School Program More Info
Syracuse University Online MS in Library and Information Science
ALA Accredited ALA-accredited. Multiple professional pathways or specializations available. No GRE required to apply. Complete in as little as 18 months.
University of Denver Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS)
ALA Accredited ALA-Accredited, No GRE Required. Complete in as few as 21 months.
St. John's University Online M.S. in Library and Information Science
ALA Accredited ALA Accredited, 24 months to complete. 4 specializations and 2 certificate options.
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Click to view more featured accredited online library science programs that are currently taking applications for 2024!

There is one school with ALA-accredited library science programs in Rhode Island: the University of Rhode Island. The school offers a Master's School Library Media degree, a Dual Degree, and a Graduate Certificate.

Are There Online Library Science Degrees in Rhode Island?

Yes, the University of Rhode Island offers their Master's degree in library science completely online. This means students are able to complete their entire education without on-campus residency requirements or taking any courses at the Kingston location. Courses are distributed in an asynchronous format, giving students the freedom to complete coursework on their own time.

Searching for Rhode Island Library Science Degrees

There is one institution in the state of Rhode Island that offers a graduate program in library science and is accredited by the American Library Association (ALA). The University of Rhode Island has this program, which is offered on the Kingston campus or in a fully online format. Students may specialize their education in a specific specialty or advanced library worker positions.

Kingston is a smaller town in the state of Rhode Island, but is home to the University of Rhode Island, which has librarian positions available at the institution. Providence is the largest city in Rhode Island with over 180,000 people and is 30 miles to the north of Kingston. More opportunities exist in this area with the local school and public library system.

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

University Degree Program Accreditation Format

University of Rhode Island

Master's: School Library Media CAEP Campus

University of Rhode Island

Graduate Certificate ALA Campus

University of Rhode Island

Master of Library and Information Studies ALA Online

Consider a Sponsored Online Library Program Taking Applications

School Level Program
Syracuse University
Website
Master Online MS in Library and Information Science
ALA-accredited. No GRE required to apply. School Media Specialization available.
University of Denver
Website
Master Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS)
ALA-Accredited, No GRE Required.
St. John's University
Website
Master Online M.S. in Library and Information Science
ALA Accredited. Complete in as little as 2 years.
University of West Alabama
Website
Master Online Master of Education in Library Media
Develop knowledge and skills in school library media with our online library media specialist degree.
University of West Alabama
Website
Doctorate Online Ed.D. Rural Education: Library Media
Explore the essential role of library media within rural schools and districts.
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In Depth Review of the University of Rhode Island's Master of Library and Information Studies

The Harrington School of Communication and Media offers the Master of Library and Information Studies degree. This is a 36-credit hour program that features topics in management, information services, and technology. There are four tracks available to specialize in, including leadership and school library media.

Credit hours and curriculum

15 core credit hours are dedicated to courses that most students will take, featuring an introduction to information technology, collection organization, and how to satisfy members' questions or needs in the library. The remaining part of the curriculum will emphasize the track selected with 21 credit hours of elective courses. Up to six credit hours can be taken in a different program if approved by an academic advisor.

Option for an accelerated program

An accelerated format gives the ability for students to complete the entire program in one year. Others considering part-time enrollment can finish all curriculum requirements within two years. Those pursuing the School Library Media track will have alternative core courses and less elective options than other students in other pathways.

Online learning environment

Brightspace is the learning management system used by the University of Rhode Island. Technical requirements include having a computer with a Windows or Mac operating system. A high-speed internet connection is recommended to work on assignments and view lectures with a convenient experience.

Career Options in Library Media in Rhode Island

Around 650 librarian positions are recognized by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2020. This is on the lower end of employment when comparing to other states in the New England region. Much of the work is located in the Providence metropolitan area, which blends into Massachusetts.

Graduates from the University of Rhode Island have gone on to become digital media specialists, archivists, and school librarians. Positions are available at the institution itself, and in library systems for the public and in schools across the state. Specialty options are also available within the field of law and health care.

State Requirements for Librarian Positions

For advanced librarian positions in the state of Rhode Island, prospective employees must hold a Master’s degree in library science. Holding this designation must be renewed annually at an approved continuing education event. This can be taking a class that focuses on current topics in librarianship or attending a conference to improve skills and learn new innovations.

School librarian certification is distributed by the Rhode Island Department of Education. Individuals must have a teaching license and at least a Bachelor’s degree to receive this designation. A minimum passing score of 162 is needed for the Praxis II Library Media Specialist examination.

Rhode Island Library Association

Established in 1903, the Rhode Island Library Association (RILA) looks to improve professional organization and development across the state. Goals are to network professionals together to improve talent and successful legislation advocacy. Events under the RILA include an annual conference and a special library week that promotes readership and community programs.

Awards, such as the Outstanding Librarian Award, recognize achievement in the field with criteria in working with other professionals, providing outstanding service, and leadership capability. This particular award requires a membership with the RILA. Other awards include the Outstanding Library Paraprofessional Award, Trustee of the Year Award, and Meritorious Friend of the Library.

Salary Estimates in Rhode Island

Rhode Island sees similar annual wage estimates compared to surrounding states in the New England area. The BLS averages out these figures to $68,890 annually across the state. On the higher end, the top 10 percent of earners make an estimated $97,660. These figures are accurate as of May 2020.

Careers, Top Employers, Salary Information

Recent job postings for Library Science degree holders in Rhode Island Library Technician (OA) for the US Department of the Navy – salary ranges from $38,879 to $50,545 per year

  • Librarian – RC for McLaughlin Research Corp – no salary listed
  • Digital Librarian for McLaughlin Research Corp – no salary listed
  • Adjunct Faculty (Library) for the Community College of Rhode Island – salary $82 per contact hour