What is Library Science?

books on shelf in library

Did you know?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are about 126,800 librarians in the United States. New York has the most, with 12,360 librarians.

The employment of librarians is also expected to grow 9% by 2026. Some 12,000 jobs are projected to open as communities look to librarians for a variety of information services.1

Library and information science is a meta-discipline, spanning what is considered traditional academic research disciplines (e.g., economics, biology, history, etc.). The theories and practices in library and information science are applied across disciplines.2

What is Library Science?

Library science an interdisciplinary field that incorporates a diverse collection of knowledge and perspectives from a variety of other academic programs. Students often find themselves in courses alongside individuals studying information technology, psychology, and business management. As a scientific pursuit, it is also constantly evolving to keep pace with developments in computers and other digital tools.3

In studying library science, it’s important to embrace opportunities to learn new skills in information technology, and organizational management, as these skills transfer well into various roles and occupations.

Why Kent State University?

Kent State University’s School of Information (iSchool) offers a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) and with more than 700 students enrolled, is the largest graduate program at Kent State.

MLIS is the only American Library Association-accredited master’s program in Ohio and is recognized by U.S. News and World Report among the nation’s top 20 LIS programs.4

The MLIS program is accredited by the American Library Association.

Kent State University Online Master of Library and Information Science

The Online Master of Library and Information Science degree (MLIS) prepares students for professional positions in public, academic, special, and school libraries; archives; museums; and other types of information agencies, organizations, and companies.

Many MLIS graduates go on to positions in other areas of the information field besides libraries—in research, for example, or publishing, information management, competitive business intelligence, and other fields. An accredited MLIS degree is the basic requirement for professional employment in most libraries and information centers.

Program Highlights:

  • Required courses give a foundation in the library and information science field
  • To enhance the curriculum, take classes in Master of Science programs health informatics, knowledge management, and user experience design
  • Admissions and classes offered year-round
  • Graduates can be found in libraries, information agencies, museums and cultural organizations, and companies of all sorts and sizes

Dual Degree
Students also have the opportunity to complete a dual degree program with the MBA degree and the MLIS degree. Learn more about dual degrees.

For more information on Kent State’s Online Master of Library and Information Science degree, visit https://onlinedegrees.kent.edu/degrees/master-of-library-and-information-science.


Sources:
1 Retrieved on May 11, 2021, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/librarians.htm
2 Retrieved on May 11, 2021, from https://www.kent.edu/iSchool/library-information-science
3 Retrieved on May 11, 2021, from https://www.bestcollegereviews.org/faq/what-is-library-science/
4 Retrieved on May 11, 2021, https://onlinedegrees.kent.edu/degrees/master-of-library-and-information-science

The editorial team at Kent State Online is composed of dedicated professionals with expertise in higher education, digital marketing, and content strategy. Our mission is to create insightful, engaging, and informative content that empowers prospective students to make informed decisions about advancing their education and careers.
Latest Blogs
On Saturday, January 13, 2018, a terrifying message populated the screens of over a million smartphones in Honolulu, Hawaii. It read: “BALLISTIC MISSILE THREAT INBOUND TO HAWAII. SEEK IMMEDIATE SHELTER. THIS IS NOT A DRILL.” As the world now knows, this turned out to be a false alarm. An investigation into the incident found that the message was sent by mistake when a state employee hit the wrong button during an internal drill.1
No matter the industry in which you plan to pursue employment, investing in a master’s degree can help you rise to the top of your organization. But not all master’s degrees are created equal.
The experience one has when interacting with technology is fundamentally human. Our digital lives—from navigating a tablet to paying at a bank kiosk—have become so ubiquitous, interwoven and essential to the way we interact with the world and others, that it’s almost hard to remember what life was like before these technologies existed. Simply put, we depend on technology to move our lives forward. It plays a critical role in our individual storylines as well as our collective narrative.
Explore Our Online Programs
Online Minors
Online Non-Degree Graduate Licensure Programs
Get Started
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Center for Adult Veteran Services
Approximately 1,500 international students from 100 countries are enrolled at Kent State University. We’re excited to have you join us, and our international admission team is here to help you every step of the way.
About Kent State Online
Contact Us
Contact Us