Why is Data Science a Good Extension Career for Librarians?

As a librarian with a degree in library science, pursuing a second course can enhance your skills, broaden your expertise, and open up new career opportunities.

If you're a librarian looking to expand his or her career, here is a good option for you: data science.

Why Data Science?

Data Management Skills

Data science courses will equip you with skills in data analysis, management, and visualization, which are becoming increasingly important in libraries for handling large datasets and digital collections. These skills enable you to efficiently organize and analyze large volumes of information, making data more accessible and useful to library patrons.

Research Enhancement

Understanding data science can enhance your ability to support researchers and academics in data-driven research. By gaining proficiency in data science, you can assist in developing research methodologies, managing research data, and providing advanced data analytics services. This can make your library an invaluable resource for researchers seeking comprehensive data support.

Decision Making

Improve the library's decision-making processes through data-driven insights. Data science allows librarians to analyze user behavior, track library usage patterns, and measure the impact of various services. These insights can guide strategic planning, resource allocation, and service improvements, leading to a more efficient and responsive library.

Career Advancement

Adding data science to your skill set can significantly enhance your career prospects. With data literacy becoming a crucial skill in many industries, librarians with expertise in data science are well-positioned for roles in data management, information technology, and research support. This interdisciplinary knowledge opens up opportunities beyond traditional library roles, such as data analyst or data manager positions in various sectors.

Recommended Course

Coursera offers a "Data Science Specialization" by Johns Hopkins University, covering essential data science tools and methods. This specialization includes courses on the R programming language, data visualization, and machine learning, providing a comprehensive foundation in data science.

By completing this specialization, you will be well-equipped to apply data science principles to library and information science, enhancing your professional capabilities and broadening your career opportunities.

Embarking on this educational path can transform your role within the library, making you a key player in leveraging data for better library services and user experiences.

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Special Library Strengths

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Two Life Hacks for Quick and Deliberate Learning

Life in the 21st century is fast and furious, mainly because information comes fast and is replaced by another piece of information in the blink of an eye. There are so many things to learn, but so little time to learn them. Even if you're lazy, you can't help but learn something just by watching a video or viewing an ad. Being overwhelmed by all of the knowledge swirling around us can be considered normal now. Deliberate Learning Choosing the topic you want to learn at any given time is the best thing to do in this information maelstrom. We have limited energy for work and play and then we fall asleep. Instead of squandering the time passively learning things you don't necessarily want to learn, such as when you read memes or scroll through Facebook and inadvertently stumble on gossip, be deliberate in your learning habits.

Ruby Galvez, RL

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