Arizona is a southwestern state and is known for there rich Native American heritage, breathtaking desert mountains, and the Grand Canyon. Currently, there are over 22 Native American tribes including the Hopi, Zuni, Navajo, and Apache. Because of the natives and the breathtaking natural landmarks, Arizona attracts those who love and appreciate art, culture, and history. Which is why Arizona has over 50 museums and 22 national parks. 

There are plenty of opportunities for librarians and for those pursuing education in librarianship. There are over 40 public libraries just in Tuscon and Phoenix Arizona and numerous libraries among public schools and universities. Additionally, all library and information science programs in the state are offered by the University of Arizona and they offer multiple bachelor’s degrees in information science, a master’s in library and information science, and a Ph.D. program in information science. 

All degrees from the University of Arizona include an internship, valuable contacts with local and national businesses and organizations, and one-on-one communication with an experienced faculty. Their information science programs are well funded with state-of-the-art technologies and opportunities for research and technology advances within the school and the area surrounding the university. To learn more about the programs in library and information science keep reading.

Bachelor’s Degrees in Information Science in Arizona

There are three bachelor’s degree programs offered by the University of Arizona for information science. They offer a B.A. in Information Science and Arts, B.A. in Information Science and eSociety, and a B.S. in Information Science and Technology. The School of Information is over 50 years old and accredited by the American Library Association. Below is more information on each of these programs.

B.S. in Information Science from the University of Arizona

The bachelor of science degree in information science involves more math than other information degrees. Students learn skills in data science and programming foundations. They study the ethics and real-world issues in information and how it affects our lives. Students need to choose an area of concentration in either data science or interactive and immersive technologies.

How to apply

To qualify, you must meet the core competency requirements. If you do, or will before the start of the term, then you can apply online, pay the application fee and send in your high school transcript and any standardized test scores accepted on the list of requirements.  

B.A. in Information Science and Society from the University of Arizona

This degree is similar to the B.S. in information science, but it adds the human aspect of information and technology. Students learn to understand how our society and communities live and thrive in a fast-changing world of technology and data. Career paths for this degree include social media specialist, marketing research analyst, and other careers in information and technology-rich cooperations and organizations. 

The application process and admission requirements are the same as the B.S. degree above. 

B.A. in Information Science and Arts from the University of Arizona

This degree combines math, science, and art so that students can learn the art of digital storytelling and creative coding. This degree provides students with access to creative technologies like 3D printers, laser cutters, and their new prototyping lab.  They also have courses in virtual reality, user experience, sound technology, interactive art, and human-computer interaction. After graduating, students will have the skills for careers in web design, system development, data engineer, and sound engineering. 

To apply follow the same link and directions for the B.S. degree from the University of Arizona. 

Masters in Library and Information Science Degrees in Arizona

There is one ALA-accredited program in Arizona and there is one other information master’s degree. Both are offered through the School of Information at the University of Arizona which is located in the city of Tucson.  Tucson is the second largest city in Arizona and is close to the largest city which is Phoenix. The university’s School of Information has been around for over 50 years and offers five degrees in information science, and they offer two master’s degree programs.

M.S. in Information Science from the University of Arizona

This program is often completed in two years, but students can take it part-time and spend six years working toward their M.S. degree. The school provides an on-campus option and students can take it online. The program consists of a hands-on curriculum that gives students skills in using information and in information technology. Courses expose students to virtual reality, computer simulations, and user experience (UX). These courses give students the knowledge and skills for a fast-developing culture of modern technology and information technology. After graduating, students will know how to analyze information and technology and adapt it to meet the needs of their communities. This degree is not accredited by ALA even though the school holds accreditation. 

How to apply

Applicants need a bachelor’s degree and a 3.0 GPA to qualify. Then apply online and pay the application fee. Applicants must also send in transcripts, an academic statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation, and an updated resume. No GRE is required. 

M.A. in Library and Information Science at the University of Arizona

This degree is also offered online or on the Tuscon campus. It is a 37-credit hour degree. Students learn how to work in any library setting and in any role in the library, including how to run a library. The program also offers certifications and concentrations in academic librarianship, archives, public librarianship, special librarianship, medical and community health information, and law librarianship. 

How to apply

The application process and admissions requirements are the same as the M.S. degree program. 

Doctoral Programs in Arizona for Library and Information Science

There is one doctoral degree in information science and it is from the University of Arizona. Their school of information also offers bachelor’s degrees in information science and an MLIS degree accredited by the American Library Association. The school provides adequate opportunities for internships, research, and quality interactions with professors and other information scholars in the school and other disciplines at the university. 

Ph.D. in Information from the University of Arizona

This doctoral program is only 36 credit hours in length and 18 hours are dedicated to the student’s dissertations. The courses and research opportunities teach scholars to become professional researchers and leaders in information and information technology. The School of Information at Arizona focuses heavily on the social aspect of information and the social interaction with technology. Graduates become senior software engineers, senior research scientists, library directors, and professors of information science. 

Research is the largest part of this degree and it is guided alongside faculty who conduct research in computer-mediated communication and learning, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, biodiversity informatics, computer vision, natural language processing, eCommerce, eGovernment, library science, educational and entertainment technologies, and more. If you have a strong desire to research these topics further, then this program may be the perfect fit. 

How to apply 

This degree is competitive and applicants need to have an area of study in which one of the faculty members is interested. Students do not need to take the GRE, but students must have an undergraduate degree as a minimum qualification or a graduate degree. Most accepted scholars have a 3.5 GPA. If this program sounds right for you, apply online, pay the application fee, and send in supporting documents. 

How to Become a Librarian in Arizona

There is no certification requirement by the state except for librarians in the public school system, however, most institutions want librarians with master’s degrees from an accredited school by the ALA. There is also an optional certification process instead of a master’s degree that is sponsored by ALA. Check with potential employers for opportunities and certification if you wish to become a librarian in Arizona. 

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

There are many opportunities for information specialists and digital creativity. Arizona’s largest companies hire web designers, market researchers, data analysts, and user experience specialists. The largest corporations and organizations include Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Forever Living Products, and First Solar.

There are also plenty of opportunities in archiving and museum work dues to the rich history of Arizona. The Arizona Museum of Natural History is a strong employer that has collections in archaeology, art, geology, paleontology, natural history, and ethnology.  Other museums and archive employers include the University of Arizona, the Children’s Museum of Phoenix, the Musical Museum, and the Arizona Science Center. 

Salary Opportunities in Arizona for Librarians 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, librarians and media specialists earn a median wage of $53,280 annually in Arizona. Phoenix is the most populous city in Arizona and offers most librarian career positions.  The city of Tucson is nearby and is the second largest city in Arizona. Additionally, the only ALA-accredited program is in Tuscom, offered by the University of Arizona.

Additional Links

To learn more about the library systems and librarianship in Arizona visit https://www.azla.org/. 

To learn more about accredited schools for library and information science visit https://www.ala.org/. 

To learn more about the state library and archives visit https://azlibrary.gov/branches/archives-records-management

For job opportunities go to https://azlibrary.gov/jobline