Can You Be a Librarian With an Art History Degree?

Art|Art History

People often believe that if they want to work in a library they need to have a degree in library science. While this is true in many cases, it is not always the case. It is possible to be a librarian with an art history degree.

Art history has numerous overlapping skills with librarianship. Art historians are trained to research and analyze information and organize it so that it can be used in meaningful ways.

This same skill set can be applied to the job of a librarian. Additionally, art history majors often have strong visual arts backgrounds which are useful for creating displays and other visual elements for libraries.

Another reason why an art history major may be suitable for librarianship is that many libraries have special collections related to art and culture. An art history major is well-suited for helping patrons research these topics as they already have an understanding of the subject matter. They may also be better able to evaluate the accuracy or relevance of the material than someone with a different educational background.

Of course, there are some limitations when it comes to being a librarian with an art history degree instead of one in library science. For example, someone with an art history degree may not have as much experience working with library cataloging systems or databases. Additionally, they may not understand how libraries are funded or managed without additional training.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, while having a degree in library science can make someone more qualified for certain types of librarianship jobs, it is still possible to be a successful librarian with an art history degree. Art historians bring specialized knowledge about art and culture which make them well-suited for certain types of library positions and special collections. However, those looking for more general positions may need additional training outside their major in order to gain the necessary skillset.