New Hampshire is a New England state known for having charming small towns and beautiful mountains and forests. The state enjoys all four seasons with harsh winters and warm summers. New Hampshire receives an average of 60 inches of snow a year, and the state’s White Mountains receive the most snow in the nation by far, making this a great state for snow skiing, snowboarding, dog sledding, and other winter recreational activities. Additionally, New Hampshire is often called the “Mother of Rivers” by geography due to the five great rivers in New England starting in New Hampshire. The state also has 1300 lakes and ponds and 40 rivers that add up to 41,800 miles of river in the state. This creates a beautiful terrain for kayaking, canoeing, hiking, climbing, camping, and so much more.
There are 12 four-year universities in New Hampshire and a few options in community colleges and technical colleges. The most notable universities are the University of New Hampshire, Dartmouth College, Southern New Hampshire University, Franklin Pierce University, and Plymouth State University. The University of New Hampshire, Southern New Hampshire University, and Dartmouth College offer undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, and doctoral programs. Dartmouth College is an Ivy League school, and the University of New Hampshire provides programs through its School of Law. Plymouth State University and Franklin Pierce University offer undergraduate and graduate degrees. Plymouth State University is the only university in the state that offers a library science program, and it is for school library media specialists. Currently, there is not an MLIS degree program accredited by the American Library Association, which is often required for librarian positions.
This article covers the programs offered in New Hampshire and through the State Library Association and other information relevant for those considering an education program or a career in library science in New Hampshire. Relevant information includes how to become a librarian in New Hampshire, career possibilities for MLS degree holders outside of librarianship, and career and education opportunities in New Hampshire within New Hampshire’s largest cities. Additionally, the article covers important employment statistics and salary expectations.
Master’s in Library and Information Science Programs in New Hampshire
There is one Master of Education in Library Media program from Plymouth State University, and it is approved by the American Library Association (ALA) with American Association of School Librarians (AASL) accreditation. This program is for teachers and educators who want to work as school librarians. It is easier for teachers and anyone with a teaching certificate to become a school librarian, but talk to your state’s Department of Education for the qualifications for school librarians. For those who want to become professional librarians in a public library or a university library, applicants will need a Master’s in Library and Information Science (MLIS) from a program accredited by the ALA. New Hampshire does not offer an MLIS degree, but the New Hampshire Library Association is part of a cohort with the University of North Texas that offers an online Master’s in Library Science that is accredited by ALA.
M.Ed. in Library Media at Plymouth State University
This program is accredited by the American Association of School Librarians, and it is 18 – 45 credit hours long, depending on the track. There are five library media tracks to choose from, including the MEd in library media: Non-Certification, MEd in Library Media, K–12 Library Media Specialist Certification, K-12 Library Media Specialist Certification Only, MEd in Library Media, K-12 Library Media Specialist and K-12 Digital Learning Specialist dual certification, and the K-12 Library Media Specialist and K–12 Digital Learning Specialist dual certification only. To earn the certificate and graduate with an M.Ed. in Library Media, students must complete 33 credit hours and the courses Social Behavior in a Diverse Society, Imagination, Innovation, and Creativity, Research Design, Leadership and Management, Cataloging and Curation, Resource Selection and Instruction, Technology and Innovation, Advanced Children and Young Adult Literature, and a Practicum in Social Media.
How to apply
To qualify, they suggest earning a 3.0 GPA or higher. Applicants need to send in official transcripts, a statement of interest, an updated resume, and three professional letters of recommendation. Then apply online and pay the application processing fee.
Transcripts can be mailed to PSU-Graduate Admissions, 17 High Street-MSC 52, Plymouth NH 03264. Or, transcripts can be emailed to psu-gradadmit@plymouth.edu
VT-NH-ME Corhort: Master of Science in Library Science at the University of North Texas
This is an online program with in-person sessions in the student’s state residence. For New Hampshire residents, in-person sessions are typically at the New Hampshire Library Association location. These sessions can be professional conferences, meetings, and other networking events. The blend of online coursework and professional events will give students the knowledge and networking skills necessary for guaranteeing a first job. The coursework is typically completed in two years and includes Intro to Information and Knowledge Professions, Intro to Information Access and Knowledge Inquiry, and Introduction to Information Organization. The remainder of the courses are electives and are chosen based on each student’s professional preference.
How to apply
To apply, create an online account and fill out the online application. Applicants will need to send in transcripts and pay the application processing fee. Contact the program’s admissions department for information regarding qualifications and additional application documentation. Applicants can email CI-Admissions@unt.edu or call 940.369.7188.
How to Become a Librarian in New Hampshire
There are no state requirements for public or academic libraries, but most institutions require professional librarians to have an MLIS or MLS degree from an ALA-accredited program. For management and administration positions, more experience is required. Library staff and technicians may only need some experience and a high school diploma, depending on the state or institution’s requirements.
School librarians in New Hampshire must have a bachelor’s degree and meet current competency expectations. It is preferred for school librarians to have a library science degree accredited by ALA or a library media degree accredited by AASL. Currently, library media specialists are on New Hampshire’s Critical Shortage List, and a teacher’s certificate is not required. However, this can change at any time. Please contact the New Hampshire School Library Association Certification Chair at certification@nhslma.org for updated certification requirements.
What Else Can You Do with a Library Science Degree in New Hampshire?
One of the largest employers in New Hampshire is Standex. They provide businesses with food service equipment, engineering technologies, electronics, and hydraulic systems. Many of Standex’s brands are recognized for their innovation and quality of service and goods. They offer careers in Research and Development, Business Strategy and Development, Product Development, Engineering and Design, Manufacturing Operations, Fabrication, Finance, Human Resources, and Legal. For current job opportunities in New Hampshire related to information science visit their website.
Manchester Library Degree Programs and Career Opportunities
Manchester is the most populous city in New Hampshire. South New Hampshire University is one of the largest universities in the state, and it offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. They staff 32 library employees for the Shapiro Library on campus. It is a large and beautiful building. Students also have access to 250 online databases with complete-text articles, journals, magazines, and newspapers.
Manchester is served by the Manchester City Library, which has two library branch locations. They staff a total of 35.4 library employees and 15.5 librarians with MLIS degrees from an ALA-accredited Program. They offer services for children, teens, computer and technology help. Additionally, they host over 500 library programs, classes, and events for the community.
Concord Library Degree Programs and Career Opportunities
Concord is the third-most populous city in New Hampshire, and it is the state capital. They are served by the Concord Public Library, which holds much of the capital’s history in a digital archive and in the Concord Room. The library also assists with finding ancestry information with their genealogy databases. There are 19.7 library staff and 13.6 librarians employed by the city of Concord. There is one central location and two library branches in the system. The libraries provide over 50 children’s programs and 30 other programs each year.
Salary Opportunities in New Hampshire for Librarians
According to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, there are 1,090 librarian positions in New Hampshire. This includes school librarians, academic librarians, and public librarians. Librarians make a mean wage of $61,560 annually in New Hampshire, which is comparable to surrounding states. New York offers a much higher annual mean wage of $77,140, but Maine offers a lower mean wage of $56,420 a year. The lowest-earning librarians make $38,050 a year and the highest-earning librarians make $83,860 a year. The entry-level librarians make the least amount and the most experienced library administrators make the most.
Additional Links
To learn about librarianship and library science accreditation in the U.S. visit ala.org.
Visit https://www.nhlibrarians.org/ for more information on librarianship in New Hampshire and education opportunities.
To learn more about school librarianship in New Hampshire, visit https://www.nhslma.org/