Library science is one of the most rapidly growing fields of education right now. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) librarians make an average yearly salary of $61,190, and employment of librarians is predicted to grow nine percent over the next decade. In order to be competitive in this field, you’ll need a degree from one of the best schools for library science.
The best library science universities offer degree programs at all levels, and some even offer online options. This guide will walk you through the best library science schools and the specific degree programs they offer. Not only will you learn about the best library science colleges, but you’ll get insight into jobs, career paths, and opportunities available to you with a library science degree.
Best Library Science College and University Rankings: Top 10 Library Science Schools at a Glance
| School | State | Formats Available | US News Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catholic University of America | WA | In-person, hybrid | #136 |
| Drexel University | PA | Online, in-person | #103 |
| Texas Woman’s University | TX | Online | #299-#391 |
| University of Arizona | AZ | Online, in-person | #103 |
| University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | IL | In-person, online | #47 |
| University of North Texas | TX | Online, in-person | #277 |
| University of Oklahoma | OK | In-person, hybrid | #127 |
| University of Rhode Island | RI | Online, in-person | #162 |
| University of South Carolina | SC | Online, in-person | #177 |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | WI | Online, in-person | #299-#391 |
Library Science School Rankings: Best Library Science Colleges and Universities
Library science is a field that focuses on the value of information in modern culture. Graduates from the best schools for library science may work in historical, academic, school, government, and public libraries. Attending one of the best library science schools in our list below will ensure your curriculum prepares you to work with data and media in different formats and contexts.
Best Bachelor’s Degree Programs
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The Best Schools for Library Science: Types of College Degrees and University Programs Offered
The best schools for library science offer degrees in library science at all levels, including associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, postgraduate certificates, and doctorates. Bachelor’s programs usually combine other minor courses with library science, while PhD programs deepen library scientists’ expertise in research and data construction.
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Comparing Popular Degree Options
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Best Library Science Schools: Other Library Science University Rankings
There are many more library science schools than those listed above. They offer similar courses and ensure that students are adequately trained to take on positions related to library science. We consider them high on the list of best library science university rankings. Keep reading to learn more about great online options, community colleges, and more.
Best Online Library Science Schools
- Syracuse University. Syracuse offers an online and in-person graduate degree program in library and information science through its iSchool. The program offers general education courses while paving the road for enrolled students to pursue school media certification in New York. Syracuse is well-known for its internship opportunities.
- University of South Carolina. This MLIS degree program can be completed fully online or in combination with on-campus courses. The fast track option allows students to finish the degree in 18 months. Despite its accelerated pace, this is one of the online library science programs that emphasizes quality education, with faculty and career advisors assigned to each student.
- University of Washington–Information School. This MLIS program is well-known around the world thanks to its well-rounded curriculum. Students can study in an in-person or online format, with both options requiring 63 credits to graduate. The online master’s is completed part time over the course of three years, while the in-person degree is a full-time, two-year program with the same curriculum requirements.
Best Community Colleges for Library Science
- City College of San Francisco. Students can get an Associate of Science in Library Information Technology in two years by completing 19 credits of coursework. Bachelor’s holders can earn the Certificate of Achievement in one year. The school has programs for both newcomers and seasoned professionals looking to progress in their careers.
- Diablo Valley College. Students who complete this library technology program will have a solid foundation in information management and retrieval. They’ll also gain practical experience working in a library or resource center. Both an associate degree and certificate of achievement are available through the library technician program.
- Fresno City College. The library technology program at Fresno City College is designed to give students hands-on experience. The course is best suited for those hoping to become library paraprofessionals or general library staff. The degree’s curriculum can be completed online in four semesters.
Best Undergraduate Schools for Library Science
- Southern Connecticut State University. The 39-credit Bachelor of Science in Information Management and Services prepares students for a wide range of information-based occupations, with a focus on digital information skills and expertise. Graduates are also prepared to work in libraries and information centers as support staff.
- University of Maine. This bachelor’s degree program is designed to give graduates the professional skills they need to effectively support the smooth management of libraries and other information-intensive organizations. Graduates will be well-equipped for jobs as library professionals.
- University of Southern Mississippi. This online library science bachelor’s degree is ranked one of the best in the country. The fully online library and information sciences curriculum includes subjects like cataloging, web development, and storytelling. The program also offers a study abroad program in London.
Best Graduate Schools for Library Science
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Those who earn this MS in Library Science are prepared to manage libraries and information centers, with curricula covering cutting-edge service technologies, archive science, and effective communication. UNC’s library science program benefits from the university’s strong research programs in medicine, sustainability, and information technology.
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. The University of Michigan offers multiple graduate programs, including Master of Science in Information, Master of Health Informatics, and PhD in Information. This university has a high success rate in job placements after graduation, with 90 percent of MSI graduates working in their field of choice.
- University of Wisconsin-Madison. The 39-credit MA in Library and Information Studies covers cataloging, archives administration, and collection management and policy. Students can complete this graduate program online or in person, but certain specialization options and collaborations with other departments are only available on campus.
Best Library Science Schools With Dual Degree Programs
- Florida State University | BSIT/MSIT Combined Pathway. Florida State University students who are eligible for this combined bachelor’s/master’s program can contribute up to 12 graduate-level course hours toward both degrees. This degree path allows high-achieving students to complete both degrees in a shorter timeframe.
- Kent University | Master of Library and Information Science and Master of Business Administration. This dual degree requires 61 credit hours split between information science and business courses. Students hoping to work in corporate or non-profit libraries would benefit from this degree, which covers topics like economics, ethics, and business strategy along with core library science concepts.
- University of Maryland-College Park | Dual Master’s Degree in History and Library & Information Science (HiLS). The HiLS curriculum is perfect for students who want to learn how to work in different types of information institutions, including libraries, museums, archives, and historical societies. Those enrolled get practical experience from working in College Park’s library facilities while they obtain their degrees.
Best Schools With Accelerated Library Science Programs
- East Carolina University | Library Science MLS. ECU’s online Master of Library and Information Science can be finished in less than two years, making it a cost-effective option for students. It’s also possible to get the North Carolina Public Librarian Certification and the School Librarianship license through this program.
- Florida State University | BSIT/MSIT Combined Pathway. Motivated and academically capable FSU undergraduate students can take advantage of the combined pathway, earning both a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Information Technology. Students admitted into this program can apply 12 credits of graduate study toward both degrees.
- Texas A&M University-Commerce | Educational Technology Library Science (MS/MED). An expedited online degree track allows students to get a combined Master of Science and Master of Education degree in as little as 18 months. This degree is designed to train teachers and educators to work as school librarians within Texas. This degree requires a practicum in the state under the supervision of a preceptor.
Easy Colleges to Get Into
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Is Graduate School for Library Science Worth It?
Yes, graduate school for library science is worth it because many job postings in this field require a minimum of a Master’s in Library Science. An MLS helps you advance beyond lower-level jobs like library assistant, allowing you to move into administration and library and information management.
Additionally, libraries are spaces that are constantly changing, thanks to the rise of digital information and its ever-changing variety of formats. Digital information must be organized and archived, just like printed materials in traditional libraries. If you don’t keep up with the latest developments in your field, you’ll be out of step with the times.
What Jobs Can You Do With a Library Science Degree?
A library science degree can get you jobs in public, school, and academic libraries. The most common librarian positions include legal librarians, academic librarians, school librarians, data curators, and emerging technology librarians. Most of these roles require a Master of Library and Information Science from a program certified by the American Library Association.
How Much Can I Earn With a Degree in Library Science?
You can earn quite high salaries with a degree in library science. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary range of librarians in the United States can start from $34,050 for library technicians and assistants and go up to $79,640 for postsecondary teachers. The salaries of library workers depend on their education level, with master’s and doctorate graduates earning the most.
Highest-Paying Library Science Careers
| Profession | Minimum Education | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary Teachers | Master’s degree | $79,640 |
| Instructional Coordinators | Master’s degree | $63,740 |
| High School Teachers | Bachelor’s degree | $61,820 |
| Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers | Bachelor’s degree | $61,350 |
| Middle School Teachers | Bachelor’s degree | $61,320 |
| Adult Basic and Secondary Education and ESL Teachers | Bachelor’s degree | $59,720 |
| Archivists | Bachelor’s degree | $50,120 |
| Curators and Museum Workers | Bachelor’s degree | $50,120 |
| Library Technicians | Associate’s degree | $34,050 |
| Library Assistants | Associate’s degree | $34,050 |
Best Jobs With a Library Science Degree
The best jobs with a library science degree are postsecondary teaching, instructional coordinating, and teaching in high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools. While you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree to secure these jobs, a master’s degree will put you in a better position with potential employers and is necessary for teaching at the college level.
How Can I Pay for Library Science School?
You can pay for library science school through scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and loans. If you work at a library, ask your employer if there’s any financial aid for pursuing a graduate degree program. The library or its supporting organization may offer scholarships or a flexible schedule, allowing you to work on school assignments while keeping your job.
- Work-study. Work-study is a federal program that helps students pay for school by giving them part-time jobs, on or off campus. This type of aid is available to full-time and part-time undergraduate and graduate students who can show that they need it. In a library science degree program, this work-study initiative can take place in a library.
- Scholarships. Students pursuing a library science degree who cannot afford their studies are eligible for scholarships. Scholarships, unlike other forms of financial aid, do not need to be paid back.
- Grants. Grants are available from private enterprises and non-profit groups. Grants may be awarded to new students who want to pursue a degree or those who are currently enrolled in a degree program. Every year, thousands of students are able to complete their college education thanks to grants.
- Financial aid. Most universities require that students fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) when applying for a program. FAFSA provides need-based aid, and the FAFSA online application is free to complete. Before you begin your application, make sure you have your tax returns and other financial information handy.
- Loans. Depending on your financial position, you might want to apply for federal student loans or private loans from banks and other financial institutions. Be sure to consider all of your options for loans, as you need to take into account both the interest rates and the principal amount borrowed when calculating your repayment plan.
How to Pay for Your Chosen School Education Path
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Choosing the Best Library Science School for You
To choose the best library science school for you, you should consider the cost of the program, whether it’s accredited by the American Library Association and the degree type. Learn more about these factors below.
Cost
Cost can differ substantially between universities. This depends on whether the school is public or private, whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student, the coursework required, and housing expenses. Some schools offer scholarships and financial aid, and you might be able to reduce costs by pursuing an accelerated or online program.
Course Offerings and Schedule
It’s critical to consider each school’s course offerings to make sure they align with your goals. For instance, make sure that your program provides classes on storytelling, children’s literature, and early literacy if you want to become a youth services librarian. School librarians will want to make sure their chosen program covers a wide range of topics.
Choose a program that you can fit into your schedule. Some schools cater to full-time students, and others accommodate working students by offering classes online or at satellite campuses and scheduling classes in the evenings or on weekends. If you want to complete your degree as quickly as possible, you should consider an accelerated program.
ALA Accreditation
For a school to be accredited, it must meet the American Library Association’s rigorous standards. A Master of Library Science degree is required for the majority of library jobs, and most organizations will only recognize degrees from ALA-accredited schools. More than 60 programs in the United States and Canada are accredited by the association.
How to Get Into the Right School for Your Profession
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Does It Matter What College I Go to for Library Science?
Yes, it does matter what college you go to for library science. A school with a strong academic reputation will lend some credibility to your degree, and you must have at least attended an ALA-accredited program. Library science students will also benefit from a strong alumni network and schools with ties to prominent organizations and institutions.
Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
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Library Science University Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Schools for Library Science
We ranked the best library science schools by consulting the university rankings conducted by US News & World Report and Times Higher Education. To further refine our library science university ranking methodology, we gave special consideration to things like reputation, graduation rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and breadth and depth of library science degree program offerings.
Additional Reading About Library Science
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Best Library Science Schools FAQ
Librarians generally help users find information, though their jobs vary depending on their specific roles. Reference librarians run the library’s reference desk, answering inquiries and directing users to the information and resources they need. Children librarians organize library activities, place orders for children’s books, and provide customer service.
It can be difficult to get a job as a librarian because most jobs in libraries require a graduate degree. This makes it a little more difficult than in fields where a bachelor’s degree is highly rated. However, this is a stable profession if you have the right qualifications, with BLS reporting nine percent job growth through 2030.
Yes, a librarian can make a six-figure salary if they have the right qualifications. For example, Glassdoor reports that deans of libraries can earn as much as $163,000 per year. Workers who manage IT aspects of libraries can also earn six figures, with PayScale reporting a median salary of $114,212 for program managers.
Librarians need to have analytical skills, communication skills, and organizational skills to be successful. They also must have a thirst for knowledge, as the best librarians need to constantly be learning about new methods in data retrieval, archiving, and more.
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