Library Science
Librarians are skilled professionals who address the information needs of communities. Become a difference maker today!
Library Science, M.L.S.
A flexible, forward-thinking online MLS program empowering the next generation of library professionals.
The role of librarians is continually evolving to meet the needs of our communities, from the smallest of rural counties to large urban areas. Here at MTSU, our Master of Library Science (MLS) Program is designed to prepare graduates to excel in today’s multicultural and global society. Our courses are taught by faculty with real-world experience and a user-based mindset, who focus on helping students build their library science knowledge while utilizing new and emerging technology, instruction, and management skills.
The MLS Program at MTSU has prepared library professionals since 2001 and is one of the most affordable programs in the state.
The Master of Library Science degree program consists of 36 credits, with classes that are 100% online and asynchronous (except for the required in-person components of the field experience), allowing for greater flexibility with working students.
Students can propose alternative electives in other disciplines when appropriate. The field experience requirement helps produce the practice-ready librarians that employers are seeking. The required ePortfolio capstone project enables students to showcase their best work.
Interested? Join us for a Zoom information session on Thursday, Oct 1, 7-8 p.m. CST. Sign up here, and the Zoom link will be emailed to you the week of the session.
See the “Information” tab for more details on programs of study.
*No GMAT or GRE Required
Newsletter
View Our Latest Newsletter Here
Program Director
Ms. DeAnne Luck
615-898-5414
[email protected]
MLS Program Data
Accreditation
MTSU’s College of Education has earned national accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) through June 30, 2029. This accreditation demonstrates our commitment to excellence in the areas of content and pedagogy, clinical experiences, selectivity, program impact, and capacity for continuous improvement.
News Briefs
What Our Alums Are Saying
Jessica: As the county's main Teen Librarian, I oversee all things Teen related. This includes collection development for all YA areas, teen programs and displays, as well as the Teen Summer Reading Challenge. I also do collection development for Children's graphic novels, preschool/daycare story time outreach, and the co-planning/implementation of the Children's Summer Reading Book Nook. The best part of my job is making connections and forming relationships with the teens who visit the Teen Room, as well as maintaining the room as a welcoming and comfortable safe space.
Hayley: As a Reference Librarian, I select part of the adult nonfiction collection, answer technical or reference questions, and collaborate with outside organizations for library programs for adults and seniors. One of my favorite parts of my job is seeing people get excited or appreciative about learning something new at a program or during reference interviews.
Kathy: I work in the Adult Reference Department. Getting to know patrons, helping them with technology, and experiencing their gratitude is one of my favorite parts of this job.
Susie: As a Reference Librarian, like Hayley, I also order for sections of the adult nonfiction collection, work on the Reference Desk, teach some computer classes, and do programming. I’ve also overseen the Adult Summer Reading Program since Summer 2022. My favorite part of my job is helping people, making wonderful connections (many of them through my two book clubs), and sharing library joy!
MTSU alumna credits library science program with boosting skills, career
MTSU alumna Valerie Michel recalls the standout moments in her librarian and education career and describes how her time at MTSU shaped her approach to her job. A 2020 alumna of the College of Education’s Master of Library Science Program and January 2022 School Librarian of the Month per the Tennessee Association of School Librarians, [ Read More ]
News Briefs
What Our Alums Are Saying
Jessica: As the county's main Teen Librarian, I oversee all things Teen related. This includes collection development for all YA areas, teen programs and displays, as well as the Teen Summer Reading Challenge. I also do collection development for Children's graphic novels, preschool/daycare story time outreach, and the co-planning/implementation of the Children's Summer Reading Book Nook. The best part of my job is making connections and forming relationships with the teens who visit the Teen Room, as well as maintaining the room as a welcoming and comfortable safe space.
Hayley: As a Reference Librarian, I select part of the adult nonfiction collection, answer technical or reference questions, and collaborate with outside organizations for library programs for adults and seniors. One of my favorite parts of my job is seeing people get excited or appreciative about learning something new at a program or during reference interviews.
Kathy: I work in the Adult Reference Department. Getting to know patrons, helping them with technology, and experiencing their gratitude is one of my favorite parts of this job.
Susie: As a Reference Librarian, like Hayley, I also order for sections of the adult nonfiction collection, work on the Reference Desk, teach some computer classes, and do programming. I’ve also overseen the Adult Summer Reading Program since Summer 2022. My favorite part of my job is helping people, making wonderful connections (many of them through my two book clubs), and sharing library joy!
MTSU alumna credits library science program with boosting skills, career
MTSU alumna Valerie Michel recalls the standout moments in her librarian and education career and describes how her time at MTSU shaped her approach to her job. A 2020 alumna of the College of Education’s Master of Library Science Program and January 2022 School Librarian of the Month per the Tennessee Association of School Librarians, [ Read More ]
Library Science, M.L.S.
Careers in Library Science
Librarians are in demand at all kinds of libraries, including public, academic, school (in Pre-K-12 public & private schools), and special libraries (which include special collections in corporate, medical, military, and government libraries, archives, and museums).
Some Types of Librarian Positions:
- Reference Librarian
- Technical Services Librarian
- Children’s Librarian
- Cataloger
- Teen Librarian
- Archivist
- Adult Services Librarian
- Collection Development Librarian
- Systems Librarian
- Information Literacy Librarian
- Research Librarian
- School Media Specialist
- Electronic Resources Librarian
- Collection Development Librarian
- Outreach Librarian
- Managers and Directors
Employers of MTSU Library Science alumni include:
- Battle Ground Academy
- King University
- Rutherford County Schools
- Bedford County Schools
- La Vergne Public Library
- Shelbyville Bedford County Public Library
- Bradley County Schools
- Lake County Schools
- Stokes Brown Memorial Library
- Campbell County Schools
- Lincoln County Schools
- South Cheatham County Public Library
- Cannon County Schools
- Los Alamos County Library System, NM
- Sumner County Schools
- Coffee County Schools
- Maury County Schools
- University of the South
- Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum
- Metro-Nashville Public Schools
- Vanderbilt Special Archives
- Franklin County Schools
- Murfreesboro City Schools
- Wilberforce University
- Gallatin Public Library
- Nashville Christian School
- Williamson County Public Library
- Gibson County Schools
- Nashville Public Library
- Williamson County Schools
- Hamilton County Schools
- Nossi College of Art & Design
- Wilson County Schools
- John P. Holt Brentwood Library
- Rutherford County Library System
Helpful Links to Librarian Job Sites:
- American Library Association JobLIST
https://joblist.ala.org/
- Tennessee Library Association Career Center
https://www.tnla.org/networking/opening_search.asp
MTSU’s Career Development Center
MTSU offers a comprehensive Career Development Center that serves students throughout the full student experience and beyond. They collaborate with faculty and staff to equip students with the tools to be marketable to the world of work and continuing education.
Students can schedule an appointment or check online resources and job boards at mtsu.edu/career.
Students can find current internship opportunities by talking to faculty and visiting the University job and internship board called Handshake.
Wondering what you can do with your major? Check out our What Can I Do with A Major In guides.
MLS Program Information
The Master of Library Science Program consists of 12 courses / 36 credit hours delivered 100% asynchronously online. Students set their own pace for completion. Most students take 2 courses at a time and finish in 2 years.
MLS Program Handbook
Click to view MLS Program Handbook Here
The MLS Program is focused on preparing librarians to serve in PK-12 schools. Pathways include:
- MLS Degree + Library Information Specialist endorsement (36 credit hours)
- MLS Degree + Initial teaching licensure + Library Information Specialist endorsement (38-42 credit hours)
- Non-degree option: Library Information Specialist endorsement only (24 credit hours)
- Non-degree option: Initial teaching licensure + Library Information Specialist endorsement (29-36 credit hours)
See the Plans of Study in the MLS Program Handbook (link above) for the course requirements for each pathway.
For other situations, pathways, or career goals, contact the Program Director for options.
MLS ePortfolio Requirement
All MLS and licensure students must complete an ePortfolio as the culminating capstone product for their degree or endorsement. The ePortfolio includes an artifact and reflection from each required key assessment as well as several choice artifacts that help the students showcase their best work. The ePortfolio is a requirement for graduation and must pass the final ePortfolio review.
Vision
To meet the information society’s current and future needs pertaining to the discovery, acquisition, organization, provision, and ethical and effective use of information regardless of media format.
Mission
To prepare the next generation of 21st century information professionals through impactful research, creative entrepreneurship, learner-centered teaching, and innovative professional practice.
Goals
The MLS Program at MTSU will provide candidates:
- With customizable curricula that are grounded in library and information science theory and practice that they can tailor to meet their interests and needs for continued growth and development as an information professional
- With an appreciation of the importance of advocacy for their profession and for their institutions, which provide access to information resources
- With an initiate’s attainment of the American Library Association’s (ALA’s) Core Competences of Librarianship within the Standards for Accreditation of Master’s Programs in Library and Information Studies articulated and enforced by ALA, and other related standards such as the American Association of School Librarianship’s Standards for Initial Preparation of School Librarians
The MLS Program develops and encourages collaborative relationships with libraries that are willing to provide professional field experiences so that candidates receive a diverse and effective practitioner’s experience through pedagogical support exemplified by the program’s coursework.
Program Objectives
1) Job placement for graduates/completers (endorsement seeking) of the MLS Program
80% of all MLS Program students will have secured a position in librarianship or a similar information-based profession (e.g., librarian, archivist, museum staff, knowledge manager, indexer) or information-based organization within one year following their graduation/completion of their degree or non-degree plan of study.
2) Professional skills of MLS Program graduates or completers (endorsement seeking)
80% of employers of the MLS Program’s graduates and/or our graduates themselves will respond in some form of agreement that our graduates/they have the skills and attributes to become and remain successful information professionals.
3) Satisfaction determination of MLS Program graduates/completers (endorsement seeking)
80% of all MLS Program student graduates will respond in some form of agreement that they are satisfied with their graduate education.
Program Values
- Expertise: We create empowering learning and research experiences
- Integrity: We maintain a culture of honesty and high standards
- Connection: We respectfully engage with each other and our communities
- Impact: We foster the development of knowledge, skills, and service that enhance the quality of our communities
Student Learning Outcomes
- Apply an understanding of the library science profession’s history, ethics, and values to uphold professional standards in their practice.
- Select, organize, and facilitate access to resources to meet the community’s diverse needs.
- Engage in research activities to enhance their own and others’ knowledge.
- Promote inclusion and belongingness through culturally competent librarianship and advocacy.
- Effectively use, integrate, and evaluate existing and emerging technologies to provide library services and resources.
- Demonstrate a library leader’s skills that include effective management, ethical decision-making, collaboration with the community, and advocacy for the profession.
Adjunct Faculty
The MLS Program faculty are supported by several adjunct faculty who are practitioners in the library science and information field and have a wide range of experience in our focus areas of public, academic, special, and school libraries.
Resources
Financial Aid and Scholarships
- Affording Graduate School
- Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships
- College of Education Scholarships
- Edwin S. Gleaves Scholarship through TNLA
- TASL Awards & Scholarships
Professional License Disclosure
Students in the Master of Library Science program may seek an initial teaching license and should consult with the program director and MTSU licensure office. The MTSU College of Education’s teacher licensure preparation programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Students should be aware that licensure requirements vary from state to state and are subject to change. MTSU has not made a determination whether a specific program will meet all of the requirements of another US state or territory. MTSU recommends that students who plan to seek licensure outside the state of Tennessee contact the appropriate licensing agency and discuss their plans with their advisor. To obtain current information about each state’s and territory’s licensure requirements and any additional regulations, students should consult the US Department of Education’s website for state contacts at https://www.ed.gov/contact-us/state-contacts.
Graduates of MTSU teacher education programs certified to teach in Tennessee are eligible for certification reciprocity in many states. Reciprocity is not an automatic or complete transfer of certification, thus individuals should consult the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) site at https://www.tn.gov/education/educators/licensing.html and the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) site at https://www.nasdtec.net/page/Interstate as well as the US Department of Education state contacts site for information about any additional state requirements.
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