What it is
Library & information science (LIS) is the study of organizing, preserving, and providing access to information — in libraries, archives, and increasingly digital and data settings. Modern LIS spans traditional librarianship, digital collections, data curation, and information management.
What you'll study
The professional path runs through the master's:
- UndergraduateAny field (often humanities, but increasingly data/tech)
- Master of Library & Information Science (MLIS)Information organization, reference, collection development, and increasingly data & digital curation
- SpecializationsAcademic, public, school, special, or digital/data librarianship
Concentrations & focus areas
- Public LibrarianshipCommunity libraries
- Academic LibrarianshipUniversities
- School MediaK–12 libraries
- Archives / Special CollectionsPreservation
- Digital / Data CurationInformation management
- Information ArchitectureOrganizing information
Skills you'll build
- Information organizationCataloging & classification
- Research & referenceHelping people find information
- Digital / data skillsModern collections
- TechnologyLibrary systems
- ServiceWorking with communities
Careers & job titles
- LibrarianPublic, academic, school (~$64,370)
- ArchivistPreserving records
- Digital / metadata librarianDigital collections
- Data curator / managerInformation management
- Information architectOrganizing information (tech)
- Library directorWith experience
Job outlook & demand
Library employment is steady, with the field evolving toward digital collections, data curation, and information management. Traditional roles are competitive; graduates with data and technology skills have broader options in and beyond libraries.
Pay: median, range & trajectory
Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, librarians had a median wage around $64,370. Academic and specialized/digital roles vary; information-management and data-curation skills open higher-paying tech-adjacent positions.
Degree levels it's offered at
Offered across these levels — click a level to learn about it:
A master's (MLIS) is the standard credential for professional librarian and archivist roles; the bachelor's can be in any field.
Is it right for you?
You might thrive here if you love information, research, and helping people, and are open to the field's digital evolution.
Modern edge: pair LIS with data, digital, and technology skills — that's where the field is growing and where graduates find the widest opportunities.
Explore further
Keep exploring:
Key facts
- FocusOrganizing, preserving & providing information
- DegreeMaster's (MLIS) for professional roles
- CareersLibrarian, archivist, data curator, information architect
- EvolvingToward digital & data (BLS)
- Pay~$64,370 (librarians, BLS)
Where to learn more
Authoritative sources for careers and pay: