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Librarians provide a range of library services to communities, government agencies, and educational institutions, which require specialized training. A master's in library science, which may also include the topic of information studies in its title, is required to become a professional librarian in most public and private settings. It teaches students to acquire, evaluate, catalog, and distribute information effectively, including sources in the form of books, archival materials, special collections, newspapers, and media content. This degree also covers the processes behind library operations, such as how to engage donors and design information delivery programs for different communities.

Many accredited schools and universities offer an online master's in library sciences. An online degree often allows students to schedule classes around their busy schedule, which may be especially helpful if they work full-time or have a role as a caregiver. Also, the nature of an online degree means that students do not have to relocate to a college’s destination, which not only increases their educational opportunities but saves time and money associated with moving.

An online graduate degree in library science requires at least 30 hours of coursework, and some even require 43 hours to complete the program. Students often distribute these credit hours between core courses, electives, and a thesis requirement or capstone project. While full-time students can finish this master’s degree in two years, part-time students take longer.

Students interested in pursuing an online master's in library science will need a bachelor's degree from an accredited university. Since most programs don't expect applicants to have an educational background in librarianship, students can apply for graduate programs in this field with most bachelor's degrees. However, applicants are often expected to have a minimum GPA of 3.0 that takes into account their 60 most recent credit hours. 

To apply, students must submit an application, which typically includes the following: 

• 2-3 letters of recommendation 
• A resume 
• One or more essays outlining a student’s interest in library science 
• Graduate record examination (GRE) scores (Some graduate programs waive GRE score requirements if an applicant meets the minimum GPA threshold. However, other programs may expect students to score a minimum of 150 and 4 in the verbal reasoning and writing sections, respectively.) 

As the methods of information consumption rapidly evolve, the field of library science is in a constant state of flux. Consequently, library science degree programs are continually adapting to these changes. Generally, students enrolled in a master's program in library science acquire essential hands-on skills to identify and meet the informational and educational needs of their communities, ensuring equitable access to information for all patrons. These programs may offer specialized focuses, such as research, information preservation, or school library services. Below is a list of standard courses that students can expect when pursuing this degree.

• Developing and Managing Collections: This course focuses on developing collections of books and other media that meet the needs of different audiences. Students learn how to evaluate the needs of diverse communities, select media that meet those needs, and obtain/preserve collection materials, such as books, newspapers, videos, audio, and other media.
• Library Materials for Children and Young Adults: Children and young adults have a wide range of needs and abilities that require specialized library collections and services. Students learn how to select literature, nonfiction books, and other media that meet the social, developmental, cultural, and educational needs of younger audiences. Some programs cover this in one course, while others break up the content into several classes.
• Information Sources and Services: Students gain a comprehensive understanding of the different resources and services provided by libraries and other informational organizations in this course. It explores how people interact with information, digital and print reference tools, search strategies, and other sources.
• Organizing Information: This class teaches the basics of information organization, which include covering the theoretical framework, principles of the discipline, the use of tools, and practical skills for systematizing different media types in a user-friendly way. Students learn about the various functions of organizational practices implemented in libraries, including catalogs, indexes, and classification systems.
• Research Tools and Strategies: Research or reference librarians work with students, staff, and other community members to help them conduct research projects and utilize the appropriate materials. This course teaches these prospective librarians how to use online databases, library catalogs, and other resources in order to locate written and digital research materials. The material will also cover different methodologies and strategies for planning, conducting, and reporting research.

Common concentrations with a library science master's degree include Academic Librarianship, School Librarianship, Archival Studies, and Information Technologies. Each specialization typically focuses on how to curate information in a specific domain. For instance, a Music Librarianship specialization may teach students to catalog books on musical history, acquire rare recordings, and develop reference systems for music-related materials. Completing this specialization could lead to a career in a public library's music section. 

Below is a list of common degree specializations in this field that describes their focus:

• Academic Librarianship: This specialization instructs on how to provide educational and research materials to students and faculty in an academic setting, usually a university. It includes courses on academic libraries, electronic publishing, and digital library services. Students learn how to use new forms of education technology to deliver information to a wider campus community.
• Archival Studies: Librarians need certain skills to handle archival materials, such as old books, newspapers, photographs, and other historical documents. Students often study referencing systems for archival artifacts, preservation and handling techniques for historical documents, and methods for researching older collections.
• Law Librarianship: If students desire to become an information specialist in the legal domain, this specialization may be a suitable fit because it involves engaging with the court system, federal government agencies, and other legal departments. Students take courses that focus on managing information in a way that makes it accessible to legal professionals. It’s important to note, however, that select programs may require that students have a background in law.
• School Librarianship: In addition to giving students a general overview of information technologies, this concentration includes courses that delve into how children and young adults learn and process information. The tools, programs, and best practices of school media specialists are also covered in this specialization.

Graduates with a master's degree in library science work in universities, museums, schools, government organizations, and hospitals. According to the ALA, students need a master's degree in library science if they desire to become a public librarian employed by the government or a senior-level school librarian. Furthermore, many libraries require applicants to have master's degrees from ALA-accredited programs. 

Below is a list of potential career paths that students can pursue with this degree, including some salary and career outlook data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for .

play a crucial role in preserving and interpreting cultural, historical, and artistic collections. They are responsible for acquiring, cataloging, and maintaining artifacts in order to ensure their accessibility for public education and research. By curating exhibitions and educational programs, they help the public engage with and understand the significance of these collections, thereby enriching community knowledge and cultural heritage.

• Median Salary: $57,100 per year
• Job Growth: 6% (faster than average)

with a master's degree in library science educate and mentor future librarians and information professionals, imparting critical skills in information organization, retrieval, and management. They develop and deliver curricula that encompass the latest trends and technologies in the field, preparing students to meet the evolving demands of the information age. Through research and scholarship, they contribute to the advancement of library science, fostering an academic environment that promotes lifelong learning and professional development.

• Median Salary: $83,980 per year
• Job Growth: 7% (much faster than average)

manage and curate information resources, ensuring patrons have access to accurate and relevant materials. They play a vital role in teaching information literacy skills, guiding users in effectively locating, evaluating, and utilizing information. By developing and implementing programs and services tailored to community needs, they foster a culture of learning and engagement within their libraries.

• Median Salary: $64,320 per year
• Job Growth: 2% (slower than average)

oversee educational curricula and teaching standards, integrating effective information literacy and research skills into academic programs. They collaborate with educators to develop resources and instructional materials that enhance the learning experience and promote critical thinking. By staying current with educational trends and technology, they ensure that both teachers and students have access to the best practices and tools necessary for academic success.

• Median Salary: $74,720 per year
• Job Growth: 1% (slower than average)

In today's digitally-oriented world, some people might assume that the role of librarians is becoming obsolete, strictly associating them with traditionally printed books. However, there remains a significant need for tech-savvy information specialists who can help people source and interpret information in an increasingly complex digital landscape. A master's degree in library science, particularly when pursued online, can be a valuable investment. The promising job growth and salary prospects in the field suggest that this degree can offer a worthwhile return on investment. Online programs, in particular, enhance students' digital skills, provide flexibility to accommodate their schedules, and offer a wider selection of programs that can fit various budgets — all without the need to relocate.

Despite these advantages, earning a master's degree online can be time-consuming and costly. For some students, the investment of time and money may not be the best option due to personal or financial circumstances. However, a career in librarianship isn't necessarily out of reach for those who cannot pursue a master's degree. According to the BLS, positions such as library technicians and assistants, who work under the supervision of librarians, typically require only a postsecondary certificate or even a high school diploma in some cases. This provides an alternative pathway for those passionate about working in libraries without the need for an advanced degree.

According to our 2026 most affordable online library science master's degrees cost between $4,908 and $8,010 in tuition fees per year. Though it is possible to pursue your library science master's at a more affordable rate than the average master's degree, it remains a significant investment.

Online students are generally eligible for the same types of aid as campus-based students, but some scholarships may be limited to in-person programs. Online students should check eligibility requirements — such as attending an accredited school, enrolling as a full-time student, and qualifying as a state resident for tuition purposes — to make sure they qualify for aid. If a scholarship or other aid source doesn't specify whether online students are eligible, students should check with their financial aid office or scholarship provider to see if they meet the criteria.

Graduate students pursuing an online master's degree in library science have a few options to help cover the cost of tuition, fees, and other educational expenses. Financial aid opportunities are available from various sources, and students may even combine awards to reduce costs further. Four main financial aid sources are available to graduate students:

• Federal financial aid
• State financial aid
• Institution funding
• Private funding

Before relying on loans to reduce the amount of debt they'll have when they graduate, students should seek out aid they don't have to repay, such as grants, scholarships, work-study funding, and tuition assistance from employers.

Once someone has exhausted their options for gift aid, they should compare the terms and conditions of different student loan options to ensure they find the best choice for their circumstances. Many students rely on loans to help pay for graduate school. Federal student loans are generally seen as a better option than private lenders because they offer fixed interest rates and tend to have more flexible repayment plans.

The most common way to apply for financial aid and determine how much aid students qualify for is by filling out the FAFSA, which is used by the federal and state governments and most universities. Students should complete the FAFSA even if they think they won't be eligible for any aid.