Best Online Library Science Programs

Library science professionals help people find and assess information. An online bachelor’s in library science prepares students to pursue careers at libraries, museums, schools, and information organizations. A typical online bachelor’s in library science takes four years to complete.

Tuition costs vary depending on whether your school is public or private, whether the program is in-person or online, and whether you’re attending an institution as an in-state or out-of-state student. Public colleges where you can pay in-state tuition are generally the most affordable option.

Salaries for library science graduates vary by career path and experience level. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), library technicians and assistants earned a median annual salary of $31,480 in May 2020. However, during the same period, librarians and library media specialists made a median yearly wage of $60,820.

Some of the best online schools offer library science degrees. Keep reading to learn what to expect from a bachelor’s in library science program.

Library science professionals connect users with information in public libraries, school libraries, healthcare organizations, and museums. Comfort providing customer service and critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills are essential for graduates from library science programs. The library field also requires professionals to have strong research, technology, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Online bachelor’s in library science programs usually take four full-time years to complete and require about 120 credits. Earning a bachelor’s degree online may offer more flexibility and convenience than completing a degree program on campus.

A typical library science curriculum explores library services, information literacy, library management, and information organization. In addition to taking standard classes, some bachelor’s in library science programs require students to complete a practicum and/or internship, in which they apply classroom learning to a real-world situation.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

This class explores technology literacy for information specialists. Students learn about instructional design and information literacy in the digital environment. Other topics include the role of social networking in education, web page design, and academic integrity.

This course covers the theory and practice of cataloging a variety of materials, including digital resources. In this class, students develop an advanced understanding of the Dewey Decimal and Library of Congress classification schemes.

This introduction to information literacy explores effective research methods. Students learn to find trustworthy sources and critically evaluate information found digitally and in print. During the course, learners also practice proper source citation.

This class focuses on offering effective library services for children ages 12-18. Topics include collection development, youth participation, programming, and technology for teens.

This course introduces the role of school libraries and school librarians in public and private educational settings. Students explore age-appropriate collection development, information literacy, and library management in schools.

Admission requirements for online bachelor’s in library science programs vary but typically mirror those of on-campus programs. Prospective students complete applications and submit test scores, letters of recommendation, essays, and official transcripts. Learn more about these requirements below.

Applying to college takes less time now than it did in the past. Instead of requiring students to apply directly, many schools accept applications through the Common Application or Coalition Application. These centralized systems let applicants apply to multiple programs at the same time by filling out one general application.

Many universities require applicants to take college entrance exams, which measure verbal, math, and writing skills. Admissions departments use SAT and ACT scores to assess college readiness. Some programs require minimum SAT or ACT scores.

Applicants to bachelor’s of library science programs are often required to submit 1-3 letters of recommendation. Students typically ask high school counselors or teachers to write letters on their behalf. Applicants should ask for recommendations early to give prospective letter-writers plenty of time to meet deadlines.

Prospective library science students may need to submit a college application essay. Schools use essays to get to know applicants better and understand their writing skills. In their essays, students generally discuss their academic and career goals. Give yourself enough time to think of a topic for your essay, and ask someone to proofread the draft before submitting it.

Universities typically require applicants to submit official transcripts from all previously attended colleges. Schools typically use official transcripts to assess a student’s grades and conduct a transfer credit evaluation. The number of credits you can transfer varies by school and program.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

It might not be one of the most popular college majors, but library science helps students develop a versatile skill set that can be applied to many different career paths.

The job outlook and typical salary for graduates with an online bachelor’s in library science varies by occupation. Factors that can impact earnings include level of experience, location, and industry. According to the BLS, librarians and library media specialists made a median yearly wage of $60,820 in May 2020.

Because of the degree’s versatility, library science majors can pursue work in many settings. Graduates can pursue jobs in local, state, and federal government agencies; education and educational services; healthcare; and museums and historical sites.

See where an online bachelor’s in library science can take you. Learn more about library science careers.

Librarians and library media specialists help people conduct research and find the information they need. Potential work environments include libraries, schools, law firms, and museums. Most professional librarian roles require a master’s degree in library and information science. However, a bachelor’s in library science suffices for librarian and library media specialist positions in some states.

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $60,820

Library technicians and assistants help librarians operate academic, public, school, and special libraries. Typical duties include sorting and shelving materials, assisting patrons, and performing clerical and administrative tasks. Library technicians and assistants usually need at least a postsecondary certificate in library technology. A bachelor’s in library science can help candidates stand out from other applicants.

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $31,840

Archivists, curators, and museum workers oversee, prepare, and restore items from institutional collections. They work at historical sites, museums, schools, and government agencies. Depending on their role and where they work, they need a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Typical job duties include organizing materials, designing exhibits, researching collection items, and preparing items for storage.

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $52,140

Medical records and health information specialists work with health and medical data. They organize information in databases, assign codes for reimbursements, and review patient records. Potential job titles include medical coder, cancer registrar, and health information technician. Medical records and health information specialists need sharp attention to detail and strong analytical and interpersonal skills.

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $45,240

High school teachers prepare students for college, technical school, and employment after graduation. Daily duties include lesson planning, grading assignments, creating classroom rules, and supervising students in and out of the classroom. Requirements vary by state, but high school teachers usually need a bachelor’s degree and a teaching license.

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $62,870

The answer to this question depends on your career goals and academic interests. For students who want to pursue a career in the library science field a bachelor’s in library science is a good place to start.

Some people still think of a physical campus when they imagine the ideal college experience. However, an online degree in library science can definitely be worth it, depending on your circumstances and goals.

Distance education programs are usually just as rigorous and widely respected by employers as traditional on-campus programs. In some, but not all, cases online programs cost less than in-person ones.

A bachelor’s in library science prepares graduates to pursue many library and information management-related careers. Potential careers include library technician and assistant, museum worker, and teacher. Most professional librarians need a master’s degree in library and information science, and many graduates do go on to pursue higher degrees. However, some libraries hire librarians with just a bachelor’s degree.

A library science bachelor’s degree can also help students qualify for graduate programs in many other subjects like art history, English literature, information technology, and education.

The skills that library science majors gain can apply to nearly any job or industry. The demand for library science majors depends on what occupation they pursue after graduation.

The BLS projects that librarians and library media specialists will see 9% growth between 2020 and 2030, which is average across all occupations. But, the BLS projects little to no growth for library technicians and assistants in the same time period. New openings will likely be the result of other workers retiring or moving into other positions.

The amount of money you can make with a bachelor’s in library science degree depends on what occupation you choose.

For example, library technicians and assistants earned a median annual salary of $31,840 in May 2020, while librarians and library media specialists earned a median yearly wage of $60,820 during the same period.

Other factors that can affect potential salaries for library science graduates include where they live, what industry they work in, and their years of professional experience.

The highest-paying jobs for graduates with a bachelor’s in library science include high school teachers, who earned a median annual wage of $62,870 in May 2020, according to the BLS. Librarians and library media specialists earned $60,820, middle school teachers made $60,810, and kindergarten and elementary school teachers earned $60,660.

A bachelor’s in library and information science can prepare graduates to pursue diverse career paths. This may include some positions less obviously related to library science that garner higher salaries.

Library science professionals can expand their career and salary opportunities by pursuing education after earning a bachelor’s in library science.

Becoming a professional librarian usually means completing a master’s degree in library and information science. These master’s programs require a bachelor’s degree as a prerequisite. Most do not require applicants to possess a bachelor’s in library science, but the degree can increase an applicant’s chances of admission.

A professional certification in a specialized area of library science can open the door to new career opportunities. Library science graduates take continuing education or professional development classes to gain new skills and keep up with developments in the field.