
- Working or volunteering at Knight-Capron Library
- Assisting with campus archives or special collections
- Volunteering with local public libraries
- Supporting literacy or outreach programs
- Working in museum archives or digital collections
- Participating in digital humanities, metadata, or research projects
These experiences demonstrate commitment to the field and strengthen your MLIS application.
What Jobs Can I Get With Pre-Library and Information Science?
Graduates can pursue careers in libraries, archives, and information centers. Job titles include:
Librarian: $60,000
Archivist: $54,000
Information Scientist: $70,000
Digital Librarian: $65,000
Records Manager: $55,000
Data Curator: $68,000
Knowledge Manager: $75,000
Library Director: $80,000
Metadata Specialist: $60,000
Information Officer: $65,000
Salary and job projections come from national averages in the Bureau of Labor Statistics and other sources, including Glassdoor, Indeed, and industry-specific posts and publications. The data is meant to provide you with an idea of career options and salary ranges, not as a guarantee of obtaining these positions after graduation. These represent national averages and may vary by source and time frame collected. Actual salaries vary by region. Some jobs may require additional training or graduate education.
