University of Maine

What you'll study

This undergraduate programme combines core information science concepts with applied skills for contemporary library work. Students study organisation of information (classification, cataloguing and metadata standards), digital libraries and electronic resource management, archival principles and records management, reference and information literacy instruction, and user services across age groups.

Typical modules and topics include:

• Cataloguing and Classification – MARC, Dewey Decimal and subject headings, metadata schemas.
• Digital Libraries and Technologies – management of digital repositories, digitisation workflows, basic web and database technologies.
• Reference and Information Literacy – researching and teaching information skills, user needs assessment.
• Archives and Records Management – appraisal, preservation, and access to special collections and institutional records.
• Management and Administration – budgeting, human resources, strategic planning and policy in library settings.
• Research Methods – qualitative and quantitative methods for evaluating services and collections.
• Children’s and Young Adult Services – programming, collection development and outreach for youth.
• Practicum / Field Placement – supervised placements in public, academic, school or special libraries to apply classroom learning.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have completed secondary education or an equivalent qualification. Admissions typically consider academic transcripts and a personal statement that explains motivations and career goals in library and information work. Some programmes may request letters of recommendation and encourage applicants to demonstrate relevant experience or volunteer work with libraries or community information services. Applicants whose first language is not English will need to meet the university’s English proficiency requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of roles in information and cultural heritage sectors. Common career paths include public, academic or school librarian roles, library technician or paraprofessional positions, archivist or records manager, and information officer roles in government, non‑profit or corporate environments. Graduates also move into areas such as digital asset management, community outreach and programming, youth services, and continuing studies that lead to professional librarian credentials or postgraduate library and information science qualifications.

Why study at University of Maine

The University of Maine offers close links to state and regional library networks and practical training opportunities across public, academic and special libraries. Students benefit from access to campus resources, including the main research library collections and digital repositories, and opportunities for supervised field placements throughout Maine. The programme emphasises applied skills and community engagement, with small classes that support close faculty mentoring and interdisciplinary options with related fields such as education, history and information technology.