Online vs. In-Person Library Science Programs

Your Journey to Librarianship — Online or On-Campus?

Imagine this: you’ve made the exciting decision to pursue a career in librarianship. You’re energized by the thought of connecting people to knowledge, curating collections, and championing access to information. But now comes a pivotal choice — how will you earn your Master of Library Science (MLS) degree? Will you walk the halls of a university campus or log in from the comfort of your home?

In today’s educational landscape, both online and in-person MLS programs offer credible, enriching paths to becoming a professional librarian. The challenge isn’t finding a program — it’s choosing the one that truly fits your life, your learning style, and your long-term goals.

This article is your guide to that decision. We compare the key differences between online and on-campus MLS programs — from flexibility and interaction to cost, career networking, and personal learning preferences. Whether you’re balancing work and family or eager to immerse yourself in campus life, this side-by-side look will help you make an informed, confident choice.

The Rise of Online Learning in Library Science

Accessibility and Flexibility

One of the biggest shifts in graduate education over the past decade is the explosion of high-quality online learning — and library science has been at the forefront. Online MLS programs offer a level of flexibility that’s hard to beat. For many, they make the difference between pursuing the degree or putting it off indefinitely.

Online learning gives you the freedom to study from anywhere — whether that’s a quiet room at home, your local library, or a café between shifts at work. It’s designed to fit into real lives. No commuting. No rigid schedules. Just you, your coursework, and the ability to learn on your terms.

Technological Advancements Have Changed the Game

Forget the outdated image of online learning as passive and disconnected. Today’s online MLS programs are powered by robust learning platforms that support interactive lectures, collaborative projects, discussion boards, real-time feedback, and even virtual group study sessions.

Video conferencing, cloud-based tools, and integrated learning systems allow students to engage meaningfully with faculty and classmates. In many programs, the digital classroom mirrors — and in some cases enhances — the academic experience of a physical one.

Options for Every Learning Style

Not all online programs are built the same, and that’s a good thing. Some offer asynchronous formats, where you complete assignments on your own schedule — ideal for those who need maximum flexibility. Others follow synchronous models, with live virtual classes that foster real-time discussion and structure. Many schools even offer a hybrid of both.

This variety means you can choose a format that not only fits your schedule, but also aligns with how you learn best.

Let’s Talk Quality — and Bust Some Myths

There’s still a lingering belief that online degrees are somehow “less than” their in-person counterparts. But here’s the truth: many of the most respected MLS programs in the country offer fully online options. They’re taught by the same faculty, follow the same curriculum, and hold the same rigorous standards as their campus-based versions. See ALA accredited Online MLS Programs.

And if the program is ALA-accredited — whether online or on-campus — that’s your assurance that it meets the highest standards in the profession. Employers know this. They’re looking at the quality of your education, not the format in which you earned it.

The Traditional Appeal of In-Person Library Science Programs

Face-to-Face Connection and Networking

There’s something timeless about learning in person — the shared energy of a classroom, the spontaneous discussions before and after lectures, and the relationships that often start with a simple handshake. In-person MLS programs offer valuable face-to-face engagement with professors, peers, and visiting professionals. These interactions often lay the foundation for long-lasting professional networks and mentorships.

Whether it’s group work, seminar discussions, or informal chats during office hours, being physically present can make it easier to connect, clarify, and collaborate.

Immersive Campus Experience

In-person study means more than just attending classes — it’s about becoming part of an academic community. Students have direct access to university libraries, archives, special collections, makerspaces, research labs, and career centers. There’s the buzz of campus life — student organizations, professional development events, guest lectures — all of which can deepen your academic and personal growth.

This kind of immersion can be especially meaningful for those transitioning into librarianship from other fields and seeking a complete reset.

Hands-On Learning Opportunities

Some areas of library science lend themselves especially well to hands-on experience. In-person programs often provide opportunities to work directly with rare books, archival materials, digital preservation labs, or even physical library systems and infrastructure. These tactile experiences can be difficult to fully replicate in a digital environment.

In addition, students may have access to on-campus internships, assistantships, or part-time library jobs that provide real-world experience while building their résumés.

Structure, Routine, and Accountability

For some students, the structured environment of an in-person program brings an important sense of rhythm and discipline. Regular class schedules, set deadlines, and physical attendance can help maintain focus, avoid procrastination, and reinforce learning.

This traditional model appeals to those who thrive with external accountability and benefit from the clear separation between school and personal life.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing

Choosing between an online and in-person MLS program isn’t just about convenience — it’s about alignment. The right choice depends on your personal goals, lifestyle, and how you learn best. Here are the most important factors to weigh:

Learning Style and Preferences

Do you thrive in quiet, independent environments or do you learn best through face-to-face discussion and immediate feedback?

Online programs can offer more autonomy and flexibility, while in-person formats often support more real-time interaction and community-building. Think honestly about what helps you stay engaged, absorb complex material, and feel supported.

Time Management and Self-Discipline

Online learning requires strong self-motivation. You’ll need to manage your own schedule, meet deadlines independently, and stay focused in a potentially distracting environment.

In-person programs typically offer built-in structure — fixed class times, physical locations, and a daily rhythm that can keep you on track. Consider which format better supports your follow-through and consistency.

Networking Goals

If you’re looking to build a local professional network — particularly if you plan to work in a specific city or region — an in-person program can help you connect more easily with local libraries, faculty, and alumni.

Online programs, on the other hand, may expose you to a wider geographic network, connecting you with peers and professionals from across the country or even globally.

Financial Considerations

Costs can vary widely. Online programs often reduce expenses related to housing, commuting, or campus fees, and they may allow you to continue working full-time while you study. In-person programs may involve higher living costs or relocation but sometimes come with access to graduate assistantships, fellowships, or on-campus employment that help offset tuition.

Always evaluate both sticker price and total cost of attendance, and factor in whether you’ll be able to work while enrolled.

Program Reputation and Accreditation

Regardless of format, make sure the program is ALA-accredited — this is often a minimum requirement for employment in many library settings.

Reputation matters too, especially in specialized areas. Research how the program is perceived within the profession, especially in the niche you’re pursuing.

Career Goals and Specializations

Are you aiming for academic librarianship, digital curation, archival work, youth services, or special libraries? Some concentrations may benefit more from hands-on training or location-specific opportunities.

For example, archival studies may offer richer experiences when you can work with physical collections; digital librarianship may be just as effective (or better) in an online format.

Access to Resources

Online learners need reliable technology, high-speed internet, and a quiet space to study. If those are not guaranteed, the experience can quickly become frustrating.

In-person learners benefit from direct access to campus libraries, labs, and services, but this depends on your proximity to the campus and your schedule.

Making the Decision: Questions to Ask Yourself

Choosing between an online or in-person MLS program is about much more than format — it’s about fit. Use the questions below to assess your priorities, preferences, and practical needs before committing to a path.

Learning Style and Academic Preferences

• Do I learn best through lectures, discussion, or hands-on experience?

• Am I comfortable managing my own learning without much direct oversight?

• How important is real-time feedback and face-to-face discussion to me?

• Do I stay motivated and focused when studying independently?

• Have I succeeded with online or hybrid learning in the past?

Flexibility and Schedule Management

• Do I need a program that allows me to study around a work or family schedule?

• Would attending scheduled classes on campus fit with my current lifestyle?

• Am I good at setting my own deadlines and sticking to them?

• Can I dedicate specific, consistent time each week to studying and coursework?

• Would a structured routine help me maintain momentum in graduate school?

Professional Networking and Career Development

• Where do I plan to live and work after graduation?

• Is building a local professional network important to my career goals?

• Will this program help me connect with mentors or job opportunities in my field?

• Do I value being part of a tight-knit academic community?

• Am I looking to work in a specialized library environment where local experience matters?

Financial and Logistical Considerations

• What can I realistically afford in terms of tuition, housing, and travel?

• Would an online program allow me to work and reduce educational expenses?

• Are assistantships or campus jobs important to help fund my education?

• Would I need to relocate to attend an in-person program?

• How do the total costs of both formats compare when considering all factors?

Program Content, Reputation, and Resources

• Is the program ALA-accredited, and how is it regarded in the profession?

• Are there faculty members whose work aligns with my interests?

• Does the program offer the specialization or electives I’m seeking?

• What are the available opportunities for hands-on learning, regardless of format?

• How does the school support students with career placement, internships, or alumni connections?

Technology and Learning Environment

• Do I have access to reliable internet and updated technology for online learning?

• Is my home environment conducive to focused study and attending virtual classes?

• Am I comfortable using video conferencing tools, online platforms, and collaborative tech?

• Would I feel isolated in an online program without regular in-person contact?

• Are campus resources (labs, archives, libraries) essential to my learning experience?

Taking time to answer these questions honestly can make your decision much clearer — not just about where to enroll, but how to succeed once you do. Choosing the right learning environment is a powerful first step toward becoming the librarian you want to be.

Finding the Right Fit for Your Librarian Journey

Both online and in-person MLS programs offer valid, respected pathways into the library and information science profession. Each format comes with unique strengths — and the “best” choice isn’t about which one is better overall, but which one is better for you.

If you thrive in a flexible, self-paced environment, value the ability to balance other responsibilities, or need to study from a distance, an online program can provide the access and freedom to pursue your goals. If you prefer face-to-face interaction, immersive experiences, and structured learning, an in-person program might offer the depth of connection and routine that helps you succeed.

The most important thing is that your program — regardless of format — is ALA-accredited, aligned with your interests, and positioned to support your career goals.

Take time to research programs thoroughly. Reach out to current students or alumni. Compare course offerings, faculty expertise, and available resources. And most importantly, listen to what your learning needs and life circumstances are telling you.

You’re entering a profession rooted in access, community, and lifelong learning. Whether you arrive there through a digital classroom or a campus seminar, the journey is still yours — and it matters.

Ready to take the next step? Start by exploring ALA-accredited programs, identifying your areas of interest, and building a plan that leads you to the career you envision.