This page provides for information on graduate programs in library science and careers for librarians and library support staff. Questions? Ask a librarian!
Graduate Programs: Where should I start? We highly recommend you explore programs accredited by the American Library Association (ALA).
What are ALA-accredited programs? ALA-accredited master’s programs can be found at colleges and universities in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. These programs offer degrees with names such as Master of Library Science (MLS), Master of Arts, Master of Librarianship, Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS), and Master of Science. ALA accreditation indicates that the program has undergone an external review and meets the ALA Committee on Accreditation’s Standards for Accreditation of Master’s Programs in Library and Information Studies (from ALA Accredited Programs, https://www.ala.org/educationcareers/accreditedprograms).
Why ALA-accredited programs? Graduating from an ALA-accredited program provides flexibility in the types of libraries and jobs you can apply for and enhances career mobility. Many employers require an ALA-accredited master's degree for professional level positions, and some states require an ALA-accredited degree to work as a professional librarian in public or school libraries (from ALA Accredited Programs, https://www.ala.org/educationcareers/accreditedprograms).
Where can I see the full list of ALA-accredited programs? Visit the Directory of ALA-Accredited Programs. You can search by state, online education options, and areas of concentration or career pathway.
How should I choose a graduate program? Consult the ALA's Guidelines for Choosing a Master's Program in Library and Information Studies (from the American Library Association).
What graduate programs exist in Minnesota and surrounding states?
Iowa: University of Iowa
Minnesota: St. Catherine's University (Conditional accreditation)
Wisconsin: University of Wisconsin-Madison and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
What careers can I pursue with a graduate degree in library science?
Not every library career requires a master of library and science degree...
Who are "Library Support Staff"? Library support staff, or library paraprofessionals, are involved in all library operations at all levels. They may manage libraries or they may contribute very specialized expertise in some specific field. They may engage in routine activities or supervise and direct other staff. Generalizations about them are difficult to make, and to find an all-encompassing job description, nearly impossible. The range and complexity of their duties varies with each position, the size and type of the library in which they work, and each library's specific needs, goals, or mission.
The one distinction usually drawn between "support staff" and "librarians" is that those in the latter group typically have a Master of Library Science degree (MLS). In practice, however, that distinction is not always clear. Staff lacking the MLS may be found in the uppermost levels of library management, and MLS holders may be found in positions that normally do not require the degree. (Source: ALA Library Support Staff Resource Center)
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