online phd library science

Ph.D. Programs in Library and Information Sciences

Written by Kelly Davis

MLIS – Clarion University | Youth Services Librarian

A Ph.D. in library science or information science provides scholars with the tools to produce individual research, collaborate with other researchers, and teach library and information science in higher education. The standards are not as concrete for Ph.D. programs as for Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) programs, but there are a few ways to rank a program’s quality. One way is to look at the school of information offering the Ph.D. and the other programs they offer, including if the school provides an MLIS degree and if the degree is accredited by the American Library Association. Another sign of a quality program is seeing the research and progress made by graduates and faculty and how much access a Ph.D. student will have to quality research opportunities.  

In this article, we highlight some of the most comprehensive Ph.D. programs in the U.S. based on these two significant factors. We also try to provide a few programs in each region of the U.S. in the hopes that one of the programs will be near you. Additionally, we will look at many other aspects of each program as well, including the format, what the coursework involves, and how to apply and become qualified for each Ph.D. program in library and information science. 

All of the following Ph.D. programs come from a school that is accredited by the American Library Association and offers students the ability to work with decorated and world-class scholars and professors. Additionally, the programs we chose are in areas that provide ample career opportunities following the program. If you want to know more about each program and what may be a good fit for you, keep exploring below.

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St. John’s University

Online Master of Science in Library and Information Science

Gain the advanced expertise that information specialist positions require with the online M.S. in Library and Information Science program from St. John’s University. Achieve your career goal by selecting from one of the following specializations:

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Ph.D. in Information from the University of Michigan

Doctoral students will work one on one with professors in information, many of which specialize in communication technologies, collective research capabilities, and how to change social relations. All professors know a wide range of research and topics and look at information and how individuals and communities interact with information and technology. Additionally, in your application, you will pick which professors you want to work with out of the 100 in the program. 

Many Ph.D. graduates receive careers as professors at prestigious schools including Brown University, Stanford University, and the National University of Singapore. Many receive fellowships at prestigious universities including Harvard University and Brown University. Other careers they received shortly after graduating include UX researcher for Google, Yahoo, and Facebook, design researcher for IBM, and data analysis for Microsoft. 

How to apply

First, apply online and pay the application fee. Send in a Statement of Purpose essay which will include the area of research you want to contribute to and past research done. Additionally, you will need to send in a personal history statement, a resume, three letters of recommendation, and transcripts. Your admission acceptance will be multifaceted in the factors the program will examine. Namely, they will look at past research, work experience, and your goals moving forward. 

Ph.D. in Information Studies at Long Island University

The Ph.D. program includes a dissertation and requires 60 credit hours. There are two areas of study for students which are Information Access and Systems, and Information Studies and Services. Additionally, this program can be taken part-time or full-time to accommodate students’ schedules. The on-campus classes can be taken between 6 PM and 9 PM. It is also the only program of its kind in the Metropolitan New York area, and it is within a school that is accredited by the American Library Association. 

How to Apply

You need a master’s degree to qualify, which can be in any area of study. Admissions will also evaluate you based on previous research, work experience, and the interest you have in research going forward. Then apply online , and pay the application fee. You will also need to send in transcripts, three letters of recommendation,  a statement of research and area of study, a resume, a personal statement, and a sample of scholarly writing. 

Ph.D. in Information Science and Technology at Syracuse University

Syracuse University offers its Ph.D. scholars opportunities to work and research one on one with professors and other doctoral students. The research opportunities are in areas of philosophy, psychology, sociology, computers and digital information, policy studies, librarianship, and information communication. This program is not offered online or part-time. It is a four to five-year program of full-time residential coursework. The Ph.D. student is funded by the school, and for this reason, the program is very selective. 

Apply online , pay the application fee, and send in transcripts and any other research or work experience completed. Applicants will be evaluated by a committee based on their readiness for the program, their intellectual ability and academic record, research interests as they relate to faculty interests, communication skills, and research preparedness. 

Ph.D. Philosophy in Information and Library Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 

Chapel Hill is the most respected information science department in North Carolina and its MLIS program is often ranked first or second by the U.S. News and World Reports. Their doctoral program is sure to hold to the same standards. Many of the faculty for the MLIS program are also professors in the doctoral program. The difference is that Ph.D. students work one on one with these world-class professors. The program is rigorous, but it provides some flexibility for those holding a job, or have families to care for. There is financial support for Ph.D. students and many receive full support for the first four to five years of the program; typically, students finish within that period. Students learn more about library and information science and they enhance their research and presentation of research capability. 

How to apply 

Accepted students in this program are often seeking to be information leaders, have a knowledge of diverse research methods, enjoy being an independent investigator, are committed to finding information to address critical questions, and enjoy intellectual challenges.  Applicants must have either an MLIS degree or an equivalent of study and research completed. To apply, go online and fill out the online application and pay the application fee. Also, send in all transcripts, an updated resume, three letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose that includes your area of research interest. 

Ph.D. in Communication and Information at Kent State University

The Ph.D. program in communication and information from Kent State University in Ohio is part of the information science school, which has been around for over sixty years. The program is offered online and in person and is a 70-credit hour degree program including a dissertation. Doctoral students must also pass the doctoral comprehensive examination to graduate. 

The degree program is for those interested in research, information communication, teaching higher education and academic librarianship administration, and administration in other information fields. The school of information science provides and encourages outreach opportunities for those pursuing a degree in library and information science. The outreach programs give students more experience and knowledge in conducting scholarly research and analyzing the needs of communities and the diversity within those communities. 

How to Apply 

To qualify you must have a master’s degree and a minimum of a 3.30 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Then applicants must fill out an online application and pay the application fee. Applicants should also send in official transcripts, an updated resume, a goal statement, a sample of scholarly writing, and three letters of recommendation.

Gateway Ph.D. in Library and Information Science at San Jose State University

San Jose, California is a great place to earn a doctoral degree in librarianship and information science because of the various research options and a number of opportunities due to the variety of ethnic groups and cultures in the cities of California. The Gateway doctoral degree program in library and information science teaches students to become independent scholars as well as collaborate with other researchers and colleagues.  Ph.D. students complete the program mostly online, however, there is an annual meeting that is a week-long and focuses on collaborative research. San Jose’s Gateway program also holds a partnership with the Manchester Metropolitan University, which offers doctoral students the opportunity to work with their professors as well in their research and to learn from them in coursework. With this program, students from both schools have won prestigious awards for their individual and collaborative research. 

The application process is one of the more extensive doctoral programs, and the program is highly selective. There are three stages of the application process. The first is filling out an online application , paying an application fee, and sending in a statement of purpose, an updated resume of related work, unofficial transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a 1000-word research proposal. In the second stage, the applicant is interviewed by faculty members, and they may ask for more writing samples. If the applicant makes it past the first two stages, then Manchester Metropolitan University will go over the final applicants and approve or disapprove of them. 

Doctorate in Information Science at the University of Washington

The information science department at the University of Washington is known for the research their doctoral students and their faculty do. They also teach students to become professors in their field and to be administrators in librarianship. The doctoral program puts emphasis on collaboration between students and faculty, plus they care about diversity in ethnicity and culture with the idea it brings richer research due to a mix of different backgrounds. The Ph.D. students also learn about UX, or User experience, which is how to evaluate a culture or group and its relationship with information and technology. Doctoral students are also taught to use various research methods and various ways to present information and research results. 

To qualify for the doctoral program, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with an average 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, and a master’s or other additional higher education degree is preferred. However, admissions also look at your experience, interest and goals, and scholarly research.  Applicants can apply online . You will need to pay the application fee, send in transcripts, a personal statement, a diversity statement, a research statement, three letters of recommendation, and your interest in areas of research and which faculty member(s) you prefer to work with.

Ph.D. in Library and Information Science at Simmons University

Simmons University is located in Boston Massacutes which provides an ideal environment for research and study. Boston is full of history, diversity, and cutting-edge technology. The area also has a multitude of career opportunities after graduation. This degree program provides a flexible format for those who do not live in the area because the courses can be taken online. Additionally, students can take a mix of courses online and in person. The main focus of the degree program is to further skills in research and teaching within the library and information science.  Doctoral students also gain skills in organizing, analyzing, retrieving, and managing information. Students also learn how to preserve materials and learn more about archiving physical documents and digitizing documents for online archives. Simmons University also partners with other universities in other countries for higher quality and diversity of research. 

To qualify for the program, applicants need either an MLIS degree or an MS degree in Library and Information Science from a program accredited by the American Library Association. To apply, go online and fill out the application and pay the application fee. Also, submit all transcripts from any colleges or universities you attended, and send in a statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation, a writing sample of previous research, and a comprehensive curriculum vitae. 

University of Texas at Austin Ph.D. in Information Studies

The University of Texas at Austin has a well-funded Ph.D. program in information studies that allow for new technology to be a part of the curriculum and research. The doctoral students also can learn and then teach other institutions about various new technologies and the best ways to implement them to meet their community’s needs. Additionally, Austin is an advancing and thriving city in the midst of technological growth, and the city offers opportunities for research and careers in information science. The program includes a dissertation and 39 hours of coursework. During this time, students will produce two peer-reviewed scholarly journals. 

You do not have to have a master’s degree to qualify for this program, but you do need a bachelor’s degree and an average 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 grading scale. 

Then, apply online and pay the application fee. Afterward, send in three letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. 

The University of North Texas’ Information Science Ph.D. Program

The Doctoral program at the University of North Texas is the nation’s largest Ph.D. program in the Information Science discipline. It is also interdisciplinary so that students can work with students and faculty in various other degree programs including geography, computer science, engineering, linguistics, and merchandising. The program also has concentration options and dual degrees in data science consumer behavior and experience management, journalism cybersecurity, geospatial information systems, health informatics, and linguistics.

To qualify for any doctoral program you must have at least a 3.50 in either your undergraduate degree or your master’s degree. Also, talk to the admissions department for the information science department. Then apply online , send in transcripts, pay the application fee, and send any other documents or scholarly writing the application requests. 

Florida State University PH.D. in Information

Florida is a great state to earn a Ph.D. in library and information because of the diversity in the state of Florida as well as the environmental and marine biology research that is done in Florida. This is good for research opportunities as well as career opportunities. The number of good colleges in FLordia provides many career opportunities as well. 

Florida State has a program called the iSchool and it is ALA-accredited. Additionally, their doctoral students are able to travel across the U.S. for presenting at conferences like the ALA conference, ACM CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, and the Association for Information Science and Technology conference.

To qualify you must have a master’s degree and at least a 3.0 GPA. To apply, fill out the online application and send in a resume, statement of purpose, writing sample, and three letters of recommendation. Right now the GRE requirement is waived. Be sure to speak to an admissions counselor for any additional application requirements or recommendations. 

Library and Information Science Ph.D. Programs Final Thoughts

Ph.D. programs in library and information science are worth pursuing if you have a passion for sharing information through various modes to communicate with other scholars, but more importantly, with the world and its many communities. Many of these programs are lengthy and require dedication, but if you believe you have the drive to become a Ph.D. in Information and Library Science, then I hope this article helps you find a good match for your professional research and career goals. 

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Library and Information Science PhD

Our PhD in Library and Information Science  empowers students to learn and analyze the information needs of users — applying a variety of tools and technologies to locate and evaluate information and to organize, manage, and preserve information and materials so they become accessible sources of knowledge.

Our flexible program allows you to take classes fully online, at our Boston campus, or a combination of both. Core courses are offered in synchronous and asynchronous online formats with electives that may be taken either online or face-to-face. You'll work closely with experienced faculty and other master's and doctoral students through analytical papers, experience reports, teaching and service activities and self-reflective essays. Our students emerge from this degree with a record of publications, professional experience and an extensive portfolio.

The School of Library and Information Science has an established reputation for producing leaders in professional service at local, national and international levels. You'll benefit from an extensive alumni community (and the New England LIS community) that enriches the doctoral experience. Our program emphasizes scholarship, teaching, and service and prepares students for research and faculty positions.

Students are required to complete 36 credit hours to achieve the Ph.D. degree. Of these 36 credit hours, 15 are devoted to required coursework and three are devoted to the dissertation. The remaining 18 credits are elective courses. Students often take independent study courses for their research projects or research-related courses at the masters' level or at the doctoral level of other disciplines.

One of the following:

Below is a listing of the required courses:

The PhD program in Library and Information Science (PhD/LIS) is composed of a cohesive and collaborative cohort of students who are mentored from enrollment through completion of the dissertation. This flexible PhD/LIS program is unique in its guided preparation in the three areas of research, teaching, and service.

During the program, students are able to research a variety of dissertation topics within library and information science as well as information professions. Students emerge from the program with a strong research record, solid teaching experience, a high professional activity standing, and a portfolio documenting their academic achievements and scholarly expertise in their areas of study. Students work with a faculty advisor to tailor the program to their interests and career goals.

Recent Doctoral Topics of Research Include:

• Envisioning the library’s role in scholarly communication in the year 2025 
• Tips, tools and tendencies: Toward a grant management theory 
• Evaluation of strategic plans in academic medical libraries 
• Leading from the middle of the organization: An examination of shared leadership in academic libraries 
• Strategic Priorities and Change in Academic Libraries 
• Diversity in graduate archival education programs
• Repurposing digital objects: Seven case studies across the publishing and information industries

Through a combination of required and elective courses, independent study, workshops, and guided experiences, the PhD focused on library and information science prepares students for lifelong activity in research, scholarship, teaching, and service. Students work closely with faculty as they progress through the degree, and are guided by faculty advisors and annual reviews of progress as evidenced by analytical papers and other course work, experience reports related to teaching and service activities, and self-reflective essays. The doctoral program is a small, strong program composed of students who form a cohesive and collaborative cohort, and who will be nurtured from enrollment through to completion of the dissertation.

Program Attributes

• The program provides guided preparation in the three areas of scholarship, teaching, and service.
• Students emerge from the degree with a record of publications, teaching experience, a professional activity record, and a portfolio.
• Simmons is small and personal, but at the same time has excellent bibliographical and technological resources and can draw on a robust local library and information community.
• There are rich opportunities for synergy between the doctoral and master's students. Collaborative research and group work enriches the learning experience and fosters a stimulating classroom environment. Doctoral students offer colloquia open to master's students, and mentoring opportunities are available.
• SLIS has an established reputation for producing leaders in professional service at local, national, and international levels. Interaction with the SLIS alumni community (and the New England LIS community) enriches the doctoral student experience.

Areas of Study

Doctoral studies can be conducted at various intersections of setting, audience, and activity. Some examples of study areas which build on strengths among our faculty include archives and preservation, reference, metadata, scholarly communication, information retrieval and visual information systems.

Student Learning Outcomes

A graduate of the Simmons SLIS PhD program:

• Demonstrates in-depth familiarity with scholarship in the field of library, archival, and information science;
• Articulates prominent theories in the field of library, archival, and information science;
• Identifies researchable problems and applies relevant research studies, research designs, and methodologies to tasks requiring problem solving and critical thinking;
• Analyzes and presents information, including research proposals and findings, clearly and accurately in a variety of formats;
• Conducts qualitative, quantitative or mixed method research studies by engaging in reflective inquiry, performing data collection and analysis, composing research reports, and producing publications and a dissertation;
• Engages in teaching activities, develops appropriate unit- or course-level student learning outcomes, and plans and implements learning experiences that assist students to achieve those outcomes; and
• Leads service activities for local, national, or international professional associations and communities.

Approved by SLIS Faculty on October 18, 2017.

Our Faculty

Adam Kriesberg

Assistant Professor and Co-Director of Dual Degree MS LIS-Archives and MA History Program

Daniel Joudrey

Professor and Director of Libraries and Librarianship Concentration

Assistant Professor

Katherine Wisser

Associate Professor and Masters Program Director, Director Archives Concentration, and Director of Archives Certificate Program

Laura Saunders

Professor and Associate Dean of SLIS

Lisa Hussey

Kyong Eun Oh

Associate Professor and Director PhD Program

Melanie Kimball

Associate Professor and Director, School Library Teacher Concentration

Naresh Agarwal

Professor and Director of Information Science & Tech Concentration

Peter Botticelli

Associate Professor and Director, Cultural Heritage Informatics Concentration

Rebecca Stallworth

Rhiannon Bettivia

Sanda Erdelez

Dean, School of Library and Information Science

Professor Emerita

Heather Hole

Professor, disciplines of Museum Studies and Art History

Spotlight on Library and Information Science PhD Students and Alums

Library and Information Science PhD Student Named Acting Director of IMLS

Cyndee Landrum, a student in the Simmons University Library and Information Science PhD, has been named Acting Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

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Simmons School of Library and Information Science Student Empowers LGBTQIA+ Community

Jason Homer ’11MS, ’26PhD, Executive Director of the Worcester Library, works with his community to promote inclusivity, challenge pre-existing assumptions, and empower library patrons. Homer spoke with MassLive about his journey.

Boston Public Library President David Leonard Ph.D. ’25 Discusses How Libraries Create Meaning and Belonging

SLIS doctoral student David Leonard presides over one of the greatest libraries in the country. He spoke with us about his longstanding fascination with libraries and the significant role that libraries play for their communities. How did you become interested...

Dr. Brenda Mitchell-Powell '75 '08MS '15PhD Publishes Breakthrough Book on Civil Rights History

In her new book, Public in Name Only: The 1939 Alexandria Sit-In Demonstration (University of Massachusetts Press), SLIS alumna Dr. Brenda Mitchell-Powell uncovers a little-known library demonstration which, she argues, was an important moment in civil rights history. What is...

When Protests Erupt: Alameda County Librarian Cindy Chadwick ’17PhD Shares Tips for Safe Library Events

On June 11, 2022, a Drag Queen Story Hour held at the Alameda County (CA) Library was disrupted by Proud Boys protestors. This event was part of the month-long Pride Celebration held by Alameda County Library, and many public libraries...

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Ph.D. in Information and Library Science

This doctoral program provides an environment that enables creative and energetic students to become innovative thinkers and leaders. Through coordination of student and faculty interests and activities, the program offers opportunities for research, teaching, and leadership in a variety of settings.

Information and library science research leaders must be able to identify problems that are significant for our future as an information society, carry out rigorous studies and draw valid conclusions from them, and communicate those findings to stakeholders who can act on them. The SILS doctoral program provides intensive, but highly flexible and customizable, preparation for careers in academia and research.

The Ph.D. in Information and Library Science is designated as a STEM program, which allows eligible international graduates to apply for a 24-month OPT extension.

After successfully defending their dissertations, SILS’ graduates have accepted positions as tenure-track faculty in information schools, research scientists in corporate and government labs, and chief information officers in a myriad of organizations and businesses. With a degree from our doctoral program, our graduates are making a difference.

• Kimberly Hirsh, 2021, Consulting Scholar-Librarian
• Sandeep Avula, 2020, Research Scientist, Amazon
• Eliot Hauser, 2020, Assistant Professor, University of Texas at Austin
• Colin Post, 2020, Assistant Professor, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
• Jonathan Crabtree, 2020, Assistant Director of Research Data Information Systems, Odum Institute, UNC-CH
• Emily Roscoe, 2020, Adjunct Instructor, School of Government, UNC-CH
• Megan Threats, 2020, Assistant Professor, Rutgers University
• Heather Barnes, 2020, Digital Curation Librarian, Wake Forest University
• Yinglong Zhang, 2020, Research Scientist, Google
• Shenmeng Xu, 2020, Scholarly Communications Librarian, Vanderbilt University
• Sarah Beth Nelson, 2019, Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin, Whitewater
• Anita Crescenzi, 2019, Assistant Professor, School of Pharmacy, UNC-CH
• Kathleen Brennan, 2018, Senior Researcher, Google
• Samantha Kaplan, 2018, Research and Education Librarian, Duke University
• Ericka Patillo, 2018, Clinical Assistant Professor, School of Information Studies, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
• Grace Shin, 2018, Sookmyung Women’s University, Korea, Adjunct Professor at SILS.
• Leslie Thomson, 2018, Postdoctoral Fellow, UNC-CH

Other notable graduates in recent years:

• Jay Dominick, 2005 , Vice President and CIO at Princeton University
• Meredith Evans, Ph.D.  2006 , Director, Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum & 74th President of the Society of American Archivists
• Meredith Weiss, 2010 , Vice President for Administration at Virginia Commonwealth University
• Fred Stutzman, 2011 , CEO, Freedom

Financial Support

SILS typically provides support for full-time doctoral students during their first five years of study. Prospective doctoral students must apply by December 10 to receive full consideration for financial aid.

Learn more from our Financial Information page.

SILS seeks PhD students who:

• Aim to be information leaders in the 21 st century.
• Are attracted to information and library science as a field that incorporates diverse theoretical perspectives and a wide range of research methods.
• Possess the discipline and will to be independent investigators, and the vision and communication skills to be influential leaders in the field.
• Are committed to a life of research and scholarly inquiry addressing critical questions.
• Enjoy intellectual challenges and demonstrate analytical and critical thinking.

Admission to the doctoral program is competitive and based upon the strength of the applicant’s educational background and standardized test scores, work experience, statement of research, and personal interview. In reviewing applicants for admission, the school will consider past academic record and scholarly potential of an applicant, as well as the match of the candidate’s research interests with those of the school’s faculty. One or more faculty must be willing to assume the advisory role for the student.

Doctoral and Special Programs Coordinator

[email protected] or 919-962-0182

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Library and Information Science, PhD

The Doctor of Philosophy in Library and Information Science program, in the Department of Information Culture and Data Stewardship (ICDS), prepares students for careers in research, education, and professional practice. The primary purpose of the PhD program is to develop an understanding of library and information science beyond the master’s degree, with particular emphasis on the conduct of original research, the production of significant research findings, and the contribution of such findings to public knowledge.

This is a research-driven program where you will work closely with professors who are experts in their fields. Opportunities for our PhD students include:

• Archives and Information Science: For doctoral students interested in pursuing academic careers in the archives area, with a focus on digital preservation or curation and archival ethics, accountability, and appraisal issues.
• Information Behavior: For doctoral students who seek to understand how people plot a course through complex information ecologies including digital environments, and how such ecologies can respond to their ways of thinking, feeling, and valuing. A special emphasis is placed on behaviors of children and youth.
• Health Information Behavior and Health Education Interventions: For doctoral students who wish to investigate the information practices and behaviors of health professionals, patients, caregivers, and consumers.
• Social Information Systems: For doctoral students who will investigate issues related to the design and use of social information systems, focusing on the impact of social media on people’s information behavior.
• Web-based Information Systems: For doctoral students interested in studying, designing, and implementing web-based systems for representing, retrieving, extracting, and disseminating relevant information.
• School Librarianship: For doctoral students interested in teaching, research, and administrative experience in a top-ranked, competency-based School Library Certification Program designed for school librarians and school library supervisors.

Degree Requirements

This PhD degree requires a minimum of 54 credits beyond the master’s degree with a total credit minimum of 72. A minimum of 36 credits must be taken in advanced course work. The student must receive a letter grade in each course taken in this 36-credit requirement, except for the teaching practicum course.  

An additional 18 credits are required, which must be applied to dissertation research and writing; however, regardless of the number of credits taken, no more than 18 credits for dissertation research and writing may be applied toward graduation. The grade for these credits will appear as an “S” on the student’s transcript. In order to register for, and successfully complete, dissertation credits, students must show evidence of work toward the dissertation by completing the Dissertation Credit Tracking Checklist and updating it at the end of the term.  

The minimum of 36 credits of course work, all of which must be on the graduate level, must be distributed as follows: 

• 3 credits: LIS 3000 Introduction to Doctoral Studies
• 9 credits: 3000-level doctoral seminars offered by SCI
• 3 credits: LIS 3950 Teaching Practicum or FACDEV 2200 Practicum on University Teaching
• 6 credits: Courses in research methodology and statistics
• 6 credits: Courses in cognate field
• 3000-level independent studies or doctoral seminars offered by SCI (maximum of 6 credits)
• Additional 3000-level doctoral seminars offered by SCI
• Additional cognate courses (up to 6 credits)
• Additional research methodology courses
• 2000-level courses in SCI (subject to approval by the students’ advisor)

For full degree requirement details, visit the Library and Information Science course catalog .

Admissions Requirements

Gateway PhD in Library and Information Management

Gateway phd program with manchester metropolitan university.

The Gateway PhD program is an international doctoral degree program that prepares individuals for research, faculty, and leadership positions in the field of library and information science. 

Partnering University

The Gateway PhD program was previously offered through a partnership with Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia, from its inception in 2008 through 2021. Graduates have been recognized with numerous awards and honors for their original research.

Learn more about the Gateway PhD program. Watch a recording of the May 2024 information session.   

Convenient Online Learning

With this convenient, primarily online doctoral program, information professionals and academics can earn their PhD degree from Manchester Met without having to relocate to England or disrupt their current careers. The doctoral program can be completed on a part-time basis with up to seven years total duration.

Research Focus

Gateway PhD doctoral students focus on their research from the very beginning of the program. They conduct original research and receive one-on-one mentoring from faculty who are award-winning scholars, researchers, and educators, representing two continents and a truly international perspective.

They also participate in monthly online seminars, keeping in touch with other doctoral students in their cohort and their international supervisory committee.

Annual Residency

Once a year, Gateway PhD doctoral students and faculty members meet in-person during a weeklong research workshop held in San José, California. Students are responsible for their own travel and lodging expenses.

Selected Awards and Honors.

Africa Hands, assistant professor in the University of Buffalo Department of Information Science and PhD graduate of the Gateway PhD program,  secured a $493,910 grant from the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program  to study the unique challenges and cultural strengths of first-generation Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) professionals in the library and information science (LIS) field. 

• Lettie Conrad was a recipient of the Dean’s Commendation Award from the Queensland University of Technology Faculty of Sciences in 2022 in recognition of her outstanding contribution to her discipline and the production of high-quality thesis, “Managing academic information: A grounded theory model of the student researcher information experience.”
• Krista McCracken was awarded a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Doctoral Fellowship in 2023 valued at $80,000 CDN to support her PhD research entitled “Indigenous Control of Information and Indigenous Community Identity Formation.”  
• Stephen Abrams was awarded a Eugene Garfield Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship in July 2021, for his doctoral study, A Communicological Critique of Evaluative Norms for Digital Preservation Success . This $3,000 award is given by Beta Phi Mu, the international honor society established to recognize and encourage scholastic achievement among library and information studies students.
• Dr. Africa Hands , a 2018 Gateway PhD program graduate and currently assistant professor at East Carolina University, received an Early Career Development grant of $213,303 from IMLS. She will investigate the ways in which public libraries in Central Appalachia support the college literacy of nontraditional prospective students through information and services. More information .
• Dr. Clarence Maybee was named the W. Wayne Booker Endowed Chair in Information Literacy in February 2021. 
• Dr. Niloufar Sarraf received a 2019 QUT Outstanding Doctoral Thesis Award, given in recognition of her outstanding contribution and the standard of excellence demonstrated in higher degree research practice. Dr. Sarraf’s dissertation is entitled Mapping the Neural Activities and Affective Dimensions of the ISP Model: Correlates in the Search Exploration, Formulation, and Collection Stages.
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• Read profiles of Gateway PhD students and alumni.
• Review a bibliography of research published by Gateway PhD students.
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• Contact program coordinator  Dr. Sue Alman .

SJSU and QUT Celebrate the 23rd Graduate of the Gateway PhD Program Stephen Abrams Earns Doctorate

Dr. Stephen Abrams is the 23 rd individual to earn his PhD from Queensland University of Technology in Australia. The Gateway PhD program offered a doctorate through a partnership between the San José State University School of Information and Queensland University of Technology from 2008 to 2021.

Gateway PhD Program Open House Sessions

The next virtual open house session is scheduled for Tuesday, May 13 at 5 pm PT . Please submit this form to receive a link to the Open House.

We invite you to watch a recording of a past session. You may also contact Dr. Sue Alman with any questions.

Awards and Honors — Gateway PhD

Students, alumni and faculty members of the Gateway PhD program are making waves in our global communities. Their research and contributions have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. We are proud to highlight their notable accomplishments. 

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Information science and learning technologies

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Doctor of philosophy

Dedicate yourself to understanding and transforming how people learn. The online Ph.D. in information science and learning technologies from the University of Missouri (Mizzou) builds off your background through an immersive, research-intensive, collaborative and interdisciplinary course of study. In the process, you prepare to develop more engaging environments, programs and tools for business and educational purposes.

Take classes on campus or entirely online to explore the intersection of learning, information retrieval and discovery. Course work and a dissertation intended to contribute to the field grow your knowledge of usability, instructional design, information science, risk assessment, digital curation and improving information access. Assess the use and performance of these technologies in diverse settings to look toward an advanced research, industry, government or higher education role following graduation. 

Why Earn a PhD in information science and learning technologies?

Over the past 20 years, emerging digital technologies significantly overhauled the learning environment and information retrieval. Their introduction ushered in multifaceted possibilities for accessing resources, creating classrooms and supporting materials and uncovering new topics.

Mizzou’s School of Information Science and Learning Technologies (SISLT) not only conducts research directing the field’s growing applications but pioneers their possibilities. As an iSchool at an American Association of Universities (AAU) Research I institution, we incorporate these changes into course delivery and information exploration. Our faculty seized the potential of online learning early on and continue to question and observe how users interact with and absorb concepts through this interface.

In turn, the online Ph.D. in information science and learning technologies program stands upon this forward-looking platform, encouraging intensive collaboration between students and faculty:

• Conduct systematic research integrating theory and practice that contributes to the knowledge base of learning, information organization and retrieval, performance and/or technology.
• Learn from nationally and internationally respected faculty renowned for research and development.
• Rethink your approach to inquiry while considering the technical, cognitive, epistemological, cultural, political and economic factors influencing information retrieval and learning systems.
• Become a more engaged and critical researcher, and be prepared to publish your findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences.
• Push boundaries in a collaborative, collegial and scholarly environment, where on-campus faculty teach your online classes and guide your research.
• Think about how your ideas may shape future learning technologies and improve curricula, program delivery and the overall learning experience.
• Factor in motivation, engagement and information retention to improve the digital environment, incorporate the latest technologies and help all learners succeed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the doctor of philosophy in information science and learning technologies program right for you? Learn more and view frequently asked questions that will help guide you.

Quick facts

Official name, program type, academic home, delivery mode, accreditation, non-related masters to phd credit hours, non-related masters to phd estimated cost, related masters to phd credit hours, related masters to phd estimated cost.

*This cost is for illustrative purposes only. Your hours and costs will differ, depending on your transfer hours, your course choices and your academic progress. See more about tuition and financial aid .

Career prospects

Drive the next generation of online learning and information retrieval in research and development, academia, industry or government. Based upon their dissertation, previous experience or goals, our Ph.D. students advance or launch their careers in higher education, public policy or private research, focusing on interactive design, instructional design, or library and information systems. 

Potential paths include:

• Professor of information science and learning technologies
• Educational administration
• Library administration
• Research and development
• Developing corporate training programs or information systems

Program structure

The Ph.D. in information science and learning technologies involves 72 credit hours. Students may attend the program entirely online or opt to take select courses on campus. Transfer up to 30 master’s-level credits toward the degree. 

The program’s structure includes:

At least nine credit hours of ISLT doctoral seminars : Delve into the field’s latest research while refining your writing skills.

Research and dissertation : Prepare a single piece of extensive research or three short, article-style studies. SISLT does not restrict research hours but expects all candidates to produce innovative, ideally cross-disciplinary results that ignite conversations and impact the field. SISLT currently concentrates its research on the information needs of low-income and rural communities regarding public health, training the engineering workforce on innovation and creativity, tools and systems for digital publishing, video games as an emotional coping mechanism, teaching practices and efficiency, techniques for developing learning games, supporting libraries and their information resources and preserving broadcasts, archeological artifacts, data and photography.

Course work : In addition to doctoral seminars, complete at least 18 credit hours of related electives, nine credit hours of education research methodologies and at least nine credit hours in a related emphasis area, such as psychology, sociology, political science, journalism or anthropology. Research courses build upon what you know about applied statistics, and quantitative and qualitative analysis.

Residency requirement : Illustrate your commitment to discovery and scholarly engagement by participating in research, professional service or system design and development.

During this sequence, SISLT requires Ph.D. candidates to put together a portfolio of professional projects highlighting their achievements, particularly those presenting a solution or with real-world applications. Candidates further work with an adviser to develop their program of study and residency plan and take both qualifying and comprehensive examinations.

Based upon commitments, full-time students typically take three courses each semester and finish the program in three to four years. Part-time students take one or two classes each semester and finish in four to five years.

Electives and interest areas

Explore topics in and contribute to the discussion around:

• Educational gaming and simulation
• Engineering education
• Information organization, access and dissemination
• Information seeking and use
• Interactive learning environments, including VR, embodied and augmented learning
• Learner-centered design, interface design, instructional design
• Libraries, archives, museums and other cultural heritage institutions
• Reading, gaming and other immersive experiences
• User experience (UX) and human-computer interaction (HCI)

Review all courses and requirements for the Ph.D. in information science and learning technologies .

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Typical program length, typical course load.

The University of Missouri is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission , one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States.

Faculty spotlight

Dr. Heather Moulaison-Sandy has been with the iSchool since 2011. Her research focuses on organization of information and digital libraries, especially in scholarly communication. Dr. Moulaison-Sandy teaches primarily in library and information science.

In addition to her role as a dean in the College of Education and professor of library science, Dr. Moore serves as a faculty member in the MU Institute for Data Science and as an affiliated faculty member in the Black Studies department. Her experience encompasses the human-centered and usability design of performance support technology and online instructional environments. 

Dr. Xu’s research interests focus on embodied interactions and learning, immersive virtual learning environments and game-based learning for STEM subjects. Utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methods, he has been actively conducting research on learning and training in technology-enhanced environments to pursue answers to the umbrella research question of how to use technology to help people learn.

Learn more about this program

Information Culture and Data Stewardship

University of Pittsburgh School of Computing and Information

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PhD in Library and Information Science

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PhD students may begin their studies only in the Fall Term in order to ensure a coherent program of study.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Library and Information Science program prepares students for careers in research, education, and professional practice. The program will give students the opportunity to gain the skills in teaching or research appropriate for careers at major research universities, teaching institutions, and library systems. The candidate must give evidence of superior scholarship and mastery of a specialized field of knowledge and must demonstrate his/her ability to do significant and relevant research.

Doctoral study in this field is a challenging, life-changing experience. You will learn how to conduct independent research through projects that have the potential to change the way people interact with information and to fundamentally impact how society evolves. This program will go far beyond giving you a set of skills… it will teach you to think in a completely different way. Coursework and research programs address cutting edge issues such as evaluating information in terms of being saved for posterity; information literacy in both developed and underdeveloped countries, closing the digital divide; and how social media impacts behavior and services in the Information Age.

Requirements for the PhD degree, a 54-credit program, include a minimum of 36 course and seminar credits beyond the master’s degree and 18 dissertation credits.

The School of Computing and Information invites applications from students interested in the following areas:

• Archives and archival studies
• Data stewardship
• Digital curation
• Digital humanities
• Digital and information literacy
• Ethics of information, data, and technology
• Informatics and libraries
• Information and data interaction
• Information culture and society
• Intellectual property
• Learning paradigms in information environments
• Libraries and information services
• Open science, reproducibility & transparency
• Research data management
• Scholarly communications / digital scholarship
• Social computing and information culture

Statute of Limitations

All requirements for the PhD degree must be completed in not more than 6 calendar years from the time of first registration (or 8 calendar years for part-time students).  Students may, in extenuating circumstances, submit a formal request for extension of their statute of limitations or for a leave of absence from the program.  The request must be submitted to the advisor and then presented to the LIS Committee on Doctoral Studies for a decision.

Alumni of this program have found challenging and successful academic careers at institutions such as the University of Michigan, University of Texas at Austin, Simmons College, Texas Woman’s University, the University of Rhode Island, the University of Toronto, UPMC, Kuwait University , and more.

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Through coursework and practica, Ph.D. candidates develop a strong foundation in information science, learning to identify critical problems and rigorously researching their solutions.

Tomorrow’s Information Leaders

Through coursework and practica, Ph.D. candidates develop a strong foundation in information science, learning to identify critical problems and rigorously researching their solutions. Students become well versed in the scope, origins, methods, issues and theoretical framework that define the iSchool’s uniquely interdisciplinary approach to the study of information. Ph.D. students at the iSchool come from a variety of professional experiences and academic backgrounds, such as information science, social sciences, computer science, library services, law, and information technology.

The Ph.D. program is a theoretical, research-based doctorate that focuses on creating and advancing new knowledge that will make a significant, positive difference. Research focuses on understanding human involvement with information and its social and technological ramifications. It addresses issues that affect the communication of knowledge and knowledge records among people in social, institutional and individual contexts. To learn more about Research Areas,  visit that area of our website.

As a Ph.D. student, you will benefit from a combination of mentoring, involvement in research projects with faculty as principal investigators and a culture of close collaboration with their peers. The breadth of expertise of doctoral students and faculty supports the School’s goal to produce rising academics that make original and meaningful contributions to the discipline of information science.

Program Objectives and Goals

To prepare you for a career as a scholar, researcher, teacher, change agent, and leader in the discipline of information science

To create a learning environment where the knowledge base of the discipline of information science is valued, rigorously examined and augmented

To establish a culture and infrastructure which will nurture the advancement and dissemination of new knowledge in the field of information science

To facilitate and mentor advanced study in information science

To create an environment that will nurture and promote your intellectual needs, strength and interests

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Library Science Degrees » Library Science Programs » Online Library Science Degrees

Online Library Science Degrees

The Library Science degree is offered online at many schools in the United States. In this guide, we will go through the top online library science degrees, review typical coursework for each degree, and provide a sample of schools with an online library science degree. According to our database, there are over 60 different online Library Science programs.

• Over 10 online Bachelor of Library Science degrees
• More than 30 online Masters in Library Science degrees
• Over 20 online Doctorate or PhD in Library Science programs

No matter the degree level, for most online library science degree programs, all courses are taken online by logging into the distance-learning portal of the school, which may utilize a system such as Blackboard or Moodle to manage course materials. The system is also how students pass in assignments and correspond with instructors.

There are around 60 library science degrees that are offered online, available at all levels. A Master of Library Science is required for most librarian positions.

Click to find featured online library science programs currently accepting applications for 2024.

Many online library science degree programs have specialized coursework

Earning an online MLIS degree is the first step toward a fulfilling position in a private collection, library, school, or museum. Students working toward a library science degree usually focus on information organization principles regardless of the program being campus based or online. An online program typical includes similar coursework to a campus based program, with courses in service provision information, technology, and leadership and management.

The Masters degree is the most popular

Some programs culminate in a dissertation or thesis. Most include a course in research methods. Some allow students to choose an area or concentration of specialization as they earn their online degree in library science. Options vary from one program to another. Typical concentrations include academic librarianship degrees , digital content management, records and archives management, and school library science degree programs . Learners interested in sub-fields can tailor the online degree program to meet their academic and professional goals.

Hybrid degree programs

There are some "hybrid" library science programs, where students take some coursework online and other coursework on campus.

Sponsored Online Library Programs

Online Bachelors of Library Science Degree

Despite the Masters in Library Science being the most popular online degree, there are also undergraduate Bachelors programs available online.

The Online Bachelor of Library Science is a degree that is awarded to students excelling in library science. The goal is to train those aspiring to library science with the required skills for the field. The demand for expertise in the field grows daily. There is a scarcity of people with knowledge and expertise about library books, journal procurement, management, and documents. Candidates for the degree need to have the ability to understand users, a systematic approach, and organizational and reference skills. Popular courses taken toward a Bachelor of Library Science include the following.

Top Online Bachelors Courses

• Introduction to Information Literacy - Introduces the basic skills and strategies related to the location, evaluation, and use of digital and print resources
• Reference and Information Services - Introduces reference materials, services, functions and activities, along with methods for locating information
• Cataloging and Classification - Methods and principles of classifying and cataloging library materials, providing practice in subject analysis and bibliographical descriptions
• School Libraries - A survey of the organization, functions, and objectives of elementary and secondary libraries
• Development of Library Collections - Principles and philosophy that govern the selection and procurement of library materials, including using bibliographic sources and selection aids to develop print and non-print collections
• Rural and Small Libraries - An overview of the principles of managing small and rural public libraries
• Library Instruction - Study of methods and principles of bibliographic instruction and information literacy in libraries
• Technology in the School Library - A survey of the technology used in elementary and secondary libraries
• Literature and Related Media for Children - A survey of traditional and modern literature and related materials used with children from infancy to grade six
• Information Ethics - Introduces concerns and ethical issues that are specifically related to information technology and professions
• Library Practicum - Supervised library work that provides students with operational library experience

Schools with an Online Bachelors in Library Science Degree

Those who enjoy organization, research, and reading may find an online undergraduate library science degree an excellent match for them. The programs provide the credentials and skills needed for entry-level library science positions, such as archivists, library aides, media specialists, and more. They provide the foundation needed to pursue a Masters in Library Science degree . Here are some online Bachelor of Science programs available .

Masters of Library Science Degree Online

Those with an Online Master of Library Science degree work at the forefront of a dynamic librarianship field. Because of rapid advances in systems and technology, librarianship of today is radically different than that of ten years ago. With the change came the emergence of online Master of Library Science programs. The programs prepare students for the changing digital trends environment and provide a comprehensive understanding of tech-based and other library resources. Enrolling in an online Master of Library Science program is a way to begin developing the technical skills needed to become a practicing librarian.

Online Masters Courses

• Library Information Science – An orientation to librarianship and the MLIS program
• Cataloging Multimedia Objects – Study of the methods and principles of subject and descriptive cataloging and classifying multimedia materials
• School Library Media Centers – Study of the school library media development and administration
• Media Utilization – A survey of equipment and resources with an emphasis on library utilization. Experience with equipment is provided.
• Literature and Related Media for Young Adults – Study of literature and related materials for young people in grades seven through 12.
• Programs and Services for Youth – Introduces programming for youth and its relation to libraries and learning
• Storytelling – A study of the oral tradition in various settings, emphasizing the selection of stories and the techniques and art of storytelling. Students practice storytelling.
• History of the Book – A study in the early development and origins of printing and books in the Americas and Western Europe
• Sources of Information for a Multicultural Society – Overview of the diverse information resources in print and other media multicultural societies and the different utilization of information by those societies
• Information Technology and Libraries – Examines the various contexts and applications in which forms of information technology such as computers are used in different types of information libraries and centers
• Web Design and Evaluation – Introduces the principles of web development and design including basic XML and HTML coding. The course covers web usability and evaluating websites, including library web pages

Online Doctorate Library Programs

Many online doctoral programs that are related to Library Science are Doctorates in Information Technology. They begin with fundamental classes such as advanced software development, enterprise database design, and principles of programming. As students advance, they specialize with electives such as project management, technology for mobile devices, and cloud computing. Some programs offer formal specializations in areas such as computer security and healthcare information technology. A research-based dissertation must be completed to earn a Ph.D. in Information Technology. Courses in advanced academic writing and research design prepare students for graduation. Students work with faculty advisors who help choose a topic.

Online Doctorate Courses

• Applied Research Methods – Prepares students for a research-based dissertation. They are introduced to the basic elements of collection, analysis, and interpretation of both qualitative and quantitative data. Students that have prior graduate-level education may move on to statistical analysis courses that are more advanced.
• Computer Networking and Operating Systems – Examine topics such as performance analysis, interfacing, multitasking, security, administration, configurations, and file systems. Theoretical learning is applied by creating elements of communication and information infrastructure.
• Fundamentals of Information Systems – Explore the principles of computer software hardware, and networks. Students learn to use basic programming languages, express data, and create algorithms to realize designs.
• Principles of Programming – Programming is an indispensable role of information technology. Students gain practical experiences with languages like Java, Python, and C++. They practice logical designs, precise coding, and practice algorithmic thinking.
• Systems Analysis and Design – The class helps prepare students to develop large scale software systems. They learn to use object-oriented, and structures approaches that help them better understand the functional requirements of a given system.

Sample Schools with Online Library Science Degree Programs

It is easy to find a Master of Library Science program online. The same is not true of a doctoral program. Most require face-to-face faculty and student interaction, and the dissertation process and residencies require on-campus, hands-on attendance. Earning a Doctor of Information Technology qualifies students for a broad spectrum of careers. They can work in cybersecurity where they safeguard a company’s intellectual property and computer networks. Students can apply expertise in the healthcare industry with database architecture that helps treat patients and unlocks chronic disease cures. They may want to pass along knowledge to the next generation by becoming a university or college professor. The following are online Information Systems Doctorate programs.

University of the Southwest – The program is a 100 percent online program that was designed for community, educational, nonprofit, corporate, or government organizations. The title of the degree is Doctorate of Business Administration – Strategy and Innovation.

University of Dayton – Does not have a specific library degree online, but does have a Doctor of Education – Organizational Leadership. It takes 36 months to complete the program. A Master’s degree is required.

Capella University – Allows students to forge paths of their own in the field of business to lead, consult, and teach. The program offers a combination of practice and theory to enhance skills in critical thinking, collaboration, and communication.

Baylor University – School of Education – Offers an EdD in Learning and Organizational Change. It prepares development professionals and educators to apply essential principles of learning toward the dynamics management of organizational change. The program takes three years to complete.

Other schools that offer programs related to library science but not having a Doctor of Library Science in the title are:

• Bowling Green State University
• California Intercontinental University
• University of the Cumberlands
• University of Management and Technology

Why Study Online?

Those who have only taken face-to-face classes may be a bit apprehensive, but an online course has its perks. There are many reasons to study online:

• Anytime, anywhere studying
• Accelerated courses
• Lower costs
• Faster completion
• More choice
• Self-paced learning

Online classes permit fitting them into a jam-packed schedule, which makes it easier to keep up with school, social activities, family, and work on your terms. You don’t have to get dressed, fight traffic, or commute to attend class on-campus. With accelerated online courses, you learn at a convenient and fast pace. Adult learners save on the cost of tuition, instruction, and other expenses by taking advantage of student mentors, flexible faculty, and self-paced instruction.

Along with accelerated courses, some degree programs are also accelerated, which helps fast-track to the finish. Other than the doctorate of library science, there are few limits to the degrees that can be earned online. The explosive growth of degree programs available online means it is simpler than ever to earn an online degree offered by an accredited institution. Future employers value an online degree from an accredited university or college as much as a traditional degree, while it is a more flexible option for your lifestyle. Going at one’s own pace has shown to be an effective independent learner method. You are in charge of how much and when to study within the framework of the course.

ALA Accreditation

The ALA Office for Accreditation serves employers, students, the general public, and information and library studies Master’s programs by promoting the advancement of education in information and library studies. The office ensures equitable and fair accreditation review of information and library studies. It provides external validation and reviews of Master’s-level information and library studies programs. The ALA Office promotes inclusiveness and diversity in information and library studies education. It communicates with populations regarding activities. The OA, as it is called, anticipates and prepares for environmental changes and the future needs of communities. It manages resources and operations to be relevant, responsive, and useful.

Responsibilities of the Office include supporting and coordinating activities directly related to Masters of Education for LIS accreditation. It provides information about the accreditation process, information and library studies trends, and trends in accreditation in higher education. An ALA-accredited school has endured a process that is externally reviewed in many areas. The ALA looks at areas such as financial and physical resources, administration and students, teachers and curricula, and the program’s goals. Being ALA-accredited means a quality education is offered that prepares students for librarian work in a variety of settings. Having a degree from an institution that is ALA-accredited opens more doors to a library career.

What Can You Do With A Library Science Degree?

Having earned a Bachelor’s degree in library science opens a world of opportunities. Library Clerk or Library Technician are two available positions for those with a Bachelor’s degree. Those who earn a Master’s or higher degree qualify for more jobs such as Library Media Specialist or Research Librarian. Many organizations, schools, and companies hire people who have library science degrees.

Librarians are custodians of information. Whether in professional, faculty, corporate facilities, or the public library, they help communities find information on nearly any topic. Library jobs include facilities support staff to doctorate-level directors and researchers. The most common requirement for professional librarians is a Master of Library Science. Associate and Bachelor degrees typically lead to library technician jobs.

Librarians with skills in computer and information systems can become automated-systems librarians. They plan and operate computer systems. Archivists maintain, analyze, catalog, and exhibit collections and objects for researchers and the public’s benefit.

Records are saved in mediums that include computer, electronic disk, audiotape, videotape, film, and paper. Individuals interested in a library science career can pursue various positions such as emerging technology librarians, instruction librarians, data curators, school librarians, law librarians, or academic librarians, to name some of the opportunities available. The work includes diverse activities such as collaborating with K-12 STEM teachers and user assessment and experience research.

2022-2023 Graduate Course Catalog > Programs of Study > School of Library and Information Science > Library and Information Science (PhD)

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Description

Through a combination of required and elective courses, independent study, workshops, and guided experiences, the Ph.D. in Library and Information Science prepares students for lifelong activity in research, scholarship, teaching, and service. Students work closely with faculty, academic advisors, and the Committee on Doctoral Studies as they progress through their degree program. Reviews of progress as evidenced by coursework taken, research outputs, teaching and service activities, are conducted annually. The SLIS Ph.D. program is an outstanding program consisting of students who form a cohesive and collaborative cohort, and who are nurtured from the start of their course enrollment through the completion of their dissertation and the degree. 

Our flexible program allows you to take classes fully online, at our Boston campus, or a combination of both. Core courses are offered in synchronous and asynchronous online formats with electives that may be taken either online or face-to-face.

Program Attributes

• The program prepares students to excel in areas of scholarship, teaching, and service.
• Students emerge from the degree program with scholarly publications, teaching experience, and a professional service activity record.
• Simmons has excellent bibliographical and technological resources and can draw on a robust local library and information community.
• There are rich opportunities for synergy between the doctoral students and project led by SLIS faculty. Collaborative research and group work enrich the learning experience and fosters a stimulating intellectual environment. 
• SLIS has an established reputation for producing leaders in professional service at local, national, and international levels. Interaction with the SLIS alumni community (and the New England LIS community) enriches the doctoral student’s research and professional experience.    

Areas of Study

Doctoral studies can be conducted at various intersections of setting, audience, and activity. Some examples of study areas which build on strengths among SLIS faculty include information organization, user and data services, social informatics and social justice, archives and preservation, scholarly communication, information literacy frameworks, information behavior, mis- and dis-information, collaborative learning, usability and user experience research, and more.

Learning Outcomes

A graduate of the Simmons SLIS Ph.D. program:

• Demonstrates in-depth familiarity with scholarship in the field of library, archival, and information science;
• Articulates prominent theories in the field of library, archival, and information science;
• Identifies researchable problems and applies relevant research studies, research designs, and methodologies to tasks requiring problem solving and critical thinking;
• Analyzes and presents information, including research proposals and findings, clearly and accurately in a variety of formats;
• Conducts qualitative, quantitative or mixed method research studies by engaging in reflective inquiry, performing data collection and analysis, composing research reports, and producing publications and a dissertation;
• Engages in teaching activities, develops appropriate unit- or course-level student learning outcomes, and plans and implements learning experiences that assist students to achieve those outcomes; and
• Leads service activities for local, national, or international professional associations and communities.  

Admission Requirements

All applicants for admission to the doctoral program must hold a master's degree from an ALA-accredited program in library and information science or a master's degree from a recognized institution in a related area. Applicants are expected to submit a completed application file that includes the following:

• Completed online application
• Non-refundable application fee of $65
• Comprehensive and updated curriculum vitae
• Statement of purpose (1,500-2,000 words)
• Writing sample of prior research work is strongly recommended (not to exceed 20 pages)
• Official transcript(s) of all academic work
• Three professional and/or academic references
• Current (within the last 5 years) results of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)- The Simmons GRE code is 3761, and the Area of Interest code for Library Science is 470 (GRE scores are optional for Fall 2023).     
• Current (within the past 2 years) results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), if English is not the native language of the applicant

After all admissions materials have been received, exceptional candidates will be selected for interviews with the Committee of Doctoral Studies and/or program faculty and staff. For further information on the interview process please see the application form. Admissions decisions are based on a composite of all documentation in the application file.

Degree requirements

Students are required to complete 36 credit hours to achieve the Ph.D. degree. Of these 36 credit hours, 15 are devoted to required coursework and three are devoted to the dissertation. The remaining 18 credits are elective courses. Students often take independent study courses for their research projects or research-related courses at the masters' level or at the doctoral level of other disciplines.

One of the following:

Below is a listing of the required courses:

Library and Information Science, Ph.D.

College of information and communications.

This research-intensive degree prepares doctoral-trained teacher scholars for library and information science faculty and administrative careers at universities, research centers and private businesses.

Our graduates distinguish themselves in advancing the ways people and organizations create and use information. We emphasize the relevance of social justice in the study and practice of library and information science, and we encourage faculty-student mentorship through publishing, grant writing and conference presentations.

Program Highlights

An expert faculty.

Learn from faculty members who combine distinguished academic careers with extensive professional experience.

Cross Disciplines

Learn to foster cross-disciplinary thinking with research and academic expectations.

Funded Research Opportunities

Apply for funding for your research and travel through The Graduate School and the School of Information Science.

Top Program

Study at a school ranked in the Top 20 of all American Library Association-accredited schools (U.S. News & World Report).

What You’ll Study

The program requires 54 credit hours beyond the master’s level, including 12 hours of dissertation preparation, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above. You'll take 15 hours of core courses, two research methods courses, 12 hours of electives within your research area (with a goal of producing work for scholarly publication) and a nine-hour cognate.

Building Skills

Gain the professional and personal intelligence it takes to have a successful career.

Data Analysis

Examining and interpreting information to uncover insights and inform decision making

Gathering and analyzing information to increase knowledge or solve problems

Analytical Reasoning

Breaking down complex problems or situations to identify patterns, connections and solutions

Collaboration

Working with others to achieve a common goal or objective

Critical Thinking

Analyzing and evaluating information to make informed decisions or judgments

Communication

Exchanging information and ideas through speaking, writing or other means of expression

Using your degree

Make your college experience the foundation for a successful future.

Potential Careers

• Museum Director

Workplace Settings

Advanced degrees.

Advance your career or options with post-graduate education.

Combination Degree | Master's

Public Administration and Social Work, M.P.A. & M.S.W.

College of Arts and Sciences College of Social Work

Social Work, Ph.D.

College of Social Work

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Find A Degree

The 3 Best Doctor of Library Science (D.L.S.) Degree Programs: Salary and Information

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It’s easy to find an online Master’s degree program in Library Science, but a Doctor of Library Science… Well, not so much! Most doctorate programs require some face-to-face interaction with students and faculty, and the residencies and dissertation process requires hands-on, on-campus attendance.

In fact, online programs in this field may be a challenge to find at all and on-campus programs are limited as well.

Albert Einstein once said, “The only thing that you absolutely have to know is the location of the library.” Do you think that Mr. Einstein would have approved of today’s technology and the wealth of knowledge we have at our fingertips through the use of the Internet? Do you know where your local library is located? Do you own a library card?

Without a doubt, avid readers are thrilled by four walls, enveloping them in bound books, from ceiling to floor, that offer a plethora of knowledge to the scholar or anyone who is just plain curious.

The library is an integral part of any community, as it is a special place for most. What about the smell of an old book? Does it bring back memories? Or, what about the history it has seen? What about the atmosphere of a library?… the silence, the reverence and respect for others, the total emersion of taking yourself to another place and time? Perhaps, all you hear is the occasional turn of a page.

At a library, kids get to enjoy the feel of a book in their little hands, people can learn a foreign language there, book clubs host get-togethers to discuss a common interest and at a library, you can hold someone’s innermost thoughts right in your hands. Libraries bring people together, young and old. The library is where “knowledge” lives!

Thank you Benjamin Franklin… for creating the first public library. Let’s make him proud and continue the sharing of valuable information, especially through the form of an open book. And okay, perhaps we can all agree that Mr. Einstein and Mr. Franklin would have approved of today’s digital accessibility – but only if they were in a time crunch!

Best Doctor of Library Science Schools

A Doctor of Library Science gives librarians a chance to rise to the top of their field and work in some of the top libraries in the country. Librarians with a Doctor of Library Science expand ordinary librarian skills to include the preservation of corporate records and research that may be concentrated around marketing and sales, statistics, or the study of clinical trials.

Check out these schools offering valuable coursework taught by top-notch faculty members. A PHD in Library Science is the way to go! Library Science programs will help you get that promotion you deserve!

THE UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH SCHOOL OF COMPUTING AND INFORMATION

Program Standouts:

The Doctor of Philosophy in Library and Information Science program at the University of Pittsburgh School of Computing and Information “prepares students for careers in research, education, and professional practice.”

According to the program website, the purpose of the Ph.D. is to assist students in understanding library and information science at the highest level. Emphases in the program include producing original and significant research findings and contributing those findings to public knowledge.

Campus Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Admission Requirements:

• Letters of Recommendation
• Transcripts
• Statement of Intent

Focus Options:

• Archives and Information Science
• Information Behavior
• Health Information Behavior and Health Education Interventions
• Social Information Systems
• Web-based Information Systems
• School Librarianship

Degree Outcomes: With 6-degree focus opportunities, the Doctor of Library Science at the University of Pittsburgh gives students diverse options for their future as well as their current studies and employment.

From a career in School Librarianship to a job researching Information Science, students who graduate from this research-driven program become experts in their field of choice.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCTOR OF LIBRARY SCIENCE DEGREE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH SCHOOL OF COMPUTING AND INFORMATION

Illinois school of information sciences.

With guaranteed financial support for five years, the Ph.D. in Information Sciences at the Illinois School of Information Sciences is reputable and affordable. Known as the iSchool, the Illinois School of Information Sciences gives students the opportunity to excel in library and information studies.

The program at iSchool is interdisciplinary and research-oriented. The focus of the program is to give students and graduates the ability to respond to new technological and social opportunities for researching and producing information.

Campus Location: Champaign, Illinois

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

• Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Information Science or a related degree
• GPA of 3.0 or above
• Statement of Purpose
• Research Statement
• Letters of Reference
• Writing Sample

Focus Opportunities:

• Field exam in a significant sub-area of LIS
• Research presentation to demonstrate research competency
• Dissertation culminating in a public presentation, defense, and submission

Degree Outcomes: According to the iSchool website, graduates with a Ph.D. in Information Sciences will have acquired the following learning outcomes:

• Global Information Consciousness
• Intellectual Reasoning and Knowledge
• Creative Inquiry and Discovery
• Social and Cultural Awareness and Understanding
• Effective Leadership and Community Engagement

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCTOR OF INFORMATION SCIENCES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

Simmons university.

Students at Simmons University work closely with fellow master’s and doctoral students as well as experienced faculty. These engagements occur through analytical research, experience reports, self-reflective essays, and teaching and service activities.

Graduates of the Ph.D. in Library and Information Science program at Simmons University have a strong record of professional experience, publications, and a broad portfolio.

Campus Location: Boston, Massachusetts

Accreditation: Simmons University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, 3 Burlington Woods Drive, Suite 100, Burlington, MA 01803-4514

• Updated Curriculum Vitae
• Official Transcripts
• Academic or Professional References

Course Sample:

• Applied Statistics for Library and Information Science
• Qualitative Research
• Teaching Methods, Course Design, and Assessment

Degree Outcomes: According to the school’s website, “the School of Library and Information Science at Simmons University has an established reputation for producing leaders in professional service at local, national, and international levels.”

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCTOR OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE DEGREE AT SIMMONS UNIVERSITY

What is library science.

Don’t think that being a librarian is dull and boring. Nothing could be further from the truth. If you have a love of research and your community, you will excel in library science as you combine the two. This field involves many components, such as education, statistics, management, as well as information systems, and digital technology.

You will be responsible for the collection and organization of information, as well as the preservation and distribution of integral facts and knowledge. Library science also includes protecting historical findings and cultural information, along with records management.

Librarians are found in traditional community libraries, government offices, educational institutions, and in corporation research departments. They assist others in the research process by providing historical information on paper or online.

How are your investigating skills? If you enjoy a good mystery, often librarians are given a treasure-hunting assignment for a particular subject of publication.

In addition, librarians often organize and host public and private events, as well as organize children’s summer reading programs. With a Ph.D. in Library Science, you may oversee projects such as studying clinical trials, preserving corporate records, and researching marketing and sales statistics.

How do I earn my Doctor of Library Science degree?

Depending on your choice of school, you may or may not need to have a master’s degree to enter a doctorate degree program in library science, although you may be required to pass an admittance exam. In addition, if needed, you may be allowed to add on the necessary graduate work needed to complete the doctoral program entry requirements.

Coursework in a Doctor of Library Science program may include communication and leadership work, as well as programs such as:

• advanced research methods,
• teaching library information science,
• regulations and information science,
• theories in library science.

Your program will include a dissertation.

Library Science degree?

Positions for librarians are projected to grow by 3% between 2022 and 2032, according to the BLS. As current librarians retire and the need for well-qualified personnel to take their places continues to increase, libraries need excellent management as well as committed keepers of organized information.

What kind of salary can I expect?

Generally, the librarian’s salary ranges from $36,260 to $98,650 per year .

What are some career choices in the field of library science, you ask?

A Web Archivist maintains online sources such as websites, and they transfer hard copy materials into digital form. A School Librarian works closely with students assisting them in their academic research.

Library Directors and Administrators are needed to efficiently oversee the day-to-day operations of public or corporate libraries. The Director of Content Acquisition searches for content to add to the library.

With your Ph.D. in Library Science, you may also choose to focus on research or teaching at the university level.

Do I need to obtain certification in the field of Library Science?

You will need to check with your state’s regulations; however, certification is required in most states. Some states may require you to obtain a teaching license, as well. Voluntary certifications are available, too.

What schools offer Doctor of Library Science degrees?

The following schools offer their students the opportunity to earn a Ph.D. in Library and Information Science degree, primarily through an on-campus format: The University of Pittsburgh School of Computing and Information , located in Pittsburg, PA, the Illinois School of Information Sciences in Champaign, IL and Simmons College in Boston, MA.

The Bottom Line

If you would like to do your part in keeping your community’s library an interesting and informative resource for future use, then sign on to earn a doctorate program focused on library science today.

As today’s technology is ever-changing, the field of library science must keep up and evolve with it. You can be a part of the change… oh, and always know the way to the library!

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Fully Funded PhD Programs in Information and Library Science

Last updated May 14, 2022

As part of our series  How to Fully Fund Your PhD , here is a list of universities that fully fund PhD students in Information and Library Science. PhDs in Information and Library Science can lead to a variety of careers in academia, archives, computer systems management, and more.

“Full funding” is a financial aid package for full-time students that includes full tuition remission as well as an annual stipend or salary during the entire program, which is usually 3-6 years. Funding usually comes with the expectation that students will teach or complete research in their field of study. Not all universities fully fund their doctoral students, which is why researching the financial aid offerings of many different programs, including small and lesser-known schools both in the U.S. and abroad, is essential.

The  ProFellow database  for graduate and doctoral study also spotlights external funding opportunities for graduate school, including dissertation research, fieldwork, language study, and summer work experiences.

Would you like to receive the full list of more than 1000+ fully funded programs in 60 disciplines? Download the FREE Directory of Fully Funded Graduate Programs and Full Funding Awards !

Indiana U niversity, PhD in Information Science

(Bloomington, IN): We offer up to four years of funding to accepted students in the form of research, teaching, and service assistantships, including tuition waivers and generous stipends. We also offer travel support for our Ph.D. students.

iSchool at Illinois, PhD in Information Science

(Champaign, IL): The iSchool is generally able to offer full support for Ph.D. students for five years. Financial support includes a combination of the following: Research assistantships, Teaching assistantships, and Fellowships (tied to the dissertation process).

University of Arizona, PhD in Information

(Tucson, Arizona): We prioritize funding for Ph.D. students in their first three years of study. Opportunities exist within the School of Information and on campus for graduate assistantships, scholarships, and other forms of support.

University of British Columbia, PhD in Library, Archival, and Information Studies

(Vancouver, BC, Canada): UBC provides all full-time PhD students with a funding package for the first four years of their degree. The funding package may consist of internal or external awards, teaching-related work, research assistantships, and graduate academic assistantships. A minimum funding package equal to $22,000 for each of the first four years of their PhD.

University of Maryland College of Information Studies, PhD in Information Studies

(College Park, MD): We guarantee to fund for all admitted full-time students. We also welcome self-funded part-time students working in areas that complement their doctoral research.

University of North Carolina, PhD in Information and Library Science

(Chapel Hill, NC): SILS typically provides support for full-time doctoral students during their first 4-5 years of study. There are a number of sources of support. Typical sources of support for SILS doctoral students include UNC Graduate School fellowships, research and teaching assistantships within SILS, and small fellowships that supplement the assistantship stipend.

University of Toronto, PhD in Information

(Toronto, Ontario): The Faculty of Information provides competitive funding packages for all full-time PhD students. The PhD funding package is intended to promote scholarly excellence, research and teaching development, and timely completion of the program.

University of Washington Information School, PhD in Information Science

(Seattle, WA): All applicants who are admitted to the program receive guaranteed funding for at least 4 years. Financial support includes a tuition waiver and a stipend that comes from a variety of sources including Teaching Assistantship (TA) and Research Assistantship (RA) positions, as well as student grants funded by both the UW and the Information School.

University Of Wisconsin-Madison, PhD in Information Studies

(Madison, WI): By admitting a small cohort of doctoral students each year, we can ensure that each student develops close working relationships with faculty members, receives strong and consistent advising, and is fully funded including tuition, stipend, and health insurance. 

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, PhD in Information Studies

(Milwaukee, WI) : Full-time doctoral students are eligible for research assistantships and teaching assistantships. Assistants receive monthly pay, tuition remission, and health insurance coverage based on the Graduate School Schedule. SOIS offers several funding opportunities for its PhD students based on the availability of funding.

Need some tips for the application process? See my article  How To Get Into a Fully Funded PhD Program: Contacting Potential PhD Advisors .

Also, sign up to discover and bookmark more than 1800 professional and academic fellowships in the  ProFellow database .

© Victoria Johnson 2020, all rights reserved.

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Be More Than a Librarian with a PhD in Library Science

Blog Summary

Library science focuses on education, management, statistics, and digital technologies related to libraries. It involves collecting, protecting and managing data and historical facts. PhD in library science is a specialized degree in data curation, information technologies, and librarianship. Changes in technology have transformed the traditional library environment from print to digital platforms. It provides students better access to learning resources via metadata and virtual references and enables them to explore new career pathways, advanced study programs and increased pay. Upon completion of PhD you can work as a library director, technology manager, library archivist, teacher, etc. TSL-UCN offers the best PhD program in library science with technical training to gain proficiency in recording and documentation skills.

Library science is a field of technological and research-oriented study that utilizes academic and research science. It mainly focuses on education, management, statistics, and digital technologies related to libraries. Responsibilities include collecting, protecting, and managing data and historical facts. The stream offers indispensable knowledge and provides a broader skillset to librarians. So, let’s look into why librarians should pursue a PhD in library science.

Tenured librarians who have served in community libraries, educational centers, government offices, and other research departments can choose to pursue this field in the library science course. Over time, librarians are now assisting researchers in collecting data from various sources, including books, research papers, journals, and online sources.

With a doctorate in library science , librarians can obtain a specialized degree in data curation, information technologies, and librarianship. Once you receive the highest-level degree in library science, your work area isn’t limited to its physical space. Now, you can become an analyst, archivist, researcher, or anything related to information processing or even pursue a career in education. Overall, by getting a PhD in library science, you can upgrade your career and earn a competitive income.

Current Trends in Library Science

Libraries are the most vital components of research and education, and no community can progress without it. However, with the wave of Information and communications technology (ICT) or digital transformation, the library’s traditional environment has changed dramatically. Web-based libraries are shifting library science from print to digital platforms. Due to this change, the resources, services, and roles of libraries have also transformed.

Nowadays, every institution is competing over international rankings to expand its reach. In this dynamic climate, library science, which plays a significant role in education, is forced to transform numerous new technologies that are reshaping library science such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, the internet of things, digital interfaces, augmented reality, user-focused applications, etc.

How Digital and Web-Based Services Advanced the Library Science Scene?

With digital and web-based services, the way information is collected, processed, stored, and distributed has been thoroughly transformed. Nowadays, information seekers don’t have to restrict themselves to print services such as cataloguing, development, and circulation. Information can be accessed from computer software, hardware, telecommunication, and videoconferencing.

Users are getting a better learning environment through the digital age academic libraries via metadata, virtual references teaching literacy. That’s why library science curriculum creators are focusing not only on the syllabus but also on the right digital skills that help students improve library science quality.

How Are Library Sciences Impacting and Innovating the Academic Sector?

With the intervention of technology into the library science, the educational sector faced a new version of library science 2.0 that has opened doors of innovation. The academic sector has evolved a lot with the digital transformation in library science such as:

• New Career Paths – Library science isn’t restricted to community libraries or educational institutions anymore. Technological advancement has extended its reach to the pinnacle. By pursuing a library science course, you can try new and innovative career paths such as digital librarianship, information systems, and much more.
• Advanced Study Programs – The Internet growth has brought a shift in library science study programs. Nowadays, a PhD in library science is acquired by students to sharpen their information gathering and analysis skills. The area of academic learning has expanded a lot with advanced library science courses.
• Growth in Other IT Fields – Overall, information technology-related fields have evolved greatly due to library science’s impact on the academic sector. Today, if you possess an advanced degree in library science, you can explore career opportunities in other fields, including market research and computer system management.

Importance of PhD in Library Science

Higher education is the best way to progress in your career. By getting a PhD in library science, you can boost your career dramatically. If you are planning to enroll in a library science course to obtain a PhD, you can gain two primary benefits:

• Open Door for a New Opportunity— If you don’t want to restrict your career to community or education institution libraries, you should earn an advanced degree in library science. With the doctorate in library science, you can open up doors for numerous new career opportunities ahead of you. PhD degree holders can become researchers, analysts, archivists, etc.
• Improved Pay Rates – With a PhD degree, you can improve your monthly pay rate also. You can look for job opportunities in the private and corporate sectors where salary rates are quite good. The median salary of a highly qualified librarian as an archivist in South Africa is R191,618, academic librarian R168,500, information systems manager R544,821, and so on.

Salary Source: Payscale

Career Prospects for PhD in Library Science Graduates

There are a plethora of career options available for the PhD in library science graduates, but the most common career paths are:

• Library Director – A person possessing a doctorate in library science can step into the library director’s shoes and handle administrative work for a library. Directors have to maintain various computer databases in the libraries.
• Technology Manager – The technology manager has the responsibility to promote technology and train students to adopt library science technologies.
• Library Archivist – It is a private role that revolves around the maintenance and preservation of print, audio, online, and other organization’s documents.
• Teacher/Tutor – Ph.D. holders can also choose to work in colleges and universities at senior designations.

Other Professions – Once you have obtained the highest degree in library science, you have multiple other career opportunities such as professors, marketing professionals, operational managers, academic researchers, and various other fields.

Taksha Smartlabz in association with the University of Central Nicaragua’s PhD in Library Science Degree Online

A doctorate in library science can indeed open the doors for various high paid career opportunities for you. Thus, the Taksha Smartlabz in association with the University of Central Nicaragua (TSL-UCN) and developed an online library science degree program for students. Whether you are a working professional or a researcher, you can obtain a well-structured PhD in library science degree from TSL-UCN and grow your career exponentially.

Now, you don’t have to put your career on hold to get a doctorate in library science as you can avail professionally designed and structured online library science degree program, with the help of TSL-UCN’s flexible PhD in library science program without disturbing your life. For better career opportunities, you only have to open your laptop, and you can start learning from anywhere with the TSL-UCN study program .

Benefits of TSL-UCN ’s Online PhD in Library Science Course

By participating in the TSL-UCN PhD in library science course, you can gain numerous benefits, including:

• You can learn from the advanced curriculum designed according to international standards.
• Highly technical training is provided to the students to gain proficiency in recording and documentation skills.
• The latest and effective teaching methods and tools are used, such as the BRICS model, forum discussions, research projects.
• A wide range of online resources is provided to the students, including e-journals, thesis, and blogs.
• Qualified faculty members from across the globe

In this, if you earn a PhD in library science, you can get better opportunities in the field. Enroll in an Phd in library science degree program at TSL-UCN and have a fruitful career in library science!

Get a PhD in Library Science

Enroll Phd in Library Science and enhance your career.

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Best Doctorates in Library Science: Top PhD Programs, Career Paths, and Salaries

A PhD in Library Science can open up a world of opportunities for library professionals. With a PhD, you can work as a librarian in a public or academic library, conduct research, or teach at the college or university level. There are many library science jobs available to those with a library science PhD degree .

So if you’re looking to level up your career and want to enroll in the best PhD in library science, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll discuss the top PhD programs in library science, as well as career opportunities and salaries for those with a library science degree.

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What is a phd in library science.

A PhD in Library Science is a research degree that prepares students for careers in library and information science. Students in a library science PhD program conduct research on topics such as information retrieval, library management, digital libraries, and user behavior. They also learn about the history of libraries and the ways they have changed over time.

How to Get Into a Library Science PhD Program: Admission Requirements 

The requirements to get into a library science PhD program are a Master’s Degree in Library Science, school transcripts, and an acceptable GPA. some library science programs require that you take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). You’ll also need to provide a statement of purpose, a written sample of your previous research, and letters of recommendation.

Admission requirements for library science PhD programs vary. Some strictly require a master’s degree from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited institution, while others don’t. Some programs may also require you to have experience working in a library.

PhD in Library Science Admission Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Library Science from ALA-accredited institute
• Transcripts of all previous education
• Statement of purpose
• Writing sample of prior research
• Letters of recommendation

Library Science PhD Acceptance Rates: How Hard Is It to Get Into a PhD Program in Library Science?

It’s hard to get a PhD in Library Science. In fact, getting admission in PhD in any subject is not easy. The acceptance rate for library science PhD programs varies but is generally very competitive. For instance, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill only has a 24 percent overall school acceptance rate, which also indicates that PhD acceptance there can be challenging.

How to Get Into the Best Universities

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Best PhDs in Library Science: In Brief

Best Universities for Library Science PhDs: Where to Get a PhD in Library Science

Some of the best universities for library science PhD include Simmons University, University of South Carolina, and University of Pittsburgh. You’ll also get the best library science doctoral degree from Indiana University, Rutgers University, and Emporia State University. In this section, you’ll learn about more of these schools and their library science PhD programs.

Dominican University was founded in 1890 as a private university. It comprises eight schools, offering 19 master's and PhD programs. The student-to-faculty ratio is 10-to-one, making it easier for students to get individualized attention. Dominican University is consistently ranked as the fourth best value school by US News & World Report .

PhD in Library and Information Science

This PhD program is an accelerated four-year degree. The first year of the program is dedicated to graduate-level coursework, and the next three years are devoted to PhD study. Some of the major courses offered include Studies in Core Values, Ethics, and Issues in the Library and Information Professions, Organization of Knowledge, and Big Data & Competitive Intelligence.

PhD in Library and Information Science Overview

• Program Length: 4 years
• Acceptance Rate: 76% (overall school acceptance rate)
• Tuition and Fees: $850/credit
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Scholarships, financial aids

PhD in Library and Information Science Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institute
• 1500-word statement of purpose and resume
• Research writing sample
• Official transcripts of all educational degrees

Emporia State University (ESU) has one of the oldest schools of library sciences in the western half of the US. This public research university was founded in 1863. Now, it has more than 200 academic programs across four colleges.

PhD in Library and Information Management

The program consists of four advanced courses, four research courses, and four foundational courses in a concentration. It’s offered in three concentrations: Instructional Design and Technology, Information Systems, and Informatics. This doctorate program prepares students for higher education roles, such as researchers, instructors, and administrators.

PhD in Library and Information Management Overview

• Program Length: 3 years
• Acceptance Rate: 86% (overall school acceptance rate)
• Tuition and Fees: $3,467/semester (in-state), $7,425/semester (out-of-state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Graduate assistantships, scholarships, fellowships

PhD in Library and Information Management Admission Requirements

• Cumulative GPA of 3.25 in master’s degree
• Minimum GRE score of 304
• 3 letters of recommendation
• 200-300 word statement of purpose
• Written work sample

Indiana University Bloomington is a public research university. Founded in 1820, it’s the main campus of Indiana University and the largest of its seven campuses by enrollment. Over 43,000 students are enrolled in this school, making it the largest campus of Indiana University. Most of Indiana University Bloomington's programs are highly ranked nationwide.

PhD in Information Science

Indiana University Bloomington is one of the oldest information science doctoral programs in the nation. Areas of research include archives, critical information, library science, digital libraries, philosophy of information, and information ethics. The program has produced many notable alumni who have gone on to careers in academia and industry.

PhD in Information Science Overview

• Acceptance Rate: 80% (overall school acceptance rate)
• Tuition and Fees: $7,092/semester (in-state), $20,967/semester (out-of-state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Teaching assistantships, scholarships

PhD in Information Science Admission Requirements

• CGPA of 3.2 in bachelor’s degree and 3.5 or better in master’s degree
• Writing sample (may be a publication, a grant proposal, or a technical white paper)

Rutgers University is known as a research powerhouse. This university has three campuses, 29 schools and colleges, and more than 300 research institutes throughout New Jersey. It offers more than 400 graduate programs and is home to nearly 69,000 students. The university was founded in 1766 and is one of the oldest and largest universities in New Jersey.

PhD Library and Information Science

Rutgers University is a world-renowned institution for PhD in Library and Information Science. The program faculty are at the forefront of knowledge in their fields, with numerous publications to their credit. The research areas in this PhD program include but are not limited to human information behavior, information retrieval, and information and technology.

PhD Library and Information Science Overview

• Acceptance Rate: 67% (overall school acceptance rate)
• Tuition and Fees: $43,807/year (in state), $61,892/year (out of state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Teaching assistantships, graduate assistantships, and fellowships, grant funding

PhD Library and Information Science Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s and master’s transcripts
• Personal statement
• Writing sample

San Jose State University (SJSU) is located at the center of Silicon Valley, making it a prime location for students interested in technology and innovation. The university is research-focused and is known for its world-class education. SJSU was founded in 1857 as a state normal school, and today has nine colleges and 36,000 enrollments.

Gateway PhD in Library and Information Management

SJSU's Gateway PhD in Library and Information Management is an international doctoral degree program that partners with Manchester Metropolitan University, England. It’s focused on research and prepares scholars for faculty and research positions. Students have the opportunity to get knowledge, supervision, and experience from the faculty of both universities.

Gateway PhD in Library and Information Management Overview

• Program Length: 4-7 years
• Tuition and Fees: $10,794/year
• PhD Funding Opportunities: No funding opportunities

Gateway PhD in Library and Information Management Admission Requirements

• Master's Degree in Communication, Information Science, Library Studies, Media Studies or another related academic or professional field
• A minimum 3.5 GPA from a relevant master’s degree
• Demonstrate research experience gained in master’s (master’s thesis or the research publication at master’s level)
• 250-word statement of interest and a letter of recommendation
• 500-word research proposal and a resume
• Copies of transcripts of all previous degrees

Simmons University is a private research university founded in 1899 focused on advancing education for women. With over 4,500 graduate students, it’s now a coeducational university offering more than 60 majors and programs. Simmons University is committed to providing students with opportunities for both on-site and off-site research.

Simmons University is one of the nation's leading institutions for library and information science. Its Library and Information Science program is ranked 11th in the country by US News & World Report. The program is focused on envisioning the library's function in academic communication, strategic priorities in academic libraries, and library technology management.

• Acceptance Rate: 83% (overall school acceptance rate)
• Tuition and Fees: $1,345/credit
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Teaching assistantships, scholarships, fellowships
• Master’s degree
• Statement of purpose 
• Character references (academic or professional)
• Official transcript of previous education

University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill is one of the oldest public research universities in the US. This school was chartered in 1789. It now offers over 160 graduate and doctoral degrees and is known for its high-quality and affordable education. It’s also ranked as the sixth most innovative university in the World by Reuters.

PhD in Information and Library Science

UNC at Chapel Hill offers an outstanding Doctor of Philosophy in Information and Library Science program. It provides students with opportunities in research, leadership, and teaching. Admission to the program is competitive. Scholars who complete the program have career opportunities in schools, corporate settings, and government libraries.

PhD in Information and Library Science Overview

• Acceptance Rate: 24% (overall school acceptance rate)
• Tuition and Fees: $586/credit (in state), $1,602/credit (out of state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Financial aid, research and teaching assistantship, fellowships, external awards

PhD in Information and Library Science Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher
• Unofficial transcripts of previous education
• Resume 

University of Pittsburgh is one of the most prestigious public universities in Pennsylvania. Founded in 1787, the university has grown to include four regional campuses, 16 schools and colleges, and 645 degree and certificate programs. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 14-to-one, the University provides its students with an intimate and interactive learning experience.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Library and Information Science program prepares scholars for careers in education, research, and professional practice. Students will learn about archives and information science, school librarianship, and web-based information systems. The program requires a minimum of 54 credits of coursework and 18 credits of research and dissertation.

• Acceptance Rate: 64% (overall school acceptance rate)
• Tuition and Fees: $1,031/credit (in-state), $1,767/credit (out-of-state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Scholarships, awards, fellowships, assistantships
• Master’s degree accredited by American Library Association (ALA) in a related field
• Minimum of 3.5 GPA
• Essay 
• Letters of reference (academic or professional)
• Official transcripts

Founded in 1801, University of South Carolina (USC) has 13 graduate schools offering over 250 graduate programs. USC is an R1 institution designated by the Carnegie Research Classifications. It has 56 graduate programs ranked nationally. USC has over 6,000 graduate students and is committed to the diversity and inclusion of African-Americans.

The PhD program is research-intensive and trains students for jobs as academics and administrators in research institutes and universities. Admission to this PhD program is competitive. This 54-credit curriculum covers a broad range of topics, so students may do research in a number of areas with the aid of this program.

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• Acceptance Rate: 68% (overall school acceptance rate)
• Tuition and Fees: $599/credit (in-state), $1,257/credit (out-of-state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Sponsorships, awards, grants
• Official transcripts from previous colleges and universities
• Minimum of 3.0 GPA 

Founded in 1848, University of Wisconsin-Madison is one of the leading research institutions in the US. It’s among the top schools for research spending and has Nobel Prize winners among its faculty. It has 13 schools and colleges, including over 160 master's and doctoral programs, and about 9,700 graduate students.

PhD in Library and Information Studies

The program is highly writing-intensive, with all students required to complete a comprehensive dissertation prior to graduation. Classes in this PhD degree program are small, with only a handful of students admitted each year. The program offers two concentrations, which include information studies and print culture history. PhD students may get a five-year fully funded scholarship.

PhD in Library and Information Studies Overview

• Program Length: 3-5 years
• Acceptance Rate: 57% (overall school acceptance rate)
• Tuition and Fees: $12,220/year (in-state), $25,548/year (out-of-state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Scholarships, assistantships, loans, research and travel grants, fellowships

PhD in Library and Information Studies Admission Requirements

• Master’s degree in a related field 
• Minimum of 3.0 GPA

Can You Get a PhD in Library Science Online?

Yes, you can also get a PhD in Library Science online. Some universities offer online programs for Library Science degrees that are flexible and convenient for working professionals. Some of the best online PhDs in library science are given in the below table.

Best Online PhD Programs in Library Science

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Library Science?

It typically takes three to five years to complete a PhD in Library Science. This time is spent on earning coursework credits, conducting research, and writing a dissertation. The first year is usually spent on coursework, while the rest is spent on your research, thesis, and final defense.

Is a PhD in Library Science Hard?

Yes, a PhD in Library Science is hard because you have to work independently most of the time. Plus, the burden of meeting deadlines is only on you. In fact, taking a PhD in any subject is challenging to complete, as it requires discipline, dedication, and hard work.

However, the rewards of obtaining a PhD are many. With a Doctorate in Library Science, you can pursue a career in library science in the academia or research fields. You’ll also be able to command a higher salary.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a PhD in Library Science?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), it costs an average of $19,792 per year to get a PhD in Library Science. The average cost to get a PhD from a public university is $12,410 per year. In comparison, the average cost of getting a PhD from a private university is $26,597 per year, according to NCES.

How to Pay for a PhD in Library Science: PhD Funding Options

You can pay for a PhD in Library Science through student loans, scholarships, or fellowships. Some students also apply for grants from their schools, the government, or private organizations. Others may work as research assistants or teaching assistants to help pay for their education.

Best Online Master’s Degrees

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What Is the Difference Between a Library Science Master’s Degree and a PhD?

The main difference between a Library Science Master’s Degree and a PhD is that a doctoral degree is more of a research degree, while a master’s degree is a professional degree. A PhD prepares students for careers in academia or research. A master’s degree prepares students for careers as librarians or information professionals.

Another difference between these two is the program length. A PhD in Library Science typically takes three to five years to complete. A Master’s Degree in Library Science can be completed in one and a half to two years.

Master’s vs PhD in Library Science Job Outlook

The job outlook for both Master’s and PhD Library Science graduates is positive from 2020 to 2030. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job projections for librarians with master’s degrees will grow by nine percent . On the other hand, the job growth forecast for those with PhD degrees is 12 percent .

Difference in Salary for Library Science Master’s vs PhD

The difference between the salaries of master’s and PhD holders is not significant. According to the BLS, the median salary for PhD degree holders is $1,909 per week. The median weekly salary for those with a master’s degree as their highest educational attainment is $1,574.

Related Library Science Degrees

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Why You Should Get a PhD in Library Science

You should get a PhD in Library Science if you’re looking for a career in academia or research. With a PhD, you’ll be able to teach at the university level and conduct research. You’ll also have the opportunity to work in high-level positions in libraries or information organizations.

Reasons for Getting a PhD in Library Science

• More job opportunities. With a PhD in Library Science, you’ll have access to more job opportunities than with a master’s degree. You’ll also be qualified for jobs that require higher levels of education and experience.
• Higher salary. If you have a PhD in Library Science, you can pursue higher-level positions and command a greater salary. Having a PhD will give you an edge in the job market and help you land the job of your dreams.
• Research contribution. A Doctorate in Library Science gives you the opportunity to conduct research and investigate different library practices. You can contribute to the knowledge base in the field. Your research can be used to inform policy decisions and help shape the future of libraries.
• High expertise. A PhD in Library Science makes you an expert in your field. You’ll be able to offer leadership and direction to library services. You’ll conduct research, manage projects, and help people find the information they need.

Getting a PhD in Library Science: Library Science PhD Coursework

The coursework for a library science PhD program covers a broad range of topics including archival arrangement, information retrieval, and organization of knowledge. Students also learn about information technology and research in library and information science. Below are brief descriptions of each course.

Archival Arrangement

In this course, students will learn about the principles of archival arrangement. They will learn about different archival theories and practices, such as provenance and original order. They will also learn about how to arrange digital archives.

Organization of Knowledge

In this course, students will learn about different models of organizing knowledge, such as the Dewey Decimal System and the Library of Congress Classification system. They will also learn about how knowledge is organized in digital environments.

Information Retrieval

This course covers different aspects of information retrieval, such as search engines and information literacy. Students will learn about different information retrieval systems, such as Boolean searches. They will also learn about how to evaluate and select information sources.

Information Technology

This course covers different aspects of information technology, such as hardware and software. Students will learn about different types of information technology, such as databases and digital libraries. They will also understand how to manage information technology projects in relation to library science.

Research in Library and Information Science

This course covers research methods and design in library and information science. Students will learn about different research approaches , such as qualitative and quantitative research. They will also learn how to develop research proposals and conduct literature reviews.

Best Master’s Degrees

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How to Get a PhD in Library Science: Doctoral Program Requirements

The requirements to get a PhD in Library Science include a comprehensive exam, coursework credits, teaching practicum, dissertation process, and final thesis defense. It also requires getting taking a research methodology course and maintaining a required GPA.

The comprehensive exam is a written and oral examination that tests your knowledge of library science. You’ll be expected to answer questions about library theory, research methods, and information technology.

You’ll need to complete a certain number of credit hours to graduate with a PhD in Library Science. The required coursework credits vary by school, but most programs require between 36 and 60 credit hours.

Most PhD in Library Science programs require a research methodology course. This course will teach you about different research methods. You’ll learn about how to design research studies, collect data, and analyze data.

Many PhD programs in Library Science require a teaching practicum. This is an opportunity for you to gain experience teaching library science courses. You’ll be required to teach one or two classes during your practicum.

To graduate with your PhD in Library Science, you’ll need to maintain a certain GPA. The required GPA varies by school, but most programs require a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

A thesis is required for a PhD in Library Science. Your thesis will be a research project that you complete during your time in the doctoral program. You’ll need to choose a topic, conduct research, and write a dissertation.

After you complete your thesis, you’ll need to defend it before a panel of faculty members and students. During your defense, you’ll be asked questions about your research. You’ll need to convince the panel that your research is valid and that your conclusions are sound.

Potential Careers With a Library Science Degree

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PhD in Library Science Salary and Job Outlook

PhD in Library Science salary and job outlook are good. With a PhD, you can become a postsecondary teacher, librarian, archivist, or library media specialist. The job outlook for these positions ranges from eight to 19 percent, which is as fast or faster than the outlook of other occupations. The demand for qualified librarians is expected to grow in the coming years.

What Can You Do With a PhD in Library Science?

There are many different types of jobs that you can get with a PhD in Library Science, including digital librarianship, archive manager, and information scientist. You can also be a postsecondary teacher and database administrator.

Best Jobs with a PhD in Library Science

• Computer and Information System Manager
• Database Administrator
• Librarian and Library Media Specialist
• Library Science Postsecondary Teacher

What Is the Average Salary for a PhD in Library Science?

The average salary for a PhD in Library and Information Science is $55,000 per year, according to PayScale. However, the average annual salary for a PhD degree holder in any subject is $100,000. Ultimately, the salary of a library science PhD holder depends on the school they graduated from, the position they assume, and the experience they have, as seen in the table below.

Highest-Paying Library Science Jobs for PhD Grads

Best Library Science Jobs with a Doctorate

The best library science jobs with a doctoral degree are those that are in high demand, have a positive job outlook, and offer a good salary. Some of the best jobs for library science PhDs are discussed below.

A computer and information system manager is responsible for the overall planning, implementation, and maintenance of an organization's electronic data and information systems. They are also in charge of the security of an organization's electronic data.

• Salary with a Library Science PhD: $165,940
• Job Outlook: 11% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 482,000
• Highest-Paying States: New York, California, New Jersey, Washington, District of Columbia

Database administrators (DBAs) use specialized software to store and organize data. They make sure that users can access the information easily. DBAs develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure the database is used effectively. They also maintain and update the databases.

• Salary with a Library Science PhD: $98,860
• Job Outlook: 8% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 168,000
• Highest-Paying States: New Jersey, Massachusetts, Washington, New York, Rhode Island

Library science postsecondary teachers teach courses in library science in universities. They prepare and deliver lectures, create syllabi, and assess student learning. They also conduct research and publish scholarly papers.

• Salary with a Library Science PhD: $77,100
• Job Outlook: 12% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 1,276,900
• Highest-Paying States: California, South Carolina, Indiana, Rhode Island, Oregon

Librarians and library media specialists are responsible for library administration, including acquisition, cataloging, and circulation of library materials. They also provide reference materials and research services to library patrons. They may also develop and implement library programs.

• Salary with a Library Science PhD: $62,550
• Job Outlook: 9% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 143,500
• Highest-Paying States: District of Columbia, Washington, California, Maryland, New York

Archivists preserve historical records. They organize and store records, documents, and artifacts. Archivists also provide reference services to library visitors. They also protect the old records by making digital copies of them.

• Salary with a Library Science PhD: $50,120
• Job Outlook: 19% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 35,000
• Highest-Paying States: District of Columbia, Maryland, Connecticut, New York, Rhode Island

Is a PhD in Library Science Worth It?

Yes, a PhD in Library Science is worth it. With a PhD, you’ll be able to work as a professor and researcher. You can also become a librarian, archivist, information officer, or library media specialist. If you’re interested in research, a PhD in Library Science will give you the skills you need to conduct research and write scholarly papers. Overall, a PhD in Library Science is a good investment.

Additional Reading About Library Science

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PhD in Library Science FAQ

Based on our list, the salary for library science professions ranges from $50,120 to $165,000 per year. This pay may vary depending on the role, tenure, and years of experience.

Yes, a Postdoc in Library Science can be worth it if you’re a knowledge-seeker and you want to further pursue your career in research and academia. A postdoc may give you an edge in getting a promotion in academia. If you’re a librarian, archivist, information specialist, or in any library science field other than academia, you’re not required to get a postdoc.

The four types of libraries are public libraries, academic libraries, school libraries, and special libraries. Public libraries serve the general public. Academic libraries serve the students and faculty of colleges and universities. School libraries serve the students and faculty of K-12 schools. Special libraries serve specific organizations or groups of people.

Yes, library science is in demand, with the job outlook for library science professions ranging from eight to 19 percent. There is a growing need for qualified librarians and library media specialists. This is due to the increasing use of libraries and the increasing amount of information that needs to be organized and accessed.

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• Best Master's In Library Science Online Programs

Best Master’s In Library Science Online Programs Of 2024

Updated: Sep 18, 2023, 4:11pm

Though information has become increasingly accessible over the last few decades, libraries still offer opportunities to build knowledge across broad and specialized areas. Library resources can offer a closer look into history, but approaching such large pools of information can be overwhelming. Fortunately, librarians can help people navigate this data.

Many librarian jobs require a master’s in library science . These programs explore topics like research, management and archiving to prepare graduates for professional roles in libraries, museums and universities. Master’s in library science online programs allow you to pursue graduate education in the field without relocating to a new school, and some do not require any campus visits or residencies.

The flexibility of online learning accommodates your personal and professional obligations as you pursue your degree. Discover some of the top online library science master’s programs in this helpful guide, including information on curriculum, financial aid and accreditation.

Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education

Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics , education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content.

• 6,290 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
• 52 reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for our rankings
• All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis
• Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking
• Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded

Our Methodology

We scored 51 accredited, nonprofit colleges offering master’s in library science online programs in the U.S. using 16 data points in the categories of credibility, affordability, student outcomes, student experience and application process. We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites. Data is accurate as of January 2023.

We scored schools based on the following categories:

Student Outcomes :

• Overall graduation rate
• Median earnings 10 years after graduation

Affordability :

• In-state graduate student tuition
• In-state graduate student fees
• Alternative tuition plans offered
• Median federal student loan debt
• Percentage of students in federal student loan deferment

Student Experience :

• Student-to-faculty ratio
• Socioeconomic diversity
• Availability of online coursework
• Total number of graduate assistants
• More than 50% of graduate students enrolled in at least some distance education

Credibility :

• Fully accredited
• Programmatic accreditation status
• Nonprofit status

Application Process :

• Acceptance rate

We chose the 10 best schools to display based on those receiving a curved final score of 78.24% or higher.

Find our full list of methodologies here .

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Best Online Library Science Master’s Degree Options

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Should You Enroll in an Online Library Science Master’s Program?

Accreditation for master’s in library science online degrees, how to find the right online library science master’s program for you, frequently asked questions (faqs) about master’s in library science online degrees, university of southern california, simmons university, drexel university.

• Saint John’s University

University of Washington

Syracuse university, rutgers university-new brunswick, university of pittsburgh, texas woman’s university, appalachian state university.

Graduate Tuition

$2,035/credit

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

Overall Graduation Rate

The University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles features an online master of management in library and information science with accreditation from the American Library Association. Though USC offers a part-time enrollment option, all students must complete their first semester on a full-time basis.

After completing core coursework in classes such as collection development and management; accounting concepts and financial reporting; and marketing management, each student completes their degree with an internship and a capstone experience.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
• School Type: Private
• Application Fee: $155
• Degree Credit Requirements: 40 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Part time, full time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Library project management, management communication for leaders
• Concentrations Available: None
• In-Person Requirements: No

$1,365/credit

At Simmons University , located in Boston, Massachusetts, students can pursue an online master of library and information science with a concentration in archives management. This program focuses on document preservation and appraisal across many forms of media, including government records, oral histories and film.

Each student completes an internship in an archival role to develop real-world experience. Simmons features a library fellowship program that compensates recipients with a full-time salary and benefits for up to three years.

• Application Fee: $65
• Degree Credit Requirements: 36 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Archival access and use, establishing archives and manuscript programs
• Concentrations Available: Archives management (only concentration available online)

$1,382/credit

Philadelphia’s Drexel University offers an online master’s in library and information science through its College of Computing and Informatics. This program, which holds accreditation from the American Library Association, helps prepare graduates for myriad professional roles in library settings.

Drexel offers an array of electives, allowing students to tailor their program to their interests and goals. Each learner completes the program with a capstone project. Online students at Drexel pay an annual distance learning fee of $125.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 45 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Digital library technologies; data and digital stewardship

St. John’s University

$1,565/credit

The online master of science in library and information science at St. John’s University in New York holds accreditation from the American Library Association. This program offers five specializations. Students can choose a focus that aligns with their personal and professional goals to prepare for roles as reference, instructional and school librarians.

Core courses explore subjects like information organization and research methods. Each learner completes the program with a capstone course, which may include work experience, an internship and/or service learning.

• Application Fee: $70
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Research and evaluation methods; information organization
• Concentrations Available: Academic librarianship, archival studies, public librarianship, records management, youth services

$889/credit

At the University of Washington (UW) in Seattle, students can pursue an online master of library and information science degree. Most of UW’s online courses use asynchronous delivery for maximum flexibility. Learners seeking a hybrid experience can also mix on-campus and online courses.

The degree culminates with a three-class capstone sequence. Past capstones include an interactive data visualization project in collaboration with the Washington Digital Newspaper and a project about personal data privacy awareness.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
• School Type: Public
• Application Fee: $85
• Degree Credit Requirements: 63 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Organization of information and resources; concepts, services and issues for information professionals

$1,872/credit

New York’s Syracuse University features an online master of science in library and information science that uses synchronous delivery with small class sizes. This program holds American Library Association accreditation and offers six professional pathway focuses.

Students can pursue certificates of advanced study in areas like information security management, enterprise technology leadership and school media. The culminating experience for this degree is a reflective portfolio project.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on a set schedule
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Library leadership and management; reference and information literacy services
• Concentrations Available: User services and community engagement; digital curation and services; organization and management of information and knowledge; children and youth services; digital information systems; information research and analytics

$1,007/credit

Rutgers University in New Jersey offers an online master of information with several concentrations, including library and information science and school librarianship. Students can also create their own curriculum with assistance from faculty and advisors. Rutgers’ online master of information holds American Library Association accreditation.

Each student completes an e-portfolio capstone near the end of their degree. Graduates can use their portfolios to showcase their work to potential employers.

• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Emerging literacies: learning and creating with digital youth; learning theory, inquiry and instructional design
• Concentrations Available: Archives and preservation; data science; interaction design and informatics; library and information science; school librarianship; technology, information and management

$1,104/credit

At the University of Pittsburgh , students can pursue a master of library and information science online degree that holds American Library Association accreditation. Learners complete assignments on their own schedules through asynchronous coursework. Students can also blend online courses with in-person classes for a hybrid experience.

To develop real-world experience, learners can complete a field experience or practicum in library settings. These courses allow students to create portfolios of their work throughout the program.

• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Life cycles of data and information; the information professional in the community
• Concentrations Available: Academic information resources and services; archives resources and services; children and youth resources and services; health sciences resources and services; public library resources and services

$5,196/year (in state)

Texas Woman’s University ‘s online master of library science degree holds American Library Association accreditation. The program allows students to choose from eight program tracks, which align with various professional settings and subjects, such as academic libraries, health science libraries, community informatics and information technology.

The program culminates with a supervised work practicum in which students complete 120-160 hours of experience in professional library settings. Learners also develop portfolios during their practicum experiences, which constitute the final requirement of the program.

• Application Fee: $50
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Library management, information organization
• Concentrations Available: Academic libraries, public libraries, school libraries, special libraries, health science libraries, information technology, technical services/cataloging, community informatics

$319/credit (in state)

Boone, North Carolina’s Appalachian State University features an online master of library science program that qualifies graduates to pursue media coordinator and public librarian certification in the state. This degree holds national recognition from the American Association of School Librarians and the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation.

Students in this program complete an internship/practicum or field experience in a school media center or public library. Learners coordinate these experiences with faculty and advisors.

• Program Enrollment Options: Part time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Collection development and management, product of learning

Online and on-campus learning both offer pros and cons. For example, more independent students may prefer the flexibility of distance education, while other learners thrive in the structured classroom space of an on-campus program. In-person classes also usually offer more opportunities for interaction with classmates and professors.

Identify your learning style to ascertain whether online learning will work for you. Are you able to manage your time and stay organized? Can you pursue a degree through full-time enrollment, or do personal and professional obligations require you to study part time?

Consider the following factors as you research master’s in library science online degrees.

Accreditation is a process through which third-party organizations evaluate schools and programs. Holding accreditation indicates a school or department delivers a strong education and meets rigorous standards for student outcomes, learning resources and curricular offerings.

Institutional Accreditation

At the institutional level, accreditors with approval from the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education evaluate entire schools. Organizations like the following provide institutional accreditation:

• New England Commission of Higher Education
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
• WASC Senior College and University Commission
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Higher Learning Commission
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Programmatic Accreditation

Programmatic accreditation applies to departments and programs within schools and evaluates whether a program adequately prepares graduates for field-specific careers. The primary accreditor for master’s in library science online programs is the American Library Association Committee on Accreditation. Many employers require librarians to hold ALA-accredited degrees.

Consider Your Future Goals

To find the right online library science master’s program, take stock of your professional and personal goals.

You can use your library science master’s degree to work in libraries and other settings. For example, your education can help you qualify for jobs like museum archivist. Attending schools near museums may lead to employment opportunities, as some programs maintain partnerships with employers for internships and job opportunities after graduation.

If you want to continue in academia or perform research, consider universities with relevant doctoral programs. Attending the same school for your master’s and doctoral programs can allow you to transfer credits from your master’s degree toward your doctorate, shortening the program timeline.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

Attending a master’s program of any kind requires time and money. Data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) offers insight into typical tuition costs for graduate degrees: In the 2020-21 school year, the average tuition and fees for in-state public schools totaled $12,394, while the average cost for private institutions was $26,621.

Among the top online library science master’s programs in our list, annual tuition costs vary significantly—ranging from around $5,200 on the lower end to almost $34,000. The average annual tuition cost for the schools on our list is $22,601.

Financial aid can help lower your overall financial burden when attending college. The FAFSA can help connect you to loans, which require repayment. Prioritize funding methods like scholarships, grants and fellowships before loans, as they do not require repayment.

Graduate-level fellowships may require students to work in exchange for tuition remission and a stipend. Institutions and private organizations provide grants and scholarships. For example, the American Library Association provides several scholarships for library science master’s students.

Is a master of library science worth it?

The worth of a master of library science depends on your professional goals. For example, many librarian roles require a master’s degree in this field.

Do you really need a master’s degree to be a librarian?

Yes—you often need a master’s degree to become a librarian in academic and public libraries. Librarians in settings such as elementary, middle and high schools may only need a bachelor’s in library science or a degree in a field like education, though these requirements vary by state.

What is the difference between an MLIS and an MLS?

Some library degrees call themselves “master of library and information science,” while others use the title “master of library science.” The MLS title is older than the MLIS designation. MLIS programs may cover a wider array of topics in information organization and library science. Both degrees prepare you to pursue professional roles in libraries, archives and museums.

Why do librarians need a master’s degree?

Though library support staff professionals may only need a high school diploma or associate degree, librarians need graduate-level training to handle advanced research tasks, budget management and purchasing needs.

Matt Whittle has experience writing and editing accessible education-related content in health, technology, nursing and business subjects. His work has been featured on Sleep.org, Psychology.org and NurseJournal.org.

• General & Introductory Electrical & Electronics Engineering
• Sensors, Instrumentation & Measurement

Smart Sensors for Industry 4.0: Fundamentals, Fabrication and IIoT Applications

ISBN: 978-1-394-21472-3

Brojo Kishore Mishra , Sandipan Mallik , Dac-Nhuong Le

Discover the essential guide to harnessing the power of cutting-edge smart sensors in Industry 4.0, offering deep insights into fundamentals, fabrication techniques, and real-world IIoT applications, equipping you with the knowledge to revolutionize your industrial processes and stay ahead in the digital era.

Over the last decade, technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, cloud computing, blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, device automation, smart sensors, etc., have become highly developed fundamental supports of Industry 4.0, replacing the conventional production systems with advanced methods, and thereby endorsing the smart industry vision. Industry 4.0 is more flexible and agile in dealing with several risk factors, further enabling improved productivity and efficiency, distribution, increased profitability, data integrity, and enhancing customer experience in the current commercial environment.

For understanding and analyzing the environment, sensors play a major role in performing the measurements based on computation-produced results from the surrounding environment. Sensors have a wide range of applications for smart industrial operations. The evolution of flexible, low-cost, and multipurpose sensors and their system integration has been examined to develop advanced devices with applications in numerous fields of technology. With the development of both the Internet of Things (IoT) and the Industrial IoT (IIoT), advanced sensors and their associated applications are developing, resulting in the necessity for IoT sensors to be used for several industrial applications.

Beneficial aspects of this book include:

• The latest research in materials and methodology for the fabrication of intelligent sensors, its IoT system integration, and IIoT applications are brought together;
• Promotes a vision towards making sensor-based monitoring and control of smart industry;
• Recent advances and challenges of smart sensors are discussed with an emphasis on unmet challenges and future directions of a roadmap to Industry 4.0.

This book is highly recommended to a wide range of researchers and industry engineers working in the area of fabrication and integration of industrial smart sensors for IIoT applications, advanced materials for sensor technology, fabrication and characterization of IoT sensors, development of low-cost sensors, sensor system design and integration, and its industrial applications. Post-graduate students from different streams like computer science, electronics and electrical engineering, information technology, electronic communication, etc. will benefit from reading this book.

Brojo Kishore Mishra, PhD, is a professor and head in the School of Computer Science and Engineering at NIST Institute of Science and Technology (Autonomous), Berhampur, Odisha, India. He received his doctorate in computer science from Berhampur University, India in 2012. He published more than 50 research papers in peer-reviewed international journals, and more than 40 research papers in proceedings of international conferences, more than 50 book chapters, 18 edited books and 2 authored books, 5 book series, 2 patents published, 3 copyright and 1 trademark(applied). His research interests include data mining, machine learning, soft computing, and security.

Sandipan Mallik, PhD, earned his doctorate in engineering from Jadavpur University, Kolkata in 2014 and is currently an associate professor in the Department of ECE, NIST (Autonomous), Berhampur, Odisha, India. He has been involved in teaching and research for more than 2 years and has published 5 Indian patents, and more than 90 research articles in various international and national journals and conferences. His wide area of research includes semiconductor device physics and device fabrication technology, nanotechnology & microelectronics, memristor devices, IoT sensors fabrication, and IoT-based devices for biomedical applications.

Dac-Nhuong Le, PhD, obtained his doctorate in computer science from Vietnam National University, Vietnam in 2015. He is deputy head of the Faculty of Information Technology, Haiphong University, Vietnam. His area of research includes evaluation computing and approximate algorithms, network communication, security and vulnerability, network performance analysis and simulation, cloud computing, IoT, and image processing in biomedicine. He has over 50 publications and edited/authored 15 computer science books.