phd for library sciences

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

• 2022 Update
• 2021 Update
• 2020 Update
• Reputation and History
• Departments and Programs
• Faculty Recruiting
• Zoom Backgrounds
• Board of Visitors
• SCI Learning Academy
• Administration
• Faculty Directory
• Staff Directory
• PhD Students
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at SCI
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee
• School Initiatives and Resources
• University Initiatives and Resources
• Carving the path to safer and smarter buildings
• A holistic approach to intelligent social learning
• How to anticipate hiccups in health care
• Preserving a shared digital memory
• Holding information technologies accountable and addressing misinformation on the web
• More than an afterthought: Dr. Ibrahim shows students the necessity of cybersecurity
• Current Grants
• Faculty Accepting Undergraduate Students for Research
• Submit Research for Undergraduate Students
• Labs, Centers, and Institutes
• Visiting Scholars
• Undergraduate Research Scholars
• Degrees and Programs
• Find the Right Major for You
• Computational Biology
• Computational Social Science
• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Digital Narrative and Interactive Design
• Information Science
• BS + MS in Computer Science
• Physics and Quantum Computing
• Library and Information Science
• Intelligent Systems
• Telecommunications
• Computational Modeling and Simulation
• Information Science with a focus in Telecommunications
• Applied Data Driven Methods
• Big Data Analytics
• Cybersecurity, Policy, and Law
• Information and Network Security
• Professional Institute
• Types of Opportunities
• Experiential Learning Courses
• Meet Alexa Spaventa
• Meet J. Stephanie Rose
• Meet Lydon Pelletier
• Meet Pedro Bustamante
• Meet Nico Campuzano
• Meet Andrea Michael
• Meet Kinori Rosnow
• Take the Next Step
• Undergraduate Admissions FAQ
• Master's Admissions
• Doctoral Admissions
• Certificate Admissions
• GRE Requirements
• Financial Aid
• Scholarships
• Campus Life
• Information Sessions
• A-Z Student Resources
• Responsibilities
• Placement Assessments
• General Education Requirements
• Major and Minor Declaration
• Faculty Mentors
• Contact the SCI Advising Center
• Building Hours
• Career Resources
• Post-Graduate Outcomes
• Enrollment Resources
• Graduation Process and Expectations
• Apply for Graduation
• School Recognition Ceremony
• Information Technology
• Graduate Student Orientation
• New Graduate Student FAQ
• Undergraduate Student Orientation
• Ombudsperson
• Academic Integrity Policy
• Experiential Learning Policies
• School Forms
• Student Appeals
• Student Organizations
• Academic Support and Tutoring
• Student Success Workshops
• Who to Contact
• Submit a News Item
• Event Assistance & Promotion
• Doctoral Degrees

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

Doctor of Library Science Programs in America

1-13 of 13 results

UCLA Graduate School of Education and Information Studies

Los Angeles, CA •

University of California - Los Angeles •

Graduate School

• • Rating 4 out of 5   1 review

Alum: I went to the UCLA Teachers Education Program to be a teacher. Overall, the program was good and very aligned with its focus (social justice). Because I graduated from UCLA, it was pretty easy to find a job after in the public school system. ... Read 1 review

University of California - Los Angeles ,

Graduate School ,

LOS ANGELES, CA ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says I went to the UCLA Teachers Education Program to be a teacher. Overall, the program was good and very aligned with its focus (social justice). Because I graduated from UCLA, it was pretty easy to... .

Read 1 reviews.

School of Information and Library Science - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC •

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill •

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ,

CHAPEL HILL, NC ,

University of Wisconsin - Information School

Madison, WI •

University of Wisconsin •

University of Wisconsin ,

MADISON, WI ,

School of Computing and Information - University of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, PA •

University of Pittsburgh •

• • Rating 2.5 out of 5   2 reviews

Blue checkmark.

University of Pittsburgh ,

PITTSBURGH, PA ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 2.5 stars.

Read 2 reviews.

College of Information Studies - University of Maryland

College Park, MD •

University of Maryland - College Park •

University of Maryland - College Park ,

COLLEGE PARK, MD ,

School of Informatics, Computing and Engineering - Indiana University - Bloomington

Bloomington, IN •

Indiana University - Bloomington •

Indiana University - Bloomington ,

BLOOMINGTON, IN ,

• Find college scholarships

Rutgers University School of Arts and Sciences

New Brunswick, NJ •

Rutgers University - New Brunswick •

• • Rating 4.2 out of 5   5 reviews

Alum: I had a lot of support, I met a lot of great people, we grew together and guided each other. The housing situation was also pretty decent. They have a large variety of programs and a lot of electives that help you keep your sanity. Overall, I would recommend this school to people that are currently thinking of enrolling here. ... Read 5 reviews

Rutgers University - New Brunswick ,

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ ,

5 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says I had a lot of support, I met a lot of great people, we grew together and guided each other. The housing situation was also pretty decent. They have a large variety of programs and a lot of electives... .

Read 5 reviews.

College of Information and Communications - University of South Carolina

Columbia, SC •

University of South Carolina •

University of South Carolina ,

COLUMBIA, SC ,

University of Arizona College of Science

Tucson, AZ •

University of Arizona •

University of Arizona ,

TUCSON, AZ ,

College of Organizational, Computational, and Information Sciences - Simmons University

Boston, MA •

Simmons University •

Simmons University ,

BOSTON, MA ,

Dominican University School of Information Studies

River Forest, IL •

Dominican University •

Dominican University ,

RIVER FOREST, IL ,

School of Library and Information Management - Emporia State University

Emporia, KS •

Emporia State University •

• • Rating 4.67 out of 5   6 reviews

Master's Student: I currently work in a public library and I find the classes relevant to what I will be needing in the future. The classes are engaging, my professors have been very helpful and available when needed. Quick responses to email questions. My advisor is amazing! I have already formed some lasting relationships with my fellow colleagues. ... Read 6 reviews

Emporia State University ,

EMPORIA, KS ,

6 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I currently work in a public library and I find the classes relevant to what I will be needing in the future. The classes are engaging, my professors have been very helpful and available when needed.... .

Read 6 reviews.

• Sponsored Find Student Loan Options
• Online Doctor of Education Programs
• Masters in Kindergarten and Preschool Education Programs

College of Arts and Sciences - Texas Woman's University

Denton, TX •

Texas Woman's University •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   2 reviews

Master's Student: Coming to Denton, Texas from Nampa, Idaho to start graduate school was incredibly intimidating. Going into the JMSW program blind, I did not know any of my professors, let alone any of my classmates, but I could not have picked a better program to be in. The instruction I have received at TWU has been nothing but top tier. My professors keep the class sizes small which ensures that each student receives personal and efficient attention. Aside from the program itself, the campus as a whole is lovely and makes you feel as if you are part of a tight-knit community. The grounds are maintained exceptionally and the buildings are always clean. I can honestly say I am proud to be a student of TWU. Boldly go! ... Read 2 reviews

Texas Woman's University ,

DENTON, TX ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Coming to Denton, Texas from Nampa, Idaho to start graduate school was incredibly intimidating. Going into the JMSW program blind, I did not know any of my professors, let alone any of my classmates,... .

Showing results 1 through 13 of 13

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

• ACBSP Accredited
• Flexible Online Courses
• Financing Options Available

Liberty University

Online D.B.A. in Information Systems

Experience real-world applications, equipping you as an innovator in strategy, security, ethics, design and development, and business process support.

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. 

© 2023 Library Science Degrees Online

Privacy Policy | Terms of Condition | Sitemap

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

You may also like

Related Degrees

Teaching and Learning, Ph.D.

College of Education

Linguistics, Ph.D.

College of Arts and Sciences

Music Performance: Music, D.M.A.

School of Music

Anthropology, Ph.D.

Sociology, Ph.D.

Educational Practice and Innovation, Ed.D.

Biostatistics, Ph.D.

Arnold School of Public Health

Education Administration, Ph.D.

Information Culture and Data Stewardship

University of Pittsburgh School of Computing and Information

• Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS)
• Master of Library and Information Science Online (MLISOnline)

PhD in Library and Information Science

• School Course Schedule
• School Course Descriptions
• University Class Search
• Enrollment Resources
• Partners Program
• Field Experience
• Accreditation

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Doctoral Admissions

Financial Assistance

Sample PhD Timeline

PhD Guidelines (University Catalog)

Dissertations

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.

Current Trends in Library Science

How digital and web-based services advanced the library science scene, how are library sciences impacting and innovating the academic sector, importance of phd in library science, career prospects for phd in library science graduates, taksha smartlabz in association with the university of central nicaragua’s phd in library science degree online, get a phd in library science.

Library science is a field of technological and research-oriented study that utilizes academic and research science. It mainly focuses on educational, management, statistics, and digital technologies related to libraries. Responsibilities include collect, protect, manage 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 taking up roles assisting researchers in collecting data from various sources from 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.

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.

With the 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 cataloging, development, 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.

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 – Now, library science isn’t only restricted to community libraries or educational institutions. The reach of library science has touched the pinnacle with technological advancement. 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 a lot with the impact of library science 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.

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 the 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 the 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.

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.

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!

Enroll Phd in Library Science and enhance your career.

Subscribe For Newsletter

Select Category School of Public Health and Social Work School of Business Management and Public Administration School of Research School of Nursing

Select Program Ph.D in Public Health Master of Public Health Doctor of Public Health Administration

Ph.D in Management Doctor of Business Administration

Ph.D in Clinical Research

Ph.D in Nursing

In-Demand Fields for PhD After Masters in Biological Science

Career opportunities for a clinical research scientist, explore career opportunities in alternative medicine, value of an online emba for your career growth, career and financial prospects of clinical research scientists, related posts, considering a phd in education here’s what you need to know, phd online programs: you need to know the worth, a doctorate degree: what it is & how to obtain one, how can a school principal perform effectively with a doctorate in education, top 15 best-paying online phd programs in africa, jump-start your educational career with a phd in education.

• More Networks

Explore your training options in 10 minutes Get Started

• Graduate Stories
• Partner Spotlights
• Bootcamp Prep
• Bootcamp Admissions
• University Bootcamps
• Coding Tools
• Software Engineering
• Web Development
• Data Science
• Tech Guides
• Tech Resources
• Career Advice
• Online Learning
• Internships
• Apprenticeships
• Tech Salaries
• Associate Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• University Admissions
• Best Schools
• Certifications
• Bootcamp Financing
• Higher Ed Financing
• Scholarships
• Financial Aid
• Best Coding Bootcamps
• Best Online Bootcamps
• Best Web Design Bootcamps
• Best Data Science Bootcamps
• Best Technology Sales Bootcamps
• Best Data Analytics Bootcamps
• Best Cybersecurity Bootcamps
• Best Digital Marketing Bootcamps
• Los Angeles
• San Francisco
• Browse All Locations
• Digital Marketing
• Machine Learning
• See All Subjects
• Bootcamps 101
• Full-Stack Development
• Career Changes
• View all Career Discussions
• Mobile App Development
• Cybersecurity
• Product Management
• UX/UI Design
• What is a Coding Bootcamp?
• Are Coding Bootcamps Worth It?
• How to Choose a Coding Bootcamp
• Best Online Coding Bootcamps and Courses
• Best Free Bootcamps and Coding Training
• Coding Bootcamp vs. Community College
• Coding Bootcamp vs. Self-Learning
• Bootcamps vs. Certifications: Compared
• What Is a Coding Bootcamp Job Guarantee?
• How to Pay for Coding Bootcamp
• Ultimate Guide to Coding Bootcamp Loans
• Best Coding Bootcamp Scholarships and Grants
• Education Stipends for Coding Bootcamps
• Get Your Coding Bootcamp Sponsored by Your Employer
• GI Bill and Coding Bootcamps
• Tech Intevriews
• Our Enterprise Solution
• Connect With Us
• Publication
• Reskill America
• Partner With Us

• Resource Center
• Bachelor’s Degree
• Master’s Degree

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.

Find your bootcamp match

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

[query_class_embed] how-to-get-into-*school

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.

"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"

Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot

• 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

[query_class_embed] online-*subject-masters-degrees

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

[query_class_embed] https://careerkarma.com/blog/best-online-library-science-bachelors-degrees/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/masters-library-science-online/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/library-science-degree/

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

[query_class_embed] *subject-masters-degrees

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

[query_class_embed] how-to-become-a-*profession

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

[query_class_embed] https://careerkarma.com/blog/best-schools-for-library-science/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/how-to-become-a-librarian/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/best-schools-for-information-science/

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.

About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication .

What's Next?

Get matched with top bootcamps

Ask a question to our community, take our careers quiz.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Library Science Degrees » Library Science Programs » Doctorate of Library Science Degrees

Doctorate of Library Science Degrees

A Doctorate of Library Science degree offers an opportunity for advanced research and training beyond a Master’s degree in Library Science . Students can expect to conduct, analyze, and report on relevant research as well as explore subjects pertinent to their chosen specialization. Certain types of librarians are required to have a doctorate, including medical and law librarians.

Leaders in information and library science have to be able to identify significant problems concerning the future of an information society. They carry out challenging studies and draw conclusions from them. Leaders communicate the findings to those stakeholders who will act on them.

Doctorate in Library Science

A doctoral program provides customizable, highly flexible, and intensive preparation for those who hope to specialize in managing a specific type of library like a university or law library. A Ph.D. in Library Science empowers students to learn and analyze user information and preserve, organize, and manage materials and information to make them accessible knowledge sources.

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

Why Consider a Doctorate or PhD in Library Science?

A Ph.D. in Library Science requires degree seekers to become specialized in a data curation, information systems, or librarianship related area of study. The word 'library' in the degree title does not necessarily mean the holder will work in academia or libraries.

A Doctoral degree in Library Science can provide the knowledge and skills needed to become anything from an archivist to an analyst. The careers have competitive salaries and a positive growth outlook. In 2016, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported those with a doctorate earned $43,472 more annually than all other workers. Earning a doctorate is an excellent means of developing expertise in a field and boost potential earnings.

Sponsored Online Library Programs

Are there online doctorate of library science programs.

There are several online Doctorate of Library Science programs, but there are more limited options that compared to a Masters in Library Science .

Illinois School of Information Doctoral Programs

The Illinois School of Information has a doctorate program that requires 48 credit hours, along with a research presentation, field exam, and dissertation. Students work closely with advisors to create educational experiences outside and within the school.

They help students prepare for future research careers. Besides taking classes and carrying out research projects, students are expected to participate in school-sponsored events, meet with international visitors, and attend talks. Those requirements cannot be completed online. Doctorate programs from other universities have similar requirements. Students who wish to continue online studies beyond the Master's level may consider enrollment in a doctoral program in Archival Administration , Public Librarianship, Information Management, or similar degrees. There are some doctoral degree programs in library science or related areas available.

Emporia State University PhD in Library and Information Management

Emporia State offers four Doctor of Philosophy in Library and Information Management degree programs. Three have concentrations in Informatics, Information Systems, or Instructional Design. Having a Master's degree is not necessarily required to gain admittance into the online doctoral programs, and undergraduate and graduate work in library science are not required. Applicants have to take an exam to qualify for candidacy. Those without a Master's degree may have to complete added graduate-level courses to satisfy the requirements of the doctoral program.

Walden University Doctor of Information Technology

Walden University offers a Doctor of Information Technology that is designed to enhance technical expertise while developing leadership skills to guide an organization. Experience and knowledge within IT are synthesized through:

• Leadership simulators that delve into issues relevant to Information Technology
• Face-to-face residencies that permit networking with other doctoral students and expert faculty members
• Seminar courses that explore current IT topics such as grid and cloud computing, software engineering, and information security

The Doctorate in Information Technology is offered in two Tracks. Track I is for students with a Master's degree in some technical field. Track II is for those with a Bachelor's degree in a technical field. Entry requirements are a completed online application, official transcripts, and employment history. An enrollment advisor helps candidates gather required materials from the application through the first day of class.

Capella University Doctor of Information Technology

Capella offers a Doctor of Information Technology with specializations in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity, General Information Technology, or Project Management. The university reshaped online education to put students in control. They can learn on-demand, manage costs, and leverage their experiences to advance on their own terms.

Typical Coursework for this Degree

A doctoral program is structured to provide students with a general understanding of the field of information and library science as well as expertise in specific research areas. Programs usually take two to five years to complete and consist of the following:

• Required coursework
• 18-hour review
• Research presentation
• Comprehensive examination
• Dissertation, including proposal, dissertation work, and defense

Research principles

Doctoral students customize their education by choosing a specialized research topic on which to focus their studies. Research topics vary in scope and subject matter but are uniquely relevant to the Library Science field. Core research principles are introduced through required coursework, specifically in classes like research design, research methods, and data analytics. Students can expect to conduct at least 36 hours of directed research aside from a dissertation, reading courses, and formal courses.

Top courses

Doctoral students take a broad range of courses that cover a variety of subjects. Some courses examine introductory principles while others explore more specialized topics relevant to the Library Science field. Some doctoral programs require students to take two research methods courses in consecutive semesters as well as up to six hours of statistic coursework. Statistics coursework must include an introduction to inferential and descriptive statistics, computational techniques, and analysis of variance. Students can satisfy this requirement with classes in other departments, such as education, psychology, or sociology. Appropriate courses are chosen with the help of a faculty advisor. All courses taken should be at the graduate level.

18-Hour Review

The review is usually held at the end of a student’s first year. The committee is chaired by the student’s advisor includes all faculty members who taught the student. The student’s mastery of selected subjects and the ability to identify opportunities for research and the means to address problems associated with research are addressed. Students are told of any identified deficiencies and suggested strategies to improve. If deficiencies are severe, the student may be counseled to depart the program.

Year Reviews Each subsequent year, students prepare and present a statement of progress to the associate dean and advisor. The statement includes a reflection on progress, a statement of research interest, a summary of completed coursework, and a list of papers written during the year. Continuing in the program depends on a satisfactory review.

Coursework Completion and Pre-Comprehensive Requirements

Full-time students usually complete all necessary coursework between two and two-and-a-half years. It’s generally considered unsatisfactory if a full-time student isn’t making progress within three years. Part-time students’ progress is based on individual circumstances. However, part-time students are expected to progress at a comparable rate. Before taking the comprehensive exam, doctoral candidates must:

• Complete all required coursework
• Conduct a literature review of a specialized research topic
• Present two papers submitted for publication

Comprehensive Exam

After completing necessary coursework and preliminary research, students assemble a research package for the comprehensive examination. This typically includes an overview of a student’s research interests, a literature review that specifies areas of theory, methodology, and research, and a brief dissertation prospectus. After the examining committee accepts the research package, an oral exam is conducted. The oral exam has the same scope as the research package.

Doctoral Dissertation

Students register for a dissertation by filing out advisory surveys, completing a registration form, and signing a learning contract. After the comprehensive exam has been completed successfully, the student and advisor consult to form a dissertation committee. Students then prepare a dissertation proposal to present to the committee. Typically, a student completes and defends the proposal or makes substantial progress toward that goal within six months. It’s generally considered unsatisfactory if a student hasn’t made progress after a year.

The doctoral dissertation is an original contribution of knowledge that involves identifying and defining a research topic, applying appropriate research methodology, organization, and data analysis to the investigated topic, and interpreting and presenting the research findings. The dissertation defense is a final oral examination and presentation. The dissertation committee that administers the exam typically includes a minimum of one scholar outside the program.

List of the Top Online Doctorate of Library Science Programs

• Dean's Office
• Dean's Welcome
• FIMS Events
• EDID at FIMS
• FIMS Awards

Employment at FIMS

• Accessibility
• Mission & Goals
• Undergraduate Programs
• Graduate Programs
• Certificates & Diplomas
• Legacy Programs
• Undergraduate Students
• Graduate Students
• Research News
• Research Spotlight
• Research in Action
• Lecture Series
• Student Research
• Fellowships & Chairs
• Participate in Research
• Research Funding & Support for Faculty
• Writing for The Conversation
• All Faculty
• Full-Time Faculty
• PhD Students
• All Personnel
• Retired Academic Personnel
• Alumni Newsletter
• FIMS Career Central
• Faculty Resources
• Future Students
• Current Students
• PhD Library & Information Science
• MA Media Studies
• Master of Health Information Science (1 Year)
• Master of Health Information Science (2 Year)
• Master of Library & Information Science
• Master of Media in Journalism and Communication
• PhD Health Information Science
• Progression & Milestones
• Exams, Thesis & Proposal
• Thesis Supervision
• The Co-op Program
• Part-Time PhD Program
• Tuition & Finances
• How to Apply
• PhD Media Studies

LIS General Inquiries [email protected]     519-661-4017 FIMS Graduate Student Services 519-661-4017

PhD in Library & Information Science (PhD LIS)

Quality and innovation

A community dedicated to excellence, opportunity and flexibility.

• High-calibre scholarly training
• Optional co-op
• Part-time degree option

Meet our LIS students

Amber Matthews

PhD LIS candidate.

Danica Pawlick Potts

kirstyn seanor

Faculty of Information & Media Studies FIMS & Nursing Building, Room 2050 London, Ontario, Canada, N6A 5B9 Tel: 519-661-3720 Privacy | Web Standards | Terms of Use | Accessibility

FIMS Graduate Intranet

FIMS Faculty Resources

FIMS Events Calendar

FIMS Facebook Page

Library Science and How to Become a Librarian

A master's degree in library science or information studies is necessary for most librarian jobs.

How to Become a Librarian

Getty Images

An inquisitive mindset is a beneficial character trait for a future librarian, since the mission of libraries is to encourage intellectual exploration.

Someone who enjoys sharing knowledge with others may like the idea of working in a library, since that is a place where visitors often seek answers to questions.

In those scenarios, librarians become sleuths, using their investigative skills to find whatever is sought after whether a particular fact or an amalgamation of all the credible scholarship on a specific topic.

There are also situations where librarians help people locate one-of-a-kind items such as authenticated historical manuscripts or genuine legal documents. Though it may not be possible to gain direct access to the original versions of rare objects, reliable copies are often available via digital archives. Librarians are skilled at discovering valuable resources in places where others might not think to look.

These information professionals often have a significant amount of authority, since they frequently choose which items are included and excluded within a particular library. Making that decision in an informed and thoughtful way requires encyclopedic knowledge about old and new publications.

Perceptiveness about people is helpful because librarians who understand the needs and wants of their patrons are more likely to provide helpful recommendations.

Why People Choose to Become Librarians

"Although the common perception is that people choose to become librarians because they love books, in reality what we see in our students – who often do love books – is the desire to become a librarian because of a passionate commitment to service, learning and community engagement," wrote Maria Bonn, an associate professor at University of Illinois—Urbana-Champaign's School of Information Sciences .

"Librarianship is both a service and a leadership profession, offering many opportunities to both assist the community and its members by meeting information needs and to shape and guide that community," adds Bonn, the program director of her school's Master of Science program in library and information science.

"People who are innately curious about the world find this field deeply satisfying, as they spend their time helping others explore their questions and find answers," Brian W. Sturm, associate dean for academic affairs with the University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill School of Information and Library Science , wrote in an email. "Students are also attracted to our field from a desire to preserve information for future generations."

Julie Peters, director of the James B. Carey Library in the Rutgers School of Management and Labor Relations in New Jersey, says librarianship is a timeless and meaningful profession. "Libraries are not going anywhere," she wrote in an email. "There will always be a need to find, evaluate and organize information so that it can be accessed and used by others."

What Library Science Is and How to Study It

Library science is an academic discipline that is sometimes referred to as information studies. This field focuses on how to classify and use data or objects and emphasizes the importance of preserving knowledge and promoting literacy. Contrary to the myth that libraries are old-fashioned, the academic discipline surrounding the thoughtful management of libraries is not stodgy, explains Peters, who has a master's degree in the field.

"Library science is not about card catalogs and rows of dusty books," she explains. "It's a field that is constantly changing and evolving, as technology creates new strategies for sharing, managing and organizing information."

Specializations within library science often concentrate on how to oversee particular types of libraries, such as legal libraries or public libraries, Peters says. However, regardless of what area of library science a student focuses on, he or she will typically study how humans behave when they seek information and which technologies can help people learn, she says.

Bonn notes that graduates of library science programs don't always wind up working in libraries, since they have skills that are valuable in a variety of industries ranging from publishing to music to technology. "They work for the Culinary Institute of America and National Public Radio," she notes. "The skills that support connecting users with information are in high demand in many settings."

Anind Dey, dean of the University of Washington Information School , explains that library and information schools differ from one another, so content that is emphasized in one school's curriculum might not be highlighted at a different academic institution. Courses at his school cover an array of subjects ranging from the future of libraries to misinformation.

Librarian Qualifications and Job Prospects

Most librarian positions require a master's degree in library science, though a bachelor's degree coupled with a teaching certification may be sufficient for some school library jobs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Master's programs in library science can usually be finished within two years and some can be finished within a single year.

Some library jobs require a degree from a library school that is accredited by the American Library Association, commonly known as the ALA.

Laura Robinson, the university librarian at Clark University in Massachusetts, says an education in library science can lead to an enjoyable career path.

"Librarianship is a great place to help people, to support communities, and to be always learning and growing," Robinson, who has a master's in library and information science, wrote in an email. "It’s a profession that changes all the time due to all the technology and knowledge that evolves so quickly. It is great for those who are flexible, creative, and endlessly curious. As a librarian for over 20 years my day-to-day work changes on a regular basis."

The BLS predicts that the number of librarians and library media specialists employed in 2029 will be 5% higher than it was in 2019, which is slightly above the average predicted job growth rate for all U.S. occupations within that time frame.

However, aspiring librarians should be aware that paychecks within the profession are generally modest. The median annual salary among U.S. librarians and media collections specialists in 2020 was $60,820, according to bureau statistics.

The ALA Allied Professional Association, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote the professional interests of librarians and other library workers, supports initiatives to improve salaries in the profession. But because library positions generally aren't high-paying, prospective library science students should investigate all of their financial aid and scholarship options before applying for a degree in the field, experts say.

Another key fact to keep in mind is that academic libraries often provide higher compensation than public libraries, and library jobs in major metropolitan areas tend to pay better than positions in rural areas, according to the ALA.

Libraries targeted toward a particular group of people frequently pay higher salaries than libraries aimed at a general audience, according to library science faculty. "Corporate information officers at places like Google or Amazon often start at six-figure salaries, archivists and academic librarians may start around $70,000, and public librarians may start around $45,000," Sturm explains.

Libraries sometimes concentrate on a single topic such as art, law or theology, and they occasionally serve the needs of a particular institution such as a hospital, museum or prison. These types of libraries are called special libraries. Librarians who cater to a specific clientele may opt to join the Special Libraries Association, a nonprofit professional organization.

Robinson notes that compensation within library science depends a lot on the type of job someone has. "Many positions pay quite well," she notes, adding that university libraries tend to offer generous vacation and tuition remission benefits. "Librarians also enjoy much personal freedom in the workplace, to create projects, to dress as we wish, and to occasionally have flexible work schedules."

One perk of a career as a librarian is that the job often allows someone to complete a variety of assignments rather than sticking to a single routine and becoming bored by repetition.

"I have worked in archives and special collections, book repair and preservation, taught college students on efficient ways to find high quality information in fields ranging from engineering to English, and collaborated with faculty to build instruction programs and promote their faculty research beyond the 'ivory tower,'" Robinson says.

"There are so many exciting ways to be a librarian. The challenge is getting past the stereotype of the 'shusher' and realizing that this profession is so much more."

Searching for a grad school? Access our complete rankings of Best Graduate Schools.

Grad Degree Jobs With $100K+ Salaries

Tags: libraries , education , students , graduate schools

You May Also Like

Find a strong human rights law program.

Anayat Durrani April 18, 2024

Environmental Health in Medical School

Zach Grimmett April 16, 2024

How to Choose a Law Career Path

Gabriel Kuris April 15, 2024

Questions Women MBA Hopefuls Should Ask

Haley Bartel April 12, 2024

Law Schools With the Highest LSATs

Ilana Kowarski and Cole Claybourn April 11, 2024

MBA Programs That Lead to Good Jobs

Ilana Kowarski and Cole Claybourn April 10, 2024

B-Schools With Racial Diversity

Sarah Wood April 10, 2024

Law Schools That Are Hardest to Get Into

Sarah Wood April 9, 2024

Ask Law School Admissions Officers This

Gabriel Kuris April 9, 2024

Grad School Housing Options

Anayat Durrani April 9, 2024

National Science Foundation Announces 2024 Graduate Fellowship Awardees

Share this content.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) recently announced the 2024 award winners for its Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP), a prestigious and competitive fellowship that supports outstanding graduate research across the country. 

NSF Fellows are anticipated to become knowledge experts who can contribute significantly to research, teaching and innovations in science and engineering. These individuals are crucial to maintaining and advancing the nation’s technological infrastructure and national security as well as contributing to the economic well-being of society at large.

Fellows receive a three-year annual stipend of $37,000 as well as a cost-of-education allowance of $16,000 to conduct research at any accredited U.S. graduate school. 

Of the many deserving awardees, an impressive 31 are currently graduate students at The University of Texas at Austin. In addition, the NSF acknowledged 28 UT students with an honorable mention.

The 2024 GRFP awardees currently attending UT and their fields of study are:

• Luisa Marie Velasco,   Mathematical Sciences 
• Kyle Anthony Trojahn, Political Science
• Kara Elizabeth Samuel, Mechanical Engineering
• Anakaren Romero Lozano, Biomedical Engineering
• Elizabeth A. Recker, Chemical Engineering
• Audrick Moses Pyronneau, Topology
• Shankar Padmanabhan, Natural Language Processing
• Leo Orshansky, Unconventional Computing, Quantum Computing
• Sara Nixon, Chemistry of Life Processes
• Lacie Larschan Levy, Chemical Oceanography
• Alexandra Lee, Condensed Matter Physics
• Rebecca Lee, Chemical Engineering
• Rosemary Lach, Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• Mathea Kurtz-Shaw,    Geosciences 
• Pamela Hernandez, Sociology
• Stephane Hatgis-Kessell, Artificial Intelligence
• Ethan Sumner Hartzell, Linguistics
• Kobe Grismore, Chemical Engineering
• Samuel T. Freer, Biomedical Engineering
• Claudia Katrina Fierro, Civil Engineering
• Jennie Elizabeth DeVore, Animal Behavior
• Hailey A. Currie, Physics of Living Systems
• Morgan Alexandria Carrington, Geomorphology
• Alyssa Riley Brown, Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• Jason R. Boynewicz, Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics
• Marcus S. Benyamin, Chemical Engineering
• Cole Raymond Barnett, Biomedical Engineering
• Claire K. Baldus, Environmental Engineering
• Duaa N. Ansari, Chemistry of Life Processes
• Hollis B. Akins, Astronomy and Astrophysics
• Nora Agah, Electrical and Electronic Engineering

The 2024 Honorable Mentions and their field of study are: 

• Grace N Bechtel, Biomedical Engineering
• Jacob Levi Block, Machine Learning
• Alexandra Boville, Evolutionary Biology
• Benjamin G. Broekhuis, Materials Engineering
• Nicole Lauren Ferrie, Geochemistry
• Elijah Stephan Garcia, Chemistry of Life Processes
• Tynan Gardner, Systems and Molecular Biology
• Arturo Hernandez, Manufacturing Engineering
• Jason Ho, Computer Architecture
• Eric Hu, Mechanical Engineering
• Ravi K. Koka, Nuclear Physics
• Zachary Lee, Mathematical Sciences
• Crystal B. Li, Human Development & Family Sciences
• Harrison Lippie, Chemical Engineering
• Lan H. Nguyen, Environmental Engineering
• Rachel A Paddock, Mechanical Engineering
• Connor A. Painter, Astronomy and Astrophysics
• Harsha Ramya Rajesh, Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
• Livia Raulinaitis, Ecology
• Tamara Margarita Rivera, Marine Biology
• Allison Jane Segapeli, Chemical Engineering
• Abhishek Shivkumar,   Topology
• Kathleen E. Taylor, Chemical Engineering
• Michael H. Updike, Theoretical Physics
• Yanran Wang,   Chemical Engineering
• Eric Wang, Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• Daniel Wu, Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• Arthur King Zhang, Robotics

To learn more about the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program, visit their website .

News category:

News Center

Nsf awards fellowships to 60 georgia tech graduate students.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded 60 Georgia Tech students with Graduate Research Fellowships (GRF). The fellowships, valued at $159,000 each, include funding for three years of graduate study and tuition.

This year’s winners represent areas of study ranging from aerospace engineering to ocean sciences. The purpose of the GRF initiative , the oldest of NSF’s programs, is to develop experts who will contribute significantly to research, teaching, and innovations in science and engineering. Their awards total more than $9.5 million in funding, the most Georgia Tech has ever had in the program.

This year’s recipients are: 

Mihir Natansh Bafna  

Rebecca Kate Banner 

Bareesh Bhaduri 

Jessica A. Bonsu 

Noah S.S. Campbell 

Adrian Alfonso Candocia  

Cailey M Carpenter  

Katherine Elizabeth Cauffiel  

Michael John Cho  

Claudia Chu 

Eric Anthony Comstock 

Sarah Deiters 

Adit Desai 

Ramy Ghanim 

Hannah E. Gilbonio 

Callie L. Goins  

Ashley Alexus Goodnight 

Margaret Gordon 

Jared Nathaniel Grinberg  

Sean Healy 

Alec F. Helbling 

Geoffrey M. Hopping 

Madeline Hoyle 

Joy Michelle Jackson 

Maeve Alexandra Janecka  

Aulden Jones 

Donguk Daniel Kim 

Tara Hashemian Kimiavi 

Michael Klamkin 

Velin H. Kojouharov 

Luke Allen Kurfman 

Aidan S. Labrozzi 

Hee Jun Lee 

Zikang Leng 

Huston Locht 

Emma J. Menardi 

Yash V. Mhaskar 

Madeline Rose Morrell 

Siddharth R. Nathella 

Jennifer Nolan 

Sydney A. Oliver 

Isabelle A. Osuna 

Jorja Y. Overbey 

Robert Patrick Pesch 

Michelle T. Seeler 

Riya Sen 

Matthew So 

Jorik Stoop 

Maggie Emma Straight  

Amanda L. Tang 

Albert Ting 

Darin Tsui 

Julia E. Vallier 

Jacqueline F. van Zyl 

Angel E. Vasquez 

Abhijeet Krishnan Venkataraman 

Alix Wagner 

Matthew Y. Wang 

Samuel E. Wilcox 

Elias G. Winterscheidt 

Related links

• NSF Graduate Research Fellowships

Kristen Bailey

Institute Communications

School of Library and Information Science

Public library association 2024 conference re-cap with katie hansen.

Working as a remote part-time graduate assistant and a public library circulation clerk makes me often feel like I’ve got my feet in two different spaces. One minute I’m helping young patrons build a foam fort in the DVD section, and the next minute I’m discussing the merits of trauma-informed librarianship with my entire library management class. It’s a weird yet fulfilling duality. 

Thankfully, the Public Library Association (PLA) made it possible for me to meet many more librarians who embrace these and other roles during this year’s 2024 PLA Conference. Through their newly expanded scholarship program, the PLA awarded 151 scholarships to under-represented librarians, part-time librarians, student librarians, and rural librarians, making their attendance possible, (and mine!) I was elated when I received the email confirming my scholarship award, which prompted the realization that I would soon be meeting some of the most integral librarians within today’s public library sphere. Little did I know how significant these three days of learning would soon become to me. 

The first day of the conference programming was a flurry of information, introductions, and flagrant fangirling. One of my favorite sessions that day was, Anti-Racist Reader Services: Beyond the Basics with Becky Spratford, Robin Bradford, and Yaika Sabat. If ever there was a rally cry to keep fighting the good fight for representation and well-rounded readers advisory, it was this one-hour session, with librarians sitting wall-to-wall on the carpet floor. 

“Change does not happen until you are uncomfortable, if you don’t feel challenged, you need to go deeper,” said Spratford. 

With a crowd filled with practice-based questions, Bradford, Sabat, and Spratford, gave us each tools, inspiration, and real-world advice on tackling difficult situations to make our libraries a safe and welcoming environment for all. 

Frankly, the sense of coming home is a sentiment folks often share when they’ve found a space that makes them feel welcomed, valued, and supported. While that feeling certainly came to light when I switched my career path from marketing to public librarianship; sitting amongst these rows of librarians and community advocates, I understood that I’d finally found a group, and a profession, where I not only felt welcomed, but encouraged, supported, and celebrated. Not a single person at the conference heard me say “I work in a rural library,” and rolled their eyes, or slowed in conversation, rather, they did the opposite. With the additional context, conversations often became more engaging, with attendees offering additional resources to help me learn about practices and programs they had already implemented. It was during this conference that I got to know the heart that beats within the field of public librarianship, so naturally, I fell in love with the profession all over again.

However, the excitement didn’t stop there. During lunch on that first day, I had another core-memory come to life while meeting Molly Knox Ostertag, author, and illustrator, at the Audio Publishing Association luncheon event. For folks who have not yet read the incredible graphic novels by her, I not only highly recommend them, but insist you give them a try if you are so able! As an LGBTQIA+ creator, Knox Ostertag was one of the first authors I turned to upon moving through my own coming out journey. Her debut novel, The Girl by the Sea , is filled with intimate and complex female relationships, mixed with a supportive sapphic narrative, and imagery that will forever and always feel like a warm hug. Getting to listen to her and other authors speak at the luncheon event, meeting Knox Ostertag, getting my books signed, and then receiving custom illustrations inside the books, all made my heart do cartwheels in a way I’d forgotten was possible. All this to say, fangirling, asking for pictures, and sharing Dungeons & Dragons stories all made me feel like being a graphic novel nerd was not only a benefit to the libraries I serve, but personally fulfilling for me as well. This entire luncheon event was a much-needed reminder that serving and taking care of myself is just as important as serving and taking care of my patrons and my community.  

Another personally impactful program from Wednesday’s sessions was Building a Gender-Inclusive Library: Birth Through Early Elementary  with Pearl Bashakevitz and Beckett Czamecki. These two amazing librarians from the Denver Public Library helped me and other participants learn vocabulary and techniques to confront discrimination head-on while supporting gender nonconforming patrons. 

One example, I appreciated was learning not to say, “Boys and girls,” when kicking off a children’s story time, but rather “Okay everyone,” or “Okay friends.” Thankfully, one brave audience member approached the microphone and shared another phrase that they used at her library. 

“Hello critters and creatures!” 

It made my heart sing to hear the room burst with applause and laughter, and to have our lovely presenters insist on using it themselves at their next story time. 

While there are many aspects of myself that can feel undesirable when living in small-town Iowa, at the PLA conference I found a renewed sense of self, and belief in the work I’m doing. As one of my mentors often remind me, “Showing up as yourself gives others permission to do the same.” 

The rest of the conference was filled with making meaningful connections, cheering on our Iowa presenter, and getting to know public library leaders from across the country. On the final day of my trip, I was sad to leave, but also immensely grateful for the countless strangers and new friends who took the time to pour into my cup over these past three days. Driving out of Columbus, I made myself promise that one day, I would be back at PLA, only then, I’d be a MLIS graduate and full-time librarian (perhaps even with a presentation of my own!) Until then, I’ll be putting my new knowledge to use and reading as many graphic novels as I can carry.

GMS Master’s Spotlight: Elena Redmond (BMFS ’24)

Aside from her studies, Elena has spent almost two years working as an intern with the GMS Marketing & Communications team, where she took ownership over updating the web calendar, helping with Spotlight articles and assembling the bi-weekly GMS Press newsletter.

Congratulations, Elena! We’ll miss you!

Tell me a bit about your journey to Boston. Are you from the area?  

I’m originally from Indianapolis, Indiana. I’ve lived there practically my whole life. Then, I ended up in a small city called Evansville, Indiana, at the University of Evansville for my undergraduate studies in biochemistry and to play volleyball. After my four years there, I decided I wanted something different, including a bigger city. So, here I am in Boston now. At first, it was a big transition for me, and it was a little difficult getting used to a big city, but I am now very accustomed to living here.

What drew you to Boston University and the Biomedical Forensic Sciences program?

A lot of the forensics programs in the United States are on the East Coast, so I already had in mind that I was going to be on the East Coast. Specifically, for Boston and BMFS, it was the Mock Crime Scene House in Holliston that made the program stand out. I thought that was a really cool opportunity, which it was! They also had a lot of different courses that I could take with really talented professors. I was really interested in just diving into a variety of different courses, and valued all the instruments they had, and the labs and hands-on opportunities available.

Did you always know you wanted to study forensics?

I didn’t know that I wanted to do forensics right away, but I’ve always been interested in science. I was that kid in elementary school that carried around random science things and books. I used to have science-themed birthday parties. So, I always knew that I loved science, but I didn’t really know what I wanted to do until, I would say, high school, when I got into forensics.

When my dad and I would travel for volleyball tournaments, and when we were at the hotels, we would just turn on Forensic Files. I was like, “Oh, my gosh! This is so cool!” But I didn’t know it was an actual field you could go into until my last year of undergrad, when I was like, “Oh, I can do this.” That’s when I started applying, and that’s how I ended up here.

Can you tell me about the research you’re doing in the BMFS program?  

For my thesis, I used a high-pressure mass spectrometer, called the MX908, by 908 Devices, a company located here in Boston. It’s a field-portable device, and it’s essentially used to detect substances that can be encountered on scene, such as drugs or explosives. Using this device, I created a library of various organic compounds present in gunshot residue and did validation testing to see if the device was able to detect those compounds. Then, I went on to test smokeless powder in ammunition. That’s typically what’s encountered on scene. So, I tested both burnt and unburnt smokeless powder residue. I used the device to test that to see if any organic compounds that I created the library for were detected.

What is the application of your research to the larger field of forensics?

Typically, with gunshot residue, there are two types. There’s organic gunshot residue and inorganic gunshot residue on scene. In all forensics labs, mainly, inorganic gunshot residue is collected and tested, which can be a very time-consuming process. The problem with inorganic gunshot residue is that it can transfer very easily, and it doesn’t have a lot of persistence. So, if someone tests positive for inorganic gunshot residue, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they shot a gun and vice versa. If they test negative, that doesn’t mean that they didn’t shoot a gun. So, organic gunshot residue has lower transferability and higher persistence. If it’s collected on a person, the scientists who are testing for this can have more confidence that the person who is positive or negative is actually positive or negative.

What are your larger goals in the field?

Right now, I’m applying to jobs. I am interested in both crime scene investigation and also forensic chemistry and forensic biology. I’m looking for something that has both, where I can be on scene and also in a lab. Right now, since I am getting into the field, I’m fine with compromising, for just one or the other. Once I have my foot in the door, I can do a little bit more. This summer, I was able to work at the coroner’s office in Indy, and it really solidified my passion for crime scene investigation.

Are there any mentors who’ve helped you get to this point?

I feel like I’m surrounded by a very, very large support system. From my elementary, middle school and high school teachers to my professors at UE and my coaches at UE, and also, my friends, here and at home. Lastly, of course, my family, especially my immediate family. They’ve been there to support me this whole journey, and I don’t know where I’d be without their endless support and guidance.

What advice would you give to future BMFS students?

I would say that it’s okay to have multiple interests within forensics. Sometimes, you can get caught up in the category of like, forensic biology/DNA or chemistry/toxicology. It’s okay to like a little bit of everything and to explore everything, because that’s what you’re here for. So, I would advise them to not just get stuck in a category, and to try to venture out and figure out other things that you like.

How else have you been involved on campus with GMS?

I work for the GMS Communications office. I help with filling up the calendars that everyone sees and Spotlights like this one. I also help with news posts. I mainly work on the GMS Press newsletter that you guys get bi-weekly.

What are your hobbies outside of school and work?  

I recently got into roller skating. I’ve fallen a lot, but it’s good to find something that’s a physical activity. After being a student athlete, it’s kind of hard to figure out something to do. So that’s the thing that I’ve found that I really like. And I also really like painting. I have a lot of paintings in my apartment and in my room. I just do it when I’m stressed or bored sometimes. It’s really fun.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

For people who are trying to figure out if they want to move, I would say, if you have an opportunity to move outside of your state or hometown, even if it’s for a little bit, I would take that opportunity. You can learn a lot about yourself and about people around you and different cultures. I would take that opportunity if you ever have it.

View all posts

• India Today
• Business Today
• Reader’s Digest
• Harper's Bazaar
• Brides Today
• Cosmopolitan
• Aaj Tak Campus
• India Today Hindi

TISS suspends PhD student for 'anti-national' activities: Not his 1st offence

Tiss has suspended a phd student for two years for allegedly indulging in anti-national activities and cited his actions, including the alleged screening of a bbc documentary and inviting 'controversial' speakers at a lecture..

Listen to Story

• Mumbai's TISS suspends PhD student for 2 years
• Student accused of screening banned BBC documentary
• He's also accused of 'misusing' institute's name in protests

The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in Mumbai has suspended a PhD student for two years for allegedly being involved in activities that were "not in the interest of the nation".

The institute has barred Ramadas Prinisivanandan (30), who is pursuing his doctorate in Development Studies, from entering its campuses in Mumbai, Tuljapur, Hyderabad and Guwahati, news agency PTI reported.

A notice dated March 7 was sent to Prinisivanandan and cited his role in the screening of a documentary, 'Ram ke Naam' on January 26. The notice called it a "mark of dishonour and protest" against the Ram Mandir idol consecration in Ayodhya.

"Your activities are not in the interest of the nation. Being a public institution, TISS cannot permit or tolerate its students indulging in such activities which are anti-national and bring a bad name to the nation. Hence, all such activities fall under the category of serious criminal offence," the March 7 notice read.

These issues are "very serious and it is discernible that you are intentionally and deliberately indulging in such unlawful activities in the name of freedom of speech and expression", it said.

A subsequent communication dated April 18 said the TISS's disciplinary committee had recommended his suspension for two years and that he would be banned from entering all campuses of the institute.

Prinisivanandan, who belongs to Kerala, told PTI that he would appeal against the suspension before the institute's internal authority.

In a statement issued late Saturday, the TISS alleged that Prinisivanandan failed to comply with the institute's repeated verbal and written advisories to prioritise academic commitments.

"He continued to overstay unlawfully in his allotted hostel at the TISS, Mumbai campus, ignoring multiple reminders from the administration," it claimed.

His "unlawful overstay" deprived other deserving PhD scholars of hostel accommodation, the statement claimed.

The institute asserted that the BBC documentary allegedly screened by Prinisivanandan was banned by the government as it was a "propaganda movie of the Western media". It also said it did not receive permission for the screening of another documentary, 'Ram ke Naam' , during the ' Pran Pratishthan Diwas' in January as it was "deemed propaganda" by the government.

Meanwhile, the PSF with which Prinisivanandan is associated clarified that the protest in Delhi referred to by the TISS was related to "anti-student policies in the form of the National Education Policy".

IN THIS STORY