Hawaii Library Science Degrees

School	Program	More Info
Syracuse University	Online MS in Library and Information Science ALA-accredited. Multiple professional pathways or specializations available. No GRE required to apply. Complete in as little as 18 months.	Website
University of Denver	Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) ALA-Accredited, No GRE Required. Complete in as few as 21 months.	Website
St. John's University	Online M.S. in Library and Information Science ALA Accredited, 24 months to complete. 4 specializations and 2 certificate options.	Website

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The University of Hawaii is the exclusive institution that offers a graduate library science program with accreditation. The Master of Library and Information Science is accredited by the American Library Association (ALA). This program features core concepts in management and technology with multiple pathways to consider for various librarian specialties.

Are There Online Library Science Degrees?

At this time, there are no programs in Hawaii that offer a fully online experience for library science education. For the University of Hawaii's program, 30 percent of the curriculum is available online with asynchronous or synchronous education formats. Due to time zone differences and limited resources, no students can take the program online outside of the state of Hawaii.

Hawaii Library Science Degrees

The MLS program at the University of Hawaii is available at the campus located in the neighborhood of Manoa, which is in Honolulu. Honolulu is the largest city in the state of Hawaii with over 341,000 residents. With most of the education required on campus, students will need to be in this area throughout their studies to get the degree.

Honolulu also provides the best opportunities for librarian positions in the state of Hawaii. The University of Hawaii itself has positions available along with various branches of the state public library system. School librarianship positions require a teaching license, Master's degree, and the passing of the Praxis II Library Media Specialist examination.

List of the best campus-based and online CAEP, AASL, or ALA-Accredited library science degree programs in Hawaii

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University of Hawaii's Master of Library and Information Science

The Information and Computer Sciences Department offers the Master of Library and Information Science degree. The curriculum consists of core concepts with three credit hours needed in management and advanced technology topics each. Students choose to complete the program with a comprehensive oral exam or thesis project.

39 total credit hours are required to complete this program. Concentrations feature Academic Librarianship, Public Librarianship, Library Automation, and Archival Studies. Students considering being a school library media specialist must take an administration and an internship within the subject.

For admission consideration, applicants must send transcripts showing the completion of a Bachelor's degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Other documents include two letters of recommendation and personal statement. This statement must be 500 to 1,000 words and describes career goals and why they are choosing a particular specialization in the program.

What is ALA accreditation?

Holding an ALA accreditation means that the college offering the library science program has been reviewed and approved for their excellence in this education. They have similar professional goals to the association and provide faculty and resources necessary for the most success. Continuing accreditation requires the college to continue innovating their curriculum and applying for renewal when needed.

Residents living in Hawaii that require more flexibility than what the University of Hawaii offers can look at other ALA-accredited institutions in the continental United States. Some programs are offered completely online with no on-campus requirements. Prior to sending an application, individuals should confirm that they meet technical requirements and if they can meet on time in a live course setting where that university is located.

Hawaii Career Options in Library Media

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Hawaii has approximately 440 workers in the field of librarianship and media collections as of May 2020. Most of this is attributed to the Honolulu area on the island of O’ahu. Other jobs are spread out across the other islands.

Hawaii State Public Library System

Unlike other states that separate public library systems, Hawaii has a singular process throughout the entire state. These are separated into different public and school libraries in various counties, including 25 locations in Honolulu (and the county) and 12 in Hawaii County. Together, all 51 libraries form the Hawaii State Public Library System.

The Hawaii state library system offers over 2.9 million books, 280,000 CDs and DVDs, and hundreds of newspapers and magazines for checking out. Digital materials are distributed through OverDrive, Bookflix, and Kanopy. These services provide members to check out digital books and stream independent films over an application on their mobile or smart device.

Hawaii Library Association

In an effort to enhance skills for librarian workers and promote services offered at these locations, the Hawaii Library Association (HLA) was formed. This organization first developed in 1922 and is headquartered in Honolulu. Over the years, they have become advocates in improving legislation and distribute publications such as the Hawaii Library Association Journal and Current Hawaiiana.

The association is separated into seven different sections, such as topics focusing on school and media centers, children and youth services, and information technology. Membership dues are smaller when compared to other states, ranging between $15 to $40 annually. Many individuals fall under the $15 mark, but this will depend on established professionals and the salary they receive.

Benefits for membership include resources for scholarship application, recognition for accomplishments in the field, and networking with other professionals. Scholarships are offered to students and professionals, with one of each receiving up to $1,000 annually. The Pacific Islands Association of Libraries, Archives, and Museums offers a $1,000 scholarship to a member attending the HLA annual conference.

Librarian Salary Estimates in Hawaii

The annual mean wage for library professionals in the state of Hawaii is estimated at $71,280 according to the BLS. This can jump to around the $100,000 figure for those in the top 10 percent of earners. Receiving higher pay is reserved for established professionals with managerial or director duties within the library system.

Options for campus based learning

The University of Hawaii System has ten campuses, three universities and seven community colleges. The main campus is in the Manoa District of Honolulu. The school offers diverse and unique opportunities for an island home.

Careers, Top Employers, Salary Information

Recent job postings for Library of Science degree holders

• Director of Informatics for Bishop Museum – no salary listed
• Junior Researcher for University of Hawaii – salary commensurate with qualifications, experience and within UHM guidelines
• Assistant Researcher for the University of Hawaii – salary commensurate with qualifications, experience, and within UHM guidelines
• IT Manager, Configuration Management Intermediate for Alakaina Foundation Family of Companies – no salary listed

There are 48 steps on the University of Hawaii’s salary schedule. They range from $44,112 to $116,284 per year, based on an 11-month contract. A Hawaii college Vice President earns between $166,277 and $297,661 per year, with an average salary of $220,107. The salary for an Information Technology Director ranges from $165,025 to $204,303, with an average of $184,157 per year. An IT Manager earns an average salary of $82,916 per year.