Online Library Science Schools

Earning a library science bachelor’s degree online puts graduates on the path to finding meaningful work as librarians in schools, libraries, and hospitals. While most employers require applicants to possess an advanced degree to qualify for librarian roles, attending an online library science school at the baccalaureate level can help you compete for entry-level and support roles after graduating. These programs also translate seamlessly to distance learning, making them a great option for busy students.

Read on to learn about common careers and salaries, coursework, tips for finding the best program, and information on scholarships.

Graduates who obtain a bachelor’s degree in library science online can pursue professional roles that appeal to their particular interests in the discipline. While you need a master’s degree to qualify for most librarian roles, other positions may help you build skills and experience before heading back to school.

It is important to remember that no degree guarantees a specific career or salary. However, the jobs highlighted in this section are commonly held by those who obtain a library science bachelor’s degree online.

As the above data show, salaries for library-related careers can vary substantially based on responsibility; they can also vary based on education and experience levels, industry, and location.

Geography plays a big role, as evidenced by salaries for library assistants. Washington offers the highest rates of pay at $59,990. Other states with top pay include Washington, D.C., Connecticut, California, and Massachusetts. States offering the highest concentration of jobs include Wyoming, Wisconsin and South Dakota.

Aside from general education classes, learners cover discipline-specific topics such as library and information science, database management, interlibrary loans, children’s literature, and the incorporation of technology into library services. A few common courses are listed below, but check with individual programs to learn about specific offerings.

Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in library science online requires a substantial commitment of time, money, and resources. Given the high stakes, it is no surprise that many prospective students want answers to their questions before they take the plunge. We rounded up some of those questions and found informative and insightful answers to help degree-seekers feel knowledgeable and confident about their decisions.

At the bachelor’s level, learners usually complete approximately 60 credits of general education before moving into requirements for their major and minor. While the majority of departments require learners to complete a core set of topics that provide them with foundational knowledge, some also allow for ample electives that make it easier for students to pursue specific studies. When it comes to electives, look for courses that match your interests and professional goals. For instance, if you’re interested in working in an elementary school library, look for courses related to childhood literacy.

Earning a bachelor’s degree in library science online is not much different than earning the same degree on campus. Most notably, you interact with peers and professors through digital platforms rather than in a brick-and-mortar classroom. You will still listen to lectures, complete readings, participate in group projects, take tests, and turn in assignments as you would in a traditional program.

Internships work the same as they do with in-person programs, but the process for finding them may look a little different. Learners living close to their school may be able to select an internship site from a pre-approved list of locations. Those further away from the institution may need to work with the internship coordinator to find an approved site near their place of residence.

Faculty profiles can tell you a lot about teaching interests and departmental experience. If none of the professors at a given school possess knowledge in your area of interest (e.g., children’s literature), it may not be a good fit. Similarly, if individuals moved straight from being a student to working as a professor, they may lack the experience needed to provide real-world learning examples.

Schools that offer bachelor’s degrees in library science online typically do not offer concentrations, as specialization tends to come at the master’s level. These programs focus on ensuring you possess the baseline knowledge required of your future professional and academic life. That being said, programs with electives may give you some space to personalize your degree.

Completing a library science bachelor’s degree online serves as the first step for students who want to work as librarians. It also serves as a required credential for library assistants or technicians who may want to test the industry and ensure it matches their goals before pursuing additional education.

Because the vast majority of professional librarian roles require applicants to possess a master’s degree in library and/or informational science, many learners opt to continue into advanced study after graduating or working a few years in the field. Master’s programs usually last two years and can be completed online or in-person.

As the cost of online library science school continues to climb, many degree-seekers must find ways of offsetting those costs if they want to avoid taking on significant levels of student loan debt. Plenty of library science scholarships and grants exist to lessen the financial burden, but students should start applying early, as competition is high.

Aside from the scholarships discussed below, check with state and local governments, professional associations, foundations, colleges and universities, and local libraries to find other funding opportunities.