Wartburg College

What you'll study

This programme blends foundational coursework in the liberal arts with applied subjects that prepare you to support information access in schools, public libraries, archives and community organisations. Typical modules cover:

• Introduction to Library and Information Science — foundations of librarianship, ethics and the role of libraries in communities.
• Classification and Cataloguing — metadata standards, subject analysis and practical catalogue creation.
• Children's and Young Adult Literature — selection, evaluation and programming for youth audiences.
• Reference and Information Services — reference interview techniques, information literacy instruction and user-centred services.
• Digital Libraries and Information Technologies — digital preservation, discovery tools, database searching and basic systems concepts.
• Archives and Records Management — appraisal, arrangement, description and legal/ethical issues for historical records.
• Research Methods in the Humanities — research skills, information evaluation and project design.
• Practicum / Internship — supervised work placement in a school, public library, archive or special collection to develop professional skills.

Students also complete the college’s general education curriculum, gaining written and oral communication skills, critical thinking and a broad disciplinary background that supports information work across contexts.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to meet Wartburg College’s standard undergraduate admission criteria, typically including a completed secondary school qualification and supporting documents such as transcripts and a personal statement. Selection emphasises academic readiness, communication skills and interest in service-oriented professions.

Typical elements considered at application include:

• A secondary school diploma or equivalent.
• Academic transcripts demonstrating strength in reading, writing and humanities or social sciences.
• Personal statement or short essay explaining interest in library and information work.
• Letters of recommendation (from teachers, employers or community leaders) may be requested.
• Some applicants may be invited to interview or to provide a portfolio of relevant work such as writing samples or volunteer experience.

Specific admission pathways or transfer credit arrangements are available for students coming from community colleges or with prior college experience. Prospective students should consult Wartburg College’s admissions office for the most up-to-date guidance on entry requirements and credit transfer.

Career prospects

Graduates with a bachelor’s in library science develop versatile skills in information organisation, research, communication and digital tools that are useful across many sectors. Common career paths include:

• Library paraprofessional or technician roles in public, school or academic libraries.
• School media aide or support staff preparing to pursue school librarian certification with additional postgraduate study.
• Archive or museum assistant supporting collections care and description.
• Information assistant roles in non-profit organisations, local government and cultural institutions.
• Roles in information management, digital curation, metadata and content management for small organisations or publishers.

Many graduates use the bachelor’s as a stepping stone to postgraduate qualifications (for example a master’s in library and information science) if they aim for certified librarian or leadership roles. Others move directly into community-facing positions and continue professional development through workshops, certifications and practicum experience.

Why study at Wartburg College

Wartburg College’s liberal-arts environment offers small class sizes, close faculty mentorship and cross-disciplinary study that strengthen critical thinking and communication—skills highly valued in information professions. Students benefit from hands-on learning through practicums and local internship opportunities, which allow them to build practical portfolios and professional networks.

The college’s emphasis on service, teacher education strengths and community engagement aligns well with careers in school and public librarianship. In addition, Wartburg’s campus culture supports leadership development, volunteer work and collaborative projects that prepare graduates to serve diverse communities and adapt to evolving information needs.