Ohio Library Science Degree Programs

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 is one school with an ALA-accredited library science degree in Ohio. Kent State University offers Dual Degree options, School Library Media licensure, and a Masters in Library Science. The Masters is offered online only. The PhD is available online and on-campus.

Kent State University is the exclusive school in Ohio that holds accreditation from the American Library Association (ALA). The ALA accredited program offered is the Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS)Masters. This institution is located in the city of Kent, which has an estimated population of nearly 30,000 people.

Are There Online Library Science Degrees in Ohio?

Yes, there is one online library science degree in Ohio. The only university to offer an online Master's degree in the discipline of library science Master MLIS is Kent State University. Coursework is available over the entire academic year in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. This program usually takes up to two years to complete depending on enrollment selection and amount of courses taken each semester.

KSU's online program is available to residents in other states outside of Ohio. For those looking at state licensure as a school librarian, they should review if the curriculum satisfies their specific requirements. This program is geared toward eventual professionals obtaining school librarian licensure School Librarianshipin Ohio.

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

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In Depth Review of Ohio Library Science Programs

As mentioned, Kent State University is the online university in Ohio with a library science degree accredited by the ALA.

Kent State University's Master of Library and Information Science

The College of Communication and Information offers the Master of Library and Information Science. This program prepares individuals for employment in various library settings or related positions in research and information management. Two duel degree options are available. The first is the MLIS and Master of Business Administration for additional financial and managerial topics. The second option sis the MLIS in School Library Media K-12 and Master of Education in Educational Technology.

37 total credit hours are needed to complete the program, with all courses available 100 percent online. Foundational courses emphasize the landscape, organizational procedure, and research methods. Students select the rest of their studies in this discipline or these elective topics: health informatics, knowledge management, and user experience design.

Admission requirements for this program include holding a Bachelor's degree with a 3.0 overall GPA. Those that fall lower than a 3.0 GPA should send GRE scores. Applicants should send an updated resume, personal essay, and three letters of recommendation.

Typical MLIS coursework to expect at universities in Ohio

• Information Organization - This course provides an introduction to the theory and practice of information organization, retrieval, and information settings. Students will learn important standards, tools, systems, and assessment techniques.
• People in the Information Ecology - A survey of user needs and behaviors as they relate to the wider information ecology. Topics include user-centered paradigm, theories, models, findings, information sources and services, ethics, and related issues.
• Information Institutions and Professions - Students investigate the political, social, economic, and technical aspects of information institutions. This course explores work environments, professional values and principles, and emerging trends and issues.
• Research and Assessment in Library and Information Science - Students explore the quantitative and qualitative research methods applicable to information settings and contexts. Topics include research design, data collection and analysis, proposal creation, and ethics.
• Master's Portfolio in LIS - As the culminating experience of the program students will complete an ePortfolio demonstrating mastery of program learning objectives. The portfolio will present the student's experience and self-evaluation of knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Ohio Career Options in Library Media

Over 4,090 professionals are recognized as librarian and media collection specialists in Ohio according to the US Bureau of Labor StatisticsBLS. Much of the employment equates the population of the area. For example, there are over 900 librarian positions in the cities of Columbus and Cleveland.

Enhancements are being made to digital access and available technology in public libraries. The Ohio Digital Library provides a collection of e-books and audiobooks that are downloaded by members. Job opportunities include maintaining and organizing distribution of these materials, and enhancing or going through the process of adding new content for members.

Requirements for Librarian Certification

In order to receive the Ohio Public Librarian certification, applicants must have an MLIS degree that is accredited by the ALA. This ensures that the individual has the skills and knowledge necessary to enhance library services and organizational procedures. In addition, at least two years of professional experience is needed after receiving the Master’s degree.

For continuing to hold the state licensure, there needs to be 75 credit hours of continuing education completed every five years. This may be obtained at a university or through resources provided by a library association.

An alternative option is the Ohio Public Library Staff certification. In lieu of a Master’s degree, applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent, 10 credit hours of continuing education, and two years of professional experience. This requires 50 credit hours of continuing education every five years.

Columbus Metropolitan Library

Based in Franklin County, there is the main library location and 22 other branches connected to the Columbus Metropolitan Library system. Important services include resources for individuals to complete GED courses, such as gaining basic computer and application skills to improve employment opportunities. For younger members, there are programs that emphasize reading and special content clubs.

Jobs within the library include director, digital archiving of older material, collection management, and more. Volunteer opportunities may lead to networking opportunities or further employment at one or multiple branches. On the opposite end, there are resources at the library to help individuals land their ideal career.

Ohio Library Council

The Ohio Library Council (OLC)OLC is the main state librarian organization that is headquartered in Dublin. They offer various publications to improve administration and accounting services for public libraries in the state. In addition, they host various conferences and events, and recognize excellence in literature on an annual basis.

Memberships for the OLC is open for staff members at a library or students pursuing librarianship. Self-employed individuals that provide a service, and those that are retired from librarianship, are also accepted as members. Each new calendar year is a full membership year with dues decreasing over the period that an individual joins.

Librarian Salary Estimates in Ohio

According to the US Bureau of Labor StatisticsBLS, the average salary of librarians in the state are $54,420 annually. This estimate is on par with the countrywide average and is similar to nearby states such as Michigan and Pennsylvania. Higher figures, such as the top 10 percent represented at $80,880 annually, are commonly found in bigger cities at the managerial or director level.

Librarian Careers, Top Employers, Salary Information

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

• Special Collections Cataloger at The Ohio State University – salary $68,000 to $75,000
• Assistant Teaching Professor Electronic Resources Librarian at Bowling Green State University – salary $45,593 to $60,000
• Assistant Teaching Professor Reference and Instruction Librarian at Bowling Green State University – salary $45,593 to $60,000
• Library & Instructional Support Specialist at Clark State College – salary $51,500
• Library Director at Delaware County District Library – salary $100,000 to $120,000
• Librarian with the Columbus Metropolitan Library – salary $49,108 to $73,715
• Librarian with the Medina County District Library – salary $18.36 hourly
• Youth Librarian – Elmwood Place Branch with the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library – salary $46,030 to $66,747
• Reference and Programming Librarian with the Salem Public Library – salary $14 to $17.50 hourly
• Senior Branch Manager – Reading Branch with the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library – salary $65,541 to $95,035