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  • Online Master’s in Library & Information Science (MLIS)

    Master of Science in Information: Library & Information Science

    Drexel University’s online accredited Master’s in Library & Information Science program is an industry leader in digital information management and ranked among the nation’s top library science programs.

    The College of Computing and Informatics boasts top national recognition in Health Librarianship (#3,) Information Systems (#4,) Digital Librarianship (#7,) Services for Children and Youth (#7,) and School Library Media (#7.)

    The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that librarians who can adapt and keep pace with the technology side of the profession will have better job prospects. This comes as no surprise given the accessibility and sheer amount of electronic information.

    Library and Information Science was named one of the fastest growing fields in the computing and informatics industry:

    Infographic: Library and Information Science Industry Stats

    MLIS Degree Online Program Features

    • Fully accredited by the American Library Association (ALA)
    • An innovative curriculum with a strong technological background and a focus on teaching career skills in all the aspects of information management
    • Taught by the distinguished faculty of Drexel University's College of Computing and Informatics
    • Highly interactive curriculum designed to challenge and engage students while remaining convenient for the working professional

    Archived Webinar

    What Qualifications Do You Need to be a Librarian?

    Many of today’s employers look for librarians who hold an LIS degree from a program with American Library Association (ALA) accreditation.

    In addition, some positions have extra requirements. A teaching certificate or a degree in another field are examples.

    This is especially true for law, medical, and corporate librarians. Because these roles need specialized knowledge, employers may look for these librarians to have a master’s degree, professional degree, or subject-specific PhD.

    In the case of public-school librarians, there may be state requirements to consider. One of these is a teacher’s certification. Another is to pass a standardized test such as the PRAXIX II Library Media Specialist Test.

    Some states also require public school librarians to obtain certification. If this is your goal, contact your state’s licensing board for details.

    What Skills Do You Need to Be a Librarian?

    Drexel’s LIS degree helps you gain in-demand skills for today and the future. Core courses foster an understanding of the basics. You will learn about users, services, and different resources. At the same time, these required topics discuss key principles of organization and managing information.

    From there, choosing one of the specializations can help you understand and work within the information sciences space. Further your interests in digital technology and analytics, archives, and electronic records management, or learn how to assist users in a specific setting. Any of these areas can provide very marketable skills for years to come.

    7 Steps to Becoming a Librarian

    Step 1: Research library science, types of librarians, and requirements
    Consider your interests. Learn what types of librarians there are and about library science in general. Think about which direction you’d like your career to take. This is also the time to research any testing, licensure, or certification you’ll need further down the road.

    Step 2: Complete a bachelor’s degree in any major
    You can usually enter LIS programs with a bachelor’s degree in any major.

    Step 3: Gain some work-related experience
    Look for part-time work if you can. Experience is one way to get your foot in the door or enhance your resume.

    Step 4: Earn a master’s degree in library & information science
    Earn an LIS degree from an ALA-accredited program. LIS degree programs often teach you how to select and organize library materials. You’ll also study research methods and strategies, online reference systems, and Internet search techniques.

    Step 5: Obtain state certification or licensure
    Pursue any state-specific certification or license. The state of Pennsylvania requires professional librarians to certify. School librarians need a teaching certificate with an endorsement in school librarianship among other things.

    Step 6: Pursue a librarian career
    Pursue a career. There are different types of librarians. Many librarians work full-time but there are part-time positions as well. In 2017, the median annual salary for librarians was $58,520 per BLS.gov.

    Step 7: Keep learning even after you become a librarian
    Keep learning. In some states (PA is one), you’ll need continuing education credits.

    How Long Does it Take to Become a Librarian?

    Most LIS programs take from 1 to 2 years to complete. Counting the 4 years it takes to earn a bachelor’s degree, it may take a total of 5 to 6 years to become a librarian.

    Types of Librarians

    A librarian is a link between people and information. The kind of information they help to provide may depend on where they apply their skills. It can be for personal, professional, or research purposes.

    User Services Librarians
    As the title suggests, user services librarians help patrons conduct research. In their role, they might work with a specific group like university students, young adults, or children. They’ll often help patrons find and make use of catalogs of print materials, digital libraries, or Internet search methods.

    Technical Services Librarians
    Technical services librarians are the people who order new library materials and archive to preserve older items. They also prepare and organize print and electronic library materials in so they are accessible to patrons.

    Administrative Services Librarians
    Administrative service librarians are library managers. Part of what they do is hire and oversee staff. Other duties involve preparing budgets and negotiating contracts for library materials and equipment. In some cases, they may need to do some public relations and fundraising activities.

    Academic Librarians
    Academic librarians work in postsecondary institutions where they help students, faculty, and staff. Because some campuses have multiple libraries, some librarians specialize in a one subject. They can then apply their knowledge to help others conduct research.

    Public Librarians
    Public librarians serve all members of the public within their communities. Sometimes they’ll help patrons find books to read for pleasure. Other times they might help others with research, schoolwork, business, or personal interest. They may also plan library events like book clubs or story time for children.

    School Librarians
    Also called School Media Specialists, school librarians work in elementary, middle, and high school libraries. In their role, they teach students how to access resources. Also, they may help teachers develop lesson plans by finding material for instruction.

    Special Librarians
    Also called Information Professionals, special librarians work in areas like law firms, hospitals, businesses, museums, and government agencies. In these places, they’ll serve the needs of the organization that houses the library. Because their work entails firsthand knowledge of a specific topic, they may need an additional degree in that topic. A few examples are:

    • Corporate Librarians
    • Government Librarians
    • Law Librarians
    • Medical Librarians

    What Jobs Can I Get with a Master's of Library & Information Science Degree?

    • Librarian
    • Library Technician
    • Library Assistant
    • Archivist
    • Database Administrator
    • Information Systems Manager

    Master of Library Science (MLIS) Salary Expectations

    Job Title

    2018 Median Annual Pay*

    Librarian

    $59,500

    Library Technician

    $36,080

    Library Assistant

    $29,820

    Archivist

    $57,500

    Database Administrator

    $93,750

    Information Systems Manager

    $146,360

    *Median salary figures via Bureau of Labor Statistics 

    7 Skills Future Librarians Need Now

    Apart from reading comprehension, clear speech, effective writing, and active listening, data shows that librarians also need the following 7 skills:

    1. Adapt to Change
    Librarians need to be able to pivot and manage change well. This involves keeping a finger on the pulse of different training and instructional methods as they arise. It also means adapting to changes in policy, technology, teaching, user experiences, and student learning.

    2. Manage Resources
    As skillful decision-makers, librarians need to know how to weigh costs and benefits. They must be able to make choices that bring a return on the investment. Whether this means building a trusted clientele, curating sought-after content, hiring the right staff, or preparing a budget.

    3. Organize Digital Information
    Another name for a librarian is "Information Professional." Librarians today and going forward need a strong grasp of how to get, prepare, and manage electronic library materials. This means being able to help a distance learner through email with links to online and in print material.

    4. Digital Literacy
    Librarians need strong internet search and research skills. The scope of their duties is expanding to help students and others identify and use all means of information. From print to digital content of all types.

    5. Data Driven
    A skill that is timeless for librarians is the ability to think clearly and sometimes, outside the box. With so much information available, it is ever-more important to find ways of assessing which approach and resources will best suit each patron. A strong understanding of analytics and how to use these insights can save patrons time and drive outcomes.

    6. Understand Digital Research
    As time goes on, librarians will need to be skillful cross-channel researchers. They will have to know how to address and engage disparate subject matters and serve as connectors for patrons. This also involves understanding how search changes over time. Voice search and artificial intelligence are here to stay.

    7. Software Savvy
    Librarians of the future will need high-level skills using “hot technology”. Currently, there are about 15 tools that range from library software to web platform development software. Many of these are frequent requirements of job postings. Examples include Java Script, Microsoft Access, SQL, and CSS.

    Drexel's 10,000 Hours Podcast: Danuta Nitecki

    In the age of e-books and Amazon, what's the point of libraries? Danuta Nitecki, Drexel's Dean of Libraries, explains exactly why libraries still play a pivotal role, both on campus and in communities.

    Related Program


    Drexel University offers a variety of Graduate Minors that can be added to any master's degree program.
    State restrictions may apply to some programs.

    Curriculum

    This program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year (as opposed to the traditional two semester system) which means you can take more courses in a shorter time period. One semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits.

    Foundation Courses
    INFO 505 Information Professionals and Information Ethics 3.0
    INFO 508 Information Innovation through Design Thinking 3.0
    or DSRE 620 Design Problem Solving
    INFO 590 Foundations of Data and Information 3.0
    Core Courses
    INFO 506 Users, Services, & Resources 3.0
    INFO 507 Leading and Managing Information Organizations 3.0
    INFO 591 Data and Digital Stewardship 3.0
    INFO 657 Digital Library Technologies 3.0
    or INFO 552 Introduction to Web Design for Information Organizations
    INFO 662 Metadata and Resource Description 3.0
    Elective Courses 15.0
    Choose 5 courses from any of the following areas, either all from one area or any combination of the courses and areas. Additional options may be approved by advisor:
    Archives/Records Management
    INFO 560
    Introduction to Archives I
    INFO 561
    Introduction to Archives II
    INFO 750
    Archival Access Systems
    INFO 755
    Electronic Records Management
    INFO 756
    Digital Preservation
    Digital Technologies
    INFO 546
    Data Analytics for Community-Based Data and Service
    INFO 552
    Introduction to Web Design for Information Organizations
    INFO 624
    Information Retrieval Systems
    INFO 633
    Information Visualization
    INFO 657
    Digital Library Technologies
    INFO 725
    Information Policy and Ethics
    Information Systems
    INFO 517
    Principles of Cybersecurity
    INFO 540
    Perspectives on Information Systems
    INFO 600
    Web Systems & Architecture
    INFO 605
    Database Management Systems
    INFO 620
    Information Systems Analysis and Design
    Library Services
    INFO 649
    Library Programming
    INFO 650
    Public Library Service
    INFO 651
    Academic Library Service
    INFO 660
    Cataloging and Classification
    INFO 665
    Collection Management
    INFO 680
    US Government Information
    INFO 682
    Storytelling
    INFO 683
    Resources for Children
    INFO 684
    Resources for Young Adults
    INFO 687
    Issues in Information Literacy
    User Experience
    INFO 608
    Human-Computer Interaction
    INFO 609
    Accessible and Inclusive Design
    INFO 615
    Designing with Data
    INFO 616
    Social and Collaborative Computing
    INFO 690
    Understanding Users: User Experience Research Methods
    INFO 691
    Prototyping the User Experience
    INFO 693
    Human–Artificial Intelligence Interaction
    Certificate or Minors
    Student may use electives to add a CCI graduate certificate or minor. Please consult your advisors for the option and course requirements.
    Capstone Project
    INFO 890 Capstone Project 6.0
    Total Credits 45.0

    View Course Descriptions

    Admissions Criteria

    • A four-year bachelor's degree in any major from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or an equivalent international institution
    • A GPA of 3.0 or higher, in a completed degree program, bachelor’s degree or above

    Required Documents

    With multiple ways to submit documents, Drexel makes it easy to complete your application. Learn more by visiting our Completing Your Application Guide.

    • A completed application
    • Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions (including trade schools) attended
    • One letter of recommendation required, two recommended (academic, professional, or both)
    • Essay/Statement of Purpose
      • In approximately 500 words, describe what professional goals you hope to achieve, how an advanced degree facilitates that success and anything else you want the Admissions Review Board to know about you.
    • Resume
    • Additional requirements for International Students

    Tuition

    The tuition rate for the academic year 2023-2024 is $1382 per credit.

    For the academic year 2023-2024, students enrolled in an online graduate academic program will be charged a graduate online program fee of $125 per year.

    • This program is eligible for Financial Aid.
    • Special tuition rates available for Drexel University AlumniMilitary members, and members of our Partner Organizations
      • These rates apply only to new online students and students being readmitted.
      • Tuition rates are subject to increase with the start of each academic year in the fall term.
      • All students must contact applyDUonline@drexel.edu within the first two weeks of the term to request tuition savings for which they qualify.
      • Special rates cannot be combined. If you qualify for more than one special rate, you'll be given the one with the largest savings.
      • When receiving special tuition plans with Drexel University Online, you may not combine them with other tuition benefits that may be available from Drexel University.

     

    Academic Calendar

    2023-2024 Academic Year

    Term

    Classes Begin

    Classes End

    Exams Begin

    Exams End

    Fall 2023

    September 26, 2023

    December 9, 2023

    December 11, 2023

    December 16, 2023

    Winter 2024

    January 8, 2024

    March 16, 2024

    March 18, 2024

    March 23, 2024

    Spring 2024

    April 1, 2024

    June 8, 2024

    June 10, 2024

    June 15, 2024

    Summer 2024

    June 24, 2024

    August 31, 2024

    September 3, 2024

    September 7, 2024

     

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