Kent State University

What you'll study

The programme covers the foundations of librarianship and information science alongside courses in administration and management. Core areas typically include cataloguing and classification, reference and information services, collection development, information organisation and retrieval, metadata, digital libraries and preservation. Students also study research methods and issues in ethics and information policy.

Management- and administration-focused modules examine budgeting and finance for libraries, personnel and human-resource issues, strategic planning, leadership, marketing and community engagement. Technology and digital practice courses address library systems, discovery layers, digitisation workflows, metadata standards and interoperability.

Practical experience is emphasised through supervised fieldwork, practicums or internships and a capstone project or practicum portfolio that integrates professional practice with research or management tasks. Elective options allow specialisation in areas such as archives and records management, school librarianship (where local certification is required), special libraries, or digital curation.

Entry requirements

• Completed undergraduate degree from an accredited institution in any discipline; a background in humanities, social sciences or information-related fields can be helpful but is not always required.
• Official academic transcripts demonstrating satisfactory undergraduate performance; some programmes consider professional experience in lieu of specific coursework.
• Personal statement outlining professional goals and reasons for pursuing the degree.
• Letters of recommendation, typically two or three, from academic or professional referees who can speak to your suitability for graduate study and library work.
• Current curriculum vitae or résumé describing relevant work, volunteer or practicum experience.
• International applicants must provide proof of English language proficiency and may need to submit credential evaluations for international transcripts.
• Some pathways or concentrations (for example, school librarianship) may require additional state certification steps after graduation; GRE test requirements vary and are not universally required—check the programme for current policy.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of information professions. Typical roles include public librarian, academic librarian, subject or liaison librarian, school librarian (subject to local certification), special librarian in corporate, law, health or government settings, and archivist or records manager. Other career paths include metadata specialist, digital preservation or curation specialist, systems or discovery services librarian, information architect, and library director or manager.

The programme’s focus on administration and leadership prepares graduates for supervisory and senior management roles within library and information organisations. Practical placements and industry links also support transitions into roles in museums, cultural heritage organisations, non-profits and private-sector information services.

Why study at Kent State University

• Accredited library and information science education with a curriculum that balances traditional practice and contemporary technological skills.
• Flexible delivery options, including in-person and online coursework, suited to working professionals and distance learners.
• Strong emphasis on practical experience through practicum placements, partnerships with local libraries and cultural institutions, and an applied capstone project.
• Faculty with active research and professional engagement across archives, digital libraries, metadata, and administration, offering mentorship and industry connections.
• Support services for career development and employer networking, helping graduates find roles across public, academic, school and special library sectors.