The Master's Degree in Library and Information Studies

The American Library Association (ALA) accredits master’s programs in library and information studies across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. There are 62 ALA-accredited master's programs. Graduating from an ALA-accredited program provides flexibility in the types of libraries and jobs one can apply for and enhances career mobility. Most employers require an ALA-accredited master's degree for most professional level positions, and some states require an ALA-accredited degree to work as a professional librarian in public or school libraries.

ALA maintains a directory of information about accredited library and information studies programs. For up-to-date, detailed information about ALA accredited graduate programs in Library and/or Information Science as well as the current online addresses for each program is listed, http://www.ala.org/ala/educationcareers/education/accreditedprograms/directory/list/index.cfm:

Distance education is a means to acquiring an advanced degree without relocating. Some distance education may be offered through traditional extension programs with faculty on site, while others may be through interactive video or other telecommunication means. Prospective students should verify with the schools the extent to which a full master's program can be acquired off site and are advised to request catalogs and applications from the schools in which they are interested. Distance education opportunities frequently change, so prospective students may wish to inquire about other sites.

School Library-Media Programs

Several colleges and universities offer a Library-Media Specialist endorsement or certificate, some are offered via distance delivery. For school library media specialists, the master's degree from a program accredited by ALA or a master's degree with a specialty in school library media from an educational unit accredited by National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) is the appropriate first professional degree.  Approved by the American Association of School Librarian's (AASL) program reviewers using AASL's Standards, under AASL Standards, program recognition is tied to NCATE unit accreditation. AASL does not review school library media programs that are not affiliated with an NCATE-accredited unit. Listed by state, schools that offer the School Library Media endorsement or degree is found on the AASL site: