An online bachelor鈥檚 degree in library science prepares students to assume careers in the field of library science and information. Prospective students can expect to learn skills in library management and library collection development. Some online programs offer library science as a concentration option, with core courses focusing on education, multidisciplinary studies, or integrative studies. Many online programs require an internship or a senior capstone to graduate. Others may want to pursue further education by getting an affordable online master's in library science.
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List Of Accredited Online Library Science Schools
| School | Online Enrollment | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of Maine at Augusta | $21,548 | |
| Northern Kentucky University | 2,560 | $21,480 |
| University of Nebraska at Omaha | 2,255 | $22,358 |
| University of Southern Mississippi | 2,113 | $11,618 |
| Pennsylvania Western University | 617 | $16,006 |
2025 Best Online Library Science Degrees
- Online Enrollment: 2,833 enrolled
- Annual Tuition: $21,548
- Location: Augusta (ME)
The University of Maine at Augusta (UMA) is a public university that offers an online totaling 120 credit hours. It can take full-time students around four years to complete the program. UMA鈥檚 acceptance rate is 100%, and it has a 29% graduation rate.
At UMA, online students complete coursework both asynchronously and synchronously through the learning platform D2L Brightspace. The information and library science degree prepares students for roles in library science and information services. Sample courses include Library Management, Collection Development, and Library Sciences for Teens. Students are required to complete a senior capstone. Prospective careers for graduates include children鈥檚 librarians, reference librarians, and university library directors.
- Online Enrollment: 2,560 enrolled
- Annual Tuition: $21,480
- Location: Highland Heights (KY)
Northern Kentucky University (NKU) is a public institution offering an online totaling 120 credit hours. Prospective students can expect to spend four years finishing this program. NKU鈥檚 acceptance rate is 80%, and it has a 49% graduation rate.
NKU鈥檚 online students complete courses in asynchronous and synchronous formats on Canvas. In this program, students advance their organizational, analytical, and information management skills. Some of the courses are Information in Our Society, Management Information Systems, and Digital Searching Interfaces. Students must also complete a senior capstone before graduation. Prospective careers for graduates include youth services librarians, school librarians, and librarian and media specialists.
- Online Enrollment: 2,255 enrolled
- Annual Tuition: $22,358
- Location: Omaha (NE)
The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), a public university, offers two online bachelor鈥檚 in library science: a (1) and a (2) , both requiring 120 credit hours each. Full-time students can expect to spend four years finishing these programs. The university accepts 87% of applicants, with 51% graduating.
At UNO, online students complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously on Canvas. Both programs involve library science concentrations but different core courses focused on education or multidisciplinary studies. Sample courses include Children鈥檚 Literature, Digital Citizenship, and Information Resources Management in Libraries. Students must complete a library science capstone. Potential career options include internet trainers, information architects, and special collections librarians.
- Online Enrollment: 2,113 enrolled
- Annual Tuition: $11,618
- Location: Hattiesburg (MS)
At the University of Southern Mississippi (Southern Miss), a public institution, prospective students can pursue an online requiring 120 credit hours. Students can complete this program within 2 to 4 years. The university accepts 96% of applicants, with 51% of students graduating.
Southern Miss facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning via Canvas. Students develop library management skills in this program through courses, such as School Libraries, Development of Library Collection, and Library Instruction. Also, a library internship or practicum is required during senior year. Graduates may pursue careers like public librarians, brand library managers, and business operations specialists.
- Online Enrollment: 617 enrolled
- Annual Tuition: $16,006
- Locations: Clarion (PA) (and 2 others)
At Clarion University (Clarion), a public institution, students can pursue an online , which equals 120 credit hours. It can take full-time students at least four years to complete this program. The university鈥檚 acceptance rate is 99%, and it has a 53% graduation rate.
Clarion facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on D2L Brightspace. This program can help prepare students who want to pursue a master鈥檚 in library science. Example courses are The Information Society, Informed Citizenry, and Organization of Information. Graduates may pursue careers like reference librarians, program consultants, and rare book curators.
What Is an Online Library Science Degree?
A library science degree equips students with the skills needed to work in libraries, archives, and information management roles. These skills include knowledge organization, data curation, and information literacy. The growing digitalization of information resources creates new opportunities and challenges for library science professionals who play a vital role in preserving and providing access to knowledge.
Graduates of library science programs can find work in various settings, including traditional libraries, corporate information centers, and government agencies.
Online library science programs provide a convenient and flexible option for students who want to earn their degree while balancing other responsibilities. By offering asynchronous or self-paced online courses, these programs allow students to complete their studies on their own schedule.
The amount of time it takes to earn a library science degree can vary based on the degree level and format. A bachelor's degree in library science or a related field may require three to four years of full-time study.
The requirements for bachelor's degree programs in library science vary by institution, but in general, applicants need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, provide transcripts of previous academic work, and meet minimum GPA requirements. Many programs also require letters of recommendation, a personal statement or essay, and may request standardized test scores. Some institutions may also require a college interview as part of the application process.
It's essential to consider accreditation when selecting a library science program. Accreditation by the American Library Association (ALA) indicates that the program meets rigorous standards of quality. It can also provide students with greater job opportunities and help them advance in their careers.
Is Library Science a STEM Degree?
While library science deals with information, organization, and management, it鈥檚 not typically considered a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) discipline. Instead, it鈥檚 classified as a humanities or social science degree. This is because library science is more concerned with the collection, organization, and accessibility of information, rather than scientific or mathematical studies.
The humanities and social sciences play a central role in library science since the field is about understanding people's relationships with information. The history of libraries, the ways that people access information, and how people interact with cultural materials, such as books, all fall under the scope of library science. These are all topics that are typically classified as part of the arts and social sciences.
That said, library science programs may incorporate elements of technology and information science, especially in the context of digital librarianship and information management.
Common Courses
Library science programs typically cover a variety of subjects related to the field of librarianship. These topics can include cataloging, classification, information organization, reference services, collection development, and the use of technology in libraries. In addition, many programs allow students to specialize in a particular area, such as academic librarianship, school librarianship, public librarianship, archival studies, or digital curation.
Library science courses are designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of the field, including its history, principles, and practices. Here are some common examples of classes:
Cataloging and Classification
This course teaches students about the fundamental principles of classifying and organizing information resources. Students learn about how metadata, classification systems, and cataloging rules work together to ensure that information resources are easy to find and understand.
Library Collection Development and Management
Students in this class learn about the factors that go into creating and maintaining library collections. These factors include assessing patrons鈥� needs, selecting materials that meet those needs, and managing budgets.
Reference and Information Services
This course covers the techniques and tools used by librarians to help patrons find and evaluate information. Students learn how to search databases and other information sources and help library users navigate the library collection.
Information Ethics
This course focuses on some of the most important ethical issues in the field. Topics covered include intellectual property rights, including copyright law, privacy issues in the digital age, barriers to access to information, and censorship and information control.
What Can You Do With a Library Science Degree?
The skills a library science degree provides can apply to a variety of information-related professions. While some graduates pursue traditional library careers, others find work in areas such as museums, archives, nonprofit organizations, and corporate environments. A library science degree can lead to various career paths 鈥� from web archivist or integrated library system administrator to director of content acquisition.
Here are some common career options this degree can eventually lead to:
Librarians
organize and maintain library collections, helping patrons locate and make use of these resources. This is perhaps the most popular career choice for library science graduates.
Library Technicians
provide support to librarians by carrying out day-to-day tasks such as maintaining library collections, providing customer service, and assisting with the organization and cataloging of library materials.
Curators
are responsible for the care and preservation of collections in museums or other institutions. They develop, organize, and maintain collections, and curators may also conduct research on the items in the collection or create educational exhibits and programs for the public.
Archivists
are responsible for the long-term preservation of historical documents, records, and other materials. They often work in museums, government archives, or universities.
Many of these jobs require a degree of a graduate level or higher, which can also be earned online, usually with affordable tuition. A master's in library science (MLIS) is the most common degree for librarians and other information professionals, but there are also advanced certificates and doctorates available for those looking to specialize or advance their careers.
Licensing and Certification for Library Science Jobs
Each state has different requirements that students must meet in order to receive licensure or certification. Many states require that students pursuing a career path as a school librarian receive licensure or certification as a teacher in an alternate subject in addition to obtaining certification as a librarian.
In general, students will pursue an accredited bachelor鈥檚 program prior to receiving certification. Depending on which state they live in, an application for licensure or certification may be available online. Students then submit the completed application and official transcripts to the certification commission in their state. Many states will accept library or teacher certifications from other states, but students who are planning on moving to a different state should check with the certifying agency to verify that certificates are accepted or transferable. All prospective students are advised to contact their state鈥檚 education board to learn about specific certification or state licensing requirements and ensure that the program they choose is recognized by the state they wish to work in.
School librarians who wish to demonstrate their commitment to the profession and their expertise while possibly qualifying for salary increases might consider pursuing voluntary certification with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Qualified applicants must pass a four-part evaluation process before they are granted a library media certification.
FAQs About Online Library Science Degrees
Can I Get a Library Science Degree 100% Online?
Yes, it鈥檚 possible to get a degree in library science degree online. Many online programs have the same curriculum and requirements as on-campus programs, and they鈥檙e often designed to accommodate the needs of working professionals and students with other commitments. Plus, online programs offer the same opportunities for career advancement as traditional on-campus programs.
Is Library Science a Good Degree?
The value of a library science degree is somewhat subjective since it depends on one's career goals and interests. However, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics mentioned above, the job outlook for librarians and archivists is stable, with employment opportunities in various sectors. Additionally, as the information landscape evolves, professionals with strong information management and organization skills are likely to remain in demand.
What Bachelor鈥檚 Degree Is Best for Library Science?
Since a bachelor's degree in library science is less common, many students pursue undergraduate degrees in related fields, such as English, history, information technology, or social sciences. These degrees can provide a strong foundation for graduate-level library science studies.
How Long Is a Library Science Degree?
Bachelor's degrees in library science typically take three to four years to complete, though some students take longer to graduate. The exact length of the program may vary depending on the school and the particular program. Additionally, students who are working while earning their degrees may need to complete the program on a part-time basis, which can add to the overall time it takes to earn the degree.
How Hard Is a Degree in Library Science?
While the difficulty of a degree in library science can be subjective, it generally requires strong skills in information management and organization rather than intensive academic knowledge. This means that many students who excel in these areas find the coursework engaging and manageable. However, there may be challenging aspects for those who are less comfortable with these skills.
If you're considering a library science degree, it's a good idea to evaluate your own strengths, interests, and goals. It could also help to speak with current students or alumni of library science programs, research the specific requirements and prerequisites of these programs, and look for information on the time commitment and the course load.
Is a Library Science Degree Worth It?
Library Science professionals play a vital role in society, providing access to knowledge and preserving cultural heritage. A library science degree can be an excellent investment for those who are passionate about the field and interested in pursuing a career in libraries or related information professions.
However, it's also important to consider the practical aspects of pursuing this degree, such as job opportunities and earning potential. For some, these factors could make a library science degree a less desirable choice.
Student Reviews of Online Library Science Programs
I took the online classes and I thought that they were great. The teachers were helpful although it may have been easier to meet face to face rather than a phone call or email but they were great. All the materials and class work were thoroughly explained.
Review Date: 7/22/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Syracuse University is an absolutely beautiful school (even covered in six feet of snow) that I loved attending as an undergraduate student. I am about to enter the graduate program at the Information School (iSchool) there and I can already tell that it is going to be worthwhile. While the food is borderline and the computer labs and libraries can tend to be a bit overrun and/or dingy in places, the resources are wonderful and almost every person that I have gone to for help regarding anything has... Read More
Review Date: 3/24/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Clarion University had an excellent undergraduate degree program for Library and Information Sciences. I was able to earn my BSEd in Library Science, K-12; a certification in Secondary English, 7-12; and participate in the Honors Program - and I graduated a semester early even with all of these things. The Honors program was rigorous without being too taxing, and it provided many opportunities for scholarships, networking, and advancement. The Library Science program had excellent professors while... Read More
Review Date: 6/26/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes