Schools That Offer Masters Programs for Librarians
Use this tool from the American Library Association to find a degree program online and across the country: Searchable Database of ALA Accredited Programs
Did you know that there is a Master of Library & Information Studies program right here in Norfolk?
Why We Need Librarians of Color
Why Supporting HBCU Libraries is Essential
Libraries are vitally important and fundamental to all of us. They provide us with the freedom to learn about anything we desire. Libraries at HBCUs are some of the most important institutions in the nation because they provide a window into African American history and culture, curated by African American librarians.
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau. "EEO 1R. DETAILED CENSUS OCCUPATION BY SEX AND RACE/ETHNICITY FOR RESIDENCE GEOGRAPHY." American Community Survey, ACS 5-Year Estimates Equal Employment Opportunity, Table EEOALL1R, 2018.
Librarian as Career
Librarians work in a variety of settings including museums, hospitals, businesses, public libraries, colleges, universities and schools. In their work, librarians research, instruct, and connect people to technology. Librarians build websites, digitize archives, and manage social media. Librarians work with people of all ages, connecting them to information, learning and the community.
A master's degree in library science (MLS), preferably from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited program, is necessary for most librarian positions in public, academic, and special libraries. School librarians may not need an MLS but must meet state teaching requirements.
Earning Potential
Industries with the highest levels of employment in Librarians and Media Collections Specialists:
| Industry | Employment (1) | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage (2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary and Secondary Schools | 49,420 | $ 32.38 | $ 67,360 |
| Local Government, excluding schools and hospitals (OEWS Designation) | 42,540 | $ 28.35 | $ 58,970 |
| Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | 19,220 | $ 33.18 | $ 69,020 |
| Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services | 7,300 | $ 28.33 | $ 58,920 |
| Junior Colleges | 3,900 | $ 35.64 | $ 74,140 |
Top paying industries for Librarians and Media Collections Specialists:
| Industry | Employment (1) | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage (2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Executive Branch (OEWS Designation) | 1,240 | $ 47.01 | $ 97,780 |
| Scientific Research and Development Services | 310 | $ 40.87 | $ 85,020 |
| Legal Services | 690 | $ 40.18 | $ 83,570 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | 170 | $ 38.10 | $ 79,240 |
| Grantmaking and Giving Services | 50 | $ 37.30 | $ 77,580 |
From the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2022 Report
Plan Your Next Steps Towards Working in a Library!
Thinking about becoming a librarian?
- Get more information on the specific training and skills used by librarians from O*Net: Librarians and Media Collections Specialists
- Use this easy-to-read summary to help stay on track: My Next Move: Librarians & Media Collections Specialists
Are you interested in preserving history?
- Learn about the occupation-specific information that you need to plan a path to becoming an archivist through O*Net: Archivists
- Use this easy-to-read summary to help stay on track: My Next Move: Archivists
Learn more about librarianship as a career from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook Librarians and Library Media Specialists: