Should I Get a Library Science Degree?
Trying to decide if a library science degree is right for you? Here are a couple of things to ask yourself before you start sending in those applications.
Do You Love Research?
If there's one overarching theme to the librarian profession, it's research. They do it themselves, they help others do it and they work to maintain spaces that facilitate it. If the idea of being a gatekeeper to research that furthers human knowledge or the thought of fostering environments that help people learn excites you, a degree in library science may be a good choice.
Careers in this field focus a lot on research and the degree programs that feed them do, too. Library science programs typically feature courses like internet research strategies, research methods in library and information management and reference research and strategies Many higher-level degrees (such as a master's) will also include a final research project.
Do You Love Kids?
Though there are some positions that don't require any interaction with children, most librarians who work in schools or community libraries will see lots of little ones. They're often charged with helping them find and check out materials, leading storytime and organizing reading and literacy programs. In this way, librarians get to play a part in making children lifelong learners.
Are you tech-savvy?
The days of aisle upon aisle of dusty books and faded stamps are long gone. The libraries of today have embraced technology: user records are kept online, the card catalog systems are digital, 3D printers are common and databases are online.
Library science degree programs have adapted to this change, offering classes that get you familiar with technology and keep you up-to-date on advances -- all in the service of promoting knowledge.
How to Become a Librarian
A career as a librarian can be a diverse and challenging option for individuals with a wide variety of interests. Librarians catalogue and organize information on a wide range of subjects, conduct research, and consult with library patrons. The requirements to enter this field often differ depending on what type of librarian you would like to be. Most positions required a master's degree in Library Science (MLS), and positions in a public school or public library also often require certification.
Traditionally, the steps to become a librarian include:
- Graduate with a bachelor's degree
- Earn your Master's in Library Science (MLS) degree
- Get certified if it's required by your state
What Degree Do You Need to Be a Librarian?
So what exactly are the educational requirements to become a librarian? For most positions with the title of librarian, you will need to have a master's degree in library science, or MLS degree. If you are interested in entering the library field but are not ready to earn a graduate degree, there are bachelor's and associate's degree programs in library science or library technology that prepare you for related careers.
How to Become a School Librarian
School librarians have slightly different requirements than other librarians, and these requirements vary by state. The American Association of School Librarians recommends that the minimum professional preparation for school librarians is the MLS degree. Steps to take to become a school librarian include:
- Earn a bachelor's or master's degree in library science, as required by your state.
- Gain teaching experience, if this is required in your state
- Take any required certification tests such as the Praxis or National Evaluation Series (NES) exams. Required exams will vary by state.
How to Choose a Library Science Degree Program
Like most degrees, library science programs aren't one-size-fits-all. Each one brings a little something different to the table; the trick is to line those nuances up with your learning style and career goals. Here are a few things to consider.
Accreditation
Look for programs accredited by the American Library Association (ALA). The ALA vets programs based on a wide range of criteria; programs with their stamp of approval give you a better chance at a quality education in the field. What's more, your certification as a librarian may be dependent on it and many employers may see it as the most important factor in their decision to hire you.
Admissions Criteria
Admissions criteria will vary by institution and degree-level. For instance, to get into a master's degree program in library science, you'll probably need a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA. You might also need to provide a personal essay, letters of recommendation, official transcripts and even a resume.
Bachelor's degree programs might only require a high school diploma (with a minimum GPA) and an application. Associate's degree programs often accept a GED and may not have high school GPA requirements.
Cost
Far and away, the cost of a degree is the number one deciding factor for most students. Degree programs in library science come with a range of price tags depending on the school and the degree level. An associate's degree with in-state (or in-county) tuition from a public school can be as low as around $100 per credit. An in-state public university bachelor's degree in the field might set you back between $250 and $300, and a full-time graduate program might be about $4,000 a semester. Opt for a private school and those rates go up significantly (think $1300 per credit in master's programs).
As with all degree programs, filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), looking for grants and scholarships and speaking with your school's financial aid office is a great idea. These resources can cut your tuition responsibility significantly and make your degree affordable.
Length
Associate's degree programs in library science are typically around 60 credits and are designed to be completed in 2 years. Bachelor's programs hover around 120 and typically take about 4 years to complete. A master's degree could be anywhere from 45 to 60 credits; accelerated programs can be knocked out in a year, while traditional ones might be around 2 years. One major way to cut down on length is by transferring in credits from previous colleges. For instance, taking your associate's degree credits and applying them to a bachelor's can turn your bachelor's program into a 2-year (or less) affair.
Don't have any previous coursework? Some schools will write off classes based on life or professional experience. Check with your school's financial aid and admissions office to see what you might qualify for.
Flexibility
Since there aren't typically in-person, practical requirements in library science programs -- as opposed to, say, nursing or education -- many are fully online. Further, many offer asynchronous learning where you absorb the materials, complete your assignments and take tests at your pace. Check with your potential programs to see if there are any on-site components and whether you can do coursework online at your leisure.
Librarian Degree
You can earn a degree in library science at the associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels; however, for most librarian positions, you'll need at least a graduate degree. The specific classes in a library science program will differ at the various degree levels, but you will often take courses in research, material organization, and information technology. You may also take courses in an area of specialization, such as children's literature or music librarianship, particularly at the master's or doctoral level. Let's examine the different levels of library science programs.
| Library Science Degree | Program Length | Potential Careers |
|---|---|---|
| Associate's Degree | 2 years | Library Technician Library Assistant |
| Bachelor's Degree | 4 years | Archivist Library Paraprofessional School Librarian (some states) |
| Master's Degree | 2 years | Public Librarian Law Librarian Business Researcher |
| Ph.D | 3-5 years |
Associate's Degree in Library Science
If you are interested in a two-year degree, you could earn an associate's degree in library science or library technology degree. Graduates of these programs are qualified to work as library technicians, library assistants, or paraprofessionals in school libraries. In addition, many of the credits that you earn in your associate's degree program can transfer to a bachelor's degree program if you decided to continue your education. Library Science programs often include some general education courses as well as library science courses in topics such as:
- Acquisitions
- Cataloguing
- Library technology
Library Science Bachelor's Degree
In a library science bachelor's degree program, you will take a courses that cover topics such as:
- Reference and information services
- Children's literature
- Collection development.
Bachelor's degree programs can typically be completed in four years. If you need a more flexible option, there are online library science bachelor's degree programs available as well.
Many graduates of this program find positions as library paraprofessionals or in museums, archives, and publishing companies. In some states, a bachelor's degree in library science will meet the minimum education requirements needed to earn certification as a school librarian.
Master's Degree in Library Science
In order to work as an academic or public librarian, you will need to earn a master's degree in library science. Any undergraduate major is acceptable to pursue this degree, though if you plan on working in a specialty particular library, such as in a music library or health library, you may wish to consider earning your bachelor's degree in that area. An MLS can typically be completed in two years of full-time study, and you will often take courses in:
- Database design
- Information organization
- Research methods
- Digital libraries
- Library systems
- User inquires
Some programs also offer you the chance to add a concentration or area of specialization to your degree. Some of the concentration options you could choose from include:
- Records management
- Art librarianship
- Rare books
- Digital curation
- Children and young adult librarianship
In addition to positions as librarians, career option for MLS degree holders include working in governmental information, preservation, UX design, and digital information management. Depending on your career goals, you may wish to explore dual degree graduate programs, such as a JD/MLS for those who wish to work as law librarians, MFA/MLS for those interested in becoming an art librarian, and MA/MLS programs for those interested in careers as academic librarians.
PhD in Library Science
If you wish to continue your studies in library science above the master's degree level, you might consider earning a PhD in Library Science. As a PhD student, you could take courses in:
- The history of libraries
- Research methods
- Statistics
- Theory development.
You may also need to sit for a field exam or review, which demonstrates that you are well-versed in a library science specialty, and prepare a research presentation or present a paper for publication. Your PhD program will typically culminate in a dissertation where you will be expected to conduct independent scholarship in an area of library science.
Graduates of PhD in Library Science program often seek positions as researchers or as faculty members of university library science departments.
Librarian Degree Online
At each of the degree levels discussed above, it is possible to find online degree programs in library science; although online MLS programs are most common. Most of these programs allow you to complete your courses at your own pace. An online MLS will typically take approximately two years to complete, but some programs may allow you to expedite your degree by taking additional courses to complete the program sooner. In-person requirements, such as an internship, may be necessary for you to complete your degree.
Librarian Courses Online
If you decide to complete the Master of Library Science program online, your courses should be similar to those you would take in a traditional on-ground program. Courses that you might take include:
- Information seeking and retrieval
- Introductory data science
- Electronic information resource
- Library programming
- Storytelling
Librarian Certification
In some states, certification is required for librarians working in public libraries. In most states, you are required to hold an MLS from an institution accredited by the American Library Association to earn such certification. A small number of states, such as Ohio, also require experience working as a librarian. An equivalent degree that is similar in preparation is also acceptable for some locations. Completion of continuing education is required to maintain certification in most states.
School librarian certification is different from the certification required for public librarians. In general, school librarians must have a bachelor's or master's degree in library science and complete mandatory state certification exams.
Librarian Certification Online
Once you receive your certification as a librarian, you will need to take professional development courses in order to renew it and to continue to develop your knowledge and skills. Professional development courses can be taken through colleges or at special events and conferences for librarians. There are also a wide range of professional development courses and webinars available online for professional librarians, both from universities and from professional library associations. Some examples of courses you might take include Getting Started with Virtual Reality, Preservation Showdown, Academic Library Makerspaces, and Crowdsourced Reference.