Online library science degree: how to get it?

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Obtaining a degree in library science online is a solution for those who do not live near a university that offers a library science program. Accredited universities such as Drexel University, Southern Connecticut State University, and North Carolina Central University offer online library science degrees. Other universities also offer this program, providing a flexible yet rigorous education.

People who love books often decide to major in library science. The master’s in library science allows someone to work as a librarian in a public, special or academic library. Those who earn a school librarian certificate in addition to a master’s degree can work as a school librarian. Unfortunately, not many people live near a university that offers a library science program. The solution to this dilemma is to obtain a degree in library science online.

Distance learning has enabled many people to pursue a master’s in library science from an accredited university. If one decides to go this route, one should carefully study the various schools that offer the online library science degree. It is important to enroll in a reputable school. Most employers prefer to hire library science graduates who have attended an American Library Association (ALA) accredited university.

A distance education library science program offers the same rigorous academics expected from a traditional program. The only difference is that students learn from the comfort of their own homes by earning a degree in library science online. Instructions are provided through a variety of online formats, including email, message boards, chat rooms, and other web-based methods. Most library science programs allow students to access lessons on their own schedule. Typical library science classes include courses on information studies, research methods, information technology, collection development, and library science issues.

Drexel University offers a Master of Library and Information Sciences. The program is delivered completely online and is accredited by the ALA. US News and World Report ranked its Libraries and Information Science program 11th in the US. Applicants for the program must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Drexel is a way for future librarians to learn a library degree online.

Another institution offering an online library science degree is Southern Connecticut State University. According to its website, 72% of students enrolled in the Library and Information Services program during 2007 were working on their degree through distance learning. The school offers a Masters in Library Science and is accredited by the ALA. Students must complete 36 credit hours, a combined 12 classes. Courses include five core classes and seven electives.

North Carolina Central University also has an ALA-accredited Master of Library Science. Students can choose two tracks – school media librarian or academic, special and public librarians. Distance courses are of the same class as those taught on campus. The program requires students to successfully complete 36 hours of instruction. Program applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and demonstrate reading comprehension of a foreign language.

These three universities aren’t the only respected institutions offering a degree in library science online. Schools such as the University of Alabama, Clarion University, Florida State University, Clarion University, Texas Women’s University, and others offer degrees in library science that can be earned at home. People who live far from schools offering library science programs can apply to a university that offers library science degree online. These flexible yet rigorous programs allow students to benefit from the same quality education that their peers receive in traditional classes.




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