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Education · Learner Support & Community Engagement

Librarian: bachelor's, then a master's in library science (MLS)

Librarians typically need a master's in library science (MLS), which takes 1 to 2 years after a bachelor's in any major. School librarians usually also need a teaching certificate.

For: Curious, organized people who like research and helping others find information.

See the roadmap Librarian & Library Media Specialist guide

Route 1: Bachelor's (any major) → MLS → librarian Public and academic

Some colleges call the program a Master of Information Studies or Master of Library and Information Studies.

  1. Start here

    Bachelor's in any major

    BLS
    Librarians and Library Media Specialists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    20 Oct 2026
    View source

  2. 1 to 2 years

    Master's in library science (MLS)

    Research methods, online reference systems and search techniques.

    BLS
    Librarians and Library Media Specialists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    20 Oct 2026
    View source

  3. Goal

    Librarian

    Some states also require certification for librarians in public libraries.

    BLS
    Librarians and Library Media Specialists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    20 Oct 2026
    View source

Route 2: Education degree + library media → teaching certificate → school librarian Public schools

Most states require an MLS or a bachelor's or master's in education, often with a library media specialization.

  1. Start here

    Bachelor's or master's in education (library media)

    BLS
    Librarians and Library Media Specialists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    20 Oct 2026
    View source

  2. Exam gate

    A state test, in some states

    For example, the Praxis Library Media Specialist test.

    BLS
    Librarians and Library Media Specialists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    20 Oct 2026
    View source

  3. License

    Teacher's certification

    BLS
    Librarians and Library Media Specialists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    20 Oct 2026
    View source
    Certification steps

  4. Goal

    School librarian or library media specialist

    BLS
    Librarians and Library Media Specialists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    20 Oct 2026
    View source

Route 3: MLS + a field: law, medical or corporate librarian Special libraries

Some employers want a master's, professional degree or Ph.D. in the subject; a law librarian may need a law degree.

  1. Start here

    MLS

    BLS
    Librarians and Library Media Specialists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    20 Oct 2026
    View source

  2. Plus

    Knowledge or a degree in the field

    BLS
    Librarians and Library Media Specialists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    20 Oct 2026
    View source

  3. Goal

    Special librarian

    BLS
    Librarians and Library Media Specialists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    20 Oct 2026
    View source

More careers in Education

Every career page in this cluster: entry, license, BLS pay and outlook.

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Back to the full Librarian & Library Media Specialist guide

What the job is, BLS pay and job outlook, and how to become one.

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