A library science degree will allow you to work for big schools, government agencies, and research institutes. In this article, you will learn about the best library science schools in the world where you can acquire your degree.
If you are looking to work as a professional librarian in a public or academic library, or maybe in another establishment where your services may be required, you will need a Master of Library Science (MLS) degree.
As a prospective librarian, the first personal skill you would require is a solid interpersonal skill to flow with these people. You must also develop excellent communication skills for effective and efficient communication.
Kindly read to the end to learn all you need to have a successful career.
Table of contents
Why Library science?
One would ask, why would anyone ever want to study library science? What prospects are in it for anyone? Not to worry, the succeeding paragraphs explain in detail why you should consider being a Library Scientist.
What is Library science?
Library science teaches how to manage books and other information sources, especially through collecting, preserving, and organizing books and other materials in libraries.
A person who has been trained to oversee the smooth running of a library is called a librarian.
In clarity, a librarian is a person who works professionally in a library, providing access to information and sometimes social or technical programming to users alongside providing instruction on information literacy.
Usually, librarians manage information and resources and help people locate and utilize information. Librarians keep current on resources and literature and select publications for the library’s collection.
They require a knowledgeable command of numerous information sources to select the appropriate material for a library.
So why pursue a career in library science? Libraries are, obviously, important indicators of growth and development in society. They provide scientific services, fulfill social needs, and help individuals flourish.
Moreso, Librarians bridge the gaps between people, information, and technology. In their professional walk, librarians and other information scientists offer the following values:
- They help young students discover the benefits of reading. They encourage young students to develop a lasting love for reading and learning.
- Librarians help scientists find the archive and other resources that may be important to their work.
- Information scientists help doctors find health information faster in critical situations.
So pursuing a career in library science will allow you to be of great value to students and researchers.
See our article on how to become a librarian here Read more
How long does it take to become a librarian?
Well, I may not be so right if I go straight up to tell you it will take you a certain number of years to go through the library school, complete your librarian degree programs, and become a librarian.
The number of years you will take to become a librarian largely depends on your career expectations.
But usually, earning a bachelor’s degree in library science will take three to four years, and a master’s degree in library science can take one to two years.
So on average, it might take you five to six years or even more to complete your program. The least it will require is five years.
What is the salary of Library and Information Scientists?
How much a librarian can make largely depends on several important factors. The factors include the quality of education, certifications, additional personal skills, and the years you have spent in your profession.
Librarians make good money in their profession. According to a recent report from Salary.com, the average Librarian salary in the United States is $64,724 as of October 30, 2019, but the range typically falls between $55,182 and $75,880.
The amount of value you bring to the table determines how much you will likely earn.
What is Library Science Job Outlook?
Librarians are currently in high demand. With the rise in knowledge, the field is evolving and transforming rapidly. According to a report by BLS, the employment of librarians is projected to grow 6 percent from 2018 to 2028, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Where can I find the best Library Science Schools in the USA?
If you are looking for the best library science schools where you can obtain certified degrees for librarians, then I will show you.
Plenty of schools are scattered across the states where you can take your library degree programs and obtain your degree.
But I know you won’t want to attend just any school. Hence, the World Scholarship Forum has compiled this list of the best librarian colleges and universities where you can acquire a library science degree.
These schools have been curated and ranked by USNEWS basically according to their performance from a poll and survey they conducted, among many other factors.
- University of Illinois–Urbana-Champaign
- University of Washington
- Indiana University–Bloomington
- University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill
- Syracuse University
- University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
- University of Texas–Austin
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey–New Brunswick
- University of Maryland–College Park
- University of Pittsburgh
University of Illinois–Urbana-Champaign
This is the best school in the US where you can acquire your library science degrees—ranked number 1 because of its many programs and specialties. The school has about nine programs and six things. Take a quick flight to the school through the link below.
University of Washington
The University of Washington is the USA’s second-best school for library sciences. The school has been graded on its number of programs, amongst many other factors. Simply visit the school through the link below.
University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill
This school is among the select few on the list of the best 5 in the states. The school aims to educate innovative and responsible thinkers who will lead the information professions.
It has been ranked number 1 in health librarianship and digital librarianship. Take a quick flight to the school through the link below.
Syracuse University
The School of Information at Syracuse is the 4th best in the United States. The School of Information Studies (iSchool) empowers students to leverage the most precious commodity in today’s global, knowledge-based society—intellectual capital. Take a quick flight to the school through the link below.
University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
The University of Michigan Ann Arbor offers its students a variety of programs ranging from bachelor’s degrees to master’s degrees and doctoral degrees.
The School of Information at UMICH delivers innovative, elegant, and ethical solutions connecting people, information, and technology. Take a quick flight to the school through the link below.
You can visit the other schools here:
- University of Texas–Austin
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey–New Brunswick
- University of Maryland–College Park
- Indiana University–Bloomington
- University of Pittsburgh
Are there Online Library Science Schools?
With the rapid advances in technology and systems, library science today is radically evolved from what it used to be ten years ago. With this change has come the emergence of online master of library science programs as the most efficient way to jumpstart your career in library science.
Online Master of Library Science program usually prepares you to create a changing environment for digital trends and provides a comprehensive understanding of technology-based library resources.
Find the best library science masters programs in the list below:
- Appalachian State University
- Clarion University
- Dominican University
- Indiana State University
- Louisiana State University
- Fort Hayes University
Appalachian State University
Appalachian State University offers a part-time, online opportunity for students to receive their Master of Library Science. Usually, this program will take up to two years to complete.
Clarion University
Clarion University is one of the schools that offer online MLIS. The school offers a fully online Master of Science in Library Science where students can specialize in Information and Library Science or School Library Media.
Students have the option of taking the program part-time or full-time, depending on the student’s current work schedule.
Dominican University
Dominican University offers a Master of Library and Information Science where students can concentrate either in Information Management or Professional Studies.
The flexible programs offer small classes where students can work closely with faculty and peers. Part-time and full-time courses could last from one to six years.
Fort Hayes University
Fort Hayes State University offers a Master of Science in Education where a student can concentrate on Library Media Specialist. Students who apply for the endorsement must hold a current teaching license, a master’s degree, and completed 6 graduate courses with a GPA of 3.25.
Indiana State University
Indiana State University offers a fully online Master of Library and Information Age. Courses taken at this school will focus on the information age and the changes in the digital age of library sciences. Their goal is for the student to work in their own environment and at the best pace for them.
Here are some library science scholarships you may apply for Apply now
Which Library do Science Schools not require GRE?
If you are looking for schools that do not require GRE, then here you are. The schools in the following list do not require you to have a GRE before applying for library science in them.
- University of Arizona
- University of Washington
- University of South Florida
- Long Island University
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
Conclusion
Before you choose the library school you want to attend, there are several factors you would need to consider.
Here are some of the factors you would need to consider: ALA accreditation, Course offerings, and schedule, Distance, Cost, personal visit, Current students, Admissions requirements, and many more.
You must check out all these things to ensure everything is on track before choosing or settling for a particular school.
References
- study.com
- teach.com
- Wikipedia.com
- Usnews.com
- Bureau of Labor Statistics
- ala.org
- bestmastersdegrees.com
- ischool.uw.edu
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