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Research librarian education requirements
Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
There are several educational requirements to become a research librarian. Research librarians usually study library science, library science and administration, or english. 60% of research librarians hold a bachelor's degree, and 29% hold an master's degree. We analyzed 398 real research librarian resumes to see exactly what research librarian education sections show.
The most common colleges for research librarians are the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Pittsburgh.
There are also many online research librarian courses to help get the education required to be a research librarian.
What education do you need to become a research librarian?
What degree do you need to be a research librarian?
- Bachelor's, 60%
- Master's, 29%
- Associate, 4%
- Doctorate, 3%
- Other Degrees, 4%
What should I major in to become a research librarian?
- Library Science, 19%
- English, 10%
- History, 9%
- Other Majors, 52%
Most common colleges for research librarians
| Research librarian common college | Percentages |
|---|---|
| University of Pittsburgh | 8.97% |
| Wayne State University | 8.97% |
| University of Maryland - College Park | 7.69% |
| San Jose State University | 6.41% |
| Drexel University | 6.41% |
Best majors for research librarians
| Rank | Major | Percentages |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Library Science | 19.4% |
| 2 | Library Science And Administration | 10.1% |
| 3 | English | 10.1% |
| 4 | History | 9.3% |
| 5 | Political Science | 6.8% |
Best colleges for research librarians
The best colleges for research librarians are New York University, University of Maryland - College Park, and University of Washington.
A research librarian with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for research librarians. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become research librarians.
1. New York University
New York, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$51,828
Enrollment
26,339
2. University of Maryland - College Park
College Park, MD • Private
In-state tuition
$10,595
Enrollment
30,184
3. University of Washington
Seattle, WA • Private
In-state tuition
$11,207
Enrollment
30,905
4. SUNY at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$10,099
Enrollment
21,404
5. Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$51,853
Enrollment
14,759
6. University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA • Private
In-state tuition
$9,267
Enrollment
23,410
7. Louisiana State University and A&M College
Baton Rouge, LA • Private
In-state tuition
$11,950
Enrollment
23,468
8. Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA • Private
In-state tuition
$53,244
Enrollment
15,557
9. Simmons University
Boston, MA • Private
In-state tuition
$40,850
Enrollment
1,790
10. St. John's University
Queens, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$41,760
Enrollment
11,907
20 best online courses for research librarians
Advertising disclosure
1. Understanding Research Methods
This MOOC is about demystifying research and research methods. It will outline the fundamentals of doing research, aimed primarily, but not exclusively, at the postgraduate level. It places the student experience at the centre of our endeavours by engaging learners in a range of robust and challenging discussions and exercises befitting SOAS, University of London's status as a research-intensive university and its rich research heritage. The course will appeal to those of you who require an...
2. Foundations of Health Equity Research
Introduces students to the core principles of health equity research. Covers topics such as defining health equity, engaging community and policy stakeholders, patient-centeredness, cultural competence, and dissemination of research findings. Content will recognize different geographic, cultural, and social contexts where health inequities occur...
3. Research Methodology: Complete Research Project Blueprint
Research Methodology From A-Z. A Step-by-Step Guide Through Research Design, Data Collection, Analysis, & Interpretation...
4. Research Methodology
Academic Research Business Research Thesis & Dissertation Report Research Paper / Journal...
5. Operational Research for Humanitarians
Evidence is central to good decision-making both in the humanitarian sector and beyond. Every day, a vast amount of evidence is generated that is relevant to humanitarian actors, much of it through research by academics and practitioners. This evidence can be incredibly valuable. It can help us better understand a situation and make humanitarian action more effective and accountable. The difficulty comes with understanding what evidence is relevant to our circumstances, where to find it, and...
6. Understanding Clinical Research: Behind the Statistics
If you’ve ever skipped over the results section of a medical paper because terms like “confidence interval” or “p-value” go over your head, then you’re in the right place. You may be a clinical practitioner reading research articles to keep up-to-date with developments in your field or a medical student wondering how to approach your own research. Greater confidence in understanding statistical analysis and the results can benefit both working professionals and those undertaking research...
7. An Introduction to Online Quantitative Market Research
Learn how to effectively conceptualise, design, execute and apply quantitative online research like a PRO!...
8. Market Research: Dekker's Complete Marketing Research Course
Competitor Analysis, Market Research Analysis, Marketing Analytics, Consumer Analytics, Conversion Rate Optimization...
9. Uncertainty and Research
This course teaches the fundamentals of scientific research. We approach the research process as a means of systematically reducing uncertainty and demonstrate how conducting a scientific investigation can be posed as an exercise in Bayesian uncertainty quantification. We begin by exploring the scientific landscape to understand the different types of research, where they are conducted, how they are supported, and why each of these types of research is important. We then formalize scientific...
10. Market Research
The Market Research Specialisation focuses on the essentials of research and the research process. This Specialisation will teach you how to use qualitative and quantitative research methods, how to develop and manage a questionnaire development strategy, how to develop measurements, how to collect data and how to analyze and present them.\n\nOnce you have completed this Specialisation, you will have a good understanding of market research including:\n\nEssentials of market research Components...
11. The Beginners Course for Clinical Research
The Essentials of Clinical Trials - Clinical Research for Beginners...
12. Research Methods For Business Students
A-Z guide to writing a rockstar Research Paper with a bulletproof Research Methodology!...
13. Qualitative Research
In this course, the second in the Market Research Specialization, you will go in-depth with qualitative market research methods, from design to implementation to analysis. Week 1: Define qualitative research and how it differs from quantitative research. Explore the various qualitative research methods and evaluate when and how to use them for your research project. Week 2: Design the qualitative instruments necessary for your interviews or focus groups, and plan your recruitment efforts. Write...
14. Market Research
"Finding the Story in the Data” is the most important emerging capability for market researchers according to GRIT (Greenbook Research Industry Trends) Report 2016. This specialization, designed for learners with no previous Marketing Research experience teaches a comprehensive marketing research approach that will help learners find and communicate the story in the data.\n\nStudents will learn how to initiate a research project for targeted business needs, conduct research through multiple...
15. Marketing Research: support your marketing decisions
Discover the extra advantage of any Business. A practical step by step guide to Marketing Information and Research...
16. Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods
Learn the basics of conducting qualitative research. Learn to design interviews, conduct observations, and analyze data...
17. How to conduct market research in startups and small firms?
A-Z guide how to conduct market research, analyze your competitors as well as customers...
18. Global Marketing Research and Analytics
Understand and conduct market research on a global scale...
19. How to Write an Effective Research Paper
Learn how to write award-winning research papers with easy steps. Includes examples and a research paper template...
20. Market Research: A-Z Fundamentals with Case Studies
Learn Market Sizing & Forecasting, Survey Design, Customer & Competitor Analysis to become a PRO Market Research Analyst...
Top 10 most affordable universities for research librarians
The most affordable schools for research librarians are Queens College of the City University of New York, university of puerto rico - rio piedras campus, and inter american university of puerto rico barranquitas.
If the best universities for research librarians are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for research librarians.
1. Queens College of the City University of New York
Queens, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,338
Cost of attendance
14,281
2. University of Puerto Rico - Rio Piedras Campus
San Juan, PR • Private
In-state tuition
$4,094
Cost of attendance
11,299
3. Inter American University of Puerto Rico Barranquitas
Barranquitas, PR • Private
In-state tuition
$5,902
Cost of attendance
13,479
4. Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$5,656
Cost of attendance
21,623
5. Inter American University of Puerto Rico San German
San German, PR • Private
In-state tuition
$5,940
Cost of attendance
14,322
6. New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NM • Private
In-state tuition
$6,686
Cost of attendance
17,885
7. University of Washington
Seattle, WA • Private
In-state tuition
$11,207
Cost of attendance
25,275
8. University of South Florida
Tampa, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$6,410
Cost of attendance
20,456
9. University of Colorado Denver
Denver, CO • Private
In-state tuition
$9,283
Cost of attendance
22,243
10. San Jose State University
San Jose, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$7,796
Cost of attendance
24,514
Top 10 hardest universities to get into for research librarians
The hardest universities for research librarians to get into are New York University, University of Maryland - College Park, and University of Washington.
Some great schools for research librarians are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for research librarians based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.
1. New York University
New York, NY • Private
Admissions rate
20%
SAT average
1,419
2. University of Maryland - College Park
College Park, MD • Private
Admissions rate
47%
SAT average
1,390
3. University of Washington
Seattle, WA • Private
Admissions rate
49%
SAT average
1,347
4. Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY • Private
Admissions rate
50%
SAT average
1,284
5. University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA • Private
Admissions rate
59%
SAT average
1,367
6. University of Denver
Denver, CO • Private
Admissions rate
56%
SAT average
1,300
7. University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA • Private
Admissions rate
13%
SAT average
1,445
8. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC • Private
Admissions rate
23%
SAT average
1,398
9. SUNY at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY • Private
Admissions rate
56%
SAT average
1,250
10. Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA • Private
Admissions rate
77%
SAT average
1,281
Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for research librarians
The easiest schools for research librarians to get into are Fresno Pacific University, kutztown university of pennsylvania, and washington adventist hospital.
Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a research librarian without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for research librarians.
1. Fresno Pacific University
Fresno, CA • Private
Admissions rate
85%
SAT average
1,053
2. Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
Kutztown, PA • Private
Admissions rate
83%
SAT average
1,058
3. Washington Adventist Hospital
Takoma Park, MD • Private
Admissions rate
52%
SAT average
958
4. Emporia State University
Emporia, KS • Private
Admissions rate
85%
SAT average
1,118
5. St. Catherine University
Saint Paul, MN • Private
Admissions rate
73%
SAT average
1,124
6. Northeastern State University
Tahlequah, OK • Private
Admissions rate
98%
SAT average
1,064
7. Marshall University
Huntington, WV • Private
Admissions rate
91%
SAT average
1,100
8. Long Island University
Brookville, NY • Private
Admissions rate
76%
SAT average
1,167
9. Trevecca Nazarene University
Nashville, TN • Private
Admissions rate
64%
SAT average
1,121
10. University of Colorado Denver
Denver, CO • Private
Admissions rate
64%
SAT average
1,132
Average research librarian salary by education level
| Research librarian education level | Research librarian salary |
|---|---|
| Master's Degree | $60,978 |
| Bachelor's Degree | $49,645 |
| Doctorate Degree | $66,571 |
Research librarian education FAQs
Have more questions? See all answers to common education, training, and library questions.
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Updated January 8, 2025
Updated January 8, 2025