Find your perfect college degree
Modern libraries are typically equipped with numerous state-of-the-art tools and countless resources other than the usual books! It is gaining a reputation for being a magical place for educational exploration and discovery!
If you’ve always been fascinated with books and the library system, it’s a great degree option to go for an online Bachelor’s in Library Science degree!
In it, students learn about library systems to assist people in locating and evaluating information, organization of data for private or public use, and processes of handling and restoring books and similar materials.
The occupational outlook of librarians and library media specialists looks promising! The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows a 3% job growth in the next decade.
Library Science majors emerge with the ability to create new systems, procedures, and workflows in occupations requiring their skills, such as libraries, museums, schools, and information organizations.
The Lowdown
Online Library Science programs’ coursework often includes Library and Information Science, Data Analysis, Information Architecture, and 21st-century technologies relevant to librarianship.
It prepares students for entry-level positions, such as media specialists, library assistants, museum curators, and archivists. Also, it is a step toward a Master’s in Library Science or a related discipline.
Methodology
Choose an online Bachelor of Library Science degree that meets your academic requirements and works around your schedule. Our list of the top programs from the country’s most reputable colleges can help you make your best pick!
Each online undergraduate degree in Library Science program on our list was chosen based on these criteria:
- Offered online or in a blended learning format, emphasizing convenience for learners,
- Features a well-structured curriculum and high-quality instruction focusing on the management of modern library media systems and organizing library data and resources,
- Focuses on developing students’ skills in communication, management, data analysis, and critical thinking as required of entry-level professionals,
- It also prepares students for the next step upon completing the bachelor’s program: a master’s degree in Library Science,
- Taught by Library Science professionals who impart realistic lessons on the profession to students,
- Offers federal aid, scholarships, transfer credit, and tuition discount programs,
- Regionally or programmatically accredited, demonstrating adherence to today’s academic standards.
Want to learn more about our college program ranking system? Please read our Methodology.
4 Best Online Bachelor’s in Library Science
University of Nebraska System
Online Bachelor of Science in Education: Library Science
The online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Education in Library Science is available at the University of Nebraska System. This online degree is intended for those passionate about fostering relationships between people, information, and technology to improve the quality of life in their communities, campuses, and schools.
As an online Library Science degree student, you’ll be able to learn from award-winning librarians who are accessible and knowledgeable. You’ll also get to meet and learn from librarians in your geographic area while collaborating with students worldwide.
Even if this program is offered online, students can still gain use of campus services such as libraries and technology.
What Makes this Program Unique:
The University of Nebraska System’s students exemplify this program’s effectiveness. After graduating, Library Science majors have a relatively high employment rate.
Particularly, this program boasts a nearly 100% post-graduation career placement rate. The leadership of roughly one-third of Nebraska’s libraries has come from this program.
Did You Know?
One of the best things about the university is that it spares nothing when it comes to giving students every opportunity to succeed across the broader Omaha region.
It tackles actual issues by offering chances for relevant learning that equip graduates in a special way to become professionals and engaged citizens of their communities, improving lives on a local, regional, national, and international scale.
University of Maine at Augusta
Online Bachelor of Science in Information and Library Science
The Bachelor of Science in Information & Library Science at the University of Maine at Augusta enhances students’ technological skills. Rooted in a Liberal Arts education, it improves their ability to think creatively and critically. Many students have earned an associate degree in Library and Information Science.
With a bachelor’s degree, students can work independently in various career settings as specialized paraprofessionals in the library and information technology fields. This online degree can help library support employees and technicians who work in public and school libraries to better their careers and finances.
This online program also equips students with graduate-level information and Library Science studies.
What Makes this Program Unique:
The UMA Information and Library Science (ILS) Program has provided students with practical, hands-on knowledge, experiences, and philosophies worldwide for over 20 years. This program provides students with the skills to be successful library professionals in various settings.
Did You Know?
Several states require school librarians first to be certified or licensed as teachers in another subject. You will be prepared by this curriculum to be qualified for licensure in the State of Maine with this degree in Library Science.
The University of Southern Mississippi
Online Bachelor of Science in Library & Information Science
The online Bachelor of Science in Library and Information Science program at the University of Southern Mississippi develops a student’s fundamental skills in library management. The coursework also involves studying children or young adult literature.
They also study web design, collection development, information technology, and cataloging to get with the times.
After graduating with this online degree, you can become a public librarian, library technician, branch library manager, high school librarian, or elementary school librarian. Some 120 credits are required to complete this program in two to four years.
What Makes this Program Unique:
In their senior year, students must complete an internship at a nearby library or archive facility. Through this internship, they can connect with a professional mentor for enhanced knowledge and boosted self-assurance in a facility like the library.
Did You Know?
Online students at USM have a lot of scholarship options open to them. First-time online learners who qualify for a scholarship receive $500 toward their first semester.
Northern Kentucky University
Online Bachelor of Science in Library Informatics
In its College of Informatics, Northern Kentucky University offers the web-based Bachelor of Science in Library Informatics program. Students learn the basics of locating, arranging, categorizing, and managing information.
The curriculum cultivates responsible information users, distributors, and producers who can successfully negotiate the ever-expanding and intricate information landscape.
Some of the courses you’ll learn in this online Bachelor’s in Library Science are:
- Information storage and retrieval
- Searching interfaces
- Information literacy
- Ethics
Graduates of LIN can work as online researchers, information services managers, and paraprofessionals in libraries. Graduates can work in various places, such as libraries, corporate information centers, research departments, governmental organizations, public service organizations, and more.
What Makes this Program Unique:
Only a handful of programs nationwide grant an undergraduate degree in Library and Information Science, including the one offered at Northern Kentucky University. The coursework can be completed entirely online. About 25% of their alums pursue and complete a master’s degree.
Did You Know?
Northern Kentucky University produces highly competent problem solvers who are also intellectually quick, technically proficient, and morally responsible.
Reasons to Earn an Online Bachelor’s in Library Science
A Bachelor’s in Library Science is a great degree for students with specific employment goals. If you’re a bit on the fence about whether this is the right path to take, consider the following reasons below as to why earning an online Bachelor’s in Library Science is fulfilling:
Experience personal fulfillment.
A bachelor’s degree in Library Science aids students in developing into more well-rounded people.
Librarians acquire knowledge on such a broad range of subjects that they are frequently well-informed, educated, and comprehend much about their surroundings. It has been demonstrated that reading fiction fosters empathy for many groups, civilizations, and points of view.
Additionally, engaging with students and visitors, talking about their favorite resources, and frequently forming lasting relationships provides significant personal development for librarians.
A more contented existence for librarians may result from this enrichment. This is an important factor in finding a good job.
Get exposed to different libraries.
To curate and manage collections, librarians are usually employed by libraries. You’ll be exposed to different library jobs as a graduate of online Library Science degrees. There is, however, a sizable amount of latitude regarding where they can work.
For example, government libraries employ librarians to maintain historically significant collections. They can maintain law libraries and pursue legal specializations. They can also concentrate on education and decide to work in school libraries, where they could serve in many ways as teachers.
School librarians frequently develop lesson plans and teach lectures on issues linked to libraries, particularly in elementary schools. They can also work at public libraries to maintain collections that the public can utilize.
Gain a strong groundwork for a master’s degree.
As was already said, a master’s degree is typically useful and valuable to work as a librarian. A student must first get a bachelor’s degree before continuing to pursue a master’s degree. Even though librarians can earn undergraduate degrees in any field, Library Science is a fantastic choice to prepare for graduate school.
Students who pursue a Library Science undergraduate degree will learn the fundamentals of library systems, how to handle and restore items, and more. Thanks to this expertise, they will be more equipped to succeed in a graduate program than individuals who may have graduated with a degree in a different field.
Get a job as a librarian.
While it’s an obvious reason, many Library Science students enroll in the online degree to get a librarian job. To work as a librarian, you must possess a degree in Library Science.
A bachelor’s degree is the first requirement for becoming a librarian; often, they must also pursue a master’s degree in the field. These are the minimum requirements.
However, some positions may demand additional qualifications, such as a teaching certificate or degrees in a different subject. Public school librarians typically need teaching certifications. Some states also mandate certification for public librarians.
Career Pathways for Library Science Graduates
Business Operations Specialist
Most businesses today rely on business operations specialists to smoothen and establish business processes and systems. By analyzing market data to report on trends, these business professionals ensure that clients and consumers are satisfied with the quality of their services.
They also establish project goals and assist in the creation of company strategies. As a Library Science graduate, this field can draw you in easily!
Integrated Library System Specialist
The incumbent of this management-style role is responsible for managing all of the library’s IT infrastructure. An integrated library system specialist’s role includes managing internal server issues, resolving website errors, and gearing toward all the technical roles of managing the library system.
High School Librarian
A high school librarian usually works in high school settings. They help students find and choose the books, magazines, pamphlets, resources, or technology help they want or need.
They also teach kids to utilize computers, act appropriately around other students, and practice Library Science. They control the choice, arrangement, and distribution of supplies and equipment.
Branch Library Manager
Branch library managers manage library operations and control everything inside the library. They provide employees with guidance, direction, and coaching to all library staff. They also assess library problems and ensure they are mitigated immediately to ensure proper library operations.
Public Librarian
If you want to work in the government, being a public librarian is a good job. Public librarians organize, administer, and distribute library materials while ensuring all users are satisfied with the services offered. Today’s librarians do more than handle books. They handle all publically accessible resources, including publications and ebooks.
Archivist and Museum Curator
Items from institutional collections are monitored, prepared, and restored by archivists, curators, and museum staff. They work for historical sites, museums, educational institutions, and governmental organizations. They need a bachelor’s or master’s degree, depending on their position and the workplace.
Typical work duties include materials organization, exhibit design, collection item research, and storage preparation.
Web Archivist
Similar to the job above, a web archivist is in charge of digital library resources, records, documents, and other data. Most libraries maintain a reliable online presence with archives of all microfilm, records, documents, and more.
Hard material must be converted into digital format by a web archivist before being posted on the library’s website for use by the general public or other staff members.
Library Director
The library director often holds the highest leadership role. This person manages and prepares the budget, develops strategies, creates service and employment policies, and plans fundraising events.
But to climb up to this position, one must hold a master’s degree and have enough work experience in the Library Science field.
High School Teacher
While high school teachers typically require a teaching license in the state, graduating with an online Bachelor’s in Library Science is a concrete step toward this goal. Teachers in high school prepare their students for post-secondary education, including technical training and college.
Lesson planning, grading homework, establishing classroom rules, and keeping an eye on kids inside and outside the classroom are among the daily responsibilities.
Library Assistant
Academic, public, school, and special libraries are all run by technicians and assistants. Typical tasks include sorting and stocking materials, helping customers, and carrying out secretarial and administrative chores.
Most of the time, library technicians and assistants require a post-secondary qualification in library technology. Candidates can differentiate themselves from other applicants by having a bachelor’s degree in Library Science.
Courses in an Online Bachelor’s in Library Science
Young Adult Literature
The young adult literature course covers current trends in the field and involves participants in exercises that support fundamental, visual, informational, and cultural literacies pedagogies.
Library Science Capstone
At a designated field location, candidates will obtain first-hand knowledge of the theories, concepts, and practices essential to public services, technical services, and administration in a 21st-century library and information agency.
Students must be able to design, develop, and implement programming and services in the library assigned to them.
Library Collection Management
One important field of librarianship that deals with collections is collection management. In this course, students will be trained to perform various tasks such as choosing, collecting, storing, and managing collections for the library.
Library and Information Technology
Using modern descriptive cataloging approaches, this course offers an introduction to resource description and library material access.
Children’s Literature
Through the use of many literacies, such as cultural, informational, visual, and digital literacy tactics, this course focuses on children’s literature. As a would-be librarian, it’s essential to be familiar with the different literature pieces that hone children’s growth and learning.
Research and Inquiry
Students in the research and inquiry course will exhibit an understanding of the ideas, concepts, and procedures essential to reference materials and services in libraries and informational organizations of the modern era.
Candidates must use both print and digital resources, effectively designing instruction in information literacy.
World Literature
The world literature course teaches students to examine images, concepts, and aesthetic styles that travel the globe. Students are exposed to different languages and cultures in this Library Science course.
Overview of Philosophy
This course discusses and covers the survey of philosophical concepts, including the nature of truth and knowledge, the relationship between the mind and body, right and wrong, freedom and determinism, and the existence of God, as they appear in both ancient and modern philosophical texts.
Information Literacy
This information literacy overview looks at efficient research techniques. Students gain the ability to identify reliable sources and assess both printed and digital information critically. Students also practice accurate source citations during the course.
Managing Information Resources
In this course, students will examine the concepts and methods used in categorizing and classifying library items, both written and unwritten.
Along with subject analysis, students learn about bibliographic descriptions and search strategies. This course will also cover the theory and best practices for contemporary collection building and management for various libraries and information centers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What field of Library Science makes the most money?
Library public relations managers and library managers typically make an average wage of more than $30 per hour, according to Indeed. But other librarian jobs pay more than $20 per hour, which is decent compared to other occupations. Several things outside your work title may influence your income.
Major urban cities and towns typically pay more for librarian roles to make up for the greater expense of living there. Enrolling in professional development courses or pursuing an advanced degree can increase your earning potential.
What should I expect from an online Bachelor of Science in Library Science?
Library Science experts make information available to users in public libraries, school libraries, healthcare facilities, and museums. Graduates of Library Science programs must be comfortable providing customer service and possess critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication abilities.
Professionals in the library industry must also possess good research, technological, organizational, and interpersonal abilities.
Coursework typically includes Library management, information organization, library services, and information literacy. In some Library Science programs, students must complete an internship or practicum to apply their knowledge.
What can graduates do after completing their Bachelor’s in Library Science online programs?
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in Library Science are prepared for various jobs in the information management and library fields. Teaching, working in museums, and being a library technician or assistant are all potential jobs.
A Master’s in Library and Information Science is often required for professional librarians, while many graduates continue their education. However, some libraries only require a bachelor’s degree to hire a librarian.
Summary Points
- There is a significant demand for educated, credentialed, community-aware, technologically adept information specialists who completed Library Science degree programs, thanks to the evolving abilities needed for 21st-century public and special libraries.
- Library Science or Library and Information Science majors often study access, organization, technology, and management. They will find their skills useful in facilities for the public, as well as schools and museums, taking on entry-level and paraprofessional roles.
- Library Science graduates must possess strong communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills while working in these fields.
- With a degree in the Applied Information Systems fields, such as Library and Information, students can become leaders in this digital transformation era, where the business and healthcare industries rely on cutting-edge technology for process management and data analytics.
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