There are no library science degrees offered in South Dakota with ALA accreditation. The American Library Association (ALA) is an established organization that reviews curriculum and degrees in library science and is considered the premier accrediting body in the library science industry.
If you are interested in a librarian career, you may consider programs in the nearby states.
Consider a Sponsored Online Library Program Taking Applications
| School | Program | Admissions |
|---|---|---|
 Syracuse University |
Syracuse University
 ALA-accredited. Multiple professional pathways or specializations available. No GRE required to apply. Complete in as little as 18 months. |
|
 University of Denver |
University of Denver
ALA-Accredited, No GRE Required. Complete in as few as 21 months. |
|
 St. John's University |
St. John's University
ALA Accredited, 24 months to complete. 4 specializations and 2 certificate options. |
Are There Online Library Science Degrees in South Dakota?
At this time, there are no online programs that feature accreditation from the ALA in South Dakota. Nearby, Iowa features two online library science programs, but they both require at least an on-campus residency.
- The University of Northern Iowa has an orientation session prior to the beginning of the program.
- The University of Iowa requires students meet in class each week during the program.
Prior to enrolling into any program, individuals should determine if the curriculum will satisfy licensure requirements. Some programs may not meet particular state requirements or the qualifications needed for certain positions. This includes meeting the renewal requirement for the state of South Dakota.
Admission for a Library Science Master's degree often requires the completion of an undergraduate program with a 3.0 GPA or higher. The institution may evaluate test scores, like the GRE or GMAT, or other documentation that is sent in with the application if GPA scores are not adequate. Some required application items may include letters of recommendation or a personal statement detailing accomplishments and goals.
More Featured Online Programs to Consider
| School | Level | Program |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| Maryville University Website |
Doctorate | Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership
Earn your Doctor of Education (EdD) in Higher Education Leadership online from Maryville University in as few as 32 months. |
| East Central University Website |
Master | Master of Education in Library Media
Readies working educators to sit for their librarian exam and become school library media specialist in grades PK-12 |
| University of West Florida Website |
Master | Master of Education degrees
CAEP Accredited. 100% online programs in Education. |
| Maryville University Website |
Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts in Management Information Systems
Prepare you to succeed in the information industry. No SAT or ACT scores required. |
| University of Virginia Website |
Bachelor | Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies
100% online, transfer credits accepted. |
South Dakota Career Options in Library Media
Around 500 librarian workers and media collections specialists are estimated in South Dakota according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is on par with many other surrounding states in the region, including North Dakota and Wyoming, but is less than other states toward the east and south. Most of the employment is spread out across the state, but one-fifth can be found in Sioux Falls.
Sioux Falls in the largest city in the state with over 190,000 residents. This location provides a number of specialty positions in health care, the local public library system, and schools in the area. The second-largest area in the state is Rapid City with a population of over 80,000 people and additional librarian opportunities.
The Digital Library of South Dakota (DLSD) is a collaboration effort of different organizations and universities to preserve South Dakota history and media collections. They digitize documents, photographs, audio, and video formats for public access and research opportunities.
Library Requirements in South Dakota
Holding a Master’s degree in the discipline of library science opens the door for a number of positions in the field. The South Dakota Library Training Institute provides a pathway for a librarian career in various positions, such as collection development and archiving. Gaining licensure requires a renewal every four years, satisfied with 20 credit hours of continuing education.
School librarianship requires a teaching license along with higher education. In addition, a Praxis II Library Media Specialist exam must be passed with a minimum score of 152. All school-specific licensure is handled by the South Dakota Department of Education.
Siouxland Libraries
The Siouxland Libraries public system serves the Sioux Falls and Minnehaha County locations and brought together different systems in this location in 1995. Various branches offer media collections and services to the public and features a main location in downtown Sioux Falls. Jobs are routinely available for librarian tasks and patron support.
Salary Estimates in South Dakota
ZipRecruiter estimates that the state of South Dakota has an average salary of $53,075 for librarians. This tends to be on the higher end of their list for all states in the country and is around the national average. Many academic and health care positions are available across the state, including Sioux Falls.