Best Online Master’s in Library Science

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Everyone knows how to Google a question, but few people know exactly how to find a reliable resource for their next research project.

Librarians, on the other hand, know exactly where to look, and can help you find the perfect reference resource for an essay. College students in particular understand how helpful a good librarian can be and how much of a difference they can make during their studies.

Librarians play a vital role in the information technology network of any school or business. They’re the unsung heroes who compile library catalogs, search for new books and magazines to fill the shelves, and know exactly where to go to locate an obscure book. They have a lot to do and need to have lots of experience and education to do the job effectively.

Not everyone is cut out to be a librarian, and becoming one requires a specialized degree. The best online Master’s in Library Science degrees are only found at the best schools with the right programs. Thankfully, all of these degrees can be pursued online.

Online degree programs can prepare you to become a librarian through in-depth curriculums and experienced faculty. They’ll also offer enough flexibility for any student; you can pursue your education on your own time.

Online Schools Report is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

What is a Master’s degree in Library Science?

Most libraries and academic fields or in schools require the head librarian or overseer position to have a Master’s in Library Science Degree.

A Master’s in Library Science Degree is the degree most commonly held by actual librarians. Although libraries are run by many staff members who hold a variety of degrees, only Master’s in Library Science degrees can properly prepare someone for becoming the chief librarian at a specific location.

If you want to ever run your own library and decide critical things, like the books included on the shelves or what direction to take a library, you have to get this degree. It takes a multidisciplinary understanding of information sourcing, organization, and research to effectively create a library where things are in logical places for perusal. 

A Master’s in Library Science degree prepares people for understanding and organizing educational and fictional resources amidst a vast database of books. Navigating an entire library’s worth of knowledge is a difficult task without the experience and professionalism provided by this type of degree.

In addition, these degrees provide students with extensive knowledge of preserving, maintaining, and cataloging all the materials in the library. These skills help individuals maintain a library’s usefulness and allow a library to expand its collection.

How Much Can You Earn with a Master’s degree in Library Science?

On average, librarians make around $50,000 per year with plenty of variation depending on location and seniority. Librarians with more experience typically earn more than librarians just starting out.

In addition, librarians that take on more administrative roles, like becoming a Library Director, can earn upwards of $80,000-$100,000 per year. Librarians with more specialized jobs, like archivists or curators, can leverage their extra experience and critical role in a library to earn more money, as well.

This number is high because Librarian positions are somewhat rare. Job turnover tends to be quite low, as librarians end up remaining at the same school or library for a long time before ever moving on. Libraries are common, but usually only require one or two administrative or head librarian positions to be run smoothly.

The rest of the staff generally do not have Library Science degrees or the same amount of responsibility.

If you do pursue a job with a Master’s in Library Science degree, you can expect to search for the perfect position for some time. Before you attain a higher position, your earnings may be low. It’s only once you achieve the title fitting the degree that you start to earn what the degree is worth.

What is Required for a Master’s degree in Library Science?

To obtain a Master’s in Library Science degree, you’ll need to first have a Bachelor’s degree. You can normally get this degree in any major, although academic pursuits will likely increase your chances of being accepted into a master’s program.

Once accepted, your library science program will include classes from the following subjects:

  • Collection management
  • Information technology
  • Cataloging
  • Reference services
  • Communications
  • English and writing
  • Business and administration

There are a few required classes in every Library Science degree that you’ll take no matter your program. These classes are things like Information Sources and Services, which teaches you how to identify and spread reliable sources of information, and Collection Development, which teaches you how to decide which works should be included in a library and how to shore up weak spots in your catalog of knowledge.

In addition, most Master’s in Library Science degree programs are accredited by the American Library Association Committee on Accreditation or ALA, while others are not. Accredited programs have greater placement rate after graduation and are known to have effective curriculums and experienced faculty.

What Are the Best Master’s degrees in Library Science?

OSR uses six data points: three school-wide and three program specific. For school-wide, OSR uses Student Satisfaction, Admission Rates, and the number of programs the school offers online. For program specific, OSR checks the Median Debt of graduates from that program, how many degrees are offered within that program’s umbrella department, and what percentage of students at that school graduated from that department.

The six statistics are displayed by each school. The sliding bar under each statistic represents how that school compares to other US institutions. “Not reported” means a school did not release that information to the US Department of Education. A more detailed description of the OSR process can be found on the methodology page.

University of Southern Mississippi

University of Southern Mississippi

Quick Facts

  • 3 program-specific scholarships
  • 3 degree options
  • Opportunity to study abroad in London
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

77%

Acceptance Rate

98%

Programs Offered Online

18

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

0%

100%OSR Score

This degree program requires 40 hours of core and elective courses, with the additional advantage of being able to earn a graduate certificate at the same time for up to 12 credit hours. Tuition is affordable and online students pay the same rate as in-state students. The London opportunity takes place each summer.

Clarion University of Pennsylvania

Clarion University of Pennsylvania

Quick Facts

  • Available in 7-week or 15-week schedules
  • 3 terms available
  • $35 admission fee
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

73%

Acceptance Rate

95%

Programs Offered Online

12

Median Debt

$33,048

Programs Offered Online

Not reported

Popularity at School

0%

91%OSR Score

This program has been specifically noted by the American Library Association Committee on Accreditation, marking its excellent curriculum and great faculty. Students can choose between obtaining a regular Master’s degree or pursuing a Master’s of the Arts degree simultaneously for dual certification. This school also offers a Bachelor’s degree in Library Science, though it is not online.

East Carolina University

East Carolina University

Quick Facts

  • Can specialize in public or school library environments
  • Focuses on library technology
  • $75 application fee
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

75%

Acceptance Rate

79%

Programs Offered Online

19

Median Debt

$20,848

Programs Offered Online

Not reported
90%OSR Score

This university has had a library science program since 1939. Its curriculum is attuned very well for nontraditional students who require flexible schedules. There’s plenty of opportunity for internships either at this university or other local libraries.

Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

Quick Facts

  • 36 credit hours
  • Requires a teaching certification
  • $35 application fee
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

75%

Acceptance Rate

83%

Programs Offered Online

Not reported

Programs Offered Online

Not reported

Popularity at School

0%

89%OSR Score

This program is so successful at delivering excellent librarians that it has a nearly 100 percent placement rate after graduation. There are three semesters to apply for and the online curriculum is very flexible. However, this program is fairly difficult to get into, requiring a teaching certification and three letters of recommendation.

Southern Connecticut State University

Quick Facts

  • 36 credit hours
  • $50 application fee
  • Recently accredited by the ALA
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

75%

Acceptance Rate

65%

Programs Offered Online

1

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

0%

87%OSR Score

This master’s program has rolling admissions so be aware that acceptance of your candidacy does not guarantee placement in the program. There are two concentrations to choose from: school library media or a more individualized path. The curriculum reflects an increased focus on digital resources in modern educational settings.

Texas A & M University-Commerce

Quick Facts

  • 36 credit hours
  • Lots of scholarship opportunities
  • $30 application fee
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Acceptance Rate

35%

Programs Offered Online

7

Median Debt

$21,634

Programs Offered Online

Not reported
85%OSR Score

This program focuses on educational technology and how it relates to library science. It’s particularly well-suited for those who will become school librarians. Many of its classes focus on aspects for such a career, although the skills are transferable to more general library positions.

Simmons College

Quick Facts

  • Three concentrations to choose from
  • Online classes can be completed at your own pace
  • No application fee
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

77%

Acceptance Rate

60%

Programs Offered Online

Not reported

Median Debt

$45,000

Programs in Department

2

82%OSR Score

All the professors at Simmons University have real librarian experience and bring this to every classroom or online interaction. The program is inherently customizable and allows students to choose the classes and electives that interest them the most. It also allows for a dual degree program so you can complete two master’s degrees simultaneously.

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Quick Facts

  • 36 credit hours
  • The oldest accredited library science program in North Carolina
  • Online courses are cheaper than in-person classes
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

75%

Acceptance Rate

78%

Programs Offered Online

7

Median Debt

$21,875

Programs Offered Online

Not reported
81%OSR Score

This library science degree has been accredited by the ALA for a very long time. Its curriculum allows students to specialize in library positions in academic or public settings and incorporates ideas for international librarian positions as well. Instead of a thesis, a capstone project is completed by every student.

The University of Alabama

The University of Alabama

Quick Facts

  • 36 credit hours
  • Orientation required
  • $40 application fee
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Acceptance Rate

53%

Programs Offered Online

10

Median Debt

$30,750

Programs in Department

1

81%OSR Score

This program combines online learning with the support network of a traditional college environment. Students will complete their coursework alongside other library students while working on their own schedule. Note that most professors require all students to meet up at least once a week.

University of Arizona

University of Arizona

Quick Facts

  • 37 credit hours
  • Flexible course schedules
  • $50 application fee
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

74%

Acceptance Rate

84%

Programs Offered Online

20

Median Debt

$37,253

Programs in Department

1

79%OSR Score

This program offers eight different concentrations, and some of them even allow you to obtain a graduate certificate to demonstrate your expertise. The curriculum prepares students to work not just in libraries but also in professions dealing with law and government. The few extra credits compared to most other programs allow for this focus and may help with job placement after graduation.

Valdosta State University

Quick Facts

  • 39 credit hours
  • Does not require face-to-face meetings during class
  • $40 application fee
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

77%

Acceptance Rate

74%

Programs Offered Online

8

Median Debt

$28,875

Programs in Department

1

79%OSR Score

This master’s degree is a non-thesis program, requiring students to complete a capstone project instead. Its curriculum is extremely flexible to help students with nontraditional schedules. There are several specialization tracks available to further refine one’s curriculum.

Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State

Quick Facts

  • 36 credit hours
  • Three semesters available
  • $45 application fee
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

76%

Acceptance Rate

74%

Programs Offered Online

7

Median Debt

$28,317

Programs Offered Online

Not reported
79%OSR Score

This master’s program has a curriculum that focuses on modern information literacy. Many of the classes focus on multimedia collections and digital library skills. In addition, students who already have a master’s degree or a teaching certificate and two years of teaching experience can get a School Librarian certification quickly to change positions at their school.

Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Quick Facts

  • Ranked 7th in the country by U.S. News and World Report
  • Many library specializations available
  • Opportunity to create your own specialized curriculum
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Acceptance Rate

58%

Programs Offered Online

12

Median Debt

$41,000

Programs Offered Online

Not reported
78%OSR Score

This is a Master of Information program with a concentration in library and information science. Its broader curriculum focus can prepare students for careers not just in libraries but in other business careers as well. The program focuses on data science and management, not just library data needs.

Western Kentucky University

Western Kentucky University

Quick Facts

  • Requires two letters of recommendation
  • 36 credit hours
  • $45 application fee
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

74%

Acceptance Rate

95%

Programs Offered Online

9

Median Debt

$21,039

Programs in Department

1

78%OSR Score

This program offers students the ability to pursue a full degree in library science or certification for current teachers. The degree path prepares students for becoming librarians in educational settings more than general settings. The orientation is not required for online students.

University of South Florida-Main Campus

Quick Facts

  • 39 credit hours
  • Must submit a portfolio to demonstrate competencies
  • $30 application fee
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

76%

Acceptance Rate

45%

Programs Offered Online

2

Median Debt

$40,500

Programs in Department

1

77%OSR Score

This degree program can adequately prepare students for leadership roles. A special technology elective is required for all students in the program. There are three different start dates to allow for flexible scheduling.

University of Central Missouri

Quick Facts

  • Three semester start dates
  • Can take this program without a teacher’s certification
  • $30 application fee
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

74%

Acceptance Rate

84%

Programs Offered Online

6

Median Debt

$27,086

Programs in Department

1

77%OSR Score

The curriculum at this university focuses on library science and leadership skills to prepare students to coordinate a dedicated team of educational personnel. Its focus remains on school librarians, and it mostly accepts students with some prior educational experience. The class scheduling is extremely flexible and can be completed on your own personalized timeframe.

University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus

Quick Facts

  • 36 credit hours
  • Can’t transfer many credits to the program
  • $40 application fee
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Acceptance Rate

74%

Programs Offered Online

7

Median Debt

$24,499

Programs Offered Online

Not reported
77%OSR Score

This degree program allows students to pursue two paths to graduation: one with a thesis or one without a thesis but with a capstone project instead. Both curriculum paths focus on modern digital library techniques and resources. In addition, a strict requirement of “B” letter grades are required for any non-elective courses.

University of North Texas

Quick Facts

  • 36 credit hours
  • Several two-semester scholarships available
  • $75 applications fee
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

74%

Acceptance Rate

72%

Programs Offered Online

3

Median Debt

$29,199

Programs Offered Online

Not reported
77%OSR Score

This program can be pursued either part-time or full-time depending on your schedule and needs. However, it does require six days of in-person classroom attendance so it’s best pursued by Texas residents. Thankfully, the tuition for Texas residents is low.

Texas Woman’s University

Texas Woman's University

Quick Facts

  • Can pursue a dual Heal Studies degree
  • Can obtain certification to become a school librarian
  • $50 application fee
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

75%

Acceptance Rate

86%

Programs Offered Online

6

Median Debt

$27,219

Programs Offered Online

Not reported
77%OSR Score

This program is entirely online and does not require any in-person classroom attendance. It offers various program tracks that students can choose to specialize in, ranging from public libraries to academic libraries and even to special libraries in law firms and government agencies. These tracks are similar but require a few different courses to be completed.

University at Buffalo

Quick Facts

  • $50 application fee
  • 36 credit hours
  • Requirements are flexible if you already have a Master’s
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

75%

Acceptance Rate

57%

Programs Offered Online

1

Median Debt

$33,750

Programs Offered Online

Not reported
76%OSR Score

This program offers full-time and part-time options so students can pursue the degree even if they must juggle responsibilities. Most people finish in two years, but accelerated scheduling is available to complete it more quickly. The fully-online curriculum isn’t education-focused. Rather, it prepares students for librarian jobs in all manner of locations.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Quick Facts

  • 40 credit hours
  • Schedules are suited for day or evening classes
  • $50 application fee
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

74%

Acceptance Rate

62%

Programs Offered Online

1

Median Debt

$34,737

Programs in Department

1

75%OSR Score

Students can choose between thesis or non-thesis graduation tracks depending on their preference. The curriculum is well-suited for students seeking to be school librarians or reference librarians in other positions such as business or law. There are two scheduling options available to provide for some flexibility.

St John’s University-New York

Quick Facts

  • 36 credit hours
  • Program emphasizes social service
  • 96% of graduates receive aid of some kind
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Acceptance Rate

68%

Programs Offered Online

3

Median Debt

$27,647

Programs Offered Online

Not reported
74%OSR Score

This program is taught by experienced faculty who have been librarians in both educational and business contexts. The university infuses the curriculum with an ethics spin, as St. John’s is a Catholic school. An electronic portfolio is required for graduation to showcase your work to potential employers.

San Jose State University

Quick Facts

  • 43 credit hours
  • Courses may occasionally require live session attendance
  • $55 application fee 
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

75%

Acceptance Rate

67%

Programs Offered Online

Not reported

Median Debt

$32,500

Programs in Department

1

74%OSR Score

This program offers a customized curriculum; graduate students can create a specialized schedule to fit their interests and career objectives. In addition, the university maintains more than 200 internship opportunities for librarian students. Some of these internships are virtual to provide for online students.

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Quick Facts

  • Ranks as #14 by U.S. News and World Report
  • Can obtain school media certification simultaneously
  • $50 application fee
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

74%

Acceptance Rate

72%

Programs Offered Online

4

Median Debt

$39,250

Programs Offered Online

Not reported
74%OSR Score

This program has been accredited since 1976 and has a flexible online curriculum. Up to four concentrations may be pursued by students, with additional specializations available during study. The university also offers several coordinated degree options if you wish to earn a dual degree.

Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis

Quick Facts

  • 39 credit hours
  • 100% online
  • $70 application fee
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

73%

Acceptance Rate

80%

Programs Offered Online

5

Median Debt

$34,500

Programs in Department

1

74%OSR Score

The curriculum from this university focuses on professional leadership and library administration. It implements digital technology and modern solutions to prepare students for running a library in today’s environment. There are five different areas of librarianship explored in the curriculum, and each has a set of advanced elective courses that a student must pursue. Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis has the option to pursue rare specializations in digital curation and archives.

Appalachian State University

Quick Facts

  • 36 credit hours
  • Only offered as part-time
  • Dual Master’s degree with Educational Media available
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

75%

Acceptance Rate

70%

Programs Offered Online

7

Programs Offered Online

Not reported
73%OSR Score

This program can deliver instruction into online formats. The synchronous version has students meet up in a virtual classroom one evening per week, while the other allows coursework to be completed on the student’s own schedule. However, meetings with the instructor are still required with the latter schedule.

Syracuse University

Syracuse University

Quick Facts

  • 36 credit hours
  • Each focus has different electives
  • $75 application fee
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

74%

Acceptance Rate

47%

Programs Offered Online

1

Median Debt

$46,442

Programs Offered Online

Not reported
73%OSR Score

This online library science program has been accredited since 1928 and has a curriculum which emphasizes community information retrieval. The curriculum also offers 11 different librarianship focuses complete with extra electives. A residency workshop is required for graduation.

Kent State University at Kent

Quick Facts

  • Three letters of recommendation required
  • 37 credit hours
  • $50 application fee
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

74%

Acceptance Rate

88%

Programs Offered Online

9

Median Debt

$31,028

Programs Offered Online

Not reported
73%OSR Score

This program prepares students to fulfill librarian positions in both academic and research contexts. A dual degree option with Business Administration is available for those seeking librarian employment in the private sector. Four separate electives are available for minor concentrations.

Wayne State University

Quick Facts

  • 36 credit hours
  • No minimum course requirement in each specialization
  • $25 application fee
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

76%

Acceptance Rate

67%

Programs Offered Online

7

Median Debt

$41,000

Programs in Department

1

73%OSR Score

This program focuses on librarianship in a leadership role so that students are prepared to be administrators in information organizations. Students can choose between three different specializations: library services, information management, and archives and digital content management. Be aware that certain concentration classes are only available on campus.

Emporia State University

Quick Facts

  • 36 credit hours
  • Assistantship opportunities available
  • Four different concentrations are open to students
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

74%

Acceptance Rate

83%

Programs Offered Online

2

Median Debt

$30,872

Programs in Department

1

72%OSR Score

This program has a dedicated online curriculum that does require some face-to-face interaction via webchat. In addition, students can complete an 18-credit Archives Studies certificate for additional employment opportunities after graduation. The alumni network of this university is particularly robust.

North Carolina Central University

Quick Facts

  • 36 credit hours
  • Flexible course schedules
  • $50 application fee
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

73%

Acceptance Rate

83%

Programs Offered Online

9

Median Debt

$51,438

Programs Offered Online

Not reported
71%OSR Score

This program is 100 percent online and offers up to seven different concentration tracks to choose from for specialization. Students will appreciate a very flexible scheduling system and multiple ways to take classes. The program has been rated as one of the most affordable online library science degrees.

University of Houston-Clear Lake

Quick Facts

  • 33 credit hours
  • Can be completed in just 18 months
  • Three semester start dates
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

73%

Acceptance Rate

72%

Programs Offered Online

5

Programs Offered Online

Not reported
71%OSR Score

This program offers a degree in School Library and Information Science. Naturally, it’s particularly suitable for those who wish to become school librarians. The curriculum includes classes on collaboration, integration of technology in learning, and implementing literacy programs for students at a school.

University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

Quick Facts

  • 36 credit hours
  • Can be completed in three semesters
  • $55 application fee
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

75%

Acceptance Rate

60%

Programs Offered Online

2

Programs Offered Online

Not reported
70%OSR Score

This program’s curriculum has been developed to anticipate changes in the digital information environment. Six thematic specializations are available to prepare students for employment in a particular library position.

University of South Carolina-Columbia

Quick Facts

  • Three semester start dates
  • 36 credit hours
  • Ranked # 5 for Library Media by U.S. News and World
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Acceptance Rate

72%

Programs Offered Online

Not reported

Median Debt

$31,851

Programs Offered Online

Not reported
70%OSR Score

This library science program includes nine hours of required classes while the bulk of the curriculum can be tailored towards a specific librarian position. Generously, up to 12 credit hours can be transferred from other U of SC schools. An electronic portfolio is required for graduation.

Middle Tennessee State University

Quick Facts

  • 36 credit hours
  • Alternative electives can be chosen based on focus
  • $30 application fee
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

76%

Acceptance Rate

59%

Programs Offered Online

5

Programs Offered Online

Not reported
70%OSR Score

This program is offered entirely online except for two required field experiences to prepare students for immediate employment upon graduation. The curriculum focuses on a theme of leadership and development of a library’s catalog through user understanding. Currently, this program is seeking accreditation by the ALA.

Online Schools Report is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.