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Library Science: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries

Program Overview

Library Science encompasses the systematic study of information organization, management, and access within diverse institutional and digital environments. This interdisciplinary field prepares professionals to design, maintain, and innovate information systems that support research, education, and public service across libraries, archives, museums, and technology-driven organizations.

  • Information Organization and Classification: The principles and practices for structuring data and resources using standardized systems such as Dewey Decimal, Library of Congress, and metadata schemas to ensure efficient retrieval.
  • Information Technology in Libraries: The integration of digital tools, databases, and emerging technologies to manage collections, deliver services, and enhance user experiences in modern library environments.
  • Research and Information Literacy: Strategies for teaching users how to locate, evaluate, and ethically use information, supporting academic success and informed decision-making across disciplines.
  • Archival and Records Management: Techniques for preserving, organizing, and providing access to historical documents, digital records, and institutional archives with attention to authenticity and long-term sustainability.
  • Library Administration and Leadership: Core competencies in budgeting, staffing, policy development, strategic planning, and ethical governance essential for managing library operations and driving institutional change.
  • Digital Curation and Preservation: Methods for maintaining the integrity and accessibility of digital content over time, including format migration, digital rights management, and disaster recovery planning.

Library Science Graduate Trends (2010-2024)

145
Total Graduates (2023-2024)
9
Universities & Colleges
N/A
Career Pathways

Library Science Career Pathways & Salary Outlook

The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Library Science degrees, including . These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements.


Career salary data is not available for this program.

Top Universities for Library Science by Graduate Enrollment

Below are the top 9 institutions offering Library Science programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Library Science is found at University of California (UCLA), Los Angeles (73 graduates), University of Central Arkansas (UCA) (38 graduates), Long Island University (LIU) (15 graduates), University of Washington (UW), Seattle Campus (8 graduates), and Marshall University (5 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 145 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.

College Name Award Levels Graduates Location Control Website
University of California (UCLA)
Master's
73 Los Angeles, California Public ucla.edu
University of Central Arkansas (UCA)
Master's
38 Conway, Arkansas Public uca.edu
Long Island University (LIU)
Master's
15 Brookville, New York Private liu.edu
University of Washington (UW)
Master's
8 Seattle, Washington Public washington.edu
Marshall University
Postbac Cert.
5 Huntington, West Virginia Public marshall.edu
Oakland Community College (OCC)
Associate's
3 Auburn Hills, Michigan Public oaklandcc.edu
Dominican University
Master's
1 River Forest, Illinois Private dom.edu
Emporia State University (ESU)
Postbac Cert.
1 Emporia, Kansas Public emporia.edu
Pratt Institute
Postbac Cert.
1 Brooklyn, New York Private pratt.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Library Science programs

Which universities have the largest Library Science programs?

Currently 9 accredited institutions offer Library Science degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of California (UCLA), Los Angeles (73 graduates), University of Central Arkansas (UCA) (38 graduates), and Long Island University (LIU) (15 graduates).

Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.

Is enrollment in Library Science growing or declining?

Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 322 in 2010 to 145 in 2023-24. This represents a 55% decrease overall from 2010.

The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.

Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.

Related Library Science Programs

Explore similar degree programs within the Library Science field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.