A Bachelor of Library science degree is an undergraduate degree that can be your foray into a career in library science. Many U.S. libraries now require that librarians hold a Master of Library Science degree from a program that has received accreditation by the American Library Association (ALA). However, getting a bachelor’s degree in the field is a good place to start when you plan to embark upon a library career.
As all schools do not offer a Bachelor of Library Science degree, alternatives that many who wish to become librarians may pursue include, but are not limited to: Featured Programs:
Many career options in library science are attainable with a Bachelor of Library Science (or related) degree. They include public librarian positions at smaller libraries, support positions at public and school libraries, data curators, youth services librarian, academic and research librarian, information services librarian, archivist, and digital collections librarian.
Considering a career as a librarian? An undergraduate degree in library science can provide the perfect foundation to launch your library career. As a librarian you’ll get to help people access information facilitate learning and exploration, and contribute to your community. But what’s the best undergraduate route into this rewarding profession? Let’s explore some of the top options for undergraduate degrees for future librarians.
Why Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Library Science?
While a master’s degree in library science (MLS) is required to work as a librarian an undergraduate degree can provide important background knowledge and skills. An undergraduate library science program allows you to
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Gain an introduction to library science foundations like cataloging, collection development, reference services, and more. This helps ensure you have the required knowledge to be successful in a graduate MLS program.
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Build a strong educational foundation in areas like information science, research methods, communication, and technology. These are key competencies for librarians.
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Get early exposure to library environments through internships and field experiences. This experience looks great on graduate school applications.
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Make professional connections with professors, librarians, and peers who can advise you on your career path and serve as future references.
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Potentially finish your MLS more quickly if you can waive certain foundational courses.
Overall, an undergraduate degree in library science helps set you up for success in graduate school and beyond. Let’s look at some of the top undergraduate degrees to consider.
Bachelor’s in Library Science or Information Science
A bachelor of library science (BLS) or bachelor of information science (BSIS) degree directly focuses on topics relevant to librarianship. Typical courses include:
- Introduction to Library Science
- Organization of Information
- Library Technology & Automation
- Research Methods
- Collection Development
- Information Literacy Instruction
- Reference Services
- Cataloging
This comprehensive curriculum covers all the foundations you’ll need for an MLS program. A BLS or BSIS also provides opportunities to gain hands-on experience through projects and fieldwork.
For example, at [University of Washington](https://www.niche.com/colleges/university-of-washington
Accepted by Graduate Programs
The Bachelor of Library Science degree programs listed below have all traditionally been accepted by schools with Master of Library Science degree programs. Again, this is important as many students will first get their bachelor’s degree in library science, then apply to an ALA-accredited Master of Library Science program. Students graduating from these schools have high acceptance rates into MLS programs.
Accredited Bachelor of Library Science Programs
Above all else, when you are choosing a Bachelor of Library Science program, make sure that the institution that houses it is regionally or nationally accredited. Accreditation indicates that at least one peer evaluation agency has reviewed the educational programs of a college or university to assess their quality. The U.S. Department of Education maintains a national Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (USDOE) listing all programs across the country that hold accreditation by an organization recognized by the USDOE. When you choose an accredited college or university, you can be assured of a higher likelihood of admission and credit transfer to other institutions, a quality education, and that your degree will hold credibility with future employers.
Major nationally recognized accreditation agencies include:
- Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
- Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE)
- Association of Advanced Rabbinical and Talmudic Schools (AARTS)
- Association of Theological Schools, The Commission on Accrediting (ATS)
- Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS)
- Distance Education Accreditation Commission (DEAC)
Programmatic accreditation only applies when you are looking at graduate degree programs in library science. The ALA only accredits library science degree programs at the master’s level. The ALA does, however, maintain a database of recommended library degree programs offered nationwide at the certificate, associate, bachelor’s and master’s levels, which may be accessed here.
Before you become a librarian, some things to keep in mind.
What is a Bachelor’s in library science?
A bachelor’s in library science is a four-year degree that prepares undergraduates for library and information science careers. Students pursuing this degree learn how to manage records and regulate access to physical and digital resources.
Do you need a degree to become a library scientist?
Typically, the education prerequisites for a library science master’s program is to have a bachelor’s degree. So having an unrelated degree, such as business, still qualifies you for a library science master’s degree. Here’s a list of some common undergraduate degrees that are good for library science careers:
Which undergraduate degrees are good for library science careers?
Here’s a list of some common undergraduate degrees that are good for library science careers: Some colleges have library science undergraduate degrees. This may be one of the best options for aspiring librarians because it teaches students about what they might learn while earning their master’s degree.
What degree do you need to become a librarian?
With a bachelor’s degree in this discipline, individuals can also pursue a graduate program in library and information science. A master’s degree in library science is the standard level of education required for professional librarians.
