Preparing yourself for a career working in libraries is quite different today than it was a generation or two ago. In today's ever-evolving information landscape, librarians do a lot more than handle physical books and periodicals.
Contemporary libraries contain a large percentage of digital information and electronic resources. Librarians need expertise in organizing and managing digital collections as well as in helping public or academic users access the answers they are seeking.
The academic standard for becoming a librarian is still a master's-level education from a library and information science (LIS) program accredited by the American Library Association (ALA).
While most employers require librarians to possess master's degrees, earning a bachelor's in library science can prepare you for grad school or entry-level and support roles such as library technician, assistant, or archivist.
Keep reading to learn where you can earn an affordable library science degree online at the bachelor's level. You may find similar degrees if you search for online programs in information science.
The Top Affordable Library Science Degrees Online
If you're hoping to obtain an affordable library science degree online, a handful of distance-learning programs exist. Read on!
1. Clarion University
Clarion University, affiliated with Pennsylvania Western University, is home to an online Bachelor of Science in integrative studies with a concentration in library and information studies, offered in conjunction with the Department of Information and Library Science.
Clarion's integrative studies program provides students with a breadth of knowledge in both the humanities and sciences as well as in professional areas. Students are also encouraged to choose a minor specialization or even a dual major in a complementary field.
The Department of Information and Library Science is highly esteemed at the national level for its master's programs (MSLS both in-person and online, an online MSLS in school library media, and a cooperative MSLS/JD program with Widener University School of Law).
Established cooperative and internship programs can enhance your studies as well as open doors to future career opportunities.
Tuition for online students is $376.20 per credit hour for Pennsylvania residents and $563.20 for nonresidents.
2. Northern Kentucky University
Northern Kentucky University offers a Bachelor of Science in library informatics degree program exclusively available in an online format.
This online program would prepare you for a career in information evaluation and management in a library setting or in other settings such as government agencies, public service institutions, corporate information centers, and research divisions.
The program focuses on the broad areas of organizing, assessing, and accessing information.
Students learn to effectively navigate the dynamic and increasingly complex information landscape through courses on information literacy, information storage and retrieval, searching interfaces, ethics, and trends in information science.
Coursework in information access covers:
- using tertiary reference guides
- publication and dissemination cycles
- structuring information searches
- cost-benefit analyses of information searches
- ethical and legal issues in using information
The program culminates with a capstone project. Tuition for online students at NKU is $673 per credit hour regardless of residency.
3. University of Maine at Augusta
At the University of Maine at Augusta (UMA), you may enroll in a 100% online degree program to earn a Bachelor of Science in information and library science.
This program will provide you with a broad liberal arts education that increases your creative and critical thinking abilities while also developing technological skills to prepare you for employment in libraries and information centers as specialized paraprofessionals.
To be admitted to the Bachelor of Science degree program you need to either have an SAT score of at least 1,000 (combined points) or have successfully completed 30 credits from an accredited institution with a GPA of at least 2.50.
The program culminates with a senior capstone course that involves an internship working on-site at a library for 120 hours under the supervision of an MLS librarian. This program will prepare you to be eligible for licensure in the State of Maine.
Tuition is $252 per credit for Maine and Canada residents and $329 for other out-of-state online students.
4. University of Nebraska at Omaha
The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) online Bachelor of Science in Education (BS Ed) degree in Library Science is highly respected in the state and has trained nearly a third of all Nebraska's lead librarians.
This unique BS program can be completed through either the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences OR as a Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies in Library Science online degree.
Students aspiring to a career in school libraries may also be interested in one of two undergraduate degree programs in Elementary Education or Secondary Education, each of which includes School Library provisional endorsements.
The UNO BS Ed in Library Science program is acclaimed for its diverse and comprehensive curriculum, its engaged faculty, and its extensive local and regional professional networks. Graduates enjoy a nearly 100% job placement rate.
Tuition at UNO for online students is $268 per credit for in-state and $622 per credit for out-of-state students.
5. University of Southern Mississippi
If you were to enroll in the online Bachelor of Science in library and information science degree program at the University of Southern Mississippi, you could have the unique opportunity to study abroad in London as part of your degree program.
Undergraduates in the USM library science program take coursework that covers topics such as cataloging, reference sources, collection development, children's literature, youth programming, school libraries, web development, and information technology in libraries.
Students also take courses in psychology and ethics. A minor in another field of study is recommended.
Each summer, the school offers a 6-credit elective course sequence in London. The course "British Studies in Librarianship" focuses on historical and comparative studies of library institutions, models of service, collections, and professional practices in the United Kingdom.
Tuition and fees at USM for Mississippi residents are $390 per credit hour up to 11 hours and a flat-rate tuition fee each semester of $4,670 for enrolling in 12-19 hours. Nonresidents would pay $474 per credit hour or the flat rate of $4670 for 12-19 hours.
What Is the Average Cost of an Online Bachelor's Degree in Library Science?
You'll find that the online tuition for library science undergraduate degrees ranges from about $250 to $675 per credit hour. You'll come across the lowest tuitions at schools offering discounted rates for in-state residents if you happen to be a state resident.
Also, remember that if you already have general education transfer credits or an associate degree, you may be able to cut the four-year price in half to obtain your bachelor's in library science.
How To Finance an Online Library Science Degree
First, choose a library science online degree program from the above list that seems to meet all your needs and interests.
Next, we recommend that you reach out and establish a relationship with a financial aid officer at that school to find out what kinds of discounts, scholarships, grants, or loans you might qualify for. Be sure to complete the federal FAFSA financial aid application form.
You should also look into other sources of assistance such as employee tuition reimbursements or tuition waivers based on your age, military service, residency, or other factors.
Benefits of a Library Science Degree
The ever-evolving digital library landscape has created much demand for well-educated, skilled professionals in all sorts of library settings.
These include secondary school and university academic libraries, public community libraries, law libraries, museums, and any industry that requires archiving or curating services.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for librarians and media collections specialists and for educational instruction and library workers in the U.S. will grow by more than 8-9% by 2030.
Start Your Library Science Degree Online Today
Reach out to the admissions offices of the schools we listed above to get started with an affordable library science degree online today.
