[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Key Takeaways[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check” marker-color=”secondary”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Professionals with a library science degree often work as librarians, but they can also qualify for roles like archivist, information specialist, and instructional coordinator.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Although students can earn a bachelor’s degree in library science, a master’s degree is the standard level of education required for professional librarians.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Library science coursework builds skills related to project management, instructional design, and communication, preparing grads to support literacy and benefit their communities.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-flex] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]College degrees in library science prepare graduates for careers in a variety of settings. Students learn to assess and organize information, catalog data, and distribute materials — all valuable skills that translate to varied industries. Graduates also gain computer, database, and technology training, which they can apply to roles in business or technology fields as well as academia and libraries.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Library science explores the principles, practices, and tools of information management. A library science program trains students to manage, organize, assess, and distribute books, periodicals, databases, and other reference materials. Individuals interested in working in a library can gain the necessary skills through a library or information science degree. Other professional options for library science graduates include nonprofit work, corporate data management, and archivist roles.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Why Get a Library Science Degree?[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In our digital economy, the ability to search, organize, classify, and retrieve specialized information has enormous value to employers.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/librarians.htm” target=”_blank”]over 13,000 annual openings[/hen-ui-link] for librarian jobs from 2023 to 2033.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Library science degrees build skills you can use to support literacy and benefit communities.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As libraries adopt an increasingly multimedia focus, you can use your knowledge to help people navigate new ways of interacting with the world.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Library science programs develop diverse skills in areas like project management, instructional design, and information preservation.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Kinds of Library Science Degrees Are There?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Library science degrees and certificates teach students how to collect, manage, and preserve information. Curricula vary by program, institution, and degree level. For example, associate degrees prepare learners for roles as library assistants and technicians, while bachelor’s programs train individuals to work in entry-level librarian positions. Certificate programs in library science also build the foundational skills relevant for library settings.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become an actual librarian, individuals usually need a graduate degree in library and information science. [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-library-information-science/”]Online master’s degrees in library science[/hen-ui-link] covers advanced aspects of library operations, information management, and information studies. Doctorates in library science allows students to specialize in areas like leadership, curation, archives, or health information and education.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We explore these degrees and programs in more detail below.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Explore library science careers” href=”/careers/career-guide/library-science/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-tertiary-700″]Certificate Program in Library Science[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A certificate in library science is an entry into the library and information science profession. Certificate programs usually last between one semester and two years, covering fundamental information about the tools and techniques librarians use.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With a certificate in library science, graduates can become library assistants at public, private, and school libraries. A certificate in library science can also lead to careers in data entry, research, and material collection at businesses and nonprofit organizations.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-tertiary-700″]Associate Degree in Library Science[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Associate degrees in library science usually take two years of full-time study. Learners complete general education coursework in English, the humanities, and natural sciences alongside introductory classes in library and information sciences. An associate degree in this field can lead to entry-level roles or set the foundation for continued study in a bachelor’s program.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A library science associate program can benefit students already working in a library by qualifying them for more specialized roles. With this educational credential, professionals can become library assistants, research technicians, and curatorial aides.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-tertiary-700″]Bachelor’s Degree in Library Science[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A bachelor’s in library science — which typically takes four years of full-time study — incorporates general education coursework with library and information science fundamentals. Students study cataloging and technical processes, library management, and information literacy as they work toward a career in a library setting. Classes may also include information technology, literary studies, and research methods.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A bachelor’s degree in library science prepares learners to become library assistants, data curators, and research technicians. With a bachelor’s degree in this discipline, individuals can also pursue a graduate program in library and information science. A master’s degree in library science is the standard level of education required for professional librarians.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-tertiary-700″]Master’s Degree in Library Science[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Coursework in a [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-library-information-science/”]master’s degree in library science[/hen-ui-link] builds on library and information science fundamentals with specialized coursework. Students explore advanced aspects of library management, operations, and information science. Often, programs include concentrations that let learners specialize their knowledge in fields like youth library services, digital media, information architecture, and archival records management.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To pursue a master’s degree in library science, students usually need a bachelor’s degree. Graduates can qualify for jobs like librarian, archivist, and library director — many libraries require a library science master’s degree as a minimum for these roles.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-tertiary-700″]Doctoral Degree in Library Science[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A doctorate in library science can lead to advanced careers in academic and archival settings. Professionals with a doctoral degree in library science can find work as library directors, college and university instructors, and data managers.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Typically, learners finish these programs in 3-5 years. The curricula for Ph.D.s in library science blend lecture and research coursework, often incorporating practical experience and teaching. Doctoral students also conduct research and produce dissertations about niche subfields of library and information science.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Accreditation for Library Science Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Before choosing a program, students should consider the [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]accreditation status[/hen-ui-link] of a library science degree. Library science students should only consider schools with active, valid institutional accreditation.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Individual degrees can also hold programmatic accreditation. The accrediting body for library science is the American Library Association (ALA). Accreditation from ALA is a voluntary process that involves self- and peer evaluation of curricula, instruction, and program outcomes. Librarian jobs and other advanced roles typically require an ALA-accredited library science master’s degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Understand college accreditation” href=”/resources/accreditation/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Paying for a Library Science Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]College can be expensive, especially since costs keep rising. The National Center for Education Statistics reported the following nationwide average tuition rates for the 2021-22 school year:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Two-year degree (in-state public institution): [hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d22/tables/dt22_330.20.asp” target=”_blank”]$3,564[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Four-year degree (in-state public institution): [hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d22/tables/dt22_330.20.asp” target=”_blank”]$9,596[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Four-year degree (out-of-state public institution): [hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d22/tables/dt22_330.20.asp” target=”_blank”]$27,457[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Four-year degree (private nonprofit institution): [hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d22/tables/dt22_330.20.asp” target=”_blank”]$34,041[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduate school (overall average among public and private institutions): [hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d22/tables/dt22_330.50.asp” target=”_blank”]$20,513[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For students who need help paying for their degrees, research financial aid options. Generally, you should prioritize funding sources like scholarships and grants, as these do not require repayment, while loans typically require repayment with interest.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Fill out your [hen-ui-link href=”https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa” target=”_blank”]FAFSA application[/hen-ui-link] to determine your eligibility for financial aid. A filed FAFSA means you receive automatic consideration for the federal student funding programs for which you qualify, including grants and loans. We explore financial aid below.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Scholarships[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Scholarships deliver one-time or renewable awards in the form of direct financial aid. Schools and organizations award scholarships on the basis of need, merit, or demographics. Winners don’t repay the funds they receive, which means scholarships can be competitive.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ala.org/educationcareers/scholarships” target=”_blank”]ALA’s scholarship program[/hen-ui-link] offers financial support to underrepresented groups and other qualified students in need of aid. ALA also maintains a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ala.org/educationcareers/education/financialassistance” target=”_blank”]directory of agencies and organizations[/hen-ui-link] that provide aid to library science program enrollees.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Grants[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Grants are similar to scholarships, though they emphasize financial need more heavily. While grants specifically for library science students are rare, the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.imls.gov/grants/grant-programs” target=”_blank”]Institute of Museum and Library Services[/hen-ui-link] runs funding programs specifically for indigenous, Black, and Latino/a applicants.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Federal Loans[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If scholarships, grants, gifts, and savings aren’t enough to meet your education expenses, consider [hen-ui-link href=”https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans” target=”_blank”]federal student loans[/hen-ui-link]. Generally, all loans require repayment, but federal loans usually offer lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options than private loans.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Private Loans[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As a last resort, look into student loans from private lenders. These are especially useful if you’re an international student and you don’t qualify for federal aid from the U.S. government. To reduce your debt, review all terms and conditions of loans closely, and keep your borrowing to a minimum.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Learn more about financial aid for online college” href=”/resources/college-finances/online-college-financial-aid/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Jobs for Library Science Graduates[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Salaries for workers with library science degrees vary by career, education level, and location. We explore librarian and library-related careers and growth projections below:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Careers for Library Science Graduates[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Job[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Minimum Education Required[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Annual Salary[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Job Growth Rate (2023-33)[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”]Intelligence analyst[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Minimum Education Required”]Bachelor’s degree[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Intelligence_Analyst/Salary” target=”_blank”]$78,250[/hen-ui-link]*[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Growth Rate (2023-33)”]N/A[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”]Instructional coordinator[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Minimum Education Required”]Master’s degree[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/instructional-coordinators.htm” target=”_blank”]$74,620[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Growth Rate (2023-33)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/instructional-coordinators.htm” target=”_blank”]+2%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”]Librarian or library media specialist[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Minimum Education Required”]Bachelor’s or master’s degree[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/librarians.htm” target=”_blank”]$64,370[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Growth Rate (2023-33)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/librarians.htm” target=”_blank”]+3%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”]Data administrator[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Minimum Education Required”]Bachelor’s or master’s degree, plus computer science or information technology training[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Data_Administrator/Salary” target=”_blank”]$61,620[/hen-ui-link]*[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Growth Rate (2023-33)”]N/A[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”]Archivist or curator[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Minimum Education Required”]Master’s degree[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/curators-museum-technicians-and-conservators.htm” target=”_blank”]$57,120[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Growth Rate (2023-33)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/curators-museum-technicians-and-conservators.htm” target=”_blank”]+11%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”]Corporate information specialist[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Minimum Education Required”]Bachelor’s or master’s degree[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Information_Specialist/Salary” target=”_blank”]$57,460[/hen-ui-link]*[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Growth Rate (2023-33)”]N/A[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Discover Resources for Library Science Students[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Numerous groups and agencies offer specialized resources and assistance to library science students and professionals in the field. Organizations for library workers include:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ifla.org/” target=”_blank”]International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] Established in 1927, IFLA unites hundreds of members whose impact spans more than 190 countries. The organization advocates for libraries and librarians, tracks library and information science trends, publishes industry journals, and offers extensive networking and professional development programs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.diglib.org/” target=”_blank”]Digital Library Federation[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] DLF unites individuals who design and use digital library technologies, including members from research, practical, and academic settings. DLF promotes digital library standards and best practices, offers career resources, and hosts events and online forums for members. Members also receive discounts on educational programs as well as access to scholarships, awards, and DLF publications[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www2.archivists.org/” target=”_blank”]Society of American Archivists[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] Founded in 1936, SAA is the oldest, largest association for archivists in North America. With a mission to advance standards and ensure diversity within the archival work field, SAA offers educational programs, publications, and advocacy opportunities for members. Student membership includes access to SAA’s mentoring program.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Library Science Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What is library science?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Library science is the formal study of tools and systems for collecting, cataloging, organizing, regulating, and accessing library and information media. Schools offer library science degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, beginning with associate degrees and progressing to doctorates. Some institutions also offer certificates in the field.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What colleges offer library science degrees?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the NCES, [hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?s=all&p=25″ target=”_blank”]119 U.S. colleges[/hen-ui-link] offer library science degrees as of May 2024. Programs are available across the United States. You can also search for schools using [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ala.org/educationcareers/accreditedprograms/directory” target=”_blank”]ALA’s directory of accredited programs[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What is the best degree for a librarian?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In general, a master of library and information science (MLIS) degree can maximize your career options and your earning potential. Many of the highest-paid library science careers prefer or require a master’s degree for entry or advancement. MLIS credentials can also help you stand out on the job market.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How much do librarians make?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to 2023 BLS data, librarians and library media specialists earn a median salary of [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/librarians.htm” target=”_blank”]$64,370 per year[/hen-ui-link]. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes254022.htm” target=”_blank”]BLS also reports[/hen-ui-link] that library professionals at the 25th percentile of earnings made $50,930 per year, while those at the 75th percentile earned $80,980 per year.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How long does it take to get a degree in library science?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Library science degrees take about as much time to complete as degrees in other fields. On a full-time study schedule, you can complete an associate degree in two years, a bachelor’s degree in four years, and an MLIS degree in two years. Doctoral programs usually take 3-5 years.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]