Vermont is known as the “Green Mountain State”. It is one of the most beautiful states and is known for its breathtaking autumns and the changing of the leaves. Vermont is mostly rural, with small rural towns and many historic homes. They have long winters, but their springs and summers offer great weather for gardening and outdoor recreation. Vermont has 51 state parks that offer areas for swimming, camping, hiking, canoeing, fishing, hang-gliding, and various winter recreations, including snowboarding and skiing. It preserves much of its history, including early American architecture and historical sites. Vermont also has a few larger towns and higher education options, including the University of Vermont, Middlebury College, and Bennington College. The University of Vermont offers a program for school library media specialists. This program trains and educates future librarians to create and maintain a library for any school system in the state. Currently, there are not any library science programs that are accredited by the American Library Association (ALA), but the library media program is set by the standards of the American Association for School Librarians (AASL). This is perfect for becoming a school librarian. For those who want to be librarians in a public library or an academic library, they will need to earn a master’s degree in library and information science from an ALA-accredited school.
This article covers what Vermont has to offer librarians and education programs for librarianship and library science. It highlights what to expect from opportunities in higher education for librarianship, the career opportunities the state offers, the salary expectations for librarians, and the opportunities in the state’s largest cities Additionally, readers will learn how to become a librarian and the other options for library and information professionals in Vermont. To know more about any of this, keep reading.
Master’s in Library and Information Science Programs in Vermont
Currently, there are no master’s programs in library and information science that the American Library Association accredits. However, they do offer a master’s program in school library media from the University of Vermont. This degree is for those who wish to work as librarians in k-12 grade schools. Those who want to become librarians at a university or public library system will need a master’s in library science. New York is neighbors with Vermont and offers more library degree programs than any other state. Additionally, there are plenty of online university programs in library and information science.
Master’s in School Library Media at the University of Vermont
This program prepares graduate students for managing a library for a school. They follow the standards set by the AASL. Students will learn leadership skills, organization skills, and how to plan classes and instruction. Some of the courses they take include Children’s and Young Adult Literature, Designing Learning in School Library Media Centers, Information Sources and Services for School Library Media Centers, Information Technology for School Library Media Centers, Developing and Organizing School Library Media Centers, and Managing and Leading in School Library Media Centers. Additionally, students will participate in a practicum and gain field experience by visiting school libraries and working in the school system during their studies. This program also grants students their licensure in school library media and meets all requirements set by the State of Vermont. This program is mostly for licensed teachers, but it also offers a route for those who are outside of education to become a school library media specialist.
How to apply
Apply online and complete the application. Provide any necessary documentation it requests and pay the application fee. No GRE test scores are required. Upon acceptance, go ahead and register for classes, as they are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and classes fill up quickly.
How to Become a Librarian in Vermont
In the state of Vermont, the minimum requirements for a public librarian are either a master’s degree in library and information science, a Vermont certificate of library training, or 12 months of working towards the degree or certification. The certificate requirements include four core courses, electives, and a course in library technology. The courses should equal up to 150 education units. Each core course is 25 units, and other courses vary. Apply online through the state’s website and pay the fee. Librarians can also register for courses and workshops for continuing education.
To become a school librarian, you will need a bachelor’s degree and some courses in library media. A complete graduate degree or certification from an accredited program is preferred, and in some schools, it is required. It is best to find a school that follows the standards set by the American Association for School Librarians (AASL). One of these programs is offered by the University of Vermont.
Academic Librarians often need a master’s degree in library and information science in most states, including Vermont. The degree program should also be accredited by ALA to ensure employers will trust the program. Librarians in higher positions and professors of library science will need a Ph.D. in information science.
What Else Can You Do with a Library Science Degree in Vermont?
Global Foundries is the largest private employer in Vermont. They offer various manufacturing services, and they have multiple technology platforms. They create technology for smart mobile devices, automotive systems, loT, personal computers, aerospace, and defense infrastructure. Due to the diversity of the company, they provide careers in various areas. Some of the careers that relate to information science include manufacturing cost analyst, logistics manager, cyber security operations analyst, and more. Global Foundries also provides internships, apprenticeships, and programs for veterans in various departments within the company. Full-time employees enjoy benefits such as 401k, 20% match for employee stock purchases, medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, paid time off, an on-site cafeteria, and a tuition reimbursement program. They also offer opportunities overseas in Singapore, Santa Clara, Bulgaria, Bangalore, Shanghai, Germany, and more.
Burlington Library Degree Programs and Career Opportunities
The University of Vermont is in Burlington, and they offer a degree in school library media for individuals looking to have a career in librarianship within the school system. The university is also one of the largest employers in Vermont. They are a top research university with plenty of research opportunities and diversity, but also in a more intimate and personal setting. They have bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees. The university employs around 70 librarians and library staff, including research librarians, collection specialists, web services librarians, statistical design and data specialists, archivists, and more.
Burlington is served by the Fletcher Free Library. The library system includes the Main Library and the New North End Branch. They have 18 librarians. The library departments include young adults, teens and tweens, children, circulation, technology services, Administration, collection development, outreach, programs and partnerships, and technology and digital literacy. Some of the ongoing programs they offer include computer and tech support, adult book clubs, teen and tween book clubs, storytime, 3D printing, art exhibits, 1000 Books Before Kindergarten, STEAM activities, Early Literacy Outreach, Story Walk, Recommended Reading, and more. They also have two large events every year that provide volunteer opportunities of all kinds. Some of the other services and resources they offer include tech support, study, and meeting space, museum passes, laptops and wifi hot spots, research assistance, online classes, and online and print books, magazines, movies, and articles.
The Shelburne Museum is ten minutes out of Burlington, and it is the largest art and history museum in northern New England. It is a popular attraction and a public resource for art and cultural history. It is a collection of historic buildings and breathtaking gardens and landscapes over 45 acres. There are 39 buildings, of which the Shaker design Round Barn, a General Store, a carousel, and the 220-foot sidewheel steamboat Ticonderoga It is a beautiful place to work. They hire grant writers, graphic designers, museum services assistants, project conservators, registrars, and research managers.
Essex Library Degree Programs and Career Opportunities
Essex is served by the Essex Free Library and they have six library staff including three librarians. They have a youth services department, circulation and interlibrary loans department, and computer and tech support. They have a library of things as well where they check out board games, binoculars, a guitar and guitar kit, pickle ball sets, a sewing machine, snowshoes, ukuleles, telescopes, laptops, wifi hotspots, CD players, a projector, and Bluetooth speakers.
For those interested in historical research, visit Essex’s Historical Society’s website. The society works with the local schools and the museums in the area. The history of Essex includes the Irish Enclave from 1840 to 1850, “Barty Willard”, Guy Alonzo Peck, William and Hannah Virginia, and other Essex historical events. Additionally, the Harriet Farnsworth Powell Historic Museum is open to the public regularly and offers ongoing events and programs for the public and for school-age children.
Salary Opportunities in Vermont for Librarians
According to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, there are 590 librarian positions. The mean salary is $59,800 annually. This is comparable to their surrounding states including Maine, New Hamshire, and Pennsylvania. The neighboring states of New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts make over $70,000 on average. Librarians at an entry-level earn around $45,000 a year, and library directors can earn up to $82,020 annually.
Additional Links
For current job opportunities in librarianship visit https://vermontlibraries.org/. They are also a resource for librarians in Vermont and for those wanting to know more about what libraries are doing in Vermont.
For more information about librarianship and libraries in the U.S. visit ala.org.
