What is Library Science?
Library science is an academic discipline that is sometimes called information studies. The field of library science primarily focuses on the classification and use of data and objects, with an emphasis on the extreme importance of a) preserving knowledge and b) promoting literacy. In this respect, the field of library science is considered both a service as well as a profession of leadership.
Technological advances have made it more essential than ever to create new and effective strategies for Sharing information, Managing information, and also Organizing information.
Is a Library Science Master’s Worth It?
To enter the fascinating and advancing field of library science, aspiring library science professionals will likely need a minimum of a master’s degree for most positions. So, choosing to complete an online library science master’s degree program is definitely worth the time, effort, and expense.
With a Master’s degree, a graduate has a broader selection of employment options in a number of library settings. As a result, a professional librarian will have more opportunities for career mobility, career aspirations, and meeting current life obligations.
It is worth noting that individuals who have an innate curiosity about the world, in general, will find working as a library science professional deeply satisfying. This is because much of their work is spent in service to others – fielding questions and helping to find the answers they seek.
Why Should You Earn a Library Science Master’s Online?
Understanding why you should get a library science master’s degree begins with the definition of library science – an interdisciplinary field of study focusing on documentation that records history, stories, memories, and knowledge.
Libraries play an essential role in education – whether they are located in a school, college, or serving a community. However, the job of a librarian is forever evolving as they learn to manage an ever-increasing number and variety of –
- Books
- Magazines
- DVDs
- CDs
- Computer Resources
Professionals in library science are experts who understand how to care for the above-noted resources, but they are also responsible for assisting students or any visitor to a library to use the resources effectively. In these instances, a librarian uses sleuth-like investigative skills to locate the information being sought.
Working as a professional in a library can be a rewarding career for those people who appreciate working with books, periodicals, and other resource materials – while helping others access the answers they seek.
What is the Difference Between Library Science and Information Science?
The reality is that the definition of library and information science only differs from each other slightly. Library science is concerned with the storage/collection of all types of information. Information sciences focus more on the distribution of that information – using digital or traditional delivery methods.
What is New in Library and Information Science?
In spite of the emerging trends in the library science field, some consider the two original disciplines to be separate and distinct entities. For your own career goals, you must answer the question– What is Library and Information Science – from your own perspective?
Types of Degrees and Specializations in Library Science
Master’s programs in library science are typically completed in about two years, although some programs are offered online with an accelerated format, making it possible to finish in about a year. Library studies, also known as library science, combines several disciplines, including computer technology, with the ultimate goal to preserve, catalog, and offer access to information and other resources to library patrons.
Within the field of library science, students may see various, although similar degree program options. Specializations will also concentrate on the work involved in various types of libraries, like public or legal libraries.
- MLS or Master of Library Science degree program
- A MLIS or Master of Library & Information Science program
- MS-LS or Master of Science degree in Library Science
- MEd or Master of Education degree in Educational Technology with an academic concentration in Library Science
What Will You Learn in a Library Science Master’s Program?
The learning outcomes for a masters degree in Library Science online programs vary, depending on the school or college and the online masters in library science program specialization. For example, a number of online masters in library science programs with a media library track will differ for programs training students for public work rather than a legal resource specialist.
Typical program goals for an online masters in library and information science include –
- Designing/evaluating information retrieval systems.
- Demonstrating leadership and communications skills.
- Designing learning experiences.
- Performing administrative and technical functions of library practice.
- Organizing information, and more.
What Classes Do You Take in a Library Science Master’s Program?
The curriculum in a masters in library science program will vary by school or specialty or concentration. However, the common core and elective classes for most masters in library science online programs will likely include some of the below courses.
- Design Methods for Librarianship
- Research, Assessment, and Design
- Book and Digital Preservation
- Information Science and Technology
- Management of Information Organizations
- Collection Management
- Digital Information Literacy
- Digital Preservation and Archives
- School Library Media
- Reference Materials and Service
- User Services
- Data Curation
- Organization of Information
Most masters degree in library science online programs also include other requirements for graduation. Many masters in library science online programs mandate students complete a practical experience like an internship.
Other masters in library science online programs may provide a culminating e-portfolio project or perhaps a thesis. The specifics for each master in library science online program vary by college or university, although the majority of library science programs require one of the above to complete the degree.
Library Science Careers and Salary
The median salary for librarians and library media specialists, according to the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, was $61,190, which translates to $29.42 per hour. There were more than 130,000 professional librarians working in the country during 2021. The Bureau of Labor States’ statisticians anticipate that the job market for library science professionals will experience a 6% job growth through 2031.
The following data represents the varying master of library and information science salary percentiles for those in the field of library science.
| Percentile | Master of Library Science Salary |
|---|---|
| 10% | $37,300 per year |
| 25% | $47,960 per year |
| Median – 50% | $61,190 per year |
| 75% | $77,400 per year |
| 90% | $97,870 per year |
The below states offer the highest master in library science salary averages.
| State | Master of Library Science Salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $87,540 per year |
| Washington | $85,690 per year |
| California | $80,740 per year |
| Maryland | $77,780 per year |
| New York | $76,310 per year |
The below states have the largest number of library science and library media professionals.
| State | Number of Jobs | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 11,620 | $76,310 per year |
| Texas | 9,760 | $61,330 per year |
| California | 8,670 | $80,740 per year |
| Florida | 6,260 | $58,740 per year |
| Illinois | 5,850 | $60,910 per year |
Additionally, below are the metro areas that offer the highest salaries for library science professionals.
| Metro Area | Number of Jobs | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | 1,250 | $94,230 per year |
| San Francisco-Oakland, CA | 1,580 | $89,990 per year |
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | 70 | $89,220 per year |
| San Jose-Santa Clara, CA | 630 | $88,540 per year |
| Olympia-Tumwater, WA | 60 | $88,040 per year |
Do You Need a Master’s Degree in Library Science?
In short, yes. To be eligible for most professional librarian positions in most academic, public, and special libraries, you need to complete a master’s degree program in library science.
Additionally, completing an on-campus or online library science master’s degree program will also broaden potential career options that go well beyond the walls of a library, museum, or government agency. Database skills and knowledge is a massive component of the majority of master of library science degree program curriculum, which are valuable skills in other fields of intelligence or information.
What Can You Do with a Master’s Degree in Library Science?
The dynamic field of library and information science consists of many types of careers in a variety of engaging settings. Many people choose to earn an online library science master’s degree because it is versatile enough to be customized to a broad spectrum of career objectives.
The graduate library science master’s degree offers an ideal educational pathway to becoming a librarian working in traditional settings. Master of Library Science jobs are typically divided into three categories – administrative, technical, and user services. The following are the types of library professionals may find rewarding careers.
Academic Libraries
Academic libraries are maintained to serve the faculty and students at colleges and other institutions of higher learning. Larger, more established schools may have several campus libraries – each dedicated to serving those studying medicine or law, for example. It is noted that academic librarians often possess dual master’s degrees—a Master of Library Science and another graduate degree in a specific area – like psychology or biology. Most academic librarians are recognized as specialists and often have faculty status.
Public Libraries
Public libraries are designed in service to communities as they often provide library services and programming for children, teens, and senior citizens.
School Libraries
School libraries are maintained as a part of its district or system and typically serve students in Kindergarten through High School. The more modern libraries are now called media centers in some schools. School librarians, depending on the state, may be required to hold a second degree in education or a specialty certificate in school media, etc.
Special Libraries
These libraries provide unique job or work opportunities. A specialty environment may include a hospital, a corporation, a museum, or a government agency. Special libraries can serve specific sectors or slices of the population, such as those physically handicapped or blind. Another well-known example of a special library is the Library of Congress.
Other Roles
Additional positions settings where traditional library science majors work include Museums, Government Agencies, and Other Intuitions Libraries. However, with the technological advancements, the roles and jobs for library science majors are in flux. New opportunities that include a digital asset manager, a metadata librarian, and also a professor of library sciences.
How Do You Choose the Best Program?
Deciding which of the best online masters in library science programs is the best fit is an important and far-reaching decision.
Admissions
Admission to most graduate library science degree programs requires the program applicant to hold a baccalaureate degree – in a related subject from an institution of higher education that has been regionally accredited. It is noted that each library science graduate degree program will have varying admission criteria, so make sure you understand each school’s requirements to ensure you qualify based on the minimum standards.
Accreditation
Accreditation is best described as a quality assurance process conducted by an external peer review. When accreditation is earned, the school or program has demonstrated its content and educational offerings meet standards set by the relevant accrediting organization.
There are two primary types of accreditation in the United States. These are known as regional and specialized accreditation.
Regional or Institutional Accreditation
Regional accreditation refers to the evaluation process of postsecondary schools. This type of accreditation is the oldest type and is managed by CHEA oversight agencies. These regional agencies assess a college or school to determine if the school meets predefined standards established by the government agency.
Specialized or Programmatic Accreditation
Specialized accreditation or programmatic accreditation refers to an oversight review of academic specific programs based on professional industry standards. In the world of library science education, the American Library Association is the agency that accredits master’s programs in North America and Puerto Rico.
American Library Association
Accreditation by the American Library Association is achieved through a review process conducted by an external review panel of practitioners and academics that verifies that the program meets the criteria set for programs offering graduate degrees in Library and Information Studies. In addition, the ALA has a specific division – the American Association of School Librarians (AASL). The American Library Association provides guidelines for choosing a graduate degree program in library and information studies.
Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (The CAEP)
CAEP was founded initially as the NCATE – the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. In 1997, the organization became the Teacher Education Accreditation Council, with the final iteration occurring in 2010 when CAEP was formally adopted.
Certifications and Licensure
The concepts of certification and licensure refer to a formalized endorsement that speaks to the competency of the licensee or certificate holder. In the world of library science, each state sets forth its requirements for licensure as a librarian.
State Requirements
Each state has different requirements to meet in order for a person to receive certification or licensure. When it comes to school librarians, there are many states that first require certification or licensure as a teacher in another subject area before the librarian certification can be obtained.
A few states require applicants to hold a master’s degree, while other states only require certification. Certain states allow for the acceptance of a teacher’s/library certification issued by another jurisdiction. However, before finalizing plans to move to another state, check with the certifying agency to see if your certificates are transferable or accepted.
Certification Options for Library Science Professionals
There are many certification options for library science majors. A few examples include the following roles.
- Library Technician
- Education Specialist – Library Media
- Public Library Services to Children and Youth
- Graduate Certificate in Library and Information Science, among others
Program Profiles
1. Appalachian State University
Appalachian State University offers a CAEP-approved Master of Library Science degree program (MLIS) that requires the completion of 36 online graduate credit units. This Appalachian State University online library science master’s program is offered with three start dates per year. This program is offered with a dual master’s option in which students can earn a Master of Arts in Educational Media. This program prepares students for licensure in North Carolina – check the school’s website for other state requirements.
Location: Boone, NC
Degree: more info
2. East Carolina University
The Interdisciplinary Department at East Carolina University offers a Master of Library Science degree program (MLS) that is avail entirely online. Carolina University has been offering its library science master’s degree since the late 1930s. Sample coursework includes research literacy, library administration, research methods, academic libraries, and library advocacy, to name a few. Students complete a school library internship to finish the online library science master’s degree program at Carolina University.
Location: Greenville, NC
Degree: more info
3. Emporia State University
The School of Library & Information Management at Emporia State University offers a Master of Library Science (MLS) degree program that has received ALA accreditation. This online library science master’s program from ESU requires 36 credit units. This program offers six academic concentrations for its MLS program – Archives, Health Information Professionals, Informatics, Leadership & Administration, Youth Services, and Outreach & Community Engagement. Sample classes include management information systems, collection development, and foundations of library and information science.
Location: Emporia, KS
Degree: more info
4. Kent State University
Students can start the Kent State University online Master of Library and Information Science program in the fall, spring, and summer terms. Kent State University’s online library science master’s degree prepares graduates for licensure in Ohio, which may differ from other states. Kent State’s graduate degree in library science requires 37 graduate credit units. Required coursework in this KSU program includes information organization, research, and assessment in library and information science, plus a final portfolio.
Location: Kent, Ohio
Degree: more info
5. Sam Houston State University
Sam Houston State University offers a Master of Library Science degree (MLS) that prepares students for careers as school librarians. SHSU’s online library science master’s degree program requires degree candidates to complete 36 credit units – with three start dates each year. Sample classes for Sam Houston State University’s graduate library science degree include collection development, school library administration, literature for young adults, and a library internship, among others.
Location: Huntsville, Alabama
Degree: more info
6. Texas A&M University Commerce
Texas A&M University – Commerce offers two of the top library science programs in Texas. A&M offers a Master of Science degree in Library Science or a Master of Education degree in Educational Technology with an academic concentration in Library Science. This online library science master’s degree program can be completed in two years, and there are no thesis or foreign language requirements. Featured classes for this Texas A&M degree include research methodologies, information reference, cataloging, and media graphics, among others.
Location: Commerce, Texas
Degree: more info
7. Texas Woman’s University
Texas Woman’s University offers a Master of Library Science degree program (MLS) that is ALA accredited and is available 100% online through Texas Woman’s University’s distance learning platform. TWU’s online library science master’s degree program offers academic tracks in public libraries, school libraries, academic libraries, special libraries, information technology, health science libraries, technical services, and community informatics. This program is also available as a Master of Arts in Library Science.
Location: Denton, Texas
Degree: more info
8. The University of Kentucky
The Information Science School at the University of Kentucky offers an ALA-accredited Master in Library Science degree that requires the completion of 36 graduate credit units. Eligible students may be able to complete this online library science master’s degree in less than two years, carrying a full course load. Featured classes include information in society, management in information organizations, intro to data science, and knowledge organization.
Location: Lexington, Kentucky
Degree: more info
9. The University of North Texas
The Information College University of North Texas offers a Master of Science degree in Library Science (MSLS) that is fully online and accredited by the ALA. The University of Texas’ online library science master’s program offers candidates these concentrations – youth librarianship, archival studies, music librarianship, information organization, law librarianship/legal informatics, and knowledge management. Core coursework includes information organization, knowledge professions, and information access and knowledge inquiry, to name a few.
Location: Denton, TX
Degree: more info
10. The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
The Information Studies School at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee offers a Master of Library and Information Science that has been accredited by the ALA since the mid-1970s. This online library science master’s degree from UW offers six concentrations – archival studies, public library, information organization, information technology, and school library media for – teachers and non-teachers. In addition, UW Milwaukee offers a dozen coordinated degree program options for this library science program.
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Degree: more info
Professional Organizations in Library Science
A professional association is a group designed to further a particular profession as well as the companies and professionals working in the industry. For the most part, these organizations tend to be nonprofit businesses.
There are quite a few professional associations for librarians, some of which connect with a small slice of the profession of library science.
ALA – The American Library Association
The largest and the oldest is also the most well-known – the American Library Association (ALA). The American Library Association was established in the mid-1870s at a Centennial Celebration in the City of Brotherly Love.
The ALA operates many subdivisions, which are essentially specialized groups based on various factors like the subject area, geographic location, or both.
AASL – The American Association of School Librarians
The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) operates as the only national professional organization with membership options and a focus on the needs of the school library community and librarians. The ASSL serves more than 7,000 professional librarians around the world.
ACRL – The Association of College & Research Libraries
The Association of College and Research Libraries is a division designed for academic librarians and other interested parties. It boasts 12,000 members, which reflects about 20% of the American Library Association’s total membership. The ACRL seeks to enhance the ways professionals serve the needs of the higher education community.
ALCTS -The Association for Library Collections & Technical Service
The Association for Library Collections & Technical Service was founded more than 50 years ago to serve members with its resources and strategies for information specialists in collection development, preservation, and technical services. The ALCTS consists of more than 4,000 members from 42 countries worldwide.
ALSC – The Association for Library Service to Children
The Association for Library Service to Children is recognized as the world’s largest professional organization that is dedicated to enhancing service to children. The ALSC members are often considered innovators in children’s library services.
AALL – The American Association of Law Libraries
The AALL – the American Association of Law Libraries was established more than 100 years ago. Its mission is to promote/enhance the value a law library brings to the profession as well as the public. The AALL also fosters the next generation’s leaders.
Plus, many other more specialized organizations and those and state and local levels.
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