Directory of ALA-Accredited Master's Programs in Library and Information Studies. The directory, available in four unique formats, provides information about library and information studies programs that are accredited by the American Library Association (ALA).
The ALA Office for Accreditation publishes the directory annually, and provides the opportunity for programs to update their entries when information changes. ALA-accredited master’s programs can be found at colleges and universities in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. These programs offer degrees with names such as Master of Library Science (MLS), Master of Arts, Master of Librarianship, Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS), and Master of Science. ALA accreditation indicates that the program has undergone an external review and meets the ALA Committee on Accreditation’s Standards for Accreditation of Master’s Programs in Library and Information Studies .
This directory offers summary information only. The directory is available in the following formats: Library Education & Licensing. The purpose of this website is to help you explore if school librarianship is for you (and we hope it is!)
And then to help you find an education program that will meet your needs. Finding a library education program can be a challenge in some states. ALA-accredited programs are found in thirty-two of the fifty states and the District of Columbia. CAEP-accredited programs are found in twenty-five states, seventeen of which also have ALA-accredited programs. What does it mean to obtain certification or licensure? Defined Certification, licensure or endorsement are terms used by the various states to recognize that a person has taken coursework in a subject area, passed a variety of tests, and/or met competency requirements. State Requirements Each state has different requirements to meet in order for a person to receive certification or licensure. Some states require a Master's degree while others require only certification or licensure. Scholarships. Scholarships Show you the money!
A number of associations and organizations offer scholarship money for masters and doctoral students in LIS. Check also with your local associations and state library to see what funds they may have available, as well as with the financial aid department at your school(s) of interest; also visit ALA's Financial Assistance for Library and Information Studies.
Looking for funding for continuing education? See resources for CE funding and Conference funding. Suggestions for additional resources? MLIS Scholarships and Fellowships AALL Scholarships -- The American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) offers scholarships each year to students interested in law librarianship. Doctoral Scholarships and Fellowships ACRL Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship - This award fosters research in academic librarianship by encouraging and assisting doctoral students in the field with their dissertation research. $1,500 cash and a plaque donated by Thomson Reuters. How To Become a Librarian-Updated. By Rachel Singer Gordon This exciting and varied profession embraces public service, literature, the cutting edge of technology, and more By Rachel Singer Gordon — Library Journal, 09/15/2009 So, you want to become a librarian?
Welcome to a vibrant and exciting profession! Before leaping into a library career, though, take some time to explore your options. Perception vs. realityWhile the popular perception of a librarian is of an older woman, hair in a bun, busily checking out books and shushing people all day, librarians’ actual duties, focus, and abilities are much more varied. A wide variety of options are open to information professionals. If you intend to pursue a career in a traditional library, though, start by browsing the American Library Association (ALA) web site (www.ala.org) to find out about the different types of librarianship and the resources available to you from the national association. Each of these types of libraries employs librarians in multiple subspecialties.