A Reference Guide on Librarian Degrees
Welcome to a world of organization and preservation: librarianship. As archivers and caretakers of information, librarians hold some of the most important jobs in the world. They work to make resources more accessible to the public and help promote a stronger representation of different cultures' contributions. Librarians' work extends beyond books, to include among other things, art, sound recordings, video, and music. There is an array of options for those interested in pursuing this career field, and this is the one-stop resource that will guide your way.
Quick Facts
- The word library derives from the Latin “liber,” which means book or parchment, but also relates to the “the inner bark of trees” (Etymology Online).
- The first recorded librarian, Zenodotus, presided over the famed Library of Alexandria and came from the Greek city of Ephesus (Systems Librarian).
- In 1883 the first school for library science was initiated at Columbia University by Melvil Dewey (Middle Tennessee State University).
- The Library of Congress is the oldest federal cultural institute in the United States and also the largest library in the world with 145 million items held (Library of Congress).
- In 2008, over 159,900 people held librarian jobs in the United States. The average yearly wage was $52,530 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Types of Librarian Degrees
Associate of Science in Library and Information Services
This undergraduate degree will prepare you to enter into library and information service assistant positions. This example associate's degree from the University of Maine at Augusta requires 64 hours of coursework and can be completed in 2 years. Tuition costs are typically around $12,000.
Bachelor of Science in Library and Information Services
This degree will prepare students to enter into many specialized fields in the library and information services sector as well as go on to pursue a master's in library science. 120 hours of credit work is required in this example program from the University of Maine at Augusta. This type of program is typically completed over 4 years of study, and the cost of tuition ranges from $24,000 to $120,000.
Master's Degree in Library Science (MLS)
A master's degree will further focus your skills and prepare you to work in a specialized field such as digital information or archiving. This sample online program from Drexel University can be completed in 12 to 36 months. Costs for this type of degree range from $13,000 to $80,000.
Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) in Library and Information Science
If you have a master's in library and information science the CAS allows you to renew your knowledge, gain a greater specialization, or transfer your skills to a new career. This particular CAS program from the University of Illinois requires 40 hours of coursework. A full time student can complete it in 2 semesters and a summer and can cost anywhere between $10,000 to $50,000 based on residency.
Doctorate in Library Information Science
This post-masters program will direct a student to even further specialization and understanding of information services and prepare them to be leaders in the library science world. This sample program from the University of North Texas requires 60 course units and typically takes 2 years to complete. Tuition for this type of degree is around $16,000.
Library Science at the Best Colleges in the U.S.
According to U.S. News and World Report
University of Illinois
Rank: Tied No. 1
Degree: MLS
Cost: $37,200 (resident), $72,880 (nonresident)
Length: 18 months
A wide variety of courses are offered including “Cataloging and Classification,” “Histories of Libraries,” “Government Information,” “Theological Librarianship,” and others. This program is respected for its academic vigor and is unique because it allows students to form their own programs of study.
University of North Carolina
Rank: Tied No. 1
Degree: Bachelor's
Cost: Annually $19,000 (resident), $37,000 (nonresident)
Length: 4 years
Here you will take a number of core and foundational courses as well as be offered a number of electives including “Human-Computer Interaction,” “Applications of Natural Language Processing,” and “Cultural Institutions.” This top ranked school features classes on the cutting edge of contemporary issues while also featuring prestigious faculty with experience in the field.
Syracuse University
Rank: No. 3
Degree: MLS
Cost: Annually $40,000
Length: 2 years
After taking this program you will be well prepared with an MLS. Unique elective courses include “Behavior of Information Users,” “U.S. Federal Information Policies,” “Motivational Aspects of Information Use,” and a variety of others. With its lengthy list of focuses and wide array of electives, Syracuse offers students the opportunity to pursue their own specific interests. The program also boasts many accomplished and recognized alumni.
University of Washington
Rank: No. 4
Degree: MLS
Cost: Annually $12,000 (resident), $26,000 (nonresident)
Length: 2 years
Core classes include “The Life Cycle of Information,” “Information in Social Context,” and “Information Behavior,” among others. This program offers an opportunity to include directed fieldwork which allows a student and supervisor to agree on objectives and then the student works in the field for course credit.
University of Michigan
Rank: No. 5
Degree: MLS
Cost: Annually $17,000 (residents), $35,000 (nonresidents)
Length: 2 years
This school offers 9 specialized MLS focuses. Recent courses offered include “Models of Social Information Processing,” “Ethics and Information Technology,” and “Personal Privacy: Policy, Practice, and Technology Issues.” The program offers opportunities to gain experience in your specialized field with for-profit and non-profit organizations as well as government positions.
Rutgers University
Rank: No. 6
Degree: MLS
Cost: Total $18,500 (residents), $27,600 (nonresidents)
Length: 2-3 years
The MLS program at Rutgers can be coupled with opportunities to study abroad involves courses such as “Human Information Behavior,” “Materials for Children,” “Multimedia Production,” and many others. The program is taught by experienced faculty who have published works on the subjects they teach.
Indiana University
Rank: No. 7
Degree: MLS
Cost: Total $13,900 (residents), $38,000 (nonresidents)
Length: 2-3 years
This program provides internships opportunities for MLS candidates. Courses include “Computer-Based Information Tools,” “Database Design,” and “Information Architecture.” The faculty here has a wide variety of specialties to provide a diverse educational experience.
University of Texas at Austin
Rank: No. 8
Degree: MLS
Cost: Annually $12,500 (residents), $23,500 (nonresidents)
Length: 2 years
Core classes include “Understanding and Serving Users,” “Organizing and Providing Access to Information,” and “Managing Information Services and Organizations.” Students who graduate with an MLS from the University of Texas also have the option to continue on in doctoral studies. The PhD program offers opportunities for research by students in a number of specialized areas such as “User Behavior” or “Cultural Heritage Development.”
Drexel University
Rank: No. 9
Degree: MLS
Cost: Total $43,000
Length: 2 years
This program offers a flexible education which allows students to choose an optional concentration for earning their MLS. Unique courses include “Legal Research,” “Competitive Intelligence,” and “Data Mining.” The University is associated with a number of professional organizations such as the American Library Association and the Association for Computing Machinery.
Simmons College
Rank: No. 10
Degree: MLS
Cost: Total $42,000
Length: 2 years
While earning an MLS at Simmons College, students are taught by top-rated professors who are internationally recognized for their work. A few elective courses offered are “Oral History,” “ Photographic Archives and Visual Information,” “International and Comparative Librarianship,” and “Information Entrepreneurship.”
Financial Aid Resources for Librarians
- AALL offers scholarships specifically for those pursuing a career as a law librarian.
- ALA provides a number of scholarship opportunities from general scholarships, to scholarships available for students and workers with a specific specialty.
- Art Libraries Society lists a number of scholarships, most of which focus on those whose interests tend toward Art Libraraianship.
- CALA is open to Chinese students who are pursuing a degree in library services.
- College Scholarships is open for all undergraduates and is an excellent source for finding any kind of scholarship.
- Fastweb is the most recognized scholarship tool on the web. Registration is free and scholarship searches can be filtered for ones that match your interests and pursuits.
- LITA offers a number of awards and scholarships to those currently in the workplace and undergraduates planning to pursue a career in library services. Most require a personal statement or a demonstration of impact in your area.
- MLA is dedicated to offering numerous scholarships to librarains pursuing an interest in health science librarianship.
- Music Library indexes many scholarships all focusing on those intending to music librarains.
Library Science Certification Facts
Professional Certification is highly recommended as a means to advance your career by demonstrating your advanced knowledge in the field. The types of certification are:
Certified Public Library Administrator (CPLA)
This certification furthers career opportunities by requiring candidates to demonstrate a wide understanding of public library administration and the implementation of quality service. To become certified you must first have a master's degree in library and information studies from a school accredited by the American Library Association or the equivalent from another country, or have a master's degree in school library media. In all cases candidates must have at least 3 years experience in a public library position that included supervisory or administrative responsibilities. To obtain this 5 year certification, librarians must apply online, complete the required CPLA courses, and submit your course completion form to be evaluated by the CPLA review committee.
Library Support Staff Certification (LSSC)
This certification will demonstrate that you are adhering to a universal standard for librarians that you can take with you to whichever library you serve at. To receive this certification you must be a high school graduate who has worked or volunteered in any library for at least one year in the past five years. You must apply to be a candidate and satisfactorily pass a number of competency sets meant to evaluate your all-around knowledge on everything from ethics to technology.
State Licensure for School Librarians
State licensure will demonstrate understanding in the area of Library Media. This certification is especially beneficial in light of lay-offs because in some states people with this certification are given preference. In fact, most states now require this certification to work in a public school library. To receive certification the applicant must enter and complete a program at an accepted University of his or her choice.
What You Need to Know About Library Science Licensure and Certification Exams
Certified Public Library Administrator (APLA)
Cost: $45-$75
Requirements: Master's Degree in Library Science or Library Media and 3 years experience in supervisor position
Sign up here
Material Covered:
Core:
- Budget and Finance
- Management of Technology
- Organization and Personal Administration
- Planning and Management of Building
Elective(choose 3 of 5):
- Current Issues
- Marketing
- Fundraising/Grantsmanship
- Politics and Networking
- Serving Diverse Populations
Library Support Staff Certification (LSSC)
Cost: $350
Requirements: High school graduate plus one year experience during last 5 years
Sign up here
Program includes:
Core:
Electives(choose 3):
- Access Services
- Adult Reader's Advisory Services
- Cataloging and Classification
- Collection Management
- Reference and Information Services
- Supervision and Management
- Youth Services
Librarian Associations and Organizations
Description: Organization of voluntary members dedicated to promoting and enhancing library services.
Services: Discounted offerings, special programs and resources
Cost: $130 per year
American Library Association's Allied Professional Association
Description: Non-profit organization dedicated to promoting “the mutual professional interests of librarians and other library workers.”
Services: Library Salary Database, Job Search Site, Workplace Wellness Evaluations
Cost: Free
Association of Jewish Libraries
Description: Dedicated to promoting Jewish literacy and provide access to such information in libraries.
Services: Scholarships, Awards, Newsletter
Cost: $30-$50
American Association of Law Libraries
Description: Founded to promote law libraries for easy access to the legal community.
Services: Access to network of law library professionals, Journal, discounted programs
Cost: $56-$222
Coalition for Networked Information
Description: Formed by organizations which meet and plan projects and initiatives for the advancement of networking information.
Services: Assists in organizations in planning efforts, teaches new technologies and applications
Cost: Yearly dues are $6,700
Most Prestigious Library Programs
- The Library of Congress in Washington DC is the largest library in the world. After being founded in 1800 much of the library's original collection was contributed by Thomas Jefferson who contributed his personal collection of 6487 books. This is regarded as the nation's most advanced and prestigious library.
- The British Library in London, with over 75 million items, is the largest library in Britain. Respected as a leading institution for integrating technology, the British Library also boasts well-maintained online galleries and virtual books.
- Queens Library in New York is the largest library in the state and runs hundreds of advanced programs to serve distinct cultural needs and keep up with modern technological changes.
- Cuyahoga County Public Library in Ohio is regularly recognized as one of the best county systems for its quality service and ample resources both online and off.
- Denver Public Library in Colorado employs over 500 people from diverse populations. They focus on serving the needs of all ages and run unique blogs for different areas of interest.
- Salt Lake City Public Library in Utah is known for their all-ages literacy enhancement services and their focus on serving English language learners. They also run a number of programs that focus on children.
- Harvard University Library in Massachusetts runs a number of advanced digital programs for their students and features one of the best systems for research.
- Multnomah Library is Oregon's largest public library and it serves a large majority of the state. They value employing diverse candidates who can offer a greater range of knowledge to bring to the staff.
- King County Library in Washington employs over 1,000 helpful staff members. The prestigious regional library regularly runs nationally recognized programs for children and teens.