Obtain a bachelor's degree, regardless of major. Schools do not typically offer bachelor's degrees in library science A degree in, say, history or computer information technology can be helpful in gaining a foundation for later work and studies in the library science field.
Ensure that you have the minimum competencies required to pursue a master's degree in library science. The University of Illinois offers an online master's degree program in library science that requires applicants have at least an elementary level of computer literacy, basic skills in information retrieval and the ability to use email and online bulletin boards.
Take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), the standard admission examination required by most graduate schools. The general exam tests your ability in three different areas: verbal skills, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing. Graduate schools typically admit students on a competitive basis and use this exam as a way of comparing students. You can buy study materials online or through a retail bookstore.
Apply for admission to the school of your choosing. You can apply for admission to schools that offer online degree programs or to more traditional programs. Many schools are going to an online-based format for this field because it lends itself well to online study. In addition to the University of Illinois, other schools offering online degrees include the University of Washington, Syracuse University and Drexel University.