MLS stands for Master of Library Science. An MLS degree is designed to prepare students for a career in library management, such as a librarian. With technology constantly changing, students must learn how to utilize and adapt to innovations in, among other things, accessibility and efficiency.
MLIS stands for Master of Library and Information Sciences. The additional letter in the acronym is to emphasize the various sources of information that are made widely available today in libraries. Instead of just books and magazines, librarians must also be educated in computer databases and Internet searches, among other resources.
The American Library Association (ALA) recognizes 62 graduate programs in the discipline of library science. According to the ALA, accreditation is not based on the title of the program. Many programs with varying titles teach the same or similar curriculi. Instead, accreditation is based on a program's adherence to the set of library science standards set forth by the association.