School of Library and Information Science

Melanie J. Norton, Ph.D., Director
118 College Drive #5146
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-5146
(601) 266-4228

Bomhold, Creel, Haynes, Norton, Welsh, Yu

The School of Library and Information Science offers a course of study leading to a Master of Library and Information Science degree. Since the first master’s degree in library science was awarded in 1965, the program has continued to grow and develop into a comprehensive instructional program for all students who plan to become information professionals. The program prepares professional librarians in public, school, academic, or special libraries as well as other information environments. For the general university graduate student, the school offers a variety of courses for acquiring skills in the use of library and other information resources as research tools. Finally, the school performs a vital role in the continuing development and expansion of library services at all levels in the state of Mississippi as well as providing continuing education for state practicing librarians. Currently, our courses are delivered online with required real-time chats.

The graduate curriculum in library and information science provides instruction in the following areas of librarianship: Archives; database searching; information science; reference; cataloging and classification; digital libraries; metadata; selection and acquisition; administration; bibliography; nonprint media; history of the book, libraries, printing and publishing; library programs for children and youth and more.

Providing prospective librarians with professional knowledge and skills for effective library service, however, is not the only objective of the school. The faculty believes that professional education should also be concerned with fostering those attitudes and understandings which will help students develop an appreciation of the changing role of the library and information in society. The library/information profession will flourish only as students are prepared to participate intelligently in the process of relating library and other information services to the larger social and cultural needs of contemporary society.

Accreditation

The Master of Library and Information Science degree is accredited by the American Library Association. The school is also an institutional member of the American Library Association and the Association for Library and Information Science Education. The school is active in the Special Libraries Association, the Southeastern Library Association, the Mississippi Library Association, and the Society of Mississippi Archivists.

Mission of the Master’s Program in Library and Information Science

The mission of the master’s of library and information science program is to prepare qualified individuals for professional roles in libraries and other information environments with appropriate knowledge and skills to serve the information needs of their communities.

Programs

• Master of Library and Information Science, M.L.I.S.

• Archives and Special Collections Graduate Certificate