A Master in Library and Information Science degree prepares graduates to play a vital role in the evolving global information society. Library and information professionals help strengthen the links among individuals, information, technology, and libraries.
Any institution maintaining a large assortment of information, whether it’s electronic, print, or both, needs a professional to keep it up-to-date, organized, and easily accessible.
A Master in Library Science can lead to a career in research libraries, technical libraries, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, colleges, public and private schools, companies, museums, as well as information collection and delivery organizations.
Many employers require candidates to complete an American Library Association accredited program.
| Job titles include: | ||
|---|---|---|
| College Librarian | Media Archive Director | Law Librarian |
| Curator | Public Librarian | Cataloging Supervisor |
| Academic Librarian | Medical Librarian | Information Specialist |
| Chief Librarian | Reference Librarian | Archivist |
| Information Center Director | Instructional Librarian | School Media Specialist |
| News Librarian | Systems Librarian | |
| Library Director | Chief Information Officer |
Master in Library and Information Science programs typically provide a strong foundation in research and practice. The programs typically cover subjects such as school media, digital literacy, leadership, system design, information architecture, reference techniques, classification, cataloging, and media technologies. Some of the programs provide concentrations.
All the schools in the list have American Library Association accredited programs.
Some of the schools in the list are part of iSchools, a group of information schools dedicated to advancing the information field.
See also: What can I do with an Education degree?
Master in Library and Information Science degree program ranking guidelines:
We selected the degree programs based on academic excellence, types of available classes, faculty strength, rankings and reputation.
Along with a strong core in general librarianship, the MS in library and information science allows students to choose from several concentration options, including academic librarianship, historical materials, and management. While the degree is available mainly online, students must complete one intensive campus residency.
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The Best Online Master in Library and Information Science Degree Programs
1University of Illinois, U of I Online
(Urbana-Champaign, Illinois)
Founded in 1867, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), a public land-grant research university, provides both undergraduate and graduate programs to over 44,000 students. UIUC is a member of iSchools.
The University of Illinois Online Master of Science in Library and Information Science degree provides students the option to complete the program mostly online with only one campus visit each semester. The degree includes 40 semester hours.
The degree program uses a synchronous format utilizing WISE (Web-Based Information Science Education). WISE allows advanced technology to connect students, faculty, and colleges.
The Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree program includes courses such as:
- Information Organization and Access
- Libraries, Information and Society
- Introduction to Technology in LIS
- Youth Services Community Engagement
- Use and Users of Information
- Reference and Information Services
- Information Modeling
The University of Illinois is regionally accredited by The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
(Syracuse, New York)
Established in 1870, Syracuse University (SU), a private research university, provides both undergraduate and graduate programs to over 21,000 students. Syracuse is a member of iSchools.
The Syracuse University Master of Science in Library and Information Science degree provides a solid framework of library science as well as knowledge, values, and skills of librarianship within the context of an interdisciplinary faculty.
Students can take the Master in Library and Information Science program full or part-time in online and on campus formats.
The degree encompasses core knowledge courses, electives, and an exit requirement of an internship or independent study. Students may also attain an iSchool certificate of Advanced Study. The degree include 36 credit hours.
Courses include topics such as:
- Reference and Information Literary Services
- Management Principles for Information Professionals
- Information Policy
- Wireless Interactive Communications
- Data Mining
- Cataloging of Information Resources
Syracuse University is regionally accredited by The Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
3University of Washington, Information School
(Seattle, Washington)
Founded in 1861, the University of Washington, a multi-campus public research university, offers undergraduate and graduate degrees to over 43,000 students in 16 colleges and schools. Washington is a member of iSchools.
The Information School’s Master of Library and Information Science online degree program provides students a solid foundation in library and information sciences through a curriculum which teaches how information is stored, organized, researched, and retrieved.
Students attend a one-day orientation at the start of the program. Students taking the program on a part-time basis can complete the degree in three years.
The MLIS program offers coursework required for a Library Media Endorsement.
The online Master in Library and Information Science degree encompasses core courses, electives, and a culminating experience project. The degree includes 63 credits.
Core courses cover the following topics:
- Information Behavior
- Research Assessment and Design
- Information in Social Context
- The Question of Information
- Information Resources, Services, and Collections
The University of Washington is regionally accredited by The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
4Rutgers University, School of Communication and Information
(New Brunswick, New Jersey)
Founded in 1766, Rutgers University (RU), a public research university, is the eighth oldest college in the nation. RU offers undergraduate and graduate programs in 175 academic departments to 65,000 students. Rutgers is a member of iSchools.
The School of Communication and Information’s Master of Library and Information Science degree provides students the education and pedagogy necessary to become proficient in designing and implementing organizational structures which allow access to information. The Master’s in Library and Information Science program, designed as a part-time asynchronous program, typically takes two to three years to complete.
Concentrations include:
- General Study
- Digital Libraries
- Public Libraries
- School Library Media Study
Core courses, electives, and an ePortfolio capstone project round out the total plan of study. A snapshot of the online MLIS degree courses include:
- Principles of Searching
- Materials for Children
- Multimedia Production
- Human Information Behavior
- Learning Theory, Media, and the Curriculum
Rutgers University is regionally accredited by The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Established in 1891, Drexel University, a non-profit national research university, offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs to over 25,000 students. The university is a member of iSchools.
The Drexel University Master in Library and Information Science online degree program provides a solid background in LIS and focuses on teaching career skills in all areas of information management.
The program offers seven concentrations including:
- Archival Studies
- Digital Curation
- Competitive Intelligence & Knowledge Management
- Digital Libraries
- School Library Media
- Youth Services
- Library & Information Services
The online Library and Information Science Master’s degree encompasses core courses, electives, and concentrations. Students need 45 credits to obtain the degree.
A snapshot of courses across the concentrations include:
- Digital Libraries
- Information Architecture
- Database Management
- Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
- Digital Preservation
- Legal Research
Drexel University is regionally accredited by The Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges.
6University of Maryland, College of Information Studies
(College Park, Maryland)
Established in 1856, the University of Maryland (UM) is the largest public research land, sea, and space grant university in Maryland. UM offers more than 200 undergraduate and graduate programs to over 37,000 students. UM is a member of iSchools.
The College of Information Studies’ Online Master of Library Science (MLS) degree program provides students a foundation in research and practices. The online degree prepares graduates for careers in start-ups, museums, government agencies, archives and more.
The online MLS degree plan of study includes core courses, knowledge areas, specialization classes, and a field study or thesis. Students need 36 credits to obtain the degree.
Specializations include:
- School Library
- Archives and Digital Curation
- Community Analytics and Policy
- Individualized Program Plan
- Information and Diverse Populations
The curriculum includes courses such as:
- Designing Principled Inquiry
- Serving Information Needs
- Achieving Organizational Excellence
- Creating Information Structures
The University of Maryland is regionally accredited by The Middle States Commission of Higher Education.
(Tallahassee, Florida)
Founded in 1851, Florida State University (FSU), a public sea and space grant research university is one of the oldest of 11 institutions of higher learning in the state. FSU provides both undergraduate and graduate degrees to well over 41,000 students. FSU is a member of iSchools.
The Master of Science in Library and Information Studies online degree program provides students a broad foundation in areas of information organization, professional foundations, research, policy and management. The plan of study offers two tracks (General Information Studies and School Library Media) with core courses, electives, specializations, and concentrations. Concentrations include:
- Information Needs and Services
- Information Architecture and Technology
- Youth Information Needs and Services
Specializations include topics such as:
- Information Organization
- General Librarianship
- Leadership and Management
- School Media
- Technology and Networking
- Youth Services
Florida State University is regionally accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
8University of Pittsburgh, Pitt Online, School of Information Sciences
(Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
Established in 1787, the University of Pittsburgh, a state related research university, provides undergraduate and graduate programs from 17 schools and colleges to well over 28,000 students. Pitt is one of the oldest colleges in the country. The University of Pittsburgh is a member of iSchools.
The Master of Library and Information Science program, a mostly online program, includes 36 credits. The degree offers educational skills and theoretical knowledge students need to advance as information professionals in several fields and library facilities.
The plan of study includes core courses and electives such as:
- Understanding Information
- Managing Libraries and Information Centers in Changing Environments
- History of Children’s Literature
- Health Sciences Resources and Services
- Information Architecture
- Digital Libraries
The University of Pittsburgh is regionally accredited by The Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
9University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee, Systems ecampus
(Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
Established in 1871, the University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee, a public urban university, is part of the University of Wisconsin System. The university offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to about 28,000 students. The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a member of iSchools.
The UW Milwaukee ecampus Online Master of Library and Information Science degree program prepares students to manage change in a technologically oriented, knowledge-based environment. The program includes core courses, concentrations, practicum, capstone project, and a comprehensive exam or thesis. The degree includes 36 credits.
The online Library and Information Science Master’s degree includes concentrations such as:
- Archives
- Public Library Administration
- Information Organization
The plan of study includes courses such as:
- Research in Library and Information Sciences
- Organization of Information
- Information Access and Retrieval
- Foundations of Library and Informational Science
The University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee is regionally accredited by The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Along with a strong core in general librarianship, the MS in library and information science allows students to choose from several concentration options, including academic librarianship, historical materials, and management. While the degree is available mainly online, students must complete one intensive campus residency.
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10University of Wisconsin—Madison, School of Library & Information Studies
(Madison, Wisconsin)
Established 1848, The University of Wisconsin—Madison (UW Madison), a selective public university, is part of the University of Wisconsin System. UW Madison offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to over 43,000 students. The University of Wisconsin—Madison is a member of iSchools.
The Online Master in Library and Information Studies program, a generalist program, provides students the ability to practice librarianship and information services at the professional level. The plan of study includes core courses, an e-Portfolio, a 120-hour practicum, and electives. The curriculum has three tiers and includes courses such as:
- Foundations of Reference
- Collection Management
- Cataloging
- Archives Administration
- Information Ethics and Policy
The University of Wisconsin–Madison is regionally accredited by The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
(Kent, Ohio)
Kent State University, founded in 1910, is a public research university with eight campuses providing undergraduate and graduate programs to over 46,000 students.
The Kent State University online Master of Library and Information Science degree program offers on-site and online courses as well as a completely online format.
Students learn the pedagogy and skills necessary to work in areas such as information agencies, cultural organizations, museums, companies, and agencies.
The Master’s in Library and Information Science online degree includes core courses, electives, specializations, and a culminating experience project or thesis. The degree includes 37 hours.
The online program offers specializations which include topics such as:
- Academic Librarianship
- Digital Preservation
- Museum Studies
- K-12 School Librarianship
The curriculum offers core courses in topics such as:
- Access to Information
- Organization of Information
- Tools for MILS Success
- Management for Library and Informational Professionals
Kent State University is regionally accredited by The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
12University of North Texas, College of Information, Department of Library and Information Sciences
(Denton, Texas)
Founded in 1890, the University of North Texas (UNT), a public flagship university, provides undergraduate and graduate programs to over 36,000 students in ten colleges and two schools. UNT is a member of iSchools.
The Master of Science—Library Science online degree program provides students the necessary information technology and library science education and skills to thrive in research, education, corporate, law, and medical settings. The plan of study encompasses core classes, concentrations, a 120-hour field experience, and a culminating exam. The degree includes 36 credit hours.
Concentrations include:
- Archival Studies and Digital Image Management
- General Program of Study
- Health Informatics
- Distributed Learning Librarianship
- Information Organization
- Law Librarians and Legal Informatics Specialist
- School Librarianship
- Information Systems
- Youth Librarianship
A sample of courses include:
- Research Methods and Analysis
- Management of Information Agencies
- Economics of Information
- Law Library Management
- Academic Libraries
The University of North Texas is regionally accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
13The University of Alabama, School of Library and Information Studies
(Tuscaloosa, Alabama)
Founded in 1831, The University of Alabama (UA), a doctoral-level public research university, provides undergraduate and graduate degrees to over 34,000 students.
The Online Master of Library and Information Studies degree program prepares students for leadership opportunities in library and information careers. The program provides skills and education in the uses and management of information. The degree program offers both face-to-face and online options. The degree includes 36 credit hours.
The Master of Library and Information Studies online degree includes core courses with a thesis or non-thesis option, and an internship. Core courses include topics such as:
- Research Methods
- Information Technologies
- Public Libraries
- Organization of Information
- School Media Centers
- Information Sources and Services
The University of Alabama is regionally accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
14University of South Carolina, College of Mass Communications and Information Studies
(Columbia, South Carolina)
Established in 1801, The University of South Carolina (USC), a public, co-educational university, with seven satellite offices, offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees to over 31,000 students.
The College of Mass Communications and Information Studies offers the Master of Library and Information Science degree totally online and in a combination of on-campus and online formats. Students in the Fast Track option complete the program in 18 months.
The online Master’s in Library and Information Science program prepares students for careers in colleges, communities, schools, corporations, industries, and other institutions. The plan of study includes core courses, specializations, internships, and an ePortfolio. The degree includes 36 credit hours.
The Fast Track program offers specializations such as:
- Information Services
- Cultural Heritage Institutions
- Library Services to Children and Young Adults
A snapshot of courses include:
- Online Information Services
- Consumer Health Resource and Information Services
- Introduction to Information Technologies
- Introduction to Technology Services or Public Library Systems
The University of South Carolin is regionally accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
(Lexington, Kentucky)
Founded in 1865, the University of Kentucky (UK), a public land-grant university, provides undergraduate and graduate programs in 16 colleges to over 29,000 students. The university is a member of iSchools.
The University of Kentucky Online Master in Library and Information Science degree program offers students the foundational education and skills necessary to function in various library and informational settings and fields. The program offers nine tracks including:
- Academic Libraries
- Generalist
- Information Organization / Knowledge Representation
- Instructional Services
- Public Libraries
- School Librarian Program
- Information Systems
- Health Information
- Youth Services and Literature
Asynchronous online classes include topics in areas such as:
- Academic Libraries
- Collection Development
- Online Informational Retrieval
- Technical Processing Systems
- Organization of Knowledge
The University of Kentucky is regionally accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
16University of North Carolina Greensboro, School of Education, Department of Library and Information Studies
(Greensboro, North Carolina)
Founded in 1891, the University of North Carolina Greensboro (UNCG), a public research university, offers more than 180 undergraduate and graduate programs to over 18,000 students. The university is a member of iSchools.
The UNCG Master of Library and Information Studies online degree program prepares students for careers in corporate, school, public, and museum libraries. The plan of study includes core courses, a technology requirement, electives, and a capstone project. The degree includes 36 credit hours.
The online MLIS degree includes core courses include topics such as:
- Library Administration and Management
- Foundations of Library and Information Studies
- Information Sources and Services
- Information Organization and Access
- Media Production Services for Library Programs
The University of North Carolina Greensboro is regionally accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
17Wayne State University, School of Library and Information Science
(Detroit, Michigan)
Established in 1868, Wayne State University (WSU), a public research university, offers 370 undergraduate and graduate programs to almost 28,000 students.
The Online Master of Library and Information Science degree program prepares students with the foundational skills and pedagogy necessary for leadership roles in information organization and libraries. The online master’s plan of study includes core courses and professional specializations. The degree includes 36 credit hours.
The specializations include:
- Library Services
- Information Management
- Archives and Digital Content Management
A sample of core courses is as follows:
- Information Technology
- Access to Information
- Library Administration and Management
- Organization of Knowledge
Wayne State University is regionally accredited by The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
18University of Arizona, Outreach College
(Tucson, Arizona)
Established in 1885, the University of Arizona (UA), a public land-grant research university, provides 334 fields of study in undergraduate, graduate, and professional education.
The Master of Arts in Library and Information Science online degree program prepares students for professional employment in fields such as publishing, libraries, archives, business, and technology/internet companies.
The curriculum includes core courses, concentrations, and an internship. Students need 36 credit hours to obtain the degree.
A sample of concentrations include:
- Academic Librarianship
- Archives and Special Collections
- Public Librarianship/Community Informatics
- Dual Degree in Journalism
- Special Librarianship
- Services to Children and Young Adults/School Librarianship
- Law Librarianship
- Digital Information
Core courses cover topics such as:
- Ethics for Library and Information Professionals
- Research for Library and Information Professionals
- Online Searching
- Organization of Information
The University of Arizona is regionally accredited by The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
(New York City, New York)
St. John’s University, a private, Roman Catholic university, established in 1870, provides a variety of graduate and undergraduate degrees.
The Master of Science in Library and Information Science online degree program provides a broad overview of library and information sciences. The degree includes 36 semester hours.
The MLIS program includes opportunities for specialization and emphasis in areas such as:
- Information Analyst
- Academic Librarianship
- Special Librarianship
- Archives
- Information Analyst
- Youth Services
- School Librarianship
- Public Librarianship
- Law Librarianship
Students must complete the following classes:
- Introduction to Library and Information Science
- Collection Development & Management of Knowledge Resources
- Information Organization
- Information Sources & Services
- Management of Libraries & Information Centers
- Research & Evaluation Methods
St. John’s University is regionally accredited by The Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
20Texas Woman’s University, School of Library & Information Studies
(Denton, Texas)
Founded in 1901, the Texas Woman’s University (TWU), a public co-ed university (primarily for women), provides undergraduate and graduate programs in five colleges to about 15,000 students.
The School of Library and Information Studies online Master of Library Science degree program prepares students with the necessary skills and pedagogy to work in information fields such as school libraries, public libraries, special libraries and corporate environments.
The curriculum includes core courses, electives, a practicum, and a final exam/portfolio. Students need 36 credit hours to obtain the degree.
A snapshot of Master of Library Science degree courses include:
- Collection Development
- Library Management
- Foundations of Library and Information Studies
- Information Sources and Services
- Indexing and Abstracting
Texas Woman’s University is regionally accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Original article and pictures take thebestschools.org site
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