Here are the top 10 best courses or degrees for librarians, along with cost and average duration information and links to some programs:
1. Master of Library Science (MLS) – This is the most common and widely recognized degree for librarians. The average cost of a MLS program ranges from $10,000 to $50,000, and the average duration is 2 years. Examples of MLS programs:
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: https://sils.unc.edu/programs/mlsUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: https://ischool.illinois.edu/
2. Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) – This is similar to the MLS degree, but with a broader focus on information science. The average cost of an MLIS program ranges from $10,000 to $50,000, and the average duration is 2 years. Examples of MLIS programs:
University of Washington: https://ischool.uw.edu/programs/mlisSan José State University: https://ischool.sjsu.edu/
3. Master of Arts in Library and Information Studies (MALIS) – This is a specialized degree that focuses on the cultural and social aspects of library and information science. The average cost of a MALIS program ranges from $10,000 to $50,000, and the average duration is 2 years. Examples of MALIS programs:
University of Toronto: https://www.ischool.utoronto.ca/University of Western Ontario: https://www.fims.uwo.ca/programs/graduate_programs/master_of_library_and_information_science/index.html
4. Master of Science in Information (MSI) – This is a interdisciplinary degree that combines library and information science with computer science, management, and other fields. The average cost of a MSI program ranges from $10,000 to $50,000, and the average duration is 2 years. Examples of MSI programs:
University of Michigan: https://www.si.umich.edu/programs/msiUniversity of California, Berkeley: https://www.ischool.berkeley.edu/programs/msi
5. Bachelor of Library Science (BLS) – This is an undergraduate degree that provides a strong foundation in library science. The average cost of a BLS program ranges from $5,000 to $30,000, and the average duration is 4 years. Examples of BLS programs:
Wayne State University: https://library.wayne.edu/education/undergraduate-programsUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison: https://www.slis.wisc.edu/academics/undergraduate
6. Master of Science in Library Science (MSLS) – This is a specialized degree that focuses on the technical and scientific aspects of library science. The average cost of a MSLS program ranges from $10,000 to $50,000, and the average duration is 2 years. Examples of MSLS programs:
7. University of North Texas: https://informationscience.unt.edu/ms-library-information-scienceLouisiana State University: https://lsu.edu/chse/slis/programs/masters.phpMaster of Science in Information Science (MSIS) – This is a interdisciplinary degree that combines library and information science with computer science, management, and other fields. The average cost of a MSIS program ranges from $10,000 to $50,000, and the average duration is 2 years. Examples of MSIS programs:
Syracuse University: https://ischool.syr.edu/University of Pittsburgh: https://www.ischool.pitt.edu
8. Master of Information (MI) – This is a interdisciplinary degree that combines library and information science with technology, management, and other fields. The average cost of an MI program ranges from $10,000 to $50,000, and the average duration is 2 years. Examples of MI programs:
University of Toronto: https://ischool.utoronto.ca/current-students/programs-courses/programs-of-study/master-of-information/University of California, Los Angeles: https://seis.ucla.edu/departments-and-degrees/department-of-information-studies
9. Certificate in Library and Information Science – This is a non-degree program that provides training in library and information science. The average cost of a certificate program ranges from $500 to $5,000, and the average duration is 1-2 years. Examples of certificate programs:
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: https://www.ischool.illinois.eduUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison: https://www.slis.wisc.edu/academics/certificate
10. PhD in Information Science – This is a research-focused degree for those interested in pursuing careers in academia or advanced research. The average cost of a PhD program ranges from $20,000 to $100,000, and the average duration is 5-7 years. Examples of PhD programs:
University of Michigan: https://www.si.umich.edu/programs/University of California, Berkeley: https://www.ischool.berkeley.edu/programs/
It is important to note that the cost and duration of these programs may vary depending on the institution and program format (online or on-campus). These programs and institutions are just examples and it is recommended to research and compare different options before making a decision.