New York 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
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
Syracuse University	Online MS in Library and Information Science: School Media Specialization Optional specialization in School Media, No GRE required to apply. ALA-accredited.	Website

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There are 7 universities in New York that offer Master's degrees in library services and information. Overall there are 20 different library science programs (or related). Many of these programs feature an online experience or at least blending online and on-campus courses.

Several of the top campus locations that feature a library or information science degree include New York City, Buffalo, and Syracuse. There are seven schools with ALA-accredited library science programs in New York: Syracuse University (online MLIS available), CUNY Queens College, Long Island University (online available), Pratt Institute, State University of New York at Albany (online available), and the University of Buffalo (online available).

Are There Online Library Science Degrees in New York?

Yes, four different Master's degree in the state of New York hold ALA accreditation and are fully available online. The State University of New York has two programs that are available at the Albany and Buffalo location. Syracuse University, St. John's University, and Long Island University also have 100% online or hybrid programs in library science.

It is important to pursue programs that feature organizational accreditation like the ALA or regional designation. For individuals looking at other positions that do not require state licensure, regional accreditation ensures that the curriculum meets proper standards. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education recognizes schools in New York and nearby southern states.

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

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An In Depth Review of the Top Library Science Degrees in New York

SUNY University of Albany's Master of Science in Information Science School Library

The College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security, and Cybersecurity offers an ALA-accredited Master's degree. This online program blends library science with psychology, sociology, and cognitive science. A supplementary or internship certificate is needed depending on if the student does or does not have a teacher certification.

In order to become a certified school library media specialist, at least 100 field experience hours are needed. This can be satisfied across two to three different courses in the curriculum. Half of the education takes place in a middle or high school setting while the other half is in elementary.

SUNY University of Buffalo's Master of Science in Information and Library Science

The Department of Information Science has an accredited online program that features full or part-time enrollment. Specializations are available for professionals looking at librarian positions within music and law. This can also be blended with a dual-degree in a similar discipline, such as a Master of Arts in music history or music theory.

Required courses include life cycles of information, information uses, and research methods. Resources include seminars and student chapter activities to build various librarian skills and networking potential. Students may complete all 36 credit hours across four semesters with full-time enrollment.

Long Island University's Library Science Masters degree

The Palmer School of Library and Information Science has the Master's degree in library science available online. Students interested in the online format can pursue specialist studies in School Library Media. This is offered in a blended format where students can pursue convenient online courses or meet physically on campus.

Course content brings together teaching methods and how technology is integrated into libraries and media centers. In addition to this degree, individuals also need to complete a child abuse seminar and violence prevention workshop. At least three years of employment and one year of mentorship is needed for New York state professional certification.

St. John Fisher College's Master of Science in Library Media

Geared toward individuals that are looking to become a certified teacher and specialize in library media. At least 100 hours of supervised field work is needed within these studies. An examination as a specialist is needed in order to receive certification after completing the curriculum.

30 total credit hours are required to complete this Master's degree. Topics in the curriculum include children and adolescent literature, information organization, and media literacy. There are two practicum sessions in elementary and secondary education.

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

The Graduate School of Library and Information Science offers a Master's degree in library science with numerous specialization opportunities. While there are some online coursework opportunities, the program is taken primarily on campus. Courses are available at the Queens and Manhattan locations.

Specializations include archival preservation, academic librarianship, and digital resources management. Admission takes place in the fall and spring semesters, and requires three letters of reference and a 500-word personal essay. GRE or GMAT scores are not needed for submission.

Finding campus based library science degrees in New York

New York City features many institutions and job opportunities for librarians. Examples of colleges in the city include St. John's University and Queens College of the City University of New York. Overall, the state is one of the top employers for those in librarian and media collection positions. Professional school librarians in a public setting will need to have certification from the New York State Education Department. Individuals must complete a Master's degree within the discipline of library science. This certification must be renewed every five years with 60 credit hours of professional development.

The Master's degree should be accredited by the American Library Association (ALA). There are multiple universities that feature accredited programs in New York City and other locations in the state of New York. Many of these programs have opportunity to study this content in an online setting.

Options for campus based learning in New York

• CUNY Queens College is an 80-acre campus located in the Kew Gardens Hills section of Queens.
• Long Island University is in a large suburban setting in Brooklyn, New York.
• Pratt Institute is situated in New York City. It is immersed in a creative environment on and off-campus.
• St. John's University is at Utopia Parkway in Hillcrest, Queens. It is a residential area. There are also campuses in Manhattan and Staten Island in New York City.
• Syracuse, New York is home to Syracuse University. It is an excellent match for those who enjoy a vibrant city atmosphere.
• Buffalo University is the flagship campus of the State University of New York. Buffalo is the second-most populous city in the state.

New York Career Options in Library Media

The state of New York sees the highest recognized employment of librarians when compared to any others across the country. Around 13,000 professionals are employed as librarians or media collection specialists according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. The majority of this profession is located in the New York City metropolitan area.

A high concentration of librarian jobs are also in the cities of Syracuse and Ithaca, recognized within the top 10 overall according to the BLS. There are hundreds of positions available and more opportunities open up for those with graduate education and state licensure. Thousands of workers are recognized in the northeastern portion of the country, stretching out westward into Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan.

Many professional opportunities exist within public and school library locations. The New York Public Library system has accumulated around 53 million items and adopted many resources for citizens to use. There are 92 different branches within the system, first established back in 1895, and is the second-largest library system in the United States.

Individuals must consider technological advancement in library systems and media collections. As digital distribution is rising, professionals must have strong knowledge of platforms and applications their organization utilizes. It is essential to improve these resources and collections for local citizens or students.

New York Library Association

One of the earliest library associations in the country was established with the New York Library Association (NYLA) in 1890. Their goals include education and advocacy for the improvement of library branches and communities across the state of New York. They currently have their headquarters located in Guilderland, New York, and hold affiliation with the ALA.

Benefits to being a member include improved advocacy resources for influencing policy and legislation. A statewide event in Albany on an annual basis include discussion on the most important topics and challenges facing librarians. Savings are available on various events held throughout the year and exclusive networking opportunities also exist.

Salary Estimates in New York

New York salary averages across the state are approaching $70,000 as of May 2019 according to the BLS. When looking at the top 10 percent of librarian earners, these figures can jump to over $102,000. These estimates are on par with neighboring states such as Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Jersey.

Many higher-paying positions are reserved for specialty positions or higher-skilled professionals, such as directors or program managers. Individuals may consider engineering, software development, and various technical positions, but this requires additional education in information technology.

Careers, Top Employers, Salary Information

Recent job postings for Library Science degree holders in New York include:

• Associate University Librarian for Research and Learning for Columbia University – salary commensurate with experience and qualifications
• Library Assistant, E-resources and Content Management for the Greater New York Metropolitan Area Chapter – salary stated as hourly pay plus benefits
• Librarian for Allied Health Sciences for New York University
• Reader Services Librarian for Greater New York Metropolitan Area Chapter – salary ranges from $68,476 to $78,144 per year
• Rosa Parks Campus Library for Greater New York Metropolitan Area Chapter – salary ranges $50,000 to $60,000 per year
• Teaching & Undergraduate Services Librarian for Greater New York Metropolitan Area Chapter
• Scholarly Communications Librarian and Archivist for Greater New York Metropolitan Area Chapter – competitive salary and benefits.