A degree in library science allows you to take on some of the top positions in the information industry, but just because it could lead to a higher salary in the future doesn’t mean you have the money now to pay for school. If you want to get an education in this field, check out the financial aid options available to students.

Library Science Scholarships and Fellowships

For students who are undergraduates, scholarships are a great choice. These funds for students don’t have to be repaid, which allows you to graduate with fewer obligations. Scholarships are given based on merit and many require you to write an easy to be considered. Fellowships are similar to scholarships, but for those at the graduate level. Some fellowships also require you to serve as a teaching assistant or work on research projects.

Grants for Library Science Students

Like scholarships/fellowships, grants don’t have to be repaid and are available for both undergraduates and graduate students. Grants are given based on financial need, and some can be used for specific research projects while others are available to pay for tuition. Grant applications are typically longer and more detailed than scholarship applications, but it depends on the specific program. Don’t forget to apply for the federal Pell Grant if you’re getting your undergraduate degree – this fund is available to all students who meet financial requirements and you can get it simply by filling out the FAFSA form.

Specific Financial Aid Options for Library Science Students

Many scholarships, fellowships, and grants are available regardless of major, but there are also some opportunities specifically for students in the library science field or related fields. Some require you to be studying in a specific specialty, meet minority status requirements, or maintain a high GPA. Here are the organizations that offer library science financial aid.

• American Indian Library Association
• American Library Association
• Association for Library Collections and Technical Services
• Library and Information Technology Association
• Association of Research Libraries
• Beta Phi Mu
• Chinese American Libraries Association
• Coalition for Networked Information
• Council on Library and Information Resources
• Library of Congress
• Medical Library Association
• Association for Library Collections & Technical Services
• American Association of Law Libraries
• LEXIS-NEXIS
• Association for Library and Information Science Education
• International Reading Association
• Music Library Association
• Special Library Association
• Society of American Archivists
• Women’s National Book Association

With advent of the internet, library science has grown to include the management, maintenance, and organization of information services and resources. We have listed some of the top schools with online library science programs offered below.

MA - Library and Media	Ashford University - Ashford University offers a huge selection of online, accredited degrees that can be completed at a faster pace compared to campus courses and offer greater flexibility. These courses utilize the latest technologies and techniques available in the field. The Masters degree available at Ashford University allows students to become library and media professionals.
MS - Library & Info Sci MS - Knowledge Mgmt MS - Digital Libraries MS - Library & Info Services MS - School Library Media MS - Youth Libraries	Drexel University - As a leading educator and provider of online courses, Drexel University offers a huge variety of degrees in the field of library science. These degrees can be completed at home, school, or even when you are on the move. The degrees present a fast and affordable option for students to advance their careers with programs specializing in general Library and Information Sciences, Knowledge Management, Digital Libraries, Library and Information Services, and School Library Media.
BS - Info Systems BS/IT: Info Systems Security MS - Info Systems DM - Org Leadership: Info Systems & Tech	University of Phoenix - University of Phoenix offers online programs for several degrees related to the Library Science field, including a BS in Information Systems, BS of Information Technology in Information Systems Security, MS in Information Systems, and finally DM of Organization Leadership in Information Systems and Technology. These programs are designed to be accredited, fast-paced alternatives to campus courses.