Libraries and information centers play a vital role in the organization, access, preservation, storage, and retrieval of a wide variety of information and information formats. These institutions house books, archival materials, databases, digital information, and more for the use of their patrons, which range from the general public to specific research groups. For libraries and information centers to run their best, they require specially trained professionals including librarians, archivists, and information specialists. To gain the knowledge and skills necessary for their work, these professionals obtain educational and instructional degrees that equip them for their duties and educate them on the most relevant theories, best practices, and technology.
New York City offers many educational options for those looking to enter the field of library and information science. It is host to many traditional masters of library and information science degrees (MLIS) as well as other library and information-centered educational alternatives. From Manhattan to Queens, the city’s five boroughs are home to myriad organizations that offer courses, programs, and degrees to fit any student’s educational needs.
Library Science Degrees and Education in New York City
Library science degrees and education in New York City can be found in various boroughs and neighborhoods throughout the city. The education itself also comes in various forms, including undergraduate education, master’s programs, and less traditional deliveries. The most common library science education found in the city, and often in general, is the Master of Library Science (also known as a Master of Library and Information Science, Master of Science in Library and Information Science, Master of Science, etc.). The city also offers dual degree programs, workshops, and online programs. Many are approved and accredited by the American Library Association (ALA), ensuring a quality vetted education.
New York City Master in Library Science (MLIS) Programs
As mentioned, master of library and information science (MLIS) programs are the most common educational pathways for aspiring library, information, and archives professionals. These programs provide foundational education in library and information science, covering topics such as youth services, public librarianship, information literacy, collection management, preservation, and academic librarianship. Depending upon their structure, MLIS programs often offer pathways that allow students to focus their education on a specific educational goal. No matter what, MLIS degrees ensure future library and information professionals gain the skills and knowledge required by their field and prepare them for the road ahead.
As a cultural and educational hub, New York City is home to various MLIS programs from which students can choose. New York University (NYU), the Pratt Institute, Queens College, and St. John’s University each offer unique graduate pathways in library and information science.
New York University (NYU)
Library and Information Science Dual Degree Program
New York, NY
ALA Accredited: Yes
Credits: 72
Tuition: $129,504 to $133,504
Since 1832, NYU has offered quality education to New York City residents and out-of-staters alike. The school ranked number 30 out of 436 National Universities by USNews.com and has consistently produced notable alumni such as ground-breaking medical researcher Jonas Salk and renowned film director Martin Scorsese. Partnering with Long Island University’s Palmer School of Library and Information Science, the schools offer an ALA-accredited duel-master degree in “virtually any discipline offered by the New York University’s Graduate School of Arts and Science (GSAS)” in addition to an MSLIS. The focus of the partnership is on specialized librarianships, including academic and research librarianship. Courses take place at the Palmer School Manhattan in the Bobst Library.
Queens College
Queens, NY
ALA Accredited: Yes
Credits: 36
Tuition: $16,920 for New York State residents and $30,780 for out-of-state residents
Queens College’s Master of Library Science (MLS) offers students a quality library science education rooted in fundamentals. Unlike some MLIS programs, Queens College’s degree work focused on the diverse applications of information, from libraries to corporations. In addition, their program keeps up-to-date with the latest in information technology, helping students keep abreast of emerging trends.
The Pratt Institute
Master of Science in Library and Information Science
New York, NY
ALA Accredited: Yes
Credits: 36
Tuition: Approximately $65,232
With outstanding faculty expertise and a program that’s been in place for over a century (the oldest in the U.S.), the Pratt Institute’s MS program has a solid foundation that students can trust. The program’s focus on archives and cultural heritage makes the Pratt Institute an ideal choice for those wishing to pursue a career in archives, museums, and special collections.
St. John’s University
Master of Science in Library and Information Science
Queens, NY (Online)
ALA Accredited: Yes
Credits: 36
Tuition: Approximately $59,760
Queen’s St. John’s University offers a fully online master of science in library and information science that offers students greater flexibility while still maintaining high scholastic standards. The remote format is geared towards professionals and includes four core courses and various engaging electives.
New York Library Studies and Media Degrees and Courses
For students seeking a library and information-based education outside of the traditional MLIS framework, New York City offers a selection of introductory courses and alternative degrees for all types of learners. Alternative educational deliveries allow for different educational environments, diverse theoretical perspectives, greater freedom in scheduling, and the chance for students to draw connections between libraries and other disciplines. In addition, those new to higher education can sample courses on library science to assess whether or not they want to pursue it further.
New York City College of Technology
If you’re looking to gain an introductory education on information literacy or research skills, the New York City College of Technology in Brooklyn is the perfect place to start. While the school doesn’t offer full degree programs in library and information science, its two library course listings provide students with related topics that can aid in their understanding of the field.
LIB 1201, Research and Documentation in the Information Age, educates students on information literacy regarding both analog and digital formats, allowing them to utilize both past and present technology for study, research, and personal fulfillment; LIB 2205ID, Learning Places: Understanding the City, takes a more hands-on approach to research, having students choose a physical location within New York City and applying proper research methods to their studies of that region to learn more about the environment around them.
CUNY Graduate Center
Another non-MLIS option within the city is the CUNY Graduate Center’s Digital Humanities Master. Focusing on the relationships between information, technology, and information centers, this program equips future professionals with the skills and knowledge needed for our increasingly digital and technological landscape.