The Graduate School of Library and Information Science (GSLIS), at the University of Illinois' Urbana-Champaign campus, is the top-ranked library science program in the country. It scored particularly high in youth literature and services, as well as digital librarianship and information systems management. GSLIS offers flexible part- or full-time programs, as well as an online degree option.
In Chapel Hill, North Carolina, the University of North Carolina's School of Library and Information Science (SILS) focuses on digital and health librarianship. It also has a strong program in archives and preservation. The school tied with the University of Illinois for the top spot in library science graduate degree programs, and also offers undergraduate and dual-degree programs.
The third-ranked School of Information Studies at Syracuse University in New York, has strong programs in information systems, school library media and digital librarianship. Along with the University of Illinois, Syracuse is a founding member of of the Web-based Information Science Education Consortium, which allows students enrolled in library science programs at participating schools to take online courses at any other participating institution.
The Information School at the University of Washington in Seattle is ranked fourth among library science programs and first for its law library specialty. Other strong specialties include services for children, health librarianship and information architecture. The University of Washington also offers a Ph.D. in information science.
Rounding out the top five is the University of Michigan's School of Information. Located in Ann Arbor, the program is particularly strong in the fields of digital librarianship and information systems management. Students can also tailor their own programs to meet specific career goals.