Overview
The ALA and LIS education
The American Library Association (ALA), through its Committee on Accreditation, accredits master’s programs in library and information science (the MLIS or MLS). CHEA-recognized. Librarianship is generally not licensed, but an ALA-accredited master’s functions as the profession’s near-universal credential.
Why It Matters
What ALA accreditation buys
The ALA-accredited MLIS is the standard entry credential for professional librarian roles. Most academic, public, and research library positions — and many civil-service classifications — require or strongly prefer an ALA-accredited master’s. School librarians additionally need a state teaching/school-librarian certification, which is separate.
Do It Yourself
Verify a program
Go Deeper
Official sources
Questions
Frequently asked questions
- Who accredits library science programs? The American Library Association (ALA), through its Committee on Accreditation, which accredits master's programs in library and information science (MLIS/MLS). It is CHEA-recognized.
- Do I need an ALA-accredited degree to be a librarian? For most professional librarian roles, effectively yes. An ALA-accredited master's is the standard entry credential, required or strongly preferred by academic, public, and research libraries.
- Is librarianship licensed? Generally no — the ALA-accredited MLIS functions as the profession's credential. School librarians additionally need a separate state teaching/school-librarian certification.
- What degree do librarians need? A master's in library and information science (MLIS or MLS) from an ALA-accredited program.
- Does the ALA accredit bachelor's programs? No. ALA accreditation applies to master's programs in library and information science.
- Is ALA accreditation recognized by the government? ALA accreditation is CHEA-recognized. It is the professional standard rather than a federal aid gatekeeper.
- What about school librarians? School librarians need an ALA-accredited (or equivalent) degree plus a state school-librarian/teaching certification — the certification is separate.
- How do I verify a library science program? Search the ALA list of accredited programs.