Library Science Professor: Job Description, Pay & Outlook

What does a library science professor do?

Library science teachers, postsecondary, teach courses in library and information science, preparing librarians, archivists and information managers. The median pay is $80,340 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 6–8 years after a bachelor’s, and employment is projected to grow +2.7% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$80,340
Annual salary · May 2025
Job growth
+2.7%
2025–35, about as fast as average
Openings per year
300
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
Doctoral or professional degree
BLS classification
Time to train
6–8 years after a bachelor’s
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
4,500
Employment, 2025

What library science professors do

Library science professors prepare librarians and information professionals. They teach cataloging, reference, information organization, digital libraries, archives and data management, research information behavior and access, and supervise practicums in libraries.

Most hold a Ph.D. and a Master of Library Science (MLS or MLIS). Programs are often online.

Typical duties

Teach library science courses
Supervise practicums
Conduct research
Develop online courses
Mentor students
Publish research
Serve professional associations

Work environment and schedule

Faculty work in offices, classrooms and online, often remotely.

Schedule: Flexible schedules with many online courses.

A day in the life

9:00 AMRecord an online lecture on metadata.
10:30 AMMeet students by video.
12:00 PMReview a practicum report.
2:00 PMResearch digital archives.

See a full day in the life of a library science professor →

Library Science Professor salary

Half of library science professors earned more than $80,340 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $57,200 for the lowest 10% to $129,120 for the top 10%.

$57,20010th$80,340Median$129,12090th

Full library science professor pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a library science professor

Earn a bachelor’s
Earn an MLIS
Work in libraries
Earn a Ph.D.
Get hired

A Ph.D. and an ALA-accredited MLS or MLIS are typical.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a library science professor →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

Information organization
Cataloging and metadata
Digital libraries
Research methods
Online teaching

People skills

Mentoring
Communication
Organization
Curiosity

All library science professor skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

Online teaching options
Flexible schedule
Information access mission
Growing digital field

Cons

Small field
Few positions
Lower pay for academia
Changing technology

Certifications and licenses

Ph.D. in library or information science: Doctoral degree.
ALA-accredited MLIS: Professional degree.
Online teaching certificate: Valued.
Archival certification: Academy of Certified Archivists.

Career path

Librarian: Experience.
Assistant Professor: Faculty.
Associate Professor: Tenure.
Professor or Dean: Lead programs.

Learn the job before day one

Our Library Science Professor training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as teach the reference interview and design an online library science course, safety and how to land your first job.

View Library Science Professor training Is this career right for me?

Librarian

Help people find information, discover books and build skills.

$68,270
Bachelor’s plus 1–2 year master’s

Archivist

Preserve historical records and help people find them.

$64,550
2 years after a bachelor’s

Library Technician

Help libraries run smoothly, from checkouts to cataloging.

$44,580
6 months–2 years

Education Professor

Prepare future teachers and research how people learn.

$75,350
8+ years including teaching

Compare: Library Science Professor vs. Librarian · Library Science Professor vs. Archivist · Library Science Professor vs. Library Technician · Library Science Professor vs. Education Professor

Library Science Professor FAQ

Do library science professors need an MLIS?

Usually, plus a Ph.D.

Are courses online?

Many programs teach online.

Is the field small?

Yes, BLS counts about 4,500 positions.

How much does a library science professor make?

The median annual wage for library science professors was $80,340 in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $57,200 and the highest 10% earned more than $129,120.

How long does it take to become a library science professor?

Most people need about 6–8 years after a bachelor’s of training. A Ph.D. and an ALA-accredited MLS or MLIS are typical.

Do you need a degree to be a library science professor?

Usually. BLS lists a doctoral degree as typical for postsecondary teachers. Universities generally require a doctorate, while community colleges often hire instructors with a master’s degree and professional experience.

More library science professor questions →

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 25-1082 (Library science teachers, postsecondary).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Library science teachers, postsecondary (U.S. Department of Labor).
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

Library Science Professor