Librarians – Choosing a Library Science Program

To Become a Librarian, Earn an ALA-Accredited MLS or MLIS Degree

Oct 28, 2009

A graduate degree is usually required for professional librarian jobs. Here's how to choose a traditional or online program to earn a master's degree in library science.

According to the American Library Association (ALA), most professional librarian jobs require applicants have an ALA-accredited master’s degree in library science or in library and information science. Additionally, some states require ALA-accredited degrees for librarians to work in public or school libraries. Having a master’s degree, then, helps librarians become or remain competitive in the job market, offering professionals greater career flexibility.

A master’s degree is known by different names, depending on the program’s focus: Master of Library Science (MLS), Master of Arts, Master of Librarianship, Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS), and Master of Science. It’s also possible to earn a doctorate in library and information science (Ph.D.), usually for positions in academic libraries or as university faculty.

Guidelines for Choosing a Library Science Program

Prospective students should take into consideration several factors when choosing a degree program in library and information science. Most important in researching schools, individuals should compare a program with their career interests and intended area of specialization, if one has been chosen.

ALA’s external review evaluates a program’s structure and curriculum; its faculty and students; administration and financial support; and its resources. More than 50 programs in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico are ALA-accredited, many offering traditional, distance-learning, and online degree options.

Admission and Graduation Requirements

Admission requirements generally include an undergraduate degree, letters of reference, and a personal statement or essay of professional intent. Some schools also require a minimum score on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Graduation requirements to consider include the minimum number of credits, mandatory classes, time limitations for earning the degree, and may include a thesis or field work.

Library Science Program Focus – Looking Ahead to Library Jobs and Career

With different possible library careers, programs vary considerably in focus. Finding a good fit between a program's focus and a student's career goals is essential. Some programs are general and flexible, while others are highly specialized and structured. Some concentrate on training for more traditional library settings, while others prepare students to use information technology in other settings.

Prospective applicants should look at a program’s design, paying careful attention to course offerings and course scheduling, both in terms of how frequently a course is scheduled and when. Other important considerations are a program's specializations, certifications, and career-development opportunities (e.g. internships, assistantships).

Library Science Curriculum – Traditional Courses and Online Classes

Examine the curriculum for structure and flexibility, noting whether a clear progression exists through the program. Also consider whether courses are scheduled at different hours and locations, or with other institutions or degree programs. Many programs offer distance-learning opportunities, and it is possible to earn an online degree in library science.

Library Science Degree – Program's and School's Reputations

Outside sources, such as the U.S. News & World Report annual rankings on the best library and information studies schools, are good places to begin research. As the ALA notes, however, prospective any source's criteria for ranking schools should be examined alongside an individual's needs and goals. Professional librarians, as well as current students and faculty, are valuable resources for learning about a program’s reputation.

In addition to choosing a program that matches their career goals, prospective students should choose a school whose environment is a good fit for their needs in terms of faculty, peers, class structure, and institutional atmosphere. Arrange an on-campus visit with admissions or the program chair to tour the institution and meet faculty and current students, who will be able to answer any questions.

Cost of Library Science Degree

The total cost depends on numerous factors. Tuition fees for graduate classes are higher than undergraduate classes, although it takes fewer credits to earn a graduate degree or qualify as a full-time student. Out-of-state tuition costs more than in-state tuition. Other costs include books, living expenses, and travel. Funding, in the forms of scholarships, grants, assistantships and paid internships, are part of a program’s overall cost.

Earning an advanced degree in library science provides individuals with the credentials to pursue a professional career as a librarian. Choosing the best school possible, based on one’s individual needs and goals, is an essential first step. The decision should be taken with care and much research, whether choosing a library science degree in a traditional program or one offering a library science degree online.

The copyright of the article Librarians – Choosing a Library Science Program in Graduate Schools is owned by Debra Peterson. Permission to republish Librarians – Choosing a Library Science Program in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.