New York has more library science programs and career pathways than any other state. This is no surprise, given the state’s robust history and focus on the arts. There are currently seven American Library Association (ALA)-accredited Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) programs in the state, making New York the largest provider of MLIS programs in the country.
According to the New York State Department’s 2023 report, there are approximately 755 public library facilities across the state. This number does not include K-12 school libraries, academic libraries, and special libraries also found in New York. With the large number of libraries in New York, there is a growing demand for MLIS graduates to fill those librarian roles.
Quick Facts
Number of ALA-accredited MLIS programs offered in New York: 7
Number of fully-online MLIS programs available in New York: 5
Number of library science PhD programs available in New York: 1
Number of New York MLIS programs that require prospective students to have undergraduate backgrounds in library or information science: 0
Average yearly in-state tuition cost for a New York-based MLIS program: 20-30k/year
Library Science Programs in New York
There are numerous reputable library science programs available in the state of New York. In fact, New York boasts the highest number of library science programs of any state across America.
Master of Library and Information Science in New York
New York boasts a variety of MLIS and library science-adjacent programs. Many of those programs are American Library Association (ALA) accredited, meaning that the college or university’s library science degree program meets a specific set of standards set forth by the American Library Association, which serves as a supporting and governing body for America’s various libraries.
MLIS programs in New York with ALA accreditation include:
- University at Buffalo, SUNY (100% online)
- Syracuse University (100% online or in-person options)
- St. John’s University (100% online)
- Queens College, CUNY (hybrid coursework – some online and some in-person)
- Pratt Institute (in-person)
- Long Island University (in-person)
- University at Albany, SUNY (100% online)
To learn more about these programs’ more specific offerings and details, continue reading.
Online Library Science Programs in New York
In an increasingly busy world, graduate students seek online programs more than ever. Fortunately, five of New York’s seven library and information science programs offer 100% online coursework options for prospective librarians:
- Program Name: Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS)
- Modality: Online
- GRE Required?: No
- Program Length: Approximately two years
- Tuition: $6,658/year for in-state students; $12,130 for out-of-state students
- Program Overview: This MLS program is fully online and a great option for part-time students. The school offers a modern curriculum that allows for tailoring coursework to meet the individual career goals of each student.
- Key Highlights:
- This program can be completed on a full or part-time basis, making it ideal for working students.
- The program also has highly customizable concentrations so students can select a course of study that best supports their career ambitions. Some of these concentrations include law librarianship, music librarianship, information storage and retrieval, and special libraries, to name a few.
- Additional Considerations: This school is a research university, and independent research opportunities are abundant in this program.
- Accreditation status: This program is ALA-accredited.
- Program Name: Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS)
- Modality: Online
- GRE Required?: No
- Program Length: Approximately two years, with options to possibly complete it faster
- Tuition: This school does not charge in-state and out-of-state students differently. The cost for one credit hour of classes is approximately $2,015.
- Program Overview: Syracuse University offers a wide variety of MLIS program focuses for prospective librarians in a fully-online format, making it ideal for working professionals and adults trying to advance their careers. Students can choose from a variety of concentrations, such as User Services and Community Engagement, Information Research and Analytics, or Children and Youth Services, just to name a few.
- Key Highlights:
- It is possible to complete this program in as little as eighteen months.
- The program focuses heavily on information justice, equity, and engagement, as well as the role of technology within communities.
- Some concentrations available in this program include archives and special collections, youth services, digital curation, school librarianship, and information research and analytics.
- Additional Considerations: This program boasts a 96% graduation rate and a 94% job placement rating after graduation. It is also one of the more expensive MLIS options in New York.
- Accreditation status: This program is ALA-accredited.
- Program Name: Master of Science in Library and Information Science (MSLIS)
- Modality: Online
- GRE Required?: No
- Program Length: Approximately two years
- Tuition: This school does not charge in-state and out-of-state students differently. The cost for one year of classes is $31,410.
- Program Overview: SJU’s MSLIS program is designed for full-time or part-time students looking to further their careers in library science. Students have a variety of program concentrations to choose from, including, but not limited to, archival work, children’s services, and digital librarianship.
- Key Highlights:
- SJU offers fully asynchronous online classwork.
- Students are required to take at least one course focused in social justice.
- Some of this program’s concentration options include archival studies, academic librarianship, records management, and library management.
- Additional Considerations: The school boasts highly flexible plans of study to suit the needs of busy adults trying to further their education.
- Accreditation Status: This program is ALA-accredited.
- Program Name: Master of Science in Information Science
- Modality: Online, depending on the program concentration chosen
- GRE Required?: No
- Program Length: Approximately 2-3 years, based on chosen concentration of study
- Tuition: $13,908/year for in-state students; $28,318 for out-of-state students
- Program Overview: This ALA-accredited program prepares students for careers in academic libraries, public libraries, archives, records management, information centers, and corporate/government information roles. The program also emphasizes applied learning and encourages students to get hands-on experience through internships.
- Key Highlights:
- Students have opportunities to complete internships, undertake research projects, work with real clients, and engage in other hands-on experiences, even through an online program.
- Some of this program’s concentrations include artificial intelligence and data analytics, information management and technology, and archives and records administration.
- Additional Considerations:
- Some concentrations can’t be completed fully online. If you need fully online coursework, double-check program requirements for specific concentrations before applying.
- This is a private school. While tuition is more expensive here, it still boasts more affordability than other similarly sized private institutions.
- Accreditation Status: This program is ALA-accredited.
- Program Name: Master of Library Science (MLS)
- Modality: Hybrid with some online and some in-person instruction
- GRE Required?: No
- Program Length: Approximately 2-3 years
- Tuition: A program total of $16,920 for in-state students or $30,780 for out-of-state students
- Program Overview: Queen’s College’s MLS program prepares students for roles in academic, public, school, special, and corporate libraries, as well as archives and information centers. It offers various concentrations, such as Archives & Preservation of Cultural Materials, Public Library Services for Children & Young Adults, and Library Media Specialist Licensure for Public Schools. This program places a strong emphasis on serving the multicultural and multilingual populations found in the New York metropolitan region and beyond.
- Key Highlights:
- This program is the only publicly funded ALA-accredited library science program in the New York metro area.
- The college offers internship opportunities at prestigious institutions, such as various museums and archives.
- Some of this program’s concentrations include cultural heritage information management, corporate librarianship, young adult services, and information systems design.
- Additional Considerations:
- Because the rate per credit is relatively low for in‑state residents, this program is a more cost‑effective option compared to many private MLIS programs.
- Prospective students should check the availability of specific online or evening courses if they need flexibility. While the program is hybrid, many courses may still require on‑campus attendance or evenings spent at the main campus in Queens.
- Accreditation Status: This program is ALA-accredited.
Bachelor’s in Library Science in New York
Bachelor’s degrees in library science aren’t as common, but there are two programs available in New York. Often, these degree programs aren’t specifically focused on library science, but rather on information or data science, making them excellent stepping stones to prepare for eventual enrollment in an MLIS program.
CUNY School of Professional Studies
- Program Name: Bachelor of Science in Information Science (BSIS)
- Modality: 100% online
- GRE Required? Not applicable
- Program Length: Approximately 4 years
- Tuition: $7,320/year for in-state students; $8,400/year for out-of-state students
- Program Overview: This program prepares students to navigate the evolving world of data, technology, and information management, making it an ideal undergraduate program for those interested in pursuing a career as a librarian. It is interdisciplinary and blends computer science, data analysis, and information systems. Students can choose from three main study tracks: a General Track, a Technical Track, or a Data Science Track.
- Key Highlights:
- This bachelor’s program offers fully online delivery, which is less common for undergraduate programs of this nature.
- This program boasts a strong alignment with current technology, data, and information industry needs.
- Additional Considerations:
- While the tuition is relatively low for both in-state and out-of-state students, it’s essential to consider other fees and costs associated with online learning before choosing this pathway for undergraduate education.
- Undergraduate learners have less academic experience; a fully online course of study at this level can be challenging.
- Accreditation Status: Not Applicable
- Program Name: Bachelor of Science in Information Science (BSIS)
- Modality: In-person
- GRE Required? Not applicable
- Program Length: Approximately 4 years
- Tuition: $71,266 for in-state and out-of-state students
- Program Overview: Cornell’s program is designed to prepare students to engage with how people create, use, and manage information and technology in domains such as data science, human‑computer interaction (HCI), systems design, information systems, and the social/ethical aspects of information. This program serves as an excellent stepping stone toward eventual enrollment in an MLIS program, although graduates can pursue many other opportunities. The program prepares them for potential careers in corporate industries, technology-centric fields, and beyond.
- Key Highlights:
- This program is interdisciplinary, allowing students to tailor certain aspects to suit their future career goals.
- Cornell boasts an Ivy League education.
- Additional Considerations:
- The tuition is high compared to other program costs in surrounding schools.
- The school offers numerous support networks for planning and funding education at Cornell.
- Accreditation Status: Not Applicable
PhD and Doctoral Programs in Library Science in New York
Some people choose to continue their library science education beyond an MLIS. Whether they aim to delve deeper into academic research, pursue academic teaching careers at the university level, or aspire to higher-level administrative roles, a PhD in library and information science can make those career goals a reality.
- Program Name: PhD in Information Studies
- Modality: In-person
- GRE Required?: Depends – GRE scores may be requested in some cases to bolster a prospective student’s application, but they are not a firm listed requirement.
- Program Length: Approximately 4-7 years
- Tuition: Estimated $110,000 for the entire program
- Program Overview: This program focuses on how information is created, organized, stored, accessed, and used across disciplines and institutions. It prepares graduates for academic research, leadership, and policy roles in library and information science-focused areas, such as archives, library systems, and more. Students have the opportunity to explore the intersection of technology, human behavior, and information systems, with the flexibility to pursue specialized research interests.
- Additional Considerations:
- This program is designed to be flexible for working professionals looking to expand their academic experiences in library and information services.
- A variety of assistantships, tuition assistance programs, scholarships, and more exist to help fund a PhD education at LIU.
- Accreditation Status: Not Applicable (but their in-person MLIS program is ALA accredited)
Career and Licensure Requirements for Librarians in New York
Public Librarianship
The requirements to become a public service librarian in New York are very similar to the requirements upheld in other states across America. Generally, a librarian interested in employment in New York must…
- Have a completed MLIS degree from an ALA-accredited institution.
Not all library systems consider an ALA-accredited degree a firm requirement and will accept completed education from a non-accredited school. It is essential to research various library systems and see what their hiring preferences are.
K-12 School Librarianship
Like other states, New York has firm requirements for prospective K-12 school librarians to meet before they can assume such a role in a New York school. These requirements include…
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree.
Many prospective K-12 school librarians will complete a bachelor’s degree in education (and earn the certifications to teach in the process). However, this is not the only way to work toward K-12 school librarianship certification – many MLIS programs geared toward school libraries will assist their students who need teaching credentials.
- Completion of an approved school library media program (usually an MLIS with a school library media concentration).
- Earning New York State Teacher Certification as a School Library Media Specialist.
- Complete the required student teaching and/or fieldwork hours set forth in the MLIS program.
- Passing New York State teacher certification exams (such as the EAS, CST-Library Media Specialist)
The minimum passing score for this exam is 520.
Salary and Job Outlook for Librarians in New York
The Bureau of Labor Statistics currently lists the following salary averages and growth projections for librarians in America:
- Average yearly salary: $64,329 (around $30.92 per hour)
- Growth projections: The employment of librarians is expected to grow by 2% between 2024 and 2034. While this growth rate is slower than average, around 13,500 openings are projected each year – this accounts for retirements, career changes, and other openings.
How do these numbers compare to New York’s data?
- Average yearly salary for a New York librarian: The median annual wage for librarians and media specialists in New York is approximately $66,600. Salaries can vary based on location and experience.
- Various factors, including location, institution type, and local cost-of-living adjustments, influence this average. For example, librarians in busier, more urban areas of the state, such as New York City, earn a higher average salary.
Growth projections in New York: In New York, an estimated average of 1,390 librarian positions become available each year, mainly due to retirements and workforce transitions.
Scholarships and Financial Aid for Library Science Students in New York
New York Library Association (NYLA) (aka the Empire State Academic Scholarship)
- This scholarship is designed for students accepted into or enrolled in an ALA-accredited MLIS program somewhere in New York State.
- Award amount: $1,000
- Requirements:
- Winner must attend an ALA-accredited library school in New York
- Must maintain a B-level grade average
- Must commit to working in a New York library for at least two years post-graduation
Law Library Association of Greater New York (LLAGNY) Scholarships
Requirements: Requirements vary for the different types of scholarships offered through this institution.
This opportunity is designed for students enrolled in or accepted into an ALA-accredited MLIS program (or a related program) in the New York metropolitan area.
Award Amount: $2,000 (for the Type 1 Scholarship) or $2,500 (for the Type 2 Scholarship)
Professional Associations and Networking in New York
The NYLA is the statewide association for librarians, library staff, trustees, and friends of libraries in New York. This group provides its members with continuing education, advocacy, professional developmen,t and networking opportunities. Joining this association is a good choice if you plan to work in public, school, academic, or special libraries in New York, as it provides opportunities for all of these specialties.
This professional association focuses on serving law libraries and legal information professionals in the NYC metro area. The group offers networking, education, professional development, and scholarship opportunities (see above) for library school students interested in pursuing careers in law librarianship.
This association exists to support the librarians working in the State University of New York (SUNY) system. It focuses on offering professional development, collaboration opportunities across campuses, and improving library services within SUNY.
This is a chapter of the ACRL, a nationwide group that exists to support academic librarians. This specific chapter serves educational and research librarians in the New York City metropolitan area. The chapter offers symposia, mentoring, and discussion groups on topics such as user services, instruction, and information literacy sessions.
FAQs about Library Science Programs in New York
Do you need a master’s degree to be a librarian in New York? It depends! While many librarian positions in New York do require candidates to hold an MLIS degree to qualify for jobs, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, employers will make exceptions for people with comparable education and/or professional experience. It is best to research specific library systems or institutions to determine their hiring preferences and requirements.
Are there online ALA-accredited programs available for students in New York? Definitely! Not only does New York offer a lot of MLIS programs, but the majority of them offer either fully online (or at least partially online) program offerings. This can be a significant plus for busy adult students who must juggle work and other responsibilities with their education.
How long does it take to earn an MLIS? Typically, an MLIS program can be finished within 2-3 years. Some programs advertise shorter completion times, but this is usually under exceptional circumstances, such as a student who has more time to tackle more coursework than what is generally advised per semester.
What jobs can you get with a library science degree in New York? While many people with library science degrees find themselves working in public or K-12 school libraries, there are other career possibilities for people with completed MLIS degrees, such as…
- Special collections librarian
- Technical services librarian
- Archivist
- Media & publishing professional
- Museum or cultural heritage roles
- Corporate librarian
- Information management roles
- Digital assets manager
Additional Links
For more information about the library and information science, and online resources for library professionals visit https://www.ala.org/
The New York Library Association has excellent resources for librarians and for those wishing to pursue a career or education in library science. You can visit them at https://www.nyla.org/
