Illinois 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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There are three universities in Illinois that offer ALA Accredited Master's degrees in library science. All schools feature fully online programs. Institutions with ALA accreditation include the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, Chicago State University, and Dominican University. Additionally, Northern Illinois University offers an online library information specialist endorsement.

Are There Online Library Science Degrees in Illinois?

Yes. The Dominican University and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offer Masters-level, PhD, Dual Degree, and Graduate Certificate options in library and information science. Dominican's MLIS is available fully online, while the PhD is offered as a hybrid. U of I's MSLIS is available online or on-campus, while the PhD is face-to-face only. The MSLIS and School Information Specialist endorsements available at Chicago State University are available online or as a hybrid. Finally, Northern Illinois University's Library Information Specialist endorsement can be completed online.

Options for campus based library science programs in Illinois

There are multiple cities to find colleges with a library science degree in Illinois, including: Chicago, Champaign, and DeKalb. Of these, the city of Chicago is vastly the largest at over 2.6 million people. River Forest, the location of Dominican University, is a suburb of Chicago and approximately a half hour to the west. Graduate library science degrees are by far the most widely offered programs in Illinois.

In Depth Review of Washington Library Science Degree Programs Updated for 2023

University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign's Master of Science in Library and Information Science

The School of Information Sciences features a Master of Science in Library and Information Science. 40 total credit hours are needed to complete curriculum requirements. There are many concentration options, including archival and special collections, knowledge management and competitive intelligence, and youth and school librarianship.

Online education is provided through Canvas, where students connect with other learners and faculty members in a virtual setting. Courses are distributed with a weekly live meeting, but coursework can be completed at any time. Requires a three-day weekend orientation that offers workshops and offers students to meet with each other.

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

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Chicago State University's Master of Science in Library and Information Science

Students may complete the Master of Science in Library and Information Science at the Chicago campus or online - with most courses being offered online or as hybrids. Specializations are available with a school, public, academic, or archival focus. Teachers holding a professional license may consider the School Library Information Specialist endorsement program.

Five courses are required for all students in topics such as research methods and information organization. A handful of courses are needed to complete the concentrated selected along with electives approved by an advisor. The program concludes with a capstone project and thesis paper or project.

Dominican University's Master of Library and Information Science

The Master of Library and Information Science offers courses at various times of the day and prepares individuals for librarianship opportunities. Study is available 100 percent online, as a hybrid, or at the River Forest campus. Students may also select a hybrid version of the two options if desired.

Many concentrations are available to focus studies throughout the program. Examples include Digital Curation, Health Informatics, Web Design, and Youth Services. All courses can be completed in as little as one year and there is a maximum of six years allowed for part-time study.

Northern Illinois University's Library Information Specialist Endorsement

The Department of Educational Technology, Research, and Assessment offers an online Library Information Specialist endorsement. This is an appropriate option for those already possessing a bachelor's degree who are interested in working in a K-12 library setting. The endorsement requires 18 credit hours of coursework in library science and a comprehensive examination.

Specific courses in this endorsement include Reference Theory and Practice, Library Materials for Children, and School Library Media Centers. It is necessary to pursue a master's degree in instructional technology to receive endorsement. Other application needs include letters of recommendation and GRE or GMAT scores.

Typical MLIS coursework at universities in Illinois

• Libraries, Information, and Society - Offers a comprehensive look at major issues facing information centers today. Considers information science as a profession, communities served by information professionals, and contemporary topics, including intellectual freedom and ethics.
• Information Organization and Access - This foundational course provides an overview of basic concepts related to organization and access. Discussion includes various information settings, systems, and user communities.
• Cataloging and Classification - This course provides an introduction to principles and methodologies of descriptive cataloging, subject headings, and classification. Standards including AACR, Dewey Decimal, Sears, and OCLC will be discussed.
• Collection Development and Reference Material Use - Explores the principles, practices, problems, and resources for the selection and acquisition of information center resources. Includes a systematic review of popular reference aids and resources.
• Media Center Administration - Students will survey the trends, issues, and challenges related to the management of school media centers and school libraries. Special consideration will be given to methods and strategies for resource-based teaching and providing resources to patrons with special needs.
• Information Literacy Instruction - This course presents the concepts and methods of user-centered instructional design and information literacy delivery. Theories and models are discussed, as students apply basic concepts and best practices to develop classroom materials for face-to-face and online learning.
• Independent Study - This self-directed course provides students with the opportunity to study topics beyond the curriculum. Students will be required to submit a written proposal for their course of study and identify a final deliverable as evidence of learning.
• Practicum - The practicum serves as professional, guided field experience in an information setting. With approval, students will work under the supervision of an experienced librarian or information professional with the goal of applying theory and knowledge gained in the classroom in a professional environment.

Illinois Career Options in Library Media

The state of Illinois has one of the highest rates of librarian employment in the Midwest. According to the US Bureau of Labor StatisticsBLS, nearly 6,000 workers are represented as librarians or media collections specialists as of May 2021. This is also recognized as the fifth-highest state for employment, only behind New York, Texas, California, and Florida.

Much of the employment is based in Chicago, which is the second-largest metropolitan area for librarian employment. Career seekers may consider various library systems in the city, including the extensive Chicago Public Library. Dozens of colleges at the public and private level have library opportunities, including the University of Illinois at Chicago and DePaul University.

Chicago Public Library

One of the top 10 largest public library systems in the United States is the Chicago Public Library. With 79 different branches, only the Detroit Public Library is larger in the Midwest. In terms of volumes held, the University of Chicago Library is the largest in the city.

One of the unique aspects of the Chicago Public Library is the elimination of fines for overdue materials. Other services offered include a lecture series and Innovation Lab with 3D printing and software features. The current central library is located at the Harold Washington Library Center, established in 1991.

Illinois Library Association

The Illinois Library Association (ILAILA has nearly 2,000 personal and more than 500 organizational members affiliated. Their goals are to improve the leadership aspect of state libraries and the impact they have on education. They also look to advocate for better funding and support for libraries at all levels by justifying their worth to the community.

Various media distributions are available to members, including a quarterly magazine and e-newsletter that details new library activities and legislation. An annual conference provides an opportunity for professionals to network and build their existing skills. They can also learn the latest technological innovations in collection management and organization.

Librarian Salary Estimates in Illinois

Based on the latest Chicago city data from PayScalePayscale Chicago, IL, the average librarian makes $49,979 annually. This jumps to approximately $67,000 for those in the top 10 percent of earners. Professionals can expect to see these averages within 5 to 10 years of employment.

These averages take into consideration all levels of librarianship and in various industries. Lower-paying opportunities are offered for assistant and associate positions. Higher estimates are reserved for those working in academic libraries or holding director or management positions within the public sector.

Illinois Librarian Careers, Top Employers, Salary Information

Recent job postings for Library of Science degree holders in Illinois:

• Visiting Diversity Residency Librarian at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Library – salary $60,000
• Instructor & Regional Health Sciences Librarian at the University of Illinois at Chicago, University Library – salary $50,000
• Clinical Assistant Professor and Resource Management Librarian at the University of Illinois at Chicago, University Library – salary $50,000
• Executive Director at the Oak Park Public Library – salary $135,000 to $150,000
• Awards Coordinator, Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) for the America Library Association – salary mid-$40,000’s
• Youth Programming Librarian at the Green Hills Public Library District – salary $38,033 to $47,541
• Electronic Resources Librarian, Assistant/Associate Professor at the SIU Edwardsville Lovejoy Library – salary $55,000
• Technical and Circulation Services Department Head for the Alpha Park Public Library – salary $22 to $27 hourly
• Librarian at Shawnee Community College – salary $42,000 to $45,000
• Librarian I – Exhibits for the City of Chicago – salary $58,044