Master's in Library Science in Law Librarianship Degree Online

Find the best online Law Librarianship MLIS program for you

What is a MLIS Degree in Law Librarianship?

A Master’s in Law Librarianship is a specialized MLIS degree focusing on the management of legal information resources and services. Law librarianship requires a strong understanding of both library science and legal research, and professionals in this field often work alongside attorneys, judges, and legal researchers to provide critical access to legal information. Through this program, students learn how to manage legal databases, provide research support, and develop digital and print collections that support the needs of law students, attorneys, and legal scholars.

The curriculum emphasizes skills in legal research, collection development, and information policy, providing students with the expertise to organize and manage extensive collections of legal texts, statutes, case law, and databases. Law librarians must be adept at navigating complex legal information systems and understanding the nuances of legal terminology, making this specialization both challenging and rewarding. This degree is particularly suited to those with an interest in both law and library science who wish to support the legal field through information management.

A Master’s in Library Science (MLIS) with a specialization in Law Librarianship prepares students for careers at the intersection of legal information and library services. This unique field combines legal knowledge with information science, allowing law librarians to assist legal professionals, students, and researchers in accessing, interpreting, and organizing legal resources. Law librarians are integral to law schools, law firms, government institutions, and corporate legal departments, where they curate collections, support research, and manage legal databases. An MLIS in Law Librarianship is ideal for those passionate about law and information management and provides the skills needed to navigate the specialized field of legal research and resources.

Admissions Requirements for a MLIS Degree in Law Librarianship

Admission to an MLIS program specializing in Law Librarianship typically requires the following:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, in any field (although a background in legal studies, political science, or library science is advantageous)
Minimum GPA requirement, generally 3.0 or higher
Statement of Purpose or personal statement describing interest in law librarianship and career aspirations
Professional resume or CV that highlights relevant experience in legal or library settings
Letters of recommendation (usually 2-3) from academic or professional contacts who can speak to the applicant’s suitability for a legal information career
GRE scores (some programs may waive this requirement)
English language proficiency test scores (e.g., TOEFL or IELTS) for international students

In some programs, prior experience in a legal setting or familiarity with legal research may strengthen an applicant’s profile, though this experience is not always required.

What Classes Will I Take in a Law Librarianship MLIS Program?

An MLIS program in Law Librarianship combines foundational library science coursework with specialized classes in legal research, database management, and legal information systems. Programs generally require 30-45 credit hours, and many include practical components such as internships in law libraries, which provide valuable hands-on experience.

Foundations of Library and Information Science
Legal Research Methods: Covers advanced legal research techniques, including case law, statutes, regulations, and secondary legal resources.
Legal Research Methods: Covers advanced legal research techniques, including case law, statutes, regulations, and secondary legal resources.
Database Management for Legal Resources: Focuses on managing legal databases and digital collections, including proprietary legal information platforms.
Collection Development for Law Libraries: Covers techniques for building, maintaining, and organizing collections specific to law libraries, such as legal texts, periodicals, and digital resources.
Information Policy and Ethics in Law Librarianship: Addresses issues like privacy, intellectual property, and ethical concerns related to managing legal information.
Government Information and Public Policy: Provides an understanding of government publications and policy documents relevant to legal research.
Legal Writing and Communication: Teaches effective communication skills for working with legal professionals and providing clear, concise research reports.
Internship or Practicum in Law Librarianship: Offers students practical experience in a law library, legal research center, or corporate legal department.

This curriculum provides the necessary skills and knowledge to manage legal information resources, support legal research, and navigate the unique challenges associated with law librarianship.

Online Law Librarianship MLIS Degree Programs

An online MLIS degree specializing in Law Librarianship offers flexibility for students who may be working or have other commitments. Online programs deliver the same rigorous curriculum as on-campus programs, with courses in legal research, information policy, and digital resource management. Many programs use interactive features, such as virtual discussions, video lectures, and online research tools, to create a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.

Some online programs include local internship opportunities, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in a nearby law library or legal research institution. Internships or practicums are highly beneficial in this field, as they provide real-world experience in handling legal collections, offering research support, and working directly with legal professionals. Graduates from online programs are often skilled in remote collaboration and digital resource management, making them well-prepared for roles in law libraries that rely on digital databases and online resources.

Finding the Right Online MLIS Degree for Law Librarianship

When selecting an online MLIS program in Law Librarianship, consider factors like tuition, program length, reputation, and the availability of practical training. Tuition varies widely, from approximately $12,000 to $35,000, depending on the program and institution. Some programs offer scholarships, financial aid, or graduate assistantships to help offset costs. Program length is another key consideration, as many programs can be completed in 1-2 years if studied full-time, while part-time options allow students to balance work or other commitments.

Prospective students should research the institution’s career services, networking opportunities, and connections with law firms or legal organizations, which can be valuable for job placement. Online MLIS programs that offer strong career support, internship opportunities, and faculty expertise in legal information management may provide graduates with a competitive edge. By finding the right program, students can position themselves for successful careers as law librarians, contributing valuable information services to the legal profession.

How Long Does It Take to Complete a Library Science MLIS Program in Law Librarianship?

A Master’s in Law Librarianship typically takes 2 years of full-time study to complete. Part-time students can expect to finish in 3-4 years, depending on their course load and commitments. Most programs require 36-42 credit hours of coursework, including classes in legal research, law library administration, and database management. Some programs may offer accelerated options that allow completion in 18-24 months, particularly for students with prior legal or library experience. Additionally, students often benefit from electives that focus on specialized areas of law, such as intellectual property, tax law, or international law.

Internship Requirements for Completing a MLIS in Law Librarianship

Internships are an essential component of a Law Librarianship specialization, providing students with hands-on experience in legal research, legal reference services, and information resource management. Most internships require 120-200 hours and take place in settings such as law school libraries, law firms, corporate legal departments, or government institutions like courthouses. Interns often assist with tasks such as managing legal databases like Westlaw and LexisNexis, curating legal collections, or conducting research to support attorneys. These experiences not only enhance practical skills but also help students establish professional networks within the legal field, which can be critical for future employment. Prestigious placements in law libraries affiliated with universities or large firms can significantly enhance career prospects.

Law Librarianship Careers with a MLIS Degree

Graduates with an MLIS in Law Librarianship have a range of career opportunities in law firms, government agencies, corporate legal departments, and academic institutions. Law librarians are valued for their ability to support legal professionals, law students, and researchers with organized, accessible, and reliable legal resources. Here are some common career paths for law librarians, along with average salary data and examples of potential employers.

Law Librarian: Law librarians manage legal collections, provide research support, and maintain access to legal databases. They work closely with attorneys, judges, and legal scholars to facilitate legal research and manage collections of statutes, case law, and legal periodicals.
- Average Salary for a Law Librarian: $55,000 – $80,000 annually
- Organizations Hiring Law Librarians: Law firms, corporate legal departments, federal and state courts, university law libraries
Research Librarian: Research librarians provide specialized research support in legal settings, assisting attorneys and legal professionals in locating specific case law, statutes, and legal literature. This role is essential for large law firms and legal research institutions.
- Average Salary for a Research Librarian: $60,000 – $85,000 annually
- Organizations Hiring Research Librarians: Law firms, legal research centers, government legal departments, law schools
Early Literacy Specialist: Early lDigital Resources Librarian: Digital resources librarians manage online legal resources, including subscription databases, e-books, and digital case law archives. This role is increasingly important as law libraries shift towards digital resource management.
- Average Salary for a Digital Resources Librarian: $60,000 – $75,000 annually
- Organizations Hiring Digital Resources Librarians: Law firms, academic law libraries, government archives
Digital Resources Librarian: Digital resources librarians manage online legal resources, including subscription databases, e-books, and digital case law archives. This role is increasingly important as law libraries shift towards digital resource management.
- Average Salary for a Digital Resources Librarian: $60,000 – $75,000 annually
- Organizations Hiring Digital Resources Librarians: Law firms, academic law libraries, government archives
Corporate Legal Librarian: Corporate legal librarians work in the legal departments of large corporations, where they manage internal legal information and provide research support for corporate lawyers. They help organize proprietary data, compliance documentation, and other legal resources.
- Average Salary for a Corporate Legal Librarian: $65,000 – $90,000 annually
- Organizations Hiring Corporate Legal Librarians: Corporate legal departments, multinational corporations, compliance offices
Government Documents Librarian: This role involves managing government publications and legal documents, assisting researchers and the public in accessing government information. Government document librarians are commonly employed in public law libraries and government agencies.
- Average Salary for a Government Documents Librarian: $55,000 – $75,000 annually
- Organizations Hiring Government Documents Librarians: State libraries, federal agencies, public law libraries
Academic Law Librarian: Academic law librarians support law school students and faculty by providing research guidance, managing collections of legal textbooks, and facilitating access to digital legal resources. They often collaborate with faculty to enhance the research capabilities of law students.
- Average Salary for a Academic Law Librarian: $60,000 – $85,000 annually
- Organizations Hiring Academic Law Librarians: University law schools, law school libraries, research institutions

The demand for law librarians remains steady, with career opportunities in various settings that support legal research and information organization. Graduates with an MLIS in Law Librarianship are valued for their unique skills in managing legal information and supporting the information needs of legal professionals.

Online MLS/MLIS Degrees

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