Kentucky 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 is one university that features accreditation from the American Library Association (ALA) for their Master's degree in library science. The University of Kentucky features an online Master of Science in Library Science with school librarian certification options. Students may consider study abroad options and connect with a Washington DC internship opportunity.

The University of Kentucky is located in Lexington, one of the two largest cities in the state of Kentucky with over 324,000 residents. Louisville holds the largest population with over 615,000 people. When combined, these cities provide the most opportunities for librarians across many industries in the state.

Are There Online Library Science Degrees in Kentucky?

Yes, online library science degrees are available at universities based in Kentucky. The University of Kentucky offers their Master's degree in a fully online format. Students are not required to visit the campus at any time during their study. Internships may be possible at the student's local area if approved or they may consider the school's connection to Washington DC organizations.

Courses are distributed in an asynchronous format in the UK program. This means that students can view lectures and other course material at any time of the day. Students are allowed to continue their professional work while pursuing higher education in library science.

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

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In Depth Review of Top Kentucky Library Science Degrees

University of Kentucky's Master of Science in Library Science

The College of Communication and Information features a Master of Science in Library Science that requires 36 total credit hours to complete. Students have the ability to study on a part-time or full-time basis. The program concludes with a practicum featuring a full report and 140 hours of field work.

Four core subjects all students take include library science management, information retrieval, and how information impacts society. There is a course specific to information technology that a student chooses. For the remainder of the program, seven elective courses may feature an additional IT focus and/or independent study.

There is a pathway toward school librarian licensure within the program and meets Kentucky state requirements. The curriculum is similar to the traditional degree, but adds a literature requirement and four courses on administration and technology in school media centers. There is one restricted elective and the practicum must be related to school media.

Options for campus based learning

The University of Kentucky is in Lexington. It is a premier place to stay, play, shop, and eat. In the 19th century, it was a major hub for the bourbon industry in Kentucky.

Kentucky School Librarian Licensure and ALA Accreditation

For school librarianship licensure in the state of Kentucky, individuals must complete the Master’s degree and have a teaching license. The UK degree does have a special focus that prepares students to take the Praxis II School Media Librarian Test. A passing score of at least 156 is needed to meet certification.

Having ALA accreditation means that the program offered by the UK is reviewed and approved for its excellence in librarian and technology education. Eventual graduates are prepared for advanced positions they customize their studies for. In addition to school librarianship, this could be digital archiving of various materials and collection development.

Career Options in Library Media

Around 2,000 librarian and media collections jobs are represented in the state of Kentucky as of May 2020 according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is comparable to other surrounding states, but generally lower than most. For example, Virginia has over 4,300 employees recognized, Ohio has over 5,100 professionals, and Illinois features the largest of the group with over 6,000 workers.

Librarian positions can be found at various public library systems and universities across the state. Positions can include a service director, cataloguing assistant, and branch supervisor. Specialty positions may also be considered in health care and law services.

Advanced positions in a specialty setting, or becoming a manager or services director, often requires an ALA-accredited degree. This is due to the skills needed in working with other professionals within the system and having strong communication skills when working with members. Similar accreditation is also considered with programs recognized by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and American Association of School Librarians (AASL).

Louisville Free Public Library

With over 4.3 million items in circulation across 17 branches, the Louisville Free Public Library (LFPL) is the largest public library system in the state of Kentucky. There are over 316,000 members at these locations, with the Newburg branch the first-ever to emphasize technology and multimedia services when opened in 2009. There are over 330 library workers within the LFPL.

Kentucky Library Association

Originally established in 1906 in Louisville, the Kentucky Library Association (KLA) brings together library workers for the advancement of their position and services a library provides. Activities include an annual conference, awarding professional excellence in the field, and provides scholarships to increase quality employment. The current headquarters for the association is in Prospect.

Membership benefits feature continuing education options, larger voice in legislation advocacy, and various discounts for meetings and conferences. Membership types include students, actively employed, trustees, and support staff such as technicians and assistants. Nearly any party somewhat affiliated to librarians and the advancement of related positions can be part of the KLA.

Salary Estimates in Kentucky

The annual mean wage for librarian positions across the state of Kentucky is estimated at $59,370 according to the BLS. This can jump up to over $79,000 for the top 10 percent of earners. Some of the highest-paying positions in the state are those that work at schools and universities.

Salaries are spread fairly evenly across the state. The Clarksville metropolitan area that crosses into Tennessee is the highest location with an average salary of $71,880 annually. The Elizabethtown and Fort Knox metropolitan area features the next-highest average at $64,420 annually.

Careers, Top Employers, Salary Information

Recent postings for Library Science degree holders

• Media Librarian Specialist for Pulaski County Schools – no salary posted
• Librarian/Media Specialist – Mill Creek Elementary for Jefferson County Public Schools – The base salary is $19,339 per year. The highest salary is $25,620 with ten years experience
• Librarian – Coleridge – Taylor Montessorie for Jefferson County Public Schools – salary ranges from $19,339 to $25,620 per year
• Cataloging and Metadata Librarian for Northern Kentucky University – salary ranges from $33,510 to $49,691, with an average salary of $37,512 per year
• Library Media Specialist for Warren County Public Schools – salary $37,965 per year
• CES Library Specialist for McCracken County Public Schools -salary $16.47 per hour
• Library Page for Louisville Metro Government – salary $10.30 per hour
• Director of Library & Information Services for Gateway Community and Technical College – salary $49,000 per year
• Circulation Desk Assistant for Northern Kentucky University -salary $9 per hour
• Federal Work Study Program Rocky Adkin Library for Ashland Community and Technical College – salary $10.50 per hour
• Library Media Specialist/Middle School Teacher for McCraken County Public Schools – salary ranges from $19,000 to $58,000 per year, with an average salary of $38,654