In our article today, we are going to see how one can get a Library Science Bachelors Degree Online. We shall talk about what Library science entails, the career prospect, salaries and the top schools offering Library science bachelors online program.
Library Science Degree
The retrieval and administration of information in any form are the primary concerns of library science. Because of our society’s rapid technological advancement, this profession has become exceedingly complex. In comparison to the past, libraries continue to play a significant part in the academic world while incorporating more technology.
Library science degrees are interdisciplinary degrees that collect, organize, conserve, and prioritize information resources using methods from management, information technology, and education.
Documentation science, bibliography, information management, knowledge management, and several sub-fields all fall under the umbrella of library science. Library science is frequently related with study programs in informatics and information science since it is an increasingly digitalized sector of activity.
Library science students learn how to navigate the digital world, how to handle information responsibly, and how to make information freely accessible to users. Professionals also learn how to organize their work using specialized computer software and become familiar with the legal status of libraries and records management.
Digital libraries, archives and records management, rare manuscripts, school libraries, and other library sciences specializations are among the many available.
Professionals with library science degrees can work in the government, archives, information agencies, cultural organizations, museums, libraries, business intelligence corporations, and other organizations that deal with information.
Read also; How Long Does It Take To Get MBA Online?
What Are The Duties Of a Library Scientist?
Librarians can be found conducting a number of jobs connected to information, literature, data, and preservation, to name a few of the subjects many librarians touch on, on any given day and in a variety of contexts.
Although a librarian’s basic job function varies depending on the environment in which they work (for example, in a university setting vs. a public library), the most basic explanation of what a librarian does is to assist individuals or groups in locating information, assisting research efforts, and cultivating assets belonging to public libraries, colleges, and other institutions.
Librarians can work in a variety of contexts due to the various types of libraries that exist around the world. Academic libraries at universities, public libraries, school libraries for K-12 children, and special libraries in unusual sites such as hospitals or museums are the four main categories of libraries.
How Much Does a Library Scientist Make?
As previously noted, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported a wide range of prospective librarian wages External link, with the median annual earnings in 2020 falling to $58,520, or $28.14 per hour. We’re talking about masters-holding practical librarians in academic institutions or government offices when we talk about how much librarians make each year.
Library clerks or technicians, as well as, to a lesser extent, curators and archivists, are all vocations that fall under the greater umbrella of librarianship. These jobs often pay less than those requiring a master’s degree in library science.
Library Science Career Outlook
Although much has been said regarding librarians’ future relevance in light of the present emphasis on technology, librarians are predicted to see job growth of around 9% from 2016 to 2026, which is on pace with the average career’s expected job growth.
Librarians, curators, and archivists will be among the tenth most in-demand occupations between now and 2030, according to a cutting-edge analysis from Pearson titled The Future of Skills External link. Although future librarians may have different core job roles, with a greater emphasis on the technical aspects of their jobs, librarianship is certainly here to stay.
Library Science Bachelors Degree Online
Let us now see how one can get a Library science bachelors degree online. Students who attend school online have the flexibility to complete their degrees from any location. Flexible class schedules, remote counseling and academic services, and well-known faculty are all common features of online Bachelor of Library Science programs. Many of these programs may also provide scholarships and opportunity to study abroad.
The following schools offer the best Library science bachelors degree online:
This is an entirely online curriculum with a variety of completion possibilities. The degree can be completed in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (BS in Library Science) or the College of Public Affairs and Community Service (BS in Public Administration and Community Service) for students interested in a future employment in a special, public, or academic library (Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies in Library Science).
With either the BS in Elementary Education or BS in Secondary Education, students interested in school libraries can receive teaching credentials with library emphasis. School library provisional endorsements are included in both teaching degrees. To obtain the full school library endorsement, further graduate-level training must be completed.
The curriculum contains 10 compulsory library specialization courses in addition to general education classes. Digital Citizenship, Teaching and Learning in Digital Environments, Information Resource Management, and a practicum are just a few of the compulsory courses. To complete the optional requirements in Technology (3 hours), Human Relations (12 hours), and Literacy, students can choose from a variety of online courses (12 hours). Several minors are also available entirely online. A bachelor’s degree requires a total of 120 hours of study.
University of Southern Mississippi
A minor, a BS, or a joint major are available to students in the totally online LIS program. An Accelerated Master’s Option is also available within the program (AMO). During their senior year of study, AMO allows qualified undergraduate students to pursue a restricted number of graduate-level courses as electives.
These classes are part of the university’s MLIS program. Students can take a British Libraries, Archives, and Special Collections course in London as part of their study abroad program.
To graduate, students must complete 120 credit hours. A major is 45 hours long, whereas direct electives are 34 hours long, and a minor is 18 hours long. Cataloging and Classification, Library Instruction, and Rural and Small Libraries are just a few examples of courses offered in this major. 3-6 credit hours are also required.
One literary course, one technology course, and a senior-year practicum are all required for the degree. The cost per credit hour was $383.59 at the time of publication. The program is expected to take 2-4 years to complete.
University of Maine at Augusta
This program, which has been around for more than 20 years, prepares students to be successful library paraprofessionals. This program also provides an Associate degree and a certificate in addition to the Bachelor’s degree. All of the programs are totally online and have a national reputation.
Students must have completed at least 30 courses from a recognized college with a minimum 2.50 GPA or have SATs of 1,000 combined points to be admitted to the Bachelor’s program. A student will be admitted to the Associate program if he or she is unable to meet either of these requirements. The student may transfer into the Bachelor’s degree after completing 30 credits.
The program major accounts for 61 of the 120 credit hours required for graduation. Introduction to Reference Services and Materials, Collection Development, and Web Page Design are all required courses. Either a senior capstone internship or advanced research is required of all students. The cost of tuition is determined by where you live.
The Library Informatics degree, which is only available online, prepares students for positions in information evaluation and administration. Approximately 25% of graduates go on to get a master’s degree in library and information science. Twelve core courses count for 45 of the 120 credits required for graduation. Introduction to Meta Information Systems, Current Trends in Information Studies, and Information Literacy are all required courses. Students must also complete a senior capstone project.
Clarion University – BS Integrative Studies
This program, which is available both online and in person, focuses on the skills and information needed to work as a paraprofessional or provisional librarian. Students must complete 120 credit hours, including general education electives, to get the degree. There are 18 core prerequisites for the Library and Information Studies concentration out of these 120 credit hours.
Information for Life, Informed Citizenship, and On the Money: Financial Literacy Information are examples of basic required courses. Tuition rates are available for both residents and non-residents.
Library Science Masters Degree Online
You can also earn a Library science masters degree online from the following accredited online schools:
University Of Southern California
The master’s in library science program at USC has a 31-credit requirement. The degree can be completed in as little as 20 months. Marketing management and library project management are among the topics covered in the curriculum.
Advanced skills in library and information technology management are developed by students. During a supervised internship, students get hands-on experience. During a research or project-based experience, degree aspirants put their knowledge to use. A bachelor’s degree is required, as well as a minimum 3.0 GPA.
University Of Southern California
The master’s in library science program at USC has a 31-credit requirement. The degree can be completed in as little as 20 months. Marketing management and library project management are among the topics covered in the curriculum.
Advanced skills in library and information technology management are developed by students. During a supervised internship, students get hands-on experience. During a research or project-based experience, degree aspirants put their knowledge to use. A bachelor’s degree is required, as well as a minimum 3.0 GPA.
University Of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The iSchool at the University of Illinois provides a master’s degree in library and information science. Students learn how to evaluate and retain data in preparation for a number of careers. In 18-24 months, students finish 40 credits online. Learners take two essential courses and then customize the remainder of their degree to their specific needs.
Youth and school librarianship, as well as archival and special collections, are among the six career paths available. One path leads to a specialty in information management and organization. A bachelor’s degree is required for applicants. GRE/GMAT scores are not required in Illinois.
SanJose State University
SJSU’s master of library and information science program allows students to tailor it to their own employment aspirations. The 43-unit curriculum includes a variety of electives and specialist courses. The study of information communities and applied research methods are also required courses. Learners develop technology-related abilities that are in high demand.
The online master’s in library science program concludes with a thesis or e-portfolio. Optional online internships and virtual guest speaker sessions are available to students. A bachelor’s degree is required, as well as a minimum 3.0 GPA.
University Of Washington, Seattle
The University of Washington’s iSchool provides a master’s degree in library and information science. In three years, students finish 63 credits online. Participants learn how to arrange data and resources. They also look into how information organizations are run.
Fieldwork or independent study are options for students. Students complete a project that showcases their skills at the end of the program. Those interested in pursuing a master’s degree in library science can apply for merit-based scholarships offered by the iSchool. A bachelor’s degree is required, as well as a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Syracuse University
Syracuse’s master’s in library and information science combines online coursework with a 2-3-day residence workshop. Live weekly classes are included in the 36-credit curriculum. Information literacy services are covered by a required core. Specialized training in fields such as academic librarianship and applied machine learning is available through elective study.
Students can learn how to run a school library or work on projects using information systems. An internship or independent study is required to complete the master’s degree in library science. A bachelor’s degree is required for applicants.
Can I get a Library science degree online?
Yes! A bachelor of science in education with a library major is available online for aspiring librarians. Teaching and learning in digital contexts, managing collections in libraries and information agencies, and managing library resources are all topics covered in library science courses.
How long does it take to get a bachelors degree in Library science?
A bachelor’s degree in any academic discipline and a master’s degree in library science or master’s degree in library and information science are required for librarians. A bachelor’s degree in library and information science takes four years to finish, while a master’s degree takes two.
