Online Master’s in Library & Information Science (MLIS)

Master of Science in Information: Library & Information Science

Drexel University’s online accredited Master’s in Library & Information Science program is an industry leader in digital information management and ranked among the nation’s top library science programs.

The College of Computing and Informatics boasts top national recognition in Health Librarianship (#3,) Information Systems (#4,) Digital Librarianship (#7,) Services for Children and Youth (#7,) and School Library Media (#7.)

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that librarians who can adapt and keep pace with the technology side of the profession will have better job prospects. This comes as no surprise given the accessibility and sheer amount of electronic information.

Library and Information Science was named one of the fastest growing fields in the computing and informatics industry:

MLIS Degree Online Program Features

• Fully accredited by the American Library Association (ALA)
• An innovative curriculum with a strong technological background and a focus on teaching career skills in all the aspects of information management
• Taught by the distinguished faculty of Drexel University's College of Computing and Informatics
• Highly interactive curriculum designed to challenge and engage students while remaining convenient for the working professional

Archived Webinar

• MSI Programs Online Open House

What Qualifications Do You Need to be a Librarian?

Many of today’s employers look for librarians who hold an LIS degree from a program with American Library Association (ALA) accreditation.

In addition, some positions have extra requirements. A teaching certificate or a degree in another field are examples.

This is especially true for law, medical, and corporate librarians. Because these roles need specialized knowledge, employers may look for these librarians to have a master’s degree, professional degree, or subject-specific PhD.

In the case of public-school librarians, there may be state requirements to consider. One of these is a teacher’s certification. Another is to pass a standardized test such as the PRAXIX II Library Media Specialist Test.

Some states also require public school librarians to obtain certification. If this is your goal, contact your state’s licensing board for details.

What Skills Do You Need to Be a Librarian?

Drexel’s LIS degree helps you gain in-demand skills for today and the future. Core courses foster an understanding of the basics. You will learn about users, services, and different resources. At the same time, these required topics discuss key principles of organization and managing information.

From there, choosing one of the specializations can help you understand and work within the information sciences space. Further your interests in digital technology and analytics, archives, and electronic records management, or learn how to assist users in a specific setting. Any of these areas can provide very marketable skills for years to come.

7 Steps to Becoming a Librarian

Step 1: Research library science, types of librarians, and requirements
Consider your interests. Learn what types of librarians there are and about library science in general. Think about which direction you’d like your career to take. This is also the time to research any testing, licensure, or certification you’ll need further down the road.

Step 2: Complete a bachelor’s degree in any major
You can usually enter LIS programs with a bachelor’s degree in any major.

Step 3: Gain some work-related experience
Look for part-time work if you can. Experience is one way to get your foot in the door or enhance your resume.

Step 4: Earn a master’s degree in library & information science
Earn an LIS degree from an ALA-accredited program. LIS degree programs often teach you how to select and organize library materials. You’ll also study research methods and strategies, online reference systems, and Internet search techniques.

Step 5: Obtain state certification or licensure
Pursue any state-specific certification or license. The state of Pennsylvania requires professional librarians to certify. School librarians need a teaching certificate with an endorsement in school librarianship among other things.

Step 6: Pursue a librarian career
Pursue a career. There are different types of librarians. Many librarians work full-time but there are part-time positions as well. In 2017, the median annual salary for librarians was $58,520 per BLS.gov.

Step 7: Keep learning even after you become a librarian
Keep learning. In some states (PA is one), you’ll need continuing education credits.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Librarian?

Most LIS programs take from 1 to 2 years to complete. Counting the 4 years it takes to earn a bachelor’s degree, it may take a total of 5 to 6 years to become a librarian.

Types of Librarians

A librarian is a link between people and information. The kind of information they help to provide may depend on where they apply their skills. It can be for personal, professional, or research purposes.

User Services Librarians
As the title suggests, user services librarians help patrons conduct research. In their role, they might work with a specific group like university students, young adults, or children. They’ll often help patrons find and make use of catalogs of print materials, digital libraries, or Internet search methods.

Technical Services Librarians
Technical services librarians are the people who order new library materials and archive to preserve older items. They also prepare and organize print and electronic library materials in so they are accessible to patrons.

Administrative Services Librarians
Administrative service librarians are library managers. Part of what they do is hire and oversee staff. Other duties involve preparing budgets and negotiating contracts for library materials and equipment. In some cases, they may need to do some public relations and fundraising activities.

Academic Librarians
Academic librarians work in postsecondary institutions where they help students, faculty, and staff. Because some campuses have multiple libraries, some librarians specialize in a one subject. They can then apply their knowledge to help others conduct research.

Public Librarians
Public librarians serve all members of the public within their communities. Sometimes they’ll help patrons find books to read for pleasure. Other times they might help others with research, schoolwork, business, or personal interest. They may also plan library events like book clubs or story time for children.

School Librarians
Also called School Media Specialists, school librarians work in elementary, middle, and high school libraries. In their role, they teach students how to access resources. Also, they may help teachers develop lesson plans by finding material for instruction.

Special Librarians
Also called Information Professionals, special librarians work in areas like law firms, hospitals, businesses, museums, and government agencies. In these places, they’ll serve the needs of the organization that houses the library. Because their work entails firsthand knowledge of a specific topic, they may need an additional degree in that topic. A few examples are:

• Corporate Librarians
• Government Librarians
• Law Librarians
• Medical Librarians

What Jobs Can I Get with a Master's of Library & Information Science Degree?

• Librarian
• Library Technician
• Library Assistant
• Archivist
• Database Administrator
• Information Systems Manager

Master of Library Science (MLIS) Salary Expectations

*Median salary figures via Bureau of Labor Statistics 

7 Skills Future Librarians Need Now

Apart from reading comprehension, clear speech, effective writing, and active listening, data shows that librarians also need the following 7 skills:

1. Adapt to Change
Librarians need to be able to pivot and manage change well. This involves keeping a finger on the pulse of different training and instructional methods as they arise. It also means adapting to changes in policy, technology, teaching, user experiences, and student learning.

2. Manage Resources
As skillful decision-makers, librarians need to know how to weigh costs and benefits. They must be able to make choices that bring a return on the investment. Whether this means building a trusted clientele, curating sought-after content, hiring the right staff, or preparing a budget.

3. Organize Digital Information
Another name for a librarian is "Information Professional." Librarians today and going forward need a strong grasp of how to get, prepare, and manage electronic library materials. This means being able to help a distance learner through email with links to online and in print material.

4. Digital Literacy
Librarians need strong internet search and research skills. The scope of their duties is expanding to help students and others identify and use all means of information. From print to digital content of all types.

5. Data Driven
A skill that is timeless for librarians is the ability to think clearly and sometimes, outside the box. With so much information available, it is ever-more important to find ways of assessing which approach and resources will best suit each patron. A strong understanding of analytics and how to use these insights can save patrons time and drive outcomes.

6. Understand Digital Research
As time goes on, librarians will need to be skillful cross-channel researchers. They will have to know how to address and engage disparate subject matters and serve as connectors for patrons. This also involves understanding how search changes over time. Voice search and artificial intelligence are here to stay.

7. Software Savvy
Librarians of the future will need high-level skills using “hot technology”. Currently, there are about 15 tools that range from library software to web platform development software. Many of these are frequent requirements of job postings. Examples include Java Script, Microsoft Access, SQL, and CSS.

Drexel's 10,000 Hours Podcast: Danuta Nitecki

In the age of e-books and Amazon, what's the point of libraries? Danuta Nitecki, Drexel's Dean of Libraries, explains exactly why libraries still play a pivotal role, both on campus and in communities.

Drexel University offers a variety of Graduate Minors that can be added to any master's degree program.
State restrictions may apply to some programs.