Kutztown University

What you'll study

This programme combines foundations in librarianship with applied skills in information access and management. Core topics typically include cataloguing and classification, metadata and discovery systems (including MARC and RDA concepts), reference and information services, collection development and management, preservation and conservation basics, and children’s and youth services.

Students also study digital librarianship subjects such as database searching, digital asset management, web information architecture, and information literacy instruction. The curriculum usually includes research methods, records management and an introduction to archives and special collections. Most students complete a supervised practicum or internship in a public, academic, school or special library to gain hands-on experience.

• Cataloguing & classification
• Reference services & research methods
• Collection development & materials selection
• Digital libraries, metadata & discovery
• Children’s and youth services
• Archives, preservation & records management
• Library administration, budgeting & policy
• Supervised practicum or internship

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Typical admissions criteria include a satisfactory secondary-school record and submission of official transcripts. Some applicants may be asked for a personal statement outlining their interest in librarianship and any relevant experience such as volunteer work, library employment or coursework in English and information technology.

Recommended preparation includes strong communication skills, coursework in English or humanities, and some familiarity with computers and information systems. Transfer students should provide college transcripts; mature applicants with relevant work or volunteer experience may be considered.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a range of roles in libraries, archives and information services. Common first jobs include library technician/paraprofessional, circulation supervisor, children’s services assistant, archives assistant, records management specialist, and digital resources or metadata assistant. The programme also prepares students for positions in information centres, museums and nonprofit organisations that manage collections or public information.

Many graduates choose to pursue a master’s degree in library and information science (MLS/MLIS) to qualify for professional librarian positions in public and academic libraries. Others build careers in related fields such as information management, digital curation, user experience for information systems, and school library media support (where additional certifications may be required).

Why study at Kutztown University

Kutztown offers a teaching-focused environment with small classes that allow close interaction with faculty who have practical experience in libraries and archives. Students benefit from hands-on learning opportunities through practicum placements and partnerships with local public, school and special libraries across the region.

Campus resources such as the Rohrbach Library provide a working model of library services and access to print and digital collections for coursework and research. The programme’s emphasis on both traditional librarianship and contemporary digital skills helps graduates move directly into paraprofessional roles or to build a strong foundation for postgraduate study in library and information science.