Contrary to what you might expect, librarians learn a lot more than just how to organize bookshelves. At its core, library science is a field about information, resources and materials, regardless of whether that information is stored in a decades-old hardcover book or a minutes-old Internet database.
The job of librarians and library technologists has not changed: their purpose is still to connect people to the information and resources they are looking for. However, our expanding technological world has changed the tools they have available to work with. Databases, electronic catalogs and Internet applications have become part of the librarian's toolkit as much as library cards and microfilm. According to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), in 2015, "Public libraries made 1.31 billion collection items available to patrons and provided access to over a quarter million internet computers."
Individuals interested in library science can find several different flavors of degree programs in the field, many of which are offered online. Students who enroll in an online college for library science can learn basics about cataloguing and research, but also about multimedia materials and presentations, as well as innovative technology applications.
Rankings are a useful tool that can help students to find the online library science colleges that could be a good fit for them. Our list of the top five online schools in library science was compiled using information from the National Center for Education Statistics' Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
Visit our methodologies page to learn more about how we use official data to evaluate schools.
At Doña Ana Community College, a branch of New Mexico State University, prospective students can pursue a certificate of completion or an Associate of Science degree in library science. Both programs are available completely online with no on-site attendance required. The school's open admissions policy makes the school accessible for any interested applicants who have earned a high school degree or a GED certificate.
Students can customize their path of learning in the certificate program. In the associate degree program, students learn about cataloging, technical services, collection management, reference materials and more. A capstone project also is part of the associate program. Additionally, courses can be applied toward the state's Department of Education library specialist endorsement.
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2800 N. Sonoma Ranch BlvdA certificate program, an Associate of Science program and a Bachelor of Science program in information & library science are all available completely online through the University of Maine at Augusta. Online delivery is offered for both national and international students, with instruction delivered through streamed video, computer conferences, e-mail, chatting and more.
The university's library science programs build upon each other, so students can complete a certificate first, followed by an associate and then a bachelor's degree, if they wish. Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is also available, allowing students to build credits through examination, portfolio review or external training review. Students can even begin coursework before they are accepted by UMaine's generous open admissions policy.
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46 University DriveCourses in the library paraprofessional program at Belmont College are provided through web-delivery and intended for professionals interested in academic, library or education-type careers. The associate degree program includes courses in information services, library technology and communication and teamwork. A capstone project is required.
Online students also can access the school's library, which offers research databases, films on demand and e-resources for additional support. Graduates of the program can seek national Library Support Staff Certification without any additional follow-up courses or assessments. Furthermore, Belmont College builds its coursework around the premise of degree completion, which can help graduates to transfer their coursework to another school later and complete a four-year degree, possibly even an online bachelor's.
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68094 Hammond RoadThe library/ technology programs delivered at Cuesta College include a certificate and online associate degree option. Courses in these programs are offered through distance learning, and students can take one to six courses per semester. Since the courses are distance-based, students can work at their own pace. Many students are able to finish the program within four semesters at Cuesta College, which has an open admissions policy.
According to Cuesta College, hundreds more transfer students are accepted from Cuesta into Cal-Poly State University in San Luis Obispo than from any other community college in the state. Considering Cuesta's open admissions policy, such a path can be a convenient and useful one for a student to pursue.
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Highway 1Prospective students to Western Dakota Technical Institute can opt for one of two library technician programs: a 30-credit, nine-month online diploma or a 63-credit, 18-month online Associate of Applied Science degree. Students can even start coursework for these programs as early as junior year of high school due to South Dakota's dual enrollment requirement, which allows high school students to work on credits at public higher learning institutes.
Both the diploma and associate degree programs require completion of many of the same courses, although the associate degree is more extensive. The associate degree also requires students to complete an internship or a class in advanced computer applications for business in their last semester.
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800 Mickelson DriveOnline colleges for library science can help to arm students with skills they need to be successful. This page discusses some of the ways that schools structure their curriculum in order to provide this education, as well as some of the skills that library science students might want to focus on developing for the sake of their careers.
Course selections for online library science degree programs may vary from one school to the next. Nevertheless, there are usually some commonalities. The following are some of the common courses that library science students may be required to complete during their academic careers.
The coursework assigned by library science degree programs is meant to help students learn and polish various skills that may be helpful to them for a career in library science. The following are some of the skills that library science professionals need to be successful in their field.
The IMLS reports that "Public libraries offered 4.7 million programs in 2015, attended by nearly 107 million people, 5 million more attendees than the previous year." It's clear there is plenty of opportunity for students who graduate from online colleges for library science. These opportunities aren't all located at libraries, either! This section displays some of these career options and describes what they entail, as well as the level of education that may be required for each.
Wherever they work, librarians are responsible for checking books in and out; instructing people on how to use research tools in their facility; researching and obtaining new books, videos and audiobooks; and keeping abreast of developments in the field by taking continuing education courses, reading industry journals and attending events.
These professionals need to have strong communication, technology, interpersonal, and detail orientation skills. In order to qualify for this position, prospective employees usually complete a certificate program in library, audio-visual or media technology. Some employers may hire applicants who have a high school diploma, giving them a chance for on-the-job training.