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Help & FAQ

For Answers to Your Questions

Though there are many good questions answered in the FAQs below, the best way to learn about the Masters of Library Science degree is to contact Michael Whitchurch, the resident consultant on MLS Programs. For more information about internships, contact Elysha Resendes. Their contact information is listed below:

Contact Persons

Michael Whitchurch - MLS Programs

Brigham Young University
4525 Harold B. Lee Library
801.422.6345
michael_whitchurch@byu.edu

Elysha Resendes - Internships

Brigham Young University
2225 Harold B. Lee Library
801.422.8109
elysha_resendes@byu.edu
  • The most important aspect of any program is whether the program is ALA accredited. Other than accreditation, most programs outside top ten library schools are viewed similarly. The convenience of online programs has led to increased enrollment, but ultimately each MLS candidate must find the program that works best for them. For more information about MLS or an MLIS degree, click here or on the Programs tab at the top of the page.

  • "The American Library Association (ALA) accredits master's programs in library and information studies across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. There are 62 ALA-accredited master's programs and 3 programs seeking initial accreditation. Accreditation is achieved through a review process conducted by an external review panel of practitioners and academics that verifies that the program meets the Standards for Accreditation of Master's Programs in Library and Information Studies."

    "Graduating from an ALA-accredited program provides flexibility in the types of libraries and jobs you can apply for and enhances career mobility. Most employers require an ALA-accredited master's degree for most professional level positions, and some states require an ALA-accredited degree to work as a professional librarian in public or school libraries." (ALA.org)

    Click here to view a description of a few ALA accredited programs.

    Visit the American Library Association's website for a complete list of ALA-Accredited programs.

  • Most programs charge per credit hour. Many programs require 36 credit hours to graduate and charge $400-$600 per credit hour.

  • “According to the latest Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for librarians working in all types of libraries in May 2016 was $57,680."

    “The Harold B. Lee Library is an academic research library. The following figures represent Association of Research Libraries (ARL) member libraries (including BYU) for the 2018/2019 fiscal year."

    • $74,482 – Median salary for all professional librarians
    • $87,470 – Median salary for all HBLL professional librarians
    • $59,928 – Median salary for beginning professional librarians
    • $64,500 – Base salary for HBLL beginning professional librarians
  • Deciding on a program should be a personal decision. Most libraries do not make hiring decisions based on school choice, as long as the school is accredited.

  • One great thing about getting an MLS degree is that the undergraduate field of study does not matter. Students with undergraduate and advanced degrees in hard sciences may be more competitive in several library emphases.

  • Employment in Libraries is expected to grow at rate of 5% from 2019 to 2029. Between 2010-2020, 45% of librarians will reach the retirement age of 65 years old.

  • Librarians seek jobs in three main fields: University Libraries, Public or School Libraries, and Business (knowledge management). To see the different departments of an academic library click here.

    Public Libraries offer specialties in children's books, young adult and adult material, media, cataloging, subject librarians, etc.

    Business fields are one of the fastest growing areas for MLS degree holders and are also one of the highest paid fields for librarians. Professionals in this field compile and organize a company's information to make it accessible to more employees and reduce duplication.

  • Most programs have two semesters, fall and winter. There are certain programs that run on trimesters and allow students to participate year-round. Most programs typically have application deadlines 4-5 months before the beginning of the semester.

  • The following is a link to a directory of ALA-accredited programs in Library and Information studies: https://www.ala.org/CFApps/lisdir/directory_pdf.cfm. This list contains the type of degrees each school offers, distance education options for each school (hybrid, online, etc.), and career pathways within the programs.

  • The HBLL intern program is a great way to be mentored by current library professionals and get real work experience in BYU's library. This program allows BYU students to be hired on as student interns for 130 hours. The position is paid and the hours are very flexible. Students are not required to finish all 130 hours and usually get to pick the department in which they would like to intern. We recommend that all students interested in earning an MLS degree participate to learn more about libraries and specific rolls academic librarians fulfill.

    For more information about the internship program, click here or on the Internships tab at the top of the page.

  • To see a full list of the departments in which students may potentially intern, click here.

    For more information on currently available internships, please contact Elysha Resendes:

    Elysha Resendes
    Brigham Young University
    2225 Harold B. Lee Library

    801.422.8109

    elysha_resendes@byu.edu