Alabama is known for its love of football and southern hospitality. However, it’s also a great place for librarians and is the home of one of the best degree programs for library and information science. 

In Alabama, there are 305 public libraries among its 67 counties. This means, there is a ratio of over four public libraries per county. However, that does not account for the additional number of academic libraries within the 61 colleges in Alabama. 

To see why Alabama is such a great place for librarians, let’s take a look at the programs offered in Alabama and the program’s specific qualifications. Additionally, we will look at some amazing places to work as a librarian and what you need to do in order to become a librarian in Alabama. 

Library Science Degrees and MLIS Programs in Alabama

Alabama has great options available for future librarians to begin a career. The state has Universities that offer Master’s Programs in Library and Information Science, Master’s degrees in Education with a certification in Library Media, and a PhD program in Library Science.  Most programs are available online and have affordable tuition rates.

Online Library Science Programs in Alabama

Degree programs that are online offer flexibility for students. Most of the programs available in Alabama are online allowing non-traditional students an opportunity to learn in synchronous or asynchronous learning styles. Online programs provide an opportunity for students living farther away to attend classes.

Masters Programs in Library and Information Science (MLIS) and Library Media in Alabama

The University of Alabama: Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS)

The University of Alabama offers an online Masters in Library and Information Science with live and interactive classes and meetings. They use cutting-edge technology for their online school and they hire highly qualified and experienced faculty to prepare students for working in any type of library setting including public, academic, k-12 schools, and special libraries. 

• ALA-accredited 
• Two optional concentrations: Archival Studies, and School Library Media
• 36-credit hour program
• Online Degree

How to Apply

Before you can apply, you will need at least a 3.0 in a 4.0 system for the last 60 semester hours in an undergraduate program or higher to qualify. Then, when you apply, fill out an online application and pay the application fee. The application may require additional documentation, but you will need to send in at least three letters of recommendation, unofficial transcripts, and a statement of purpose. The GRE is not required for admission, and you can apply to two programs per application. 

They have deadlines for applying for each semester, so check their website for the next deadline. 

PhD in Library and Information Studies at The University of Alabama

At the University of Alabama, students interested in an advanced library science degree can obtain a doctorate in either school library media or social justice. This program is available online and courses in the Communication and Information Science Department and the Education Department can contribute to a degree. The program includes 48 credit hours of required courses and 18 hours of dissertation research. 

• ALA-accredited 
• 66-credit hour program
• Online only
• GPA requirement of 3.0 for graduate or undergraduate degree
• Must have completed Master’s degree

Interested students can apply online.  The application process includes several documents.  Potential students will need to submit all transcripts, a written Statement of Purpose, an additional writing sample, and a resume/CV.  In addition candidates must submit the contact information for three academic references.

The University of West Alabama: Education Specialist (Certification) Library Media

The University of West Alabama offers an online Master’s in Library Media. This program trains librarians who are specifically going into school librarianship. They will give you the foundation you need to provide a school with library services and to provide information to students and teachers. 

• Accredited by CAEP 
• 33 credit hour program
• Online Degree
• Part of the Mentor Collective Program

How to Apply

For this master’s degree, you will need an Alabama Teachers Certification and two years of experience in education at a public school or state-registered private school. 

In order to earn an Alabama Teachers Certification, one must receive a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 2.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale, and then finish a program for preparing educators that are approved by the state’s Department of Education. Additionally, you will need to pass all state-required exams. There are two tests you have to pass. The first is the Alabama Educator Certification Testing Program which covers basic knowledge of reading, writing, and mathematics. The other test is the Praxis for Library Media specifically. 

Then to finish applying for the Media Specialist Program, just apply online!

The University of South Alabama Master of Education in Educational Media

The University of South Alabama offers a Master of Education program with a certification in Library Media for individuals interested in a career as a school librarian.  Students in this program can obtain a certification in Library Media.  The program requires 21 credit hours, including an internship and a research course. Accreditation is provided by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Applications can be submitted online for entry in any semester.  Admission requirements include: 

• A Bachelor’s degree
• GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Valid class B or A educator certification
• A two paged written narrative
• Resume/CV
• At least 2 years of full-time teaching experience

How to Become a Librarian in Alabama

There are many jobs within a library that do not require a Master of Library Science, however, without a masters you are not considered a certified librarian in the state of Alabama. In some states, you can be a librarian with a bachelor’s in Library Science, but in Alabama, a bachelor’s in Library Science will get you as far as any other bachelor’s degree. 

Below are common library positions in Alabama and their qualifications:

Library Technician: A library technician position typically requires a high school diploma and a year or more experience in clerical work, or in a library setting. 

Entry-Level Librarian: In some Alabama library systems, you can become a Youth and  Children’s Librarian or an entry-level Librarian with two or more years of library experience and a bachelor’s degree. However, many entry-level Librarian positions require an MLIS or MLS degree from an ALA-accredited program. 

Library Management and Administration: These Librarians are department heads, library branch managers, or are part of the administration in a system of libraries. These positions will require an MLIS or MLS degree from an ALA-accredited program and at least two years of supervising within a library setting. 

Library Media Specialist: These librarians work in k-12 schools. To become a Media Specialist, you will need a bachelor’s degree, two years of teaching in a state-accredited school system, a teaching certificate, and a Masters’s in Library Media. 

What Else Can You Do with a Library Science Degree in Alabama?

There are many types of libraries you can work for including university libraries, public libraries, school libraries, and special libraries. However, there are numerous jobs out there that need the information organization skills a librarian has. Additionally, all Library Science Programs teach other skills that are appealing to non-library jobs. These skills include marketing, administration, and leadership skills, research, utilizing digital technology in various forms, graphic design, and customer service. 

Here is a list of some of the other jobs for librarians and the various skills they have in Alabama: 

• Archivist at the Alabama Department of Archives and History
• Content Manager
• Collections Manager 
• Digital Archivist
• Data Curator 
• Cataloging 
• Marketing Manager
• Graphic Design Artist 
• Researcher/ Research Assistant

Library System in Alabama

As mentioned above, there are around 305 public libraries in the state of Alabama and 61 colleges. The majority of Alabama colleges have at least one library, while large state universities have three or more. Therefore, there are plenty of opportunities out there.

Below is information on the largest public library system in Alabama and the largest university academic library system in Alabama. 

Birmingham Public Library System 

The City of Birmingham is the largest city in Alabama and is home to one of the best hospitals in the nation and is one of the top transplant centers in the world. Additionally, Birmingham is home to the “Oscars of Dining” if you want to work and live near good food. And it’s a national leader in parks and recreation with downtown park places and thousands of acres of hiking and biking woodlands. 

The public library system in Birmingham has 18 library branches and a vast online library free to Birmingham residents. The system also has an archives department that holds 30,000,000 documents and 500,000 photographs that relate to the greater Birmingham area and various materials related to Alabama history and its progress including the environmental movement and civil rights movement. They also have events and programs daily for all age groups and ongoing exhibits to view for art and history. 

So, there are plenty of different jobs for librarians in Birmingham.

The University of Alabama Libraries 

The University of Alabama is located in the city of Tuscaloosa which has 35 different parks among 2,000 acres of land, a children’s museum, an amphitheater, a national airport, and of course, the University of Alabama. The university campus provides dining and entertainment opportunities including Alabama football games, theater productions, and chances to get involved in a university community.

The library branches at the university include The Bruno Business Library, The Gorgas Library, The Sanford Media Center, The Williams Collection, The Hoole Special Collection, The McClure Education Library, and The Rogers Library. They also have a large archives collection that provides digitization services.

Three of the libraries are open from 7:30 to after midnight and the Rogers Library is open 24 hours a day. This may mean librarians will need to work night shifts at times, but it also means more staff is needed to keep the libraries open for those long hours. 

Because of the different types of libraries and collections at The University of Alabama, there is a multitude of different librarian positions and jobs. It is also a great place to be and to serve students and professors by providing quality information and technological services. 

Salary Opportunities in Alabama for Librarians 

Librarians in Alabama will enjoy a career that offers a comfortable income.  Wages in Alabama range from $13.45 to $40.97 per hour for librarians and media specialists, according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational and Wage Statistics. The median hourly wage is $30.12 across librarian roles.  The rate of unemployment among librarians in Alabama is low.  Depending on the job, wages may be higher or lower than average.  Librarians and Media Specialists comprise the majority of available library positions in Alabama.  Archivists make up a smaller portion of the job market but have slightly higher wages at $15.83 to $40.97 per hour.  Library Technicians and other Educational Instruction and Library Workers have lower wages reported, ranging from $11.03 to $30.41 per hour, and a degree is not needed for these positions. More information on salaries in Alabama is available on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational and Wage Statistics website.

Alabama Librarian FAQ’s

What Degree Do I Need To Work As a Librarian in Alabama?

The qualifications for library positions depend on the type of job and library.  To be a school librarian, a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and a Library Media certificate are required.  Students will need to pass two tests to be certified. The first is the Alabama Educator Certification Testing Program, and the other test is the Praxis for Library Media. 

For many full-time and management-level professional jobs, a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science is required.  To obtain an academic librarian position, an ALA-accredited MLIS degree is necessary, and sometimes an additional subject area graduate degree.  For other library positions (archivist, business librarian, legal librarian), applicants will need an ALA-accredited MLIS degree and an additional certification and/or experience working in the field.

What Should I Consider When Researching Librarian Degrees In Alabama?

Some key factors to consider when exploring Librarian degrees are tuition cost, type of job desired, class format (in-person or online), admission requirements, location, course faculty, additional certificates or specializations, program accreditation, and program length.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Librarian in Alabama?

The time to complete a degree depends on the program requirements and the institution.  Many Master’s degree programs can be finished in about two years, including the ALA-accredited program at the University of Alabama.  It will take four to five years to complete a doctorate.  To complete a Master’s degree in Education and become a school librarian can be completed in two years.

How Much Do Librarians Make in Alabama?

The mean annual wage for Librarians in Georgia is $58,300. The mean hourly wage is $28.03.  The median hourly wage is $30.12. The yearly salary is $62,650.  Each segment of the industry has a different salary range.  More information on Librarian Salaries in Alabama is available on the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics website.

Additional Resources:

For more information about librarianship and Library Science visit ala.org. 

For more information about The School Library Media Specialist Degree and Certification visit https://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/

For more information about public libraries in Alabama visit https://aplsws2.apls.state.al.us/