Your Path to a Library Science Degree in the US: What You Need to Know

Did you know that libraries around the world are organized using principles of science? This is because many librarians are trained in the field of library science — a multidisciplinary qualification that combines technical expertise with hands-on experience. At US universities, library science students learn how to manage the storage and preservation of information effectively at libraries, corporations, academic institutions, government agencies, nonprofits, and more. Read on to learn about library and information science, how the field emerged, and library science courses available to you as an international student in the US.

What Is Library and Information Science?

Many students exploring this field often begin by asking, “What is library science?” Library and Information Science (LIS) is an academic and professional field that studies how information is collected, organized, preserved, and shared. This field explores topics beyond books on shelves — LIS covers the management of printed materials, digital databases, archives, and other knowledge resources. Students in this field learn how to design systems that make information easy to find, ensure its accuracy, and preserve it for future generations.

In the US, library and information science programs are often accredited by the American Library Association (ALA) and combine theory with hands-on practice. Courses may include cataloging and classification, information technology, digital preservation, research methods, and user-centered services. You can also explore topics such as ethics, privacy, and data-accessibility — subjects essential in today’s data-centric environment. 

Historical Evolution of LIS: From Library Science to Information Science

Library and Information Science (LIS) has not always been the combined discipline we know today. In its earliest form, it was simply known as “library science” — the study of how to build, organize, and maintain collections of books and other materials for public or scholarly use. 

Early training in library science focused on cataloging, classification methods such as the Dewey Decimal System, and best practices for preserving printed materials. This work ensured that libraries could grow in an orderly way and support their communities.

By the mid-20th century, the increased usage of information technology required organization of digital records — this began to change how knowledge was created, stored, and retrieved from previous methods. Librarians were no longer dealing only with physical collections, they were now also handling microfilm, audio-visual media, and early databases. This shift led to new questions: “How can massive amounts of information be indexed?”, “How can users find what they need quickly?”, and “How should electronic data be preserved?”

These challenges and the study of how to resolve them created information science — a broader, more technical field that draws from computer science and communications to understand how people seek, access, and use information. By the 1970s and 1980s, many library schools had merged library science with information science to reflect this expanded focus. 

In parallel, the professional organizations and accreditation bodies responded to the changes. The American Library Association (ALA), founded in 1876 to promote uniform standards and cooperative practice among librarians, continued to evolve as technology and information management grew in importance.

Today’s LIS programs teach both traditional stewardship of collections and advanced digital information management, preparing graduates for roles in libraries, archives, data centers, and information resource organizations worldwide.

Key Subfields in LIS

Library and Information Science is a broad discipline, and most US programs give you the chance to explore or specialize in specific areas you are interested in pursuing during your degree program or postgraduate studies. Understanding the main library science subfields can help you choose best-fit courses that match your academic and career goals. Here are several key subfields to consider.

Information Retrieval and Organization

Information retrieval and organization is a core subfield of library science that focuses on how information is structured, stored, and made discoverable. This covers how people can find exactly what they need, quickly and accurately, whether that information is in a book, a digital database, or a large online collection.

Studying this area involves learning the principles behind cataloging, indexing, and metadata creation — the labels and/or maps that guide users to the right resources. They also explore search algorithms, classification systems (like Dewey Decimal or Library of Congress), and user behavior, which help design more effective discovery tools. In modern programs, this subfield often includes training in database design, digital archives, and search engine optimization.

Knowledge Organization (Taxonomy, Metadata, Classification)

Knowledge organization is the part of library science that deals with how information is structured so people can easily find, understand, and use the sought-out records effectively. While information retrieval focuses on search and access, knowledge organization provides the blueprint behind the scenes that makes effective retrieval possible.

In this subfield, students learn to design taxonomies — structured vocabularies or hierarchies of terms that group related subjects together. Taxonomies help create pathways for browsing, whether in a library catalog, an online archive, or a corporate information system. They also study metadata, which are descriptive details (such as author, title, date, subject) attached to information objects. Metadata acts like a digital label that tells systems and users what an item is and how it should be handled.

Another key component is classification systems, such as the Dewey Decimal or Library of Congress Classification, which organize materials into numbered or coded categories. These systems give libraries and databases a consistent framework so users know where to look for specific topics.

Digital Preservation and Archival Science

This area focuses on ensuring that valuable information remains accessible over time. Traditionally, archivists working in library science focused on paper documents, photographs, and artifacts. Today, a large amount of material is in the form of digital content including emails, websites, social media posts, research data, and multimedia files. Without careful planning, these digital assets can easily be lost, corrupted, or become unreadable as technology evolves.

Students who specialize in this area learn how to organize materials for long-term retention, apply preservation standards, and create secure storage strategies. They study file formats, migration, and emulation techniques — moving content into newer systems or simulating old ones, and employing metadata for digital preservation. Ethical and legal considerations including privacy, copyright, and cultural sensitivity are also a key part of the curriculum.

Professionals who specialize in this area work in a wide variety of settings: national archives, university libraries, museums, research centers, government agencies, corporations, and even technology companies. Their expertise helps protect everything from historical records to scientific datasets, ensuring future generations can access information with ease.

Knowledge Management and Information Literacy

Knowledge Management (KM) is about how organizations capture, store, and share information. It involves creating systems like knowledge bases, intranets, or shared databases so that valuable information is easy to find and use. People trained in KM help companies, governments, and nonprofits keep their knowledge organized and available to the right people.

Information Literacy (IL) is about giving individuals the skills to find, evaluate, and use information both effectively and responsibly. In LIS programs, students often learn how to teach these skills to others through workshops, online guides, or community programs.

Both KM and IL are important in today’s world. Organizations need good knowledge management systems to work efficiently, and individuals need strong information literacy skills to make smart decisions. For international students, specializing in these areas of library science can lead to careers in libraries, education, corporate settings, or community outreach anywhere in the world.

How Long Does a Library Science Course Take?

The time it takes to complete a LIS program in the US depends on the university or college where you enroll and the level of study you choose.

• Bachelor’s degree in LIS or related fields — This usually takes four years of full-time study. Some schools offer accelerated tracks or the ability to transfer credits, which can shorten the program duration.

• Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) — The most common qualification for professional librarianship is applying for an MLIS program. It typically takes one-and-a-half to two years of full-time study, or two to three years of part-time enrollment to complete. Many programs are offered online or in flexible formats for working students.

• Doctoral (PhD) programs in LIS — The PhD program focuses on research and teaching, usually taking four to six years, depending on dissertation and research requirements.

• Certificates or short professional courses — These short courses are aimed at skill-building in areas like digital archives or metadata that can take from a few weeks to a year depending on the institution, program, or individual schedule of completion.

Library and information science courses prepare graduates for a wide range of roles — not only as librarians but also as archivists, digital content managers, data curators, and information specialists in businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies. There are a variety of rewarding career pathways you can choose in the US and in the global landscape.

Education and Career Paths in LIS

Library and information science offers flexible study options and a wide range of career opportunities in academic libraries and other information and research-related industries. Most professional positions in libraries or information centers require at least a Master’s in Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an American Library Association (ALA)-accredited program. 

Here is a list of career pathways you can consider with a degree in library and information science, along with their average salaries in the US.

Source: Indeed, 2025

While a library and information science course can help you begin your career, it is important to make an informed and confident decision about your future. Considering the advantages and career opportunities available globally, along with evaluating your personal strengths and seeing if they align with your choice of major, can ensure you are beginning your higher education journey with a clear path in mind.

Future Challenges and Opportunities for Library Science

The field of library and information science is constantly evolving as technology, user expectations, and information sources change. For students considering a degree in this field, it is useful to understand both the challenges and opportunities shaping the working environment, the skills required, and the overall scope of the field so you can build a well-informed career development plan.

One of the challenges in the library science field is the constant shift toward digital collections. Libraries require management of e-books, online journals, and large digital archives, which means students must be aware of the latest information management systems and tools, now and in the future, as they progress in their careers. 

Another growing challenge is protecting user privacy and making sure information is used ethically. Libraries store a lot of personal data, such as what someone reads, searches for, or downloads. If this data is not handled carefully, it can put users at risk or affect user trust. To succeed in their roles, library science professionals must understand the specific nuances and knowledge required to determine the priority of information that needs to be stored, how to keep systems secure, and the specifics of privacy laws. They also need to think about ethical challenges, such as the permissions of people who can access sensitive materials, how to comply with copyright requirements, and ways to make information available without harming individuals or communities.

At the same time, these challenges create exciting opportunities. People with skills in digital libraries, metadata, and information retrieval are in high demand in libraries, businesses, and tech companies. Organizations seeking skilled LIS employees can offer rewarding salaries and career growth opportunities. Library and Information Science (LIS) is no longer limited to traditional library work. Because information is at the heart of almost every organization, LIS graduates have a wide and growing range of opportunities across multiple sectors.

You can also look for work in more traditional settings, such as academic, public, or school libraries, managing collections, teaching information skills, or running community programs. Additionally, you can explore roles in archives and museums, preserving historical records and digital materials. In the digital space, professionals are needed to build and maintain online databases, design search tools, and protect digital assets.

Outside of libraries, LIS skills are valued in businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies. Knowledge management, data curation, and information policy roles are increasingly common in health care, law, finance, and technology companies. Graduates can also specialize in user experience (UX) design, information architecture, or digital preservation, helping organizations make information easier to find and use.

A degree in library and information science can open a wide variety of academic and career opportunities with curricula offering transferable skills in organizing and safeguarding information — skills that are in demand wherever information drives decision-making, innovation, and community engagement. 

With Shorelight’s guided support, you can find your best-fit library and information science programs, along with guidance from expert counselors on how to apply to universities in the US, visa applications, interview prep, and more! 

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