People who enjoy reading frequently choose to pursue a degree in library science. A master’s degree in library science allows graduates to work as librarians in public, special, or academic libraries. In addition to a master’s degree, those who earn a school librarian’s certificate can work as a librarian in a school. Unfortunately, not many people live near a university that offers a program in library science. Earning a library science degree online is the answer to this conundrum.
Many people have been able to obtain a master’s degree in library science from an accredited university through distance education. If someone decides to go this route, she should research the various schools that offer an online library science degree. It is critical to enroll in a reputable institution. Most employers prefer to hire library science graduates who attended an American Library Association-accredited university (ALA).
A distance learning library science program provides the same rigorous academics as a traditional library science program. The only difference is that students earn a library science degree online from the comfort of their own homes. Email, message boards, chat rooms, and other web-based methods are used to deliver instruction. Students can access lessons on their own time in most library science programs. Information studies, research methods, information technology, collection development, and librarianship issues are all common topics in library science classes.
A Master of Science in Library and Information Science is offered by Drexel University. The ALA has accredited the program, which is delivered entirely online. The Library and Information Science program was ranked 11th in the United States by U.S. News and World Report. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college and a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be considered for the program. Future librarians can earn a library degree online through Drexel University.
Southern Connecticut State University is another institution that offers an online library science degree. According to the school’s website, distance learning was used by 72 percent of students enrolled in the Information and Library Services program in 2007. The ALA has accredited the school, which offers a Master of Library Science degree. Students must earn 36 credit hours by taking a total of 12 classes. Five core classes and seven electives make up the curriculum.
North Carolina Central University also offers an ALA-accredited Master of Library Science degree. Students can pursue either a career as a school media librarian or a career as an academic, special, or public librarian. The classes offered through distance education are the same as those offered on campus. Students must complete 36 hours of instruction to graduate from the program. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and demonstrate foreign language reading comprehension.
These three universities are not the only ones that offer an online library science degree. Libraries science degrees are available from schools such as the University of Alabama, Clarion University, Florida State University, Clarion University, Texas Women’s University, and others. People who live too far away from schools that offer library science programs can enroll in an online library science program. These adaptable but rigorous programs ensure that students receive the same high-quality education as their peers in traditional classes.