Graduating with a degree in Information and Library Science doesn't just mean working as a librarian.

Information and Library Science is a field of study that provides in-depth training in information science and library science, focusing on the searching, collecting, analyzing, evaluating, storing, and utilizing of information.

Among them, the Faculty of Information and Library Science, University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Vietnam National University, Hanoi) is one of the units that offers training in this field.

It is known that the field of information and library science has been taught at the school since 1996. To date, the Faculty of Information and Library Science has trained many generations of graduates who have held and are currently holding important positions in major information and library agencies throughout the country.

The field of Information and Library Science is no longer confined to the space of bookshelves.

In an exchange, Associate Professor, Dr. Do Van Hung - Head of the Department of Information and Library Science, University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Vietnam National University, Hanoi) - stated that the Information and Library Science sector is currently facing many opportunities for development, not limited to the role of librarians as traditionally perceived.
 

Associate Professor, Dr. Do Van Hung - Head of the Department of Information and Library Science, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (Vietnam National University, Hanoi). (Photo: Provided by the interviewee)

According to Professor Hung, with the explosion of information technology and the need for data management in many fields, the Information and Library Science ngành is increasingly affirming its importance and core value in connecting information and serving a knowledge-based society. This is a field that not only focuses on library management but also offers diverse job opportunities, including information administration, data analysis, digital content development, and knowledge management in businesses, government agencies, and organizations.

“In the current context of digital transformation, organizations are always looking for experts capable of handling massive amounts of data, ensuring that information is stored, retrieved, and used efficiently. Therefore, students majoring in Information and Library Science have many job opportunities. Evidence shows that many graduates from this field have excelled in roles such as data system administration at technology companies, information consulting for research organizations, or participating in building digital information platforms at public and school libraries.”

However, to seize attractive job opportunities, educational institutions continue to innovate and improve the quality of training, helping students acquire knowledge and skills such as big data management and artificial intelligence (AI). In addition, training institutions in this field also need to strengthen links with businesses to understand the needs of the labor market, thereby orienting the curriculum appropriately for students,” Mr. Hung expressed.
 

Students from the Faculty of Information and Library Science, University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Vietnam National University, Hanoi). (Photo: University website)

Professor Hung stated that, in addition to the advantages mentioned above, this field is also facing some challenges. Many people believe that this field only revolves around library work, but in reality, Information and Library Science students can participate in many different areas. For example, in the context of the strong development of e-commerce, businesses always need experts in organizing and managing information to optimize customer service. Or in the healthcare field, hospitals need medical data management teams to ensure patient information is stored and accessed securely...

"In my opinion, the demand for personnel in the Information and Library Science sector is growing because an efficient information system not only saves search time but also improves the quality of work and the creative capacity of individuals and organizations. Especially in an era with a lot of misinformation and unverified information on the Internet, those working in this field act as 'gatekeepers,' ensuring that information is filtered, organized, and provided accurately and transparently."

"I believe that with the efforts of students, teachers, and organizations, the Information and Library Science sector is expected to develop further, contributing to building a strong information society where users can access knowledge easily and fairly," expressed the Head of the Faculty of Information and Library Science, University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Vietnam National University, Hanoi).

Graduates in this field can apply for a wide variety of positions.

Sharing more about employment, Mr. Pham Duc Tien - Valedictorian of the K61 cohort, Faculty of Information and Library Science, University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Vietnam National University, Hanoi), currently the Director of the Bidding Ecosystem Joint Stock Company, said: “The Information and Library Science field, despite its traditional-sounding name, actually offers flexible and diverse career opportunities. When mentioning this field, many people often think of large libraries, where librarians diligently arrange books neatly on shelves.”

However, the modern Information and Library Science sector has expanded its scope of activities, not only limited to book management but also encompassing information management, data analysis, and the application of technology to serve the information needs of modern society.

Mr. Pham Duc Tien - Valedictorian of the K61 cohort, Faculty of Information and Library Science, University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Vietnam National University, Hanoi) (Photo: Provided by the interviewee)

According to Mr. Tien, during their studies at the Faculty of Information and Library Science, students are equipped with much-needed knowledge and skills through two main fields: Information Management and Information and Library Science. Information Management focuses on organizing and managing information and data, analyzing and applying data, while Information and Library Science focuses more on traditional libraries, aiming at organizing, storing, classifying, and providing information through various types of documents. In particular, the courses in the training program not only help students build foundational knowledge but also develop practical skills, from information and data management to general management skills. These skills form the basis for students to adapt to many different job positions, from assistant and secretary to management positions in businesses.

“For me personally, the knowledge and skills I learned at school have become an important foundation for my current job. As a third-year student, I applied to a data-driven company and took on the position of assistant director immediately after graduation. Thanks to studying at the Faculty of Information and Library Science, I accumulated a lot of professional and soft skills that helped me develop in my career. Knowledge of organizational management, information management, and the value of information has been very helpful in my management position, as this requires a broad understanding of many different fields such as finance and accounting, human resource management, marketing communications, and technology.”

"In particular, the Information and Library Science field currently offers broad job opportunities, not limited to the traditional library sector. Graduates in this field can work in many different positions in businesses and organizations, from assistant managers and secretaries to data analysts and marketing specialists. With the continuous development of technology and big data, the demand for information management and analysis experts is increasing, thereby opening up many new job opportunities for graduates in this field," Mr. Tien stated.

"Newly graduated students can achieve a stable salary, ranging from 10-15 million VND/month depending on the specific position and organization. At the same time, the income of personnel in this field can be higher, depending on their abilities, experience, and capacity to create value for the organization," stated the Director of the Bidding Ecosystem Joint Stock Company.

According to Ms. Be Quynh Trang, a former student of the Information and Library Science Faculty, University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Vietnam National University, Hanoi), and currently the Chief of Staff of the FPT High School System, she shared: “The reason I chose this field is thanks to the guidance and direction of my uncle – a sociology expert – who recognized my passion for social sciences. After studying and training, I have not only grasped the basic knowledge but also equipped myself with the necessary professional skills in the digital age. Because information is a valuable resource in all areas of life, and the skills to organize, store, and exploit information scientifically, efficiently, and ethically are among the most important skills for my future self-learning and research.”

Ms. Trang recalled that after graduating in 2011, she began working as a communications officer at a social media company thanks to her research topic on Yale University Library's Facebook Marketing Strategy. Prior to that, she also had the opportunity to intern and work at the FPT University Library and the British University Vietnam (BUV) Library, where she was responsible for guiding users on digital databases, promoting reading culture, and organizing meaningful academic events.

“Later, I held various management positions in different areas within the organization. Thanks to the skills I learned at school, I effectively coordinated activities and information between departments and units, ensuring the system ran smoothly. This is also one of the strengths that sets me apart in my work,” Ms. Trang shared.

Ms. Trang expressed her high appreciation for the quality of training in Information and Library Science at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Vietnam National University, Hanoi), especially after working alongside interns and full-time staff recruited from the department. The university has developed a well-structured training program, harmoniously combining foundational theory and practical application, while regularly adjusting and updating teaching content to suit the practical needs of the labor market.

However, in the context of strong digital transformation and the continuous development of information technology, the Chief of Staff of the FPT High School System expects future human resources to be equipped with specific skills such as: information digitization skills, data analysis and exploitation abilities, flexible thinking, continuous self-learning ability; communication skills and foreign language skills…

Accordingly, the school has built a civilized, fair, and developing work environment. Information and Library Science personnel can work in the library or in various office departments, as assistants, in student affairs, admissions counseling, digital content development, etc., within the school system. Annually, staff participate in mandatory training courses to enhance and develop their professional skills and personal growth. All personnel are provided with a transparent career development path, creating opportunities for advancement to department heads, senior management, or other strategic positions within the organization.

“In my opinion, the Information and Library Science field is no longer confined to the space of bookshelves. It's a field full of potential, opening up many exciting career opportunities in the digital age. Therefore, students should proactively learn, hone new skills, and seize opportunities to develop their careers. I believe that by firmly combining academic knowledge from school with the practical skills mentioned above, students will open many doors of opportunity in today's competitive job market,” expressed the Chief of Staff of the FPT High School System.
 

Ms. Be Quynh Trang - Former student of the Faculty of Information and Library Science, University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Vietnam National University, Hanoi) (Photo: Provided by the interviewee)

Contact information:Department of Information and Library Science,
4th Floor, Building A, University of Social Sciences and Humanities - VNU Hanoi, 336 Nguyen Trai Street, Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi
Phone: 024 38583903; Email:flis@vnu.edu.vn
government:http://sim.ussh.vnu.edu.vnFanpage:https://www.facebook.com/flis.ussh.vnu

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