What Degree Do You Need to Be a Librarian?

Librarians are professionals who work in various industries, including museums, colleges, public libraries, schools, and businesses. As advocates for learning, librarians are responsible for providing access to information. 

Because librarians are information specialists, it’s expected that you have training in information sciences to become one. Learn more about the degree you can earn to become a librarian, including the different types of librarians and how to select the right area of specialization for you.

What degree do you need to be a librarian?

To become a librarian, you typically need to have a master’s degree in library science (MLS) from a program that is accredited by the American Library Association (ALA). Some roles, such as school librarians, might only require you to meet the state’s teaching requirements, but it varies by state. 

Library science is a degree that focuses on learning how to classify, utilize, and preserve different types of information. MLS degrees come in a wide range of specializations, so it’s important to know what type of librarian you’d like to become. For example, a librarian at a public library would have a different skill set than one who works exclusively in a law library. Knowing what type of audience you want to serve and what type of information you want to handle helps you identify the right program for your career goals.

What does a librarian do?

As a librarian, your role is dependent upon the type of setting and library in which you choose to work, but in general, some tasks include:

• Checking books in and out of the library

• Instructing visitors on where and how to access requested information

• Creating and then managing a database of materials

• Organizing the materials for easy access and use

As a librarian, you can serve the community by helping its members access information and gain knowledge. You may accomplish this by connecting people to needed technologies, teaching classes, researching, and managing a library’s physical and digital stock of books. Librarians are also valuable in spaces other than libraries. Earning your degree as a librarian can increase your skill set, making you more marketable in careers dealing with database management and information technology.

Librarian degrees: What should I major in?

While librarians typically need a master’s degree in library science, your choice of undergraduate degree is more flexible. Let's explore possible undergraduate degrees that would help you prepare for an MLS and look at the details of earning your master's.

Possible undergraduate majors

The undergraduate major you choose is entirely up to you and your interests. Any person with a bachelor’s degree is eligible to enroll in a MLS program. If you’re enrolling in an undergraduate program to become a librarian, it’s helpful to consider what type of librarian you want to be and then choose an undergraduate degree that compliments your career goal. For example, if you want to be a school librarian, then a degree in education would work well. If you want to be a medical librarian, having a background in health or science is helpful. Pursuing a bachelor's in library science is also an option.

Advanced education degree requirements

Once you’ve gained your undergraduate degree, it’s time to enroll in an MLS program. It’s important to choose an American Library Association-accredited program since many libraries require it. Some MLS programs focus on general studies, while others offer specific concentrations, such as technical skills or youth services. Depending on the type of librarian you want to be, you’ll pick a program that offers courses in the skill set you want to develop.

What degree do you need to be a school librarian?

Although an MLS degree is required for many librarian positions, you may only need a bachelor’s degree to work as a school librarian. That said, research your state’s requirements because, in some cases, additional training is necessary.  Quite often, along with a bachelor’s degree, you'll need to hold your state’s education certification or a teaching license to be a school librarian. Once you’re hired as a school librarian, some of your primary responsibilities might be helping students navigate the library’s resources, giving presentations on research and citation rules, and collaborating with other faculty members.

Librarian salary and job outlook

According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary for a librarian in the US is $71,766 [1]. You can earn higher than average salaries if you choose a specialized librarian role, such as archivist. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates librarian jobs to grow about 3 percent through 2032, which is about as fast as the average of other industries [2]. 

Other types of librarians

Depending on where your library is located, its size, and its audience, you might specialize in specific types of librarianship, including:

1. Law librarian

Average annual US salary (Glassdoor): $83,629 [3]

If you choose to become a law librarian, you will most likely work in law schools or firms. Your day-to-day responsibilities could entail helping law students, lawyers, clerks, and judges access and utilize legal documents and materials. Typically, you’ll need to have a law degree in addition to an MLS. 

2. Public librarian

Average annual US salary (Glassdoor): $58,341 [4]

As a public librarian, you typically work in public library systems, engaging directly with the community. Your patrons tend to be residents of the city or region the library system serves. Your responsibilities could include helping patrons find books to read for both pleasure and work, facilitating programs like book clubs or storytime, and providing access to informational resources. 

3. Archival and special collections librarian

Average annual US salary (Glassdoor): $67,017 [5]

As an archivist, you will probably retain, preserve, and organize important documents and materials created by different cultures, institutions, and political figures. While working in this profession, some of your other duties could include digitizing documents, preserving visual media, and providing access to these collections to historians, academics, or others who need this information for their work. 

Getting started with Coursera

Sharpen your library and information science skills with courses on Coursera. Options like the University of Colorado Boulder’s Managing, Describing, and Analyzing Data course is a great opportunity to learn about foundational skills that can help you succeed in an MLS degree. Check out the different offerings and take your first step toward a fulfilling career as a librarian.