The 5 Best Bachelor’s in Library Science Online
Updated April 26, 2023 · 2 Min Read
Do you enjoy reading, research, and organization? If so, then an online undergraduate library science degree may be a good match for you. These programs can provide students with the skills and credentials they need for entry-level positions in library science, such as media specialists, library aides, archivists, and more. They can also provide the academic foundation necessary for pursuing a master's degree in library and information science. In this ranking, we explore the top 5 online bachelor's in library science programs available today. For more general information regarding online learning, visit our ranking of the top online colleges.
Rating and Ranking Methodology
Tuition Points:
- Under $12,500—1 point
- Under $10,000—2 points
- Under $7,500—3 points
US News and World Report Recognition as a Top Online School for Bachelor’s Programs
- Top 10—7 points
- Top 25 —6 points
- Top 50 —5 points
- Top 75 —4 points
- Top 100—3 points
- Top 125—2 points
- Top 150—1 point
Wow Factor
- 1 point awarded for each unique feature or program that “wowed” us
Ranking the Top Library Science Bachelor's Programs Online
As of this writing, the following bachelor's degrees in library and information science online programs are the only such programs of their kind. We've rated and ranked these limited offerings in accordance with the above rating and ranking methodology.
Featured Online Schools
BS in Library Science Online
Points: 9
The online bachelor’s in library science degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha is a comprehensive, 120-credit hour program that can be completed entirely online. Courses comprising the curriculum for the program include Digital Citizenship, Teaching and Learning in Digital Environments, Advanced Cataloguing and Classification, and Children’s Literature and Education. Graduates of the program enjoy a nearly 100% job placement rate and go on to work as academic librarians, technology coordinators, media archivists, public library directors, and more. Students who complete their library science bachelors programs online receive the same diploma as traditional students.
In-State Tuition: $7,204
Online Bachelor’s in Library Science
Points: 8
The University of Maine- Augusta offers a fully online, asynchronous online bachelor’s in library science degree. Major course requirements include Information Literacy, Cataloging and Technical Processes, Digital Library Technology and Services, and Library Management. Students can customize the content of the curriculum by choosing from elective classes like Library Services for Teens, Librarian as Teacher, Introduction to Archives and Manuscripts, and Digital Preservation for Cultural Institutions, for example. A 120-hour on-site internship is also required for students to complete their bachelors degrees in library science online.
In-State Tuition: $7,448
Online BS in Liberal Studies: Library Science
Points: 5
Clarion University of Pennsylvania’s online bachelor’s in library science offering is a BS in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Library Science made available through the school’s College of Business Administration and Information Sciences. Required courses for the concentration include The Information Society, Informed Citizenry, Organization of Information, and Information for Life. Graduates of the program are prepared for entry-level positions in the field of library information science. Alternatively, they may continue their studies in Clarion’s graduate-level library science offerings such as the MSLS in Information and Library Science and the MSLS in School Library Media.
In-State Tuition: $10,287
Online BS in Library and Information Science
Points: 4
The University of Southern Mississippi offers an online bachelor’s in library science degree from its School of Library and Information Science. The curriculum for the program includes course titles such as Reference and Information Services, Information Ethics, Collection Development, and Information for Multicultural Populations. Dual degrees and minors are also available for USM’s bachelors in library science online students. The program also requires completion of a culminating library practicum.
In-State Tuition: $7,659
Online BA in Library Science and Media
Points: 2
The online bachelor’s in library science degree offering from Ashford University is a unique BA in Library Science and Media designed primarily for those wishing to work in a school or other educational setting. Courses include Curriculum Design & Instruction, Information Literacy, Foundations of Educational Technology, and Elementary and Secondary School Media. Students will take one five-week course at a time, and transfer students can transfer up to 90 credits toward their degree. Graduates of this bachelor’s in library science online program go on to work as webmasters, archivists, library aides, and more.
In-State Tuition: $11,032
Thank you for checking out our ranking of the Top 5 Online Bachelor's in Library Science.
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