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Since a bachelor's degree in library science is less common, many students pursue undergraduate degrees in related fields, such as English, history, information technology, or social sciences. These degrees can provide a strong foundation for graduate-level library science studies. 

An online bachelor’s degree in library science prepares students to assume careers in the field of library science and information. Prospective students can expect to learn skills in library management and library collection development. Some online programs offer library science as a concentration option, with core courses focusing on education, multidisciplinary studies, or integrative studies. Many online programs require an internship or a senior capstone to graduate. Others may want to pursue further education by getting an affordable online master's in library science. 

A library science degree equips students with the skills needed to work in libraries, archives, and information management roles. These skills include knowledge organization, data curation, and information literacy. The growing digitalization of information resources creates new opportunities and challenges for library science professionals who play a vital role in preserving and providing access to knowledge. 

Graduates of library science programs can find work in various settings, including traditional libraries, corporate information centers, and government agencies.

Online library science programs provide a convenient and flexible option for students who want to earn their degree while balancing other responsibilities. By offering asynchronous or self-paced online courses, these programs allow students to complete their studies on their own schedule. 

The amount of time it takes to earn a library science degree can vary based on the degree level and format. A bachelor's degree in library science or a related field may require three to four years of full-time study.

The requirements for bachelor's degree programs in library science vary by institution, but in general, applicants need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, provide transcripts of previous academic work, and meet minimum GPA requirements. Many programs also require letters of recommendation, a personal statement or essay, and may request standardized test scores. Some institutions may also require a college interview as part of the application process.

It's essential to consider accreditation when selecting a library science program. Accreditation by the American Library Association (ALA) indicates that the program meets rigorous standards of quality. It can also provide students with greater job opportunities and help them advance in their careers. 

Bachelor's degrees in library science online are as long as in-person programs. They typically take three to four years to complete, though some students take longer to graduate. The exact length of the program may vary depending on the school and the particular program. 

Additionally, students who are working while earning their degrees may need to complete the program on a part-time basis, which can add to the overall time it takes to earn the degree.

While library science deals with information, organization, and management, it’s not typically considered a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) discipline. Instead, it’s classified as a humanities or social science degree. This is because library science is more concerned with the collection, organization, and accessibility of information, rather than scientific or mathematical studies.

The humanities and social sciences play a central role in library science since the field is about understanding people's relationships with information. The history of libraries, the ways that people access information, and how people interact with cultural materials, such as books, all fall under the scope of library science. These are all topics that are typically classified as part of the arts and social sciences.

That said, library science programs may incorporate elements of technology and information science, especially in the context of digital librarianship and information management. 

While the difficulty of a degree in library science can be subjective, it generally requires strong skills in information management and organization rather than intensive academic knowledge. This means that many students who excel in these areas find the coursework engaging and manageable. However, there may be challenging aspects for those who are less comfortable with these skills. 

According to a 2023 study presented at the conference, students in an accelerated seven-week fully online MLIS format outperformed peers in the same school's fourteen-week online semester format. It's a good reminder that a compressed online format can deliver the same content with equal or better results, so pacing options are worth comparing when you choose the right kind of program for you.

If you're considering a library science degree, it's a good idea to evaluate your own strengths, interests, and goals. It could also help to speak with current students or alumni of library science programs, research the specific requirements and prerequisites of these programs, and look for information on the time commitment and the course load.

Library science programs typically cover a variety of subjects related to the field of librarianship. These topics can include cataloging, classification, information organization, reference services, collection development, and the use of technology in libraries. In addition, many programs allow students to specialize in a particular area, such as academic librarianship, school librarianship, public librarianship, archival studies, or digital curation.

Library science courses are designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of the field, including its history, principles, and practices. Here are some common examples of classes:

• Cataloging and Classification: This course teaches students about the fundamental principles of classifying and organizing information resources. Students learn about how metadata, classification systems, and cataloging rules work together to ensure that information resources are easy to find and understand.
• Library Collection Development and Management: Students in this class learn about the factors that go into creating and maintaining library collections. These factors include assessing patrons’ needs, selecting materials that meet those needs, and managing budgets.
• Reference and Information Services: This course covers the techniques and tools used by librarians to help patrons find and evaluate information. Students learn how to search databases and other information sources and help library users navigate the library collection.
• Information Ethics: This course focuses on some of the most important ethical issues in the field. Topics covered include intellectual property rights, including copyright law, privacy issues in the digital age, barriers to access to information, and censorship and information control. 

The value of a library science degree is somewhat subjective since it depends on one's career goals and interests. However, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics mentioned above, the job outlook for librarians and archivists is stable, with employment opportunities in various sectors. Additionally, as the information landscape evolves, professionals with strong information management and organization skills are likely to remain in demand. 

Many online programs have the same curriculum and requirements as on-campus programs, so they are highly respected these days. They’re often designed to accommodate the needs of working professionals and students with other commitments. Plus, online programs offer the same opportunities for career advancement as traditional on-campus programs. 

According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projections, librarians and library media specialists earn a median of , with employment projected to grow 3% through 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. The Occupational Outlook Handbook reports 142,300 jobs nationally in 2025 and notes that school librarians and library media specialists typically need a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field along with a teaching certificate, with requirements varying by state. 

For you, that means a bachelor's in library science can open doors into school libraries and support roles, while advancement into the highest-paying positions usually points toward a master's degree later.

The skills a library science degree provides can apply to a variety of information-related professions. While some graduates pursue traditional library careers, others find work in areas such as museums, archives, nonprofit organizations, and corporate environments. A library science degree can lead to various career paths — from web archivist or integrated library system administrator to director of content acquisition.

Here are some common career options this degree can eventually lead to: 

• organize and maintain library collections, helping patrons locate and make use of these resources. This is perhaps the most popular career choice for library science graduates.
• provide support to librarians by carrying out day-to-day tasks such as maintaining library collections, providing customer service, and assisting with the organization and cataloging of library materials.
• are responsible for the care and preservation of collections in museums or other institutions. They develop, organize, and maintain collections, and curators may also conduct research on the items in the collection or create educational exhibits and programs for the public.
• are responsible for the long-term preservation of historical documents, records, and other materials. They often work in museums, government archives, or universities.

Many of these jobs require a degree of a graduate level or higher, which can also be earned online, usually with affordable tuition. A master's in library science (MLIS) is the most common degree for librarians and other information professionals, but there are also advanced certificates and doctorates available for those looking to specialize or advance their careers. 

Each state has different requirements that students must meet in order to receive licensure or certification. Many states require that students pursuing a career path as a school librarian receive licensure or certification as a teacher in an alternate subject in addition to obtaining certification as a librarian.

In general, students will pursue an accredited bachelor’s program prior to receiving certification. Depending on which state they live in, an application for licensure or certification may be available online. Students then submit the completed application and official transcripts to the certification commission in their state. Many states will accept library or teacher certifications from other states, but students who are planning on moving to a different state should check with the certifying agency to verify that certificates are accepted or transferable. All prospective students are advised to contact their state’s education board to learn about specific certification or state licensing requirements and ensure that the program they choose is recognized by the state they wish to work in.

School librarians who wish to demonstrate their commitment to the profession and their expertise while possibly qualifying for salary increases might consider pursuing voluntary certification with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Qualified applicants must pass a four-part evaluation process before they are granted a library media certification.

According to federal data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 88% of public schools operate a library media center, reaching 91% of traditional public schools but only 52% of public charter schools. The figures come from the , a nationally weighted sample of K-12 schools. That steady demand across traditional public districts explains why school librarian certification remains one of the most common career targets for this degree.

Library Science professionals play a vital role in society, providing access to knowledge and preserving cultural heritage. A library science degree can be an excellent investment for those who are passionate about the field and interested in pursuing a career in libraries or related information professions. 

However, it's also important to consider the practical aspects of pursuing this degree, such as job opportunities and earning potential. For some, these factors could make a library science degree a less desirable choice.