New York is a beautiful state that enjoys all seasons with long snowy winters. It has 180 state parks for those who enjoy nature and outdoor recreation. Within those parks are opportunities for all types of winter recreation, fishing, and hiking. There are even some beaches, opportunities for sailing and other water recreation opportunities. And of course, there’s New York City. One thing all of these places have in common is they are all perfect places to relax, and read a book.

Within the city and the state, there are more programs and careers in library science than in any other state. In the metro area, the New York Public Library has 80 different library branches, and Brooklin has 57 library branches. Additionally, there are numerous colleges, universities, museums, archives, and some of the world’s largest companies looking for information professionals. 

For more information about New York, New York City, and the opportunities available to those wishing to pursue a degree in library science, or find a related career, keep reading. 

Bachelors Programs in Library and Information Science in New York

The bachelor program in information in the state of New York is offered at Syracuse University, which has an MLIS program that is ALA-accredited. This means the teachers and resources are going to meet accredited graduate-level standards. This program will adequately prepare you for your MLIS coursework, but if you decide to stop your education after a four-year degree, you will still have the skills and knowledge to work in the information and technology fields within businesses, and private institutions. 

Bachelor’s in Information Management and Technology at Syracuse University 

This program is a fast-track program that allows students to add a master of information science and finish a semester early, making both programs more affordable. Additionally, the program graduates are hired quickly and paid higher than in other graduate programs. Businesses know the program graduates are skilled in business management, information technology, and other useful versatile skills. The average starting salary for graduates is $73,000 annually. Plus, you can be in the program online or on campus. 

How to apply

Talk to an admissions counselor online or in person, and then apply online for the undergraduate program and the iSchool. 

ALA Accredited Masters in Library Science and MLIS Programs in New York

New York has six colleges and universities with an MLIS program accredited by the American Library Association, and four offer an online program. Accreditation offers more employment opportunities because many libraries and institutions require or prefer librarians and information specialists to have a degree from an ALA-accredited school. These schools have also gone through a rigorous accreditation process and must meet ongoing standards to maintain their accreditation.

M.S. in Library and Information Science at SUNY University at Albany

This program has rich studies in current information technology, informatics, data analysis, and intelligence analysis. The courses include research methods, the current information environment, information organization, and many courses to choose from for your area of study. Additionally, each student will have an internship to gain experience in their preferred field. Benefits to SUNY’s Masters in Library Science program include:

• Accelerated bachelor/master program
• Online program
• ALA-accredited
• No GRE required for students with a 3.2 GPA 

How to apply

To qualify, you will need at least a 3.2 GPA or a high score on the GRE test. Then apply online and pay the application fee. Also, you will need to send in transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a statement of goals. 

M.S. in Library and Information Science at SUNY University at Buffalo

This program can be taken part-time or full-time and is fully online. The program focuses on a wide range of courses to prepare students for a variety of careers in library and information. The two general areas of career choices for graduates are libraries and information-intensive organizations. MLIS program perks include:

• ALA-accredited 
• Online program
• Specialized programs in music librarianship and law librarianship
• 36-credit hours
• No GRE required

How to apply

To qualify, applicants need a 3.0 GPA and a bachelor’s degree before admission. Then applicants can apply online and pay the application fee. Applicants will also need to submit unofficial transcripts, statement of education and career goals, and three sets of contact information of at least three individuals for requesting a letter of recommendation. 

M.S. in Library and Information Science at Long Island University

This program is taught by highly successful and knowledgeable professors who are experienced in many areas of librarianship, research, and information science. Because of the variety of educators, the program offers areas of study in archives, general studies, information systems and technology, rare books and special collections, public librarianship, and children and youth librarianship. Additionally, the program offers a dual degree and a certification in school librarianship. Highlights of this New York based library science degree include:

• ALA-Accredited 
• Online program
• No GRE is required for those with at least a 3.0 GPA
• Six areas of study

How to apply

Applicants need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college and either a 3.0 GPA average or a high GRE or MAT score. Then students should apply online and pay the application fee. Applicants will also need to send in transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a resume, and a personal statement. 

M.S. in Library and Information Science at St. John’s University

Students who finish this program are prepared for diverse environments in library and information fields, including public libraries, academic libraries, corporate and government centers, archives, museums, and more. For any kind of employer, each student will have a portfolio of research, study, and experience they must complete before graduation. Additionally, the curriculum is rooted in the ethics of the catholic faith which upholds social justice and service. Highlights to this program include:

• Online Program
• ALA-accredited
• 36-credit hours
• No GRE required

How to apply

To qualify for the program, applicants need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and a 3.0 GPA average. Then, applicants will need to send in transcripts, an online application, an application fee, statement of professional purpose, and two letters of recommendation. Additionally, an interview with the program director may be required.

Master of Library and Information Science at Syracuse University 

This program was ranked the sixth-best MLIS program in the U.S. by the U.S. News Report, and the average starting pay for graduates is $63,340 annually. Additionally, they are leaders in technology and have had their online MS program for decades. The online courses include real-time weekly classes, multimedia coursework, and collaborative group learning exercises to prepare students for working in the professional world and to help cultivate professional relationships. Highlights for this top-ranked MLIS program include:

• Online program
• ALA-accredited since 1928
• Ranked #6 in Library Science 

How to apply 

Check with an admissions counselor to see if you qualify for the program and then apply online and pay the application fee. Then send in your transcripts, two letters of recommendation, resume, exam scores (if necessary), a personal statement, and a resume. 

M.S. in Library and Information Science at PRATT Institute

The PRATT Institute is a prestigious school and has an outstanding M.S. program for library and information science. Some notable facts are that 100% of their graduates are employed within nine months of graduation, and graduates obtained jobs for the American Museum of Natural History, The Juilliard School, Yale University, The New York Times, the Library Journal, and the Wildlife Conservation Society. Some key takeaways for this Masters in Library Science include:

• ALA-accredited since 1924
• 36-credit program
• Offered certificates in User Experience, Spacial Analysis and Design, Digital Humanities, Conservation and Digital Curation, and Archives

How to apply

To qualify, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and outstanding academic records. Then applicants can apply online and send their application fee, official transcripts, current resume, statement of purpose, and two letters of recommendation. 

Master of Library Science at City University of New York-Queens 

This program prepares students for any library setting and other information settings in metropolitan areas, rural areas, and within areas of various cultures and communities. This program is mostly on campus, but there are some online courses to allow for some flexibility. Most notably, they have been accredited by the American Library Association since 1970, and below are some additional program benefits:

• ALA-accredited since 1970
• No GRE required
• On-campus program with some online courses

How to apply

To qualify, applicants must hold a bachelor’s and have an average 3.0 GPA. Then applicants apply online and send in their application fee, transcripts, 500-word essay, and three letters of recommendation.

Ph.D. in Library Science Programs in New York

Getting a Ph.D. in New York means having access to a multitude of research opportunities because of the diversity and number of people in New York. Additionally, because New York has over 200 universities in New York City alone, there are plenty of teaching opportunities in higher education for those who have their Ph.D. in library and Information science. 

Ph.D. in Information Studies at Long Island University

The Ph.D. program at LIU has two areas of study: Information Access and Systems, and Information Studies and Services. The program for both areas of study requires 60 credit hours before graduation. Additionally, this program can be taken part-time or full-time to accommodate students’ schedules. 

How to Apply

To qualify for admission, you need a master’s degree. The degree can be in any discipline. The school will also look at work experience, research work done, and any other indication of interest and experience. 

Then apply by March 1st for priority admission. You will need to fill out an online application, pay the application fee, and send in transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a resume, a personal statement, a statement of research, and a sample of scholarly writing. 

Ph.D. in Information Science and Technology at Syracuse University

Syracuse University offers opportunities to work with educators and researchers in philosophy, sociology, psychology, computing, librarianship, policy studies, and other communication and information technology areas. This is an intense program that requires Ph.D. students to dedicate four to five years of full-time residential study

How to apply

Contact the Syracuse University admissions office to learn if you qualify and what you should send when you apply. Then, apply online and pay the application fee. 

How to Become a Librarian in New York

There are two ways to become a certified librarian in the state of New York. The first way is to hold an M.L.I.S. degree from an ALA-accredited program. The second way is to have six-credit graduate hours from an ALA-accredited program, hold a New York State Public Librarian conditional certificate, and have two years of professional library experience. 

New York City Library Science Degree Programs and Career Opportunities

In the Greater New York Metro Politain Area, there are over 80 library branches in the public library system. This no longer includes Brooklin which has another 57 library branches in its public library system. These locations include locations for computer usage, research, music research, a children’s library, a few archives and history libraries, and multipurpose library branches. 

There are also over 200 colleges and universities in New York City, creating hundreds of academic librarian positions. 

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

There are careers information science graduates are wanted for in New York in more technical positions. Information specialists can be graphic designers, website builders, database managers, and other digital and technical roles. 

New York Library Science Career and Salary Opportunities

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, New York has 11,620 librarian positions among academic libraries, public libraries, school libraries, and special libraries. This makes New York the state with the highest number of librarian positions in the country. Additionally, New York pays its librarians $76,310 annually on average, and is the second highest-paying state for librarians, right under California.

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/