Like books? Enjoy research? Love helping people? Then a career in library and information science may be for you. Contrary to popular belief, the field of library science encompasses more than standing behind a counter at the local library, checking out books and collecting overdue fines. A degree in library and information science can prepare you for a variety of careers ranging from maintaining an organization’s archives, to assisting library patrons with finding information, to conducting research in a non-profit or for-profit setting.
According to research conducted by U.S. News & World Report, of the 50 schools accredited by the American Library Association that reported information, the University of Illinois, the University of North Carolina, and Syracuse University are the top three schools in the nation for students interested in pursuing a degree in library and information science.
University of Illinois
The Graduate School of Library and Information Science (GLIS) on the University of Illinois main campus at Urbana-Champaign tops (with North Carolina) the U.S. News list of library and information science programs. GLIS has held the top ranking from U.S. News since the publication began ranking library and information science programs in 1996.
Illinois offers both the Ph.D. and the master’s degree in library and information science, and students can choose from a range of specializations, including bioinformatics, information systems, special collections, and youth literature and services. Students may also pursue two certificate programs and the master’s in library science online through the GLIS low-residency online study program known as LEEP.
University of North Carolina
Currently tied with Illinois for the top spot on the U.S. News library and information science degree ranking list is the University of North Carolina. The School of Information and Library Science (SILS) on the main Chapel Hill campus offers a doctoral program, two master’s programs, and an undergraduate major and minor in Information Systems.
The SILS at North Carolina is among the few library and information science schools in the nation to offer an undergraduate program. The major and minor in Information Science not only prepare graduates for advanced study in library and information science and related fields, but also gives students the background necessary for careers in areas such as database design, information consulting, and web design. On the graduate level, SILS students can pursue a concentration in archives and records management, in addition to variety of certificates and dual master’s degrees.
Syracuse University
Syracuse University rounds out the list of the top three schools for library and information science as ranked by U.S. News & World Report. Students can earn a Master of Science in Library and Information Science or a Master of Science in Library and Information Science with a School Media Specialization from Syracuse’s School of Information Studies (which encompasses a range of information-related undergraduate programs in addition to graduate programs in Information Management, Telecommunications and Network Management, and two doctoral programs).
Students in the Library and Information Science program can pursue Certificates of Advanced Study in School Media, Digital Libraries, and Cultural Heritage Preservation. Along with the Graduate School of Library and Information Science at Illinois, the Syracuse School of Information Studies is a founding member of the Web-based Information Science Education (WISE) Consortium, which allows library and information science students at participating institutions to take online courses from other schools in the consortium.
Students interested in library science degrees should be aware that the American Library Association does not rank library and information science schools and cautions that student criteria for choosing a library and information science program may not match the criteria used in rankings published by publications such as U.S. News & World Report. Whether you’re interested in library science or any graduate degree, you should undertake your own research regarding schools and programs in order to find the best fit for you personally and professionally, and you should use published program rankings as only one factor in your decision.
Amy Martin - Amy Martin is a freelance writer who holds a Ph.D. in English Studies from Illinois State University. She taught literature and writing ...
