The state of Georgia is a beautiful state that enjoys long summers and has sandy beaches, mountains, and great cities. Atlanta Georgia, which is its capital, is one of the largest cities in the U.S. and has one of the largest international airports in the nation. Additionally, in Atlanta and other parts of the state, art, theater, and the preservation of history are celebrated. Also, in Georgia, they have some of the most popular attractions in the country, including the town of Helen, Stone Mountain, Six Flags, and the largest aquarium on the continent, which is also the third largest aquarium in the world. 

Georgia is also known for having quality education, especially in its colleges and universities. It is one of the highest-ranking states for higher education among the southern states, according to U.S. News and World Report. It’s also known for college football, and in the last two years, the Georgia Bulldogs of the University of Georgia won the national championship. However, if you’re not a football fan, Georgia is still a state worth considering for earning your Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS),  or other library and information-related degrees. 

There are two colleges in Georgia that offer a school librarian programs and one college that offers a master of library science and is accredited by the American Library Association (ALA). If you want to be a professional in school librarianship, or a librarian in a public library or academic setting, then keep reading to learn more about what Georgia has to offer. 

Library Science Degrees and MLIS Programs in Georgia

Obtaining a Master’s degree in library science or a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science might appeal to individuals considering a library career in Georgia. A library degree helps advance beyond front line staff positions and can provide higher salaries.  Skills learned in a library program can also enhance business, management, Information technology, and organizational knowledge.
One consideration for a library career in Georgia is the employment outlook.  According to the U.S. Occupational Outlook for Librarians in Georgia, the projections are favorable.  Georgia ranks in the top quarter of states with the highest employment rates for librarians, median ranked wages, and the job market is growing at a higher than average rate. Keep reading below to learn more about the library degree programs available in Georgia.

Online Library Science Programs in Georgia

Many Library Science programs are available in an online format.  Attending classes online allows students to attend regardless of location and accommodates busy students with work and family schedules. Many highly ranked online library programs and certificates are available in the United States. Most of the Library Science programs available at Georgia Schools are available online.

Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science

In Georgia, Valdosta State University has an online American Library Association (ALA) accredited Master’s degree in Library and Information Science. This program is designed for students looking to advance in academic, public, and special libraries.  Program classes are flexible and online and 39 hours are required for completion.  Students will not need to complete a thesis to graduate.  Optional specialties include: cataloging, management, reference, technology, youth services, and archives. Students can apply online for this graduate program.

Master of Education Specializing in Library Media or Instructional Technology

Georgia Universities offer two options for individuals interested in pursuing a career in education.  Georgia College & State University provides an online Master of Education degree with a major in Library Media. The University of West Georgia has a Master of Education in School Library Media, an Education Specialist’s degree in School Library Media, and a Non-Degree Certification in School Library Media. These programs are available online. More information about these programs is available below.

ALA Accredited Masters in Library Science and MLIS Programs in Georgia

Most libraries in the state of Georgia, and most other states, require librarians to have an MLIS degree from an ALA-accredited program. For upper-level jobs, it is almost always expected, and an MLIS is always preferred. Georgia has one ALA-accredited program at Valdosta State University. More information about this program can be found here.

Librarian Degrees and Certificates in Georgia

For individuals considering a career path in K-12 education as a school librarian or even academic libraries, a Master’s Degree in Education with additional specializibations in library media or instructional technology may be an option. Programs include advanced instructional coursework and many offer a Georgia teaching certificate. Accreditation is provided by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and recognized by the American Association of School Librarians.

Georgia College and State University

Library Media Master’s in Education

This program is fully online to accommodate traditional and nontraditional students. Coursework includes professional education, certification areas, and electives. The focus is on school improvement and best practices in the field. One unique aspect is that students can enroll with colleagues from their district to work together and advance improvements in their institutions.

• 36 hours of classes are required
• Must hold a Bachelor’s degree
• Pass the GACE Admission Assessment
• Includes an S-5 certificate in Media Specialist from the Professional Standards Commission of Georgia
• Online program
• Elective Certificate in Instructional Technology

You can apply online to begin your new career path.

Georgia Southern University

Certificate Programs

Students looking to obtain their School Library Media Certification or Instructional Technology Certification have an additional choice with a program at Georgia Southern.  This online program allows students to begin taking classes during any term and coursework prepares students for their library media and instructional technology certifications.  Candidates should consult with program faculty regarding current criteria for certification before starting classes. The Georgia Professional Standards Commission has approved this program.

Instructional Technology Certificate

• 24 hours of classes
• Must hold a Master’s degree in Education
• Possess Georgia level five or higher teaching certificate
• Minimum 2.5 GPA
• Submit Disclosure and Affirmation Form

School Library Media Certificate

• 24-27 hours of classes
• Must hold a Master’s degree
• Candidates do not have to have a teaching certificate:
  • Georgia level four certificate holders can obtain renewal or certification
  • Out-of-state Certificate holders will not receive Georgia certification
• Minimum GPA 2.5
• Submit Disclosure and Affirmation Form

Students can apply online for admission.

University of West Georgia

School Library Media Programs

The School Library Media program at UWG includes three options for advanced learning. The first option is a Master’s degree in Education in School Library Media. The next option is an Education Specialist’s degree in School Library Media for those with a Master’s degree. Lastly, a Non-Degree Certification in School Library Media is available. All programs are online and train students to work in K-12 environments as school librarians.  One important factor about these programs is that they are not accredited by CAEP.  Instead, the school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

• Low or no-cost textbooks
• Flexible field experience requirement of 50 hours
• Faculty with school library experience
• Options for Out-of-State certification
• 30-36 coursework hours
• Must hold a Bachelor’s degree for M.Ed and Ed. S programs

Applications are available online.

How to Become a Librarian in Georgia

Georgia offers four kinds of certificates in librarianship. The first level is a paraprofessional certificate which allows library workers to gain entry level employment. Paraprofessionals must have a bachelor’s degree and at least 12 semester hours in a library science program at an approved school. The next level is a librarian professional graduate certificate, which requires an MLIS degree from an ALA-accredited school. The third level is a librarian advanced professional graduate certificate, which requires an MLIS and six or more years of planned graduate study from an approved institution. The last level of librarianship is a librarian doctorate certificate, and to obtain this level you must earn a Ph.D. in information science from a school that has an accredited MLIS program.

To become a school librarian in Georgia, you will need to pass competency tests, pass a certification program approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC), have a thorough knowledge of information organization, and literacy for all ages, and have three years of teaching experience. 

What else can you do with a Library Science Degree in Georgia?

There are opportunities for MLIS degree holders in cataloging, marketing management, digital archiving, and information science. Also, there are many archiving and preservation careers available because of Georgia’s well-funded historical society and over 20 different museums and archives in the state. 

Library and Information Careers in Savannah, Georgia

The library system that serves Savannah and surrounding areas have 16 different locations, one of which is on the beach! Also, anyone in the library system who works over 20 hours a week will be put into the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia (TRSGA). Additionally, the library system serves the community by aiding in education, providing information, enriching the community, and providing wholesome entertainment. 

Another employment opportunity for librarians within the Savannah area is with the Georgia Historical Society. Both the Research Center and the Jepson House Education Center are located in Savannah.  If you love researching Georgia and American history or teaching others about American History, then a career with the Georgia Historical Society might be a good fit.  

Additionally, there is a children’s museum, the Savannah History Museum, Georgia Railroad Museum, Pin Point Heritage Museum, Owens Thomas House and Slave Quarters, American Prohibition Museum, Andrew Low House, Old Fort Jackson, Tybee Island Light House, Flannery O’Conner’s Childhood House, and many more museums and historical sites, many of which are also managed or funded by the Georgia Historical Society.  

For those wishing to work in an academic setting, Savannah is home to Savannah State University and Savannah College of Art and Design. Additionally, Savannah has a private university and a public technical college. 

Library and Information Careers in Atlanta Georgia

The Fulton County Library System serves the greater Atlanta region and consists of 32 library branches. They offer a myriad of services for all ages and to meet the various needs of the communities. So, they staff many different library positions. Visit their website to take virtual tours of each library and to learn more about the library system.  

If you are looking for archiving opportunities, there are over 10 different museums in Atlanta, including Jimmy Carter Library and Museum, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

If you want to work in an academic setting, Atlanta has more than ten colleges and universities including Georgia Institute for Technology and Georgia State University.

Also, Atlanta is a great city to live in or commute to daily. Some of the reasons are that they have multiple transportation options including the MARTA Train system, the largest aquarium on the continent is in Atlanta, they have numerous other events and things to see each weekend, they are known for their excellent food, the weather is nice for the majority of the year, and they have nearby nature and recreation opportunities including Piedmont Park.

Library and Information Degree Programs and Careers in Valdosta Georgia

Valdosta is the only city in Georgia with an MLIS program that is ALA-Accredited and it is at Valdosta State University. The best feature of this program is that it is online and flexible enough for students who have other responsibilities, for example, those who support their families and have jobs. Valdosta is also an excellent city for librarians to find work. They are a college town and have over 56,000 residents in the city of Valdosta. Plus, the metropolitan area of Valdosta, which includes Brooks County, has 149,590 residents according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

Valdosta’s public library system also serves Lownes County and holds 202,000 volumes among seven different locations. Among these branches is the largest library in South Georgia and they are praised by its community and visitors because of its wide selection and various free events, programs, and classes. They offer GED classes, commuter classes, Spanish Classes, storytimes, teen events, and book clubs.

The charming city of Valdosta was also named “America’s Friendliest Cities” by Randy McNally. It is a scenic city with old buildings that have been well-kept over the years, but the city also keeps up with innovative technologies and services. Click this link to learn more about the city of Valdosta. 

Georgia Library Science Career and Salary Opportunities

There are over 3,000 librarian positions in the state of Georgia and many other information and archivist positions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average wage for librarians is $6,6310 annually.   

In every county, there are librarian positions including school librarians and public librarians, and there are a multitude of academic librarian positions, especially in the cities of Atlanta, Valdosta, and Savannah. Columbus, Woodstock, Columbia County, Macon, Decatur, and Augusta Georgia are also all known for having wonderful public libraries.

Georgia Librarian FAQ’s

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

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.  For many full-time and management level professional public library positions a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science is needed.  For a professional academic librarian position, an ALA accredited MLIS degree is required and sometimes an additional subject area graduate degree.  For special library positions (i.e. archivist, business librarian, legal librarian) an ALA accredited MLIS degree and an additional certification and/or experience working in the field is needed.

What Should I Consider When Researching Librarian Degrees In Georgia?

Some key factors to consider when exploring Librarian degrees are: tuition cost, type of job desired, class format (i.e. 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 Georgia?

The length of time to become a librarian will depend on the program and the type of position desired by the student.  Most Master’s programs will take two years to complete.  A certificate program will likely take about a year.

How Much Do Librarians Make in Georgia?

The mean annual wage for Librarians in Georgia is $68,570 and the mean hourly wage is $32.97.  The median hourly wage is $30.95 and annual salary is $64,370.  Each segment of the industry has a different salary range.  More information on Librarian Salaries in Georgia is available on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website.

Additional Links

To learn more about library science, and for online resources and guidelines visit https://www.ala.org/

To learn more about Georgia libraries and librarians visit https://gla.georgialibraries.org/
To learn more about library media in Georgia visit https://www.glma-inc.org/