UNC Greensboro’s online Master’s in Library Science with a concentration in Public Librarianship is an American Library Association-accredited program that prepares future library leaders to make a meaningful impact in the communities they serve. Designed for aspiring and current library professionals, this flexible online concentration develops the knowledge and skills to lead innovative public library services, engage diverse populations, manage collections and programs, and expand equitable access to information. Through a combination of foundational library science, leadership development, and hands-on learning, graduates are prepared for rewarding careers in public libraries while earning a respected MLIS that opens doors across the broader library and information profession.
U.S. News & World Report ranks UNC Greensboro’s 29th in the country, and second in North Carolina, for Best Library and Information Studies programs.
The MLIS program is recognized by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction for licensure across several career tracks within the state’s public schools. Graduates are also eligible for North Carolina Public Library Certification.
Students benefit from faculty who are not only scholars, but also experienced practitioners in public librarianship.
Applications to the MLIS in Public Librarianship are accepted on a rolling basis, meaning interested students can apply at any time, and begin their program during the fall, spring, or summer semester.
Public librarians in North Carolina must have a master’s degree in library and information science and must also apply to the NC Public Librarian Certification Commission for Public Librarian Certification. As is true for the MLIS degree on the whole, any undergraduate degree preparation is appropriate.
The Online Master’s in Public Librarianship Student Experience
UNCG’s Public Librarianship concentration offers substantial flexibility through electives. Students can tailor their studies toward interests such as:
- youth services
- adult services
- community engagement
- information services
- technology
- leadership and management
- emerging library trends
The Library and Information Science program works with information organizations where their students learn, providing meaningful practicums, capstone, and volunteer opportunities.
If you would like to learn more about the MLIS program, register to join us for a monthly information session to learn more about the program!
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, meaning you can apply at any time, and begin your program during either the fall, spring, or summer semester.
“I was so encouraged by the enthusiasm the legislators and their staff showed as we shared about our research projects and our experiences as graduate students and researchers at UNC Greensboro. It was really exciting to be able to meet and talk with them and for them to ask questions and show interest in our work.”
–Sarah Leck ’24, Master’s of Library and Information Science, Academic Librarianship
MLIS Program Customization
You have the opportunity to focus on developing your skill set in specific areas. Below are some suggested courses to help students plan out a particular destination in their studies. None of these courses are required, but they can help students who wish to refine their academic experience within a particular area.
Academic Librarian
LIS 656 The Academic Library
LIS 665 Information Literacy
LIS 672 Instructional Design
LIS 635 Introduction to Technology
LIS 630 Computer-Related Tech for Info Management
LIS 631 Emerging Technological Trends in Information Access
LIS 636 Website Production and Usability for Librarians
LIS 661 Library and Information Science Research
LIS 662 Information Services to Diverse Client Groups
LIS 667 Information Services for Adults
Archives and Special Collections
LIS 610 Collection Management
LIS 639 History of Information Technologies
LIS 657 The Special Library
LIS 658 Archival Management
LIS 681 Rare Books, Manuscripts, and Special Collections
LIS 683 Archival Preservation, Curation and Access
Cataloging
LIS 641 Cataloging and Classification
LIS 643 Metadata
Children & Youth Services
LIS 617 Materials for Children
LIS 618 Materials for Adolescents
LIS 619 Storytelling
LIS 635 Introduction to Technology Resources
LIS 625 Electronic Resources for Youth
LIS 663 Library Services for Young People
LIS 664 Reading and Literacy in the Library
LIS 674 Seminar: Issues of the Virtual Community
LIS 634 Libraries and MakerSpaces
Digital Collections
LIS 631 Emerging Technologies
LIS 644 Digital Libraries
LIS 643 Metadata
Information Organization
LIS 631 Emerging Technologies
LIS 644 Digital Libraries
LIS 643 Metadata
Information Organization
LIS 641 Cataloging and Classification
LIS 642 Seminar in Indexing and Abstracting
LIS 643 Metadata
LIS 644 Digital Libraries
Public Library Certification
Click here to access this link from the State Library
Required by State Library Certification:
LIS 610 Collection Management
OR LIS 617 Materials for Children & LIS 618 Materials for Adolescents
Other good electives courses for public library service include:
LIS 655 Public Libraries
LIS 631 Emerging Technological Trends in Information Access
LIS 635 Introduction to Technology Resources
LIS 636 Website Production
LIS 661 Library and Information Science Research
LIS 662 Information Services to Diverse Client Groups
LIS 663 Library Services for Young People
LIS 665 Information Literacy
LIS 667 Information Services for Adults
LIS 668 Community Informatics
LIS 672 Instructional Design
** You can take either LIS 610 or LIS 617 with LIS 618
A combination of collections and resources**
Reference Librarianship
LIS 623 Principles of Database Information Retrieval
LIS 628 Science and Technology Information Sources
LIS 674 Seminar: Issues in the Virtual Community
LIS 682 Seminar: Advanced Information Sources and Services
School Libraries
Required by DPI:
LIS 617 Materials for Children
LIS 618 Materials for Adolescents
LIS 635 Introduction to Technology Resources
LIS 653 The School Library
LIS 654 School Library Media Specialist and the Curriculum
LIS 693 Capstone Practicum
Recommended Electives:
LIS 619 Storytelling
LIS 625 Electronic Resources for Youth
LIS 663 Library Services for Young People
LIS 664 Reading and Literacy in the Library
LIS 674 Seminar: Issues of the Virtual Community
LIS 634 Libraries and MakerSpaces
LIS 688 Seminar: Legal Ethical Issues in School LIbraries
MLIS Program Capstone
MLIS students complete the capstone during their final semester. The experience includes applied work — such as a field experience or approved project — and a professional portfolio demonstrating achievement of program learning outcomes.
Students already working in a library may have the option to complete a project‑based experience rather than a traditional placement.
Key Features
- Applied, real‑world experience
- Professional portfolio
- Alignment with MLIS program learning outcomes (PLOs)
- Customizable based on career goals
Plan ahead: Your interests may evolve during the program, and that’s expected. Save everything! Advisors will help you align your capstone with your goals as you progress.
🔗 MLIS Capstone Details and Forms
After Graduating From the mLIS — Public Librarianship Concentration
Graduates are prepared for a wide range of public library careers, including:
- Library director
- Public librarian
- Youth services librarian
- Adult services librarian
- Community engagement librarian
- Outreach coordinator
- Branch manager
Want more information? Let’s get started!
