Louisiana 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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Louisiana State University is only graduate library science program in Louisiana that is ALA accredited. The LSU Master of Library and Information Science program is accredited by the American Library Association (ALA). An alternative pathway is completing a graduate certification for a school librarian position.

Louisiana State University is located in Baton Rouge, which is the second-largest city in the state of Louisiana with over 216,000 residents. In comparison, New Orleans features over 388,000 people in the city and even further library job opportunities. Baton Rouge is approximately 80 miles to the northwest of New Orleans.

Are There Online Library Science Degrees in Louisiana?

Yes, there is an online library science degree program at LSU Online. Prospective students considering the program at LSU may complete the degree entirely online. There are two formats that change on some resources, course distribution, and availability, but are mostly similar. One is pursuing the degree through the university itself or the School of Library and Information Science. More info in the "review" section below.

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

Consider a Sponsored Online Library Program Taking Applications

In Depth Review of Online Louisiana Library Science Degree Programs

Louisiana State University's Master of Library and Information Science

The College of Human Science and Education offers a Master's degree that requires 36 total credit hours to complete. There are eight optional areas of emphasis to consider, such as various librarian positions or content management. Students can complete the program with full-time or part-time enrollment, but must be completed within five years. All online coursework is distributed fully online. Students do not have any requirements to meet on campus. When pursuing the Master's degree through the school, admission only takes place in the fall or spring semester. This can vary based on other formats and if the student is pursuing the graduate certification instead.

It is recommended that all students have a modern computer with a Windows or Mac operating system. There must be compatibility with the Moodle learning management system and ProctorU software for examination. Some material may be accessible through a mobile device. All internet connection should be high-speed and other students have a webcam and speakers set up for interaction.

Curriculum is divided up with core concepts and the specialization or electives the student chooses. Core topics include information technology, research methods, and how information impacts society. At least a 3.0 GPA must be maintained in order to continue through and graduate from the program.

While content and faculty remain mostly the same, there are some differences between pursuing the Master's degree through LSU in general or the School of Library and Information Science. Courses may be split up in two five or seven-week terms while the school's features a more traditional 14-week semester.

ALA Accreditation in Louisiana

The ALA is an established organization that recognizes excellence within the curriculum reviewed. Some job options require that individuals hold a Master's degree featuring accreditation from the ALA. University programs meet requirements by continuing to innovate in the library field and have professionals with established experimentation.

In order to become a school librarian in the state of Louisiana, professionals must have a teaching license and a Master's degree. This provides preparation for the Praxis II Library Media Content exam, with requires a passing score of 136 or higher. They must also pass the Principles of Learning and Teaching exam.

Louisiana Career Options in Library Media

The state of Louisiana has over 2,700 positions among librarians and media collections specialists according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is above average when looking at national averages and higher than the neighboring states of Mississippi and Arkansas. Opportunities are spread out across the state, but the bulk of these positions are found in New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

Jobs to consider include public library systems across the state, including many opportunities in the New Orleans Public Library (NOPL) and State of Louisiana. Over 200 employees work in the NOPL system across 15 different library locations. Positions in the public library sector may feature collection development, library director, and information technology solutions.

Louisiana Digital Library

Over 400,000 items have been digitally archived at the Louisiana Digital Library. Item categories include maps, photographs, and written and audio documentation on the history of Louisiana. Content is geared toward students of all ages, researchers, and teachers.

Dozens of government, school, and other organizations with a library contribute to the digital collection. Examples include Louisiana Tech University, various LSU campus locations, the State Library of Louisiana, and the Louisiana State Museum.

Louisiana Library Association

The Louisiana Library Association (LLA) offers an opportunity for positive advocacy for librarians and distributes scholarships to help improve the field across various the public and private sector. This association divides its efforts across academic, public, and specialist sections for further focus on particular positions. The LLA Scholarship and Mary Moore Mitchell Scholarship are awarded to students pursuing the Master’s degree in library science at LSU.

Membership dues are based on being a student, trustee, or the salary that the individual receives in their profession. Most reduced rates are geared toward students, friends of members, and retired professionals. Institutional and business memberships are based on budget or label of the business (nonprofit, for profit, etc.).

Salary Estimates in Louisiana

Average pay for residents in the state of Louisiana is $54,010 according to the latest estimates from BLS as of May 2020. Those salaries are below the national average, but on par with many locations in the Southeastern region of the United States. Average salary in New Orleans is around $2,000 higher than the statewide estimate.

Looking at ranges, the bottom 10 percent of workers make around $40,000 while the top 10 percent see over $68,500. Duties in the bottom tier often consist of assistant positions at a public library that often do not require an ALA-accredited degree. Higher-paying jobs are found at universities and specialty library settings in managerial or director roles.

Careers, Top Employers, Salary Information

Recent postings for Library Science degree holders in Louisiana

• Jennings Elementary Librarian for Jefferson Davis Parish Schools
• Collections Resource Librarian for Xavier University of Louisiana
• Director of Library and Learning Resources for Louisiana Delta Community College
• Museum Curator Assistant for FAR Government, Inc.
• Library Instructor for University of Louisiana Lafayette – salary $45,000 per year
• Library Media Specialist for East Baton Rouge Parish School System/li>
• Library IV for Jefferson Parish
• Learning Design and Open Education Librarian for Xavier University of Louisiana
• Museum Support Service for FAR Government, Inc.
• School Librarian for the Einstein Group, Inc.
• Assistant Professor of Professional Practice (Archival Studies) for Louisiana State University Library
• Professor/Director View for Southeastern Louisiana University – salary commensurate with experience and education
• Director of Library & Information Services for Gateway Community & Technical College
• Records and Document Manager for Thomas Thor Associates
• Public Information Director 1 for the State of Louisiana
• Librarian for Caddo Parish Public Schools
• Public Information Officer for the State of Louisiana – salary ranges
• Dean of Library Services for Louisiana Tech University

A Librarian in Louisiana earns an average salary of $50,113 per year. The average base salary of an Assistant Professor in the U.S. is $61,264 per year. A Professor in the U.S. makes an average salary of $4,240 per month. The salary range for a Director of Library and Information Services ranges from $90,750 to $129,176 per year, with an average salary of $106,246. A Dean in Louisiana makes a salary that ranges from $80,908 to $116,068, with an average salary of $97,556. The estimated salary for a Records Manager is $50,702. An Assistant Museum Curator salary ranges from $35,100 to $100,000 per year, with an average salary of $52,392.