Oh, I forgot, database management techniques.

This is probably the most important for someone going into a Library career.

Honestly, everything else just comes with time. The most useful skill is being able to use and understand The Dewey Decimal system and to be able to interact with it in a database suite like Access or even good old raw SQL.

I hope you know your kid is basically going to be a database manager going this route. It might not be for them.

Sleepydude is giving good advice.

We’re all devastated at the collapse of trusted institutions, but what they need most right now is a path forward, a social-learning environment, confidence they are taking the right steps to grow in marketable skills, and secure the ability to earn a living.

That's a tough one to work around outside of college courses...

The reason I ask is because you need to know that many of the courses in modern Universities are compromised.

Indoctrination is high, and especially in the humanities and literature.

Consider that it may be best if your child waits on this career path. In a year's time, it could have completely different degree criteria and many previous courses could be left invalid for accreditation.

Here's what I suggest, if you and your child decide not to go to University this year:

Start self-learning with skills that can be grandfathered in. Universities often allow you to automatically be accredited if you already have taken a course from another college or if you can prove you already are proficient in said skill.

For instance, learning a second language. Most Universities, particularly the Liberal Arts ones, require at least 2 semesters of foreign language to graduate with a Bachelor's degree.

If your child can prove they already know one or even two foreign languages fluently enough to pass the previous years' final exam, they will usually accredit it. It may cost something still, because they are in it for the money, but what matters is your child didn't have to attend and still got the credits.

They may also require a music class or two among elective classes. If your child can prove they are proficient in music enough with an instrument of their choice, they can potentially skip taking these as well. Music History is a no go, but a Music Theory course would be possible to work with solo.

Math courses are also a possibility, but not easy in the slightest. Tons of resources to do it yourself, though.

Ask the college ahead of time what courses they would consider grandfathering in. You might be able to get enough that can be done at home.

Meanwhile, your kid could also take some trade skill courses locally. They might not be as finnicky with mandates. Things like bookbinding, printmaking, and organization technique workshops are some to look out for that would likely be more worthwhile than a lot of University courses.

The best thing you can do for your child is to teach them how to learn.