Best Colleges for Library Science MLS Programs in the Country

This is our opinion based on our research!

Are you thinking about earning a master’s degree in library science? According to recent data, there are many jobs both in libraries and in other fields that a master’s degree in library science will qualify you for.

For instance, earning your master’s can qualify you for a position as an information resources specialist, researcher, meta data analyst, creative project manager or a documentation specialist, and many more. You’ll find that the ability to navigate and manage large streams of information will be skills that you can transfer into many careers outside the library.

There are not as many library science programs in the US as other master’s programs, but there are some really fine programs worth your consideration.

The top five are:

1 Syracuse University

The library science program at Syracuse results in a Master of Science in Library and Information Science. It gives you a complete grounding in the skills, values and knowledge of librarianship within a context of an interdisciplinary team of faculty. This program obtains a high degree of faculty expertise in library science, information science, strategic management of information, business, education, computer science and communications.

The coursework of this top master’s program stresses the theory and the practice of library science. It includes many educational opportunities outside of the classroom as you interact one on one with faculty. You also will learn much hands on, in libraries and information centers. This program offers campus and distance learning components, so you can do much of your master’s online, if you choose.

Classes that you will take in this program include Information Environments, Reference and Information Literacy Services, Library Planning, Information Resources, Management Principles for Information Professionals, and Survey of Telecommunications.

2 University of Michigan

This top university offers a Master of Science in Information that will prepare you for many types of jobs that require advanced information management skills. Information professionals with this master’s degree will play an important role in the future in analyzing, systematizing and evaluating all of the resources that are being produced in our digital age.

Graduates from this library science program are found working at Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, Google, Facebook, national libraries, consulting firms and universities and medical centers.

One of the unique aspects of the University of Michigan curriculum is that it stresses practical engagement. Before you graduate, you will need to complete eight credits of work in the field, usually during a spring or summer internship.

You may specialize at this university in:

Archives and Records Management
Library and Information Science
Human Computer Interaction
Information Economics for Management
Preservation of Information
School Library Media
Social Computing

3 University of North Carolina

The primary role of the master of Science in Library Science is to train you to collect, organize, store and retrieve many types of recorded knowledge for all kinds of institutions and groups. The goal of the program is to enable you to effectively contribute to the design, development and management of libraries and their services and collections.

Many graduates from this program work in a large variety of libraries, such as law, art, digital, music, public, academic and special libraries. Some graduates also work in digital archives and museums, and various special collections.

Some of the classes in this top library science program include Organization of Information, Information Retrieval, Human Information Interactions, Systems Analysis, Research Methods, and Management for Information Professionals.

4 Simmons College

The Master of Science in Library and Information Science is accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of the American Library Association. Your academic preparation will teach you to analyze information needs of users, use tools and technology to evaluate the information,and to organize, manage and preserve the information so that it is accessible.

Students in this master’s program can study archives management or school librarianship, among several other tracks. Core course requirements include Evaluation of Information Services, Principles of Management, Reference/Information Services, Information Organization, , and Technology for Information Professionals.

5 University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign

This Master of Science in Library and Information Science encourages critical thinking about library science and related fields, and encourages the highest standards of professionalism and service. Graduates will be trained to develop and evaluate resources and programs, and to understand the information needs of all types of users. Popular specializations include Reference and Information Services, Design and Evaluation of Information Systems, Community Information Systems, and Services for Young Children and Adults. Core classes include Information Organization and Access and Libraries, Information and Society.