Clarion University Announces Online Undergraduate Degree in Library Science

A new online undergraduate degree program at Clarion University of Pennsylvania offers students the opportunity to complete their undergraduate degree with a concentration in library science.

“This program grows out of our commitment to provide educational services to students in rural and isolated locations,” explained William Buchanan, a professor in the Department of Library Science. “Clarion is known internationally for its work in the area of rural librarianship, which is coordinated through the university's Center for the Study of Rural Librarianship (www.clarion.edu/rural).”

The new degree program is a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies with a Concentration in Library Science, continued Buchanan, noting that “we are happy to work with students who wish to transfer credit in from other institutions in order to complete their degrees at Clarion.” Students enrolled in the program must fulfill general education requirements at the freshman and sophomore levels (that is, take basic courses in mathematics, sciences, English, etc.), take a core of library science classes, and complete their degrees through selecting elective courses from the various departments on campus that offer online coursework.

Buchanan noted that successful completion of the BS in Liberal Studies with a Concentration in Library Science may also lead to admission to the department's nationally accredited Master of Science in Library Science (MSLS) program, which can also be completed online. The department’s MSLS degree program is one of less than 50 such programs in the United States accredited by the American Library Association.

"Demand for librarians is very high and expected to remain so," said Buchanan, who noted that positions are available to qualified persons in both traditional library settings and in business and industry where librarians are hired to organize and manage information.

The new BS in Liberal Studies/Library Science degree can be completed fully online. In addition to general education courses, the degree requires eight courses in library science plus enough electives to meet the university's degree requirements of 120 semester credits. Most classes at Clarion carry three semester hours of credit each. Among academic departments at the university offering online undergraduate courses are the Departments of Art, Education, Earth Sciences, Economics, and English.

As a state supported institution Clarion offers "highly affordable" tuition, regardless of whether the student is a Pennsylvania resident, said Buchanan. Though tuition is subject to increase annually, out-of-state students can always take online courses at Clarion for 102% of in-state tuition rates, ensuring that the program will continue to be a good value for students, regardless of residency status.

Buchanan noted that while the MSLS is recognized as the basic professional degree for librarians that many individuals are employed in libraries and related institutions with the BS degree.

For additional information on the new BS in Liberal Studies/Library Science or the MSLS program, contact the Department of Library Science toll-free at 866.272.5612 (press 1) or visit the university distance education website at http://www.clarion.edu/academic/distance/index.shtml.