School of Library and Information Science

The School of Library and Information Science equips students with the skills needed for a range of careers in libraries, archives and other information settings through its Master of Library and Information Science degree, as well as two graduate certificates in Archives and Special Collections and Youth Services and Literature. 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 current and aspiring information professionals. The program prepares professional librarians for careers in public, school, academic, or special libraries as well as other information respositories such as archives, museums and special colletions libraries. The School offers a variety of courses that are foundational for 21st century librarianship, as well as innovative electives in emerging information and library science areas, such as artificial intelligence and informatics. Courses are delivered 100% online (predominantly synchronous) and available to students regardless of their location.

The graduate curriculum in library and information science provides instruction in the following areas of librarianship: archives; database management; information science; reference; cataloging and classification; digital libraries; metadata; library mangement; children’s literature, history of the book, young adult literature, history of libraries, programming for children and youth, and more.

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, the Society of American Archivists and the Society of Mississippi Archivists.

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

The mission of the School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) is to prepare a diverse population of qualified professionals for roles in libraries, archives, and other information environments. Through evidence-based active learning, students gain appropriate knowledge, applied scholarship, and skills to serve the information needs of their diverse communities.

Values

The School of Library and Information Science is committed to:

Student-centered learning: We are committed to cultivating an active, student-centered learning community.
Diversity: We recognize and value the diversity of modern society and support and inclusive learning environment. We ensure principles of euqity, diversity, and inclusion are cultivated to create advocacy for marginalized groups in the pursuit of social justice.
Intellectual Freedom: We embrace the ideals of intellectual and academic freedom and strive to nurture an open, respectful learning environmental for the free exchange of ideas.
Service: Because we believe that it is a core of the profession, we support service at all levels and encourage ongoing professional development as a means of enhancing skills and knowledge.
Community: We believe in creating, fostering, and participating in learning and research communities that span borders on state, national, and international levels.
Research: We believe that research is an essential part of scholarship, not just for the creation of new knowledge but also for the support of teaching and learning and the sharing of new knowledge with multiple communities of interest.
Assessment: We embrace a culture of assessment and evaluation that drives continuous improvement in course delivery, curriculum, and life-long learning.

Programs

Accelerated Master’s Options

Library and Information Science BS to Library and Information Science MLIS

Master of Library and Information Science

Library and Information Science MLIS

Certificate