School of Library and Information Science - Indiana University Bloomington - Overview
Master of Information Science Emphasizes Social and Behavioral Dimensions
The Master of Information Science (M.I.S.) places emphasis on the social and behavioral dimensions of information technology. Specialization tracks are human-computer interaction and communication, information architecture, information retrieval systems design, and strategic information management and leadership. This distinctive program prepares students for careers in areas such as information management, usability analysis, information architecture, online searching and information brokerage, competitive intelligence and research analysis, Webmaster and Web site design, digital libraries, and database development. The M.I.S. requires 42 credit hours for completion. The Indiana University School of Library and Information Science M.I.S. degree is accredited by the American Library Association.
Master of Library Science Explores Both Print and Electronic Libraries
The Master of Library Science (M.L.S.) explores the role of both print-based and electronic libraries in society. Policy issues and technological trends, how these influence libraries and information centers, how to manage and evaluate collections, responding to patrons' information needs, and using technology to improve access to strategic information resources are all emphasized. This quality program prepares students for careers in such areas as library administration, technical services, reference librarianship, and collection development at public, school, academic, corporate, and special libraries. The M.L.S. requires 36 credit hours for completion. The Indiana University School of Library and Information Science M.L.S. degree is accredited by the American Library Association.
Ph.D. and Specialist Degrees Both Prepare Students for Success
The Ph.D. in information science prepares students for advanced research and teaching positions. Students develop a broad understanding of the content, methods, research, and theories of information science and of their relation to other fields of knowledge. In addition, the Specialist in Library and Information Science degree program (post-master's) offers a means of updating knowledge in a given area or of repositioning oneself to take advantage of changing career options and allows the student in-depth focus on a subject of particular interest.
SLIS Offers an Unmatched Array of Dual/Joint Degree Programs
The School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) offers a wide range of dual master's degrees: the M.A./M.I.S. in Central Eurasian Studies, in folklore and ethnomusicology and in Russian and East European studies; the M.A./M.L.S. in African American and African diaspora studies, African studies, art history, comparative literature, English, folklore and ethnomusicology, history, history and philosophy of science, journalism, Latin American and Caribbean studies, musicology, music theory, and Russian and East European studies; the M.I.S./M.L.S. in information science and library science; the M.I.S./M.P.A. or M.L.S./M.P.A. in public affairs; and the M.L.S./J.D. in law. Specializations in African studies librarianship, archives and records management, art librarianship, chemical information, children's and young adult services, digital libraries, library technology, music librarianship, and rare books and manuscripts librarianship are also offered.
The Graduate Certificate in Information Architecture Is Also Available to Students
Information architecture (IA) is the study of effective and efficient information systems and structures that provide access to collections of information resources. SLIS offers students the option of pursuing this area of study. The Graduate Certificate in Information Architecture (GCIA) provides a thorough introduction to this body of relevant knowledge and core skills and equips students with practical experience for their application in real-world situations. The GCIA validates that the holder of the certificate is a qualified information architect, and it affords an opportunity for practicing information architects to continue their professional development.
Students Benefit from Research Facilities, Resources, and Faculty
The School's numerous computer laboratories provide students access to a variety of platforms and an array of applications software, including database systems and Web development tools. Labs are designed to encourage experimentation, collaborative project work, and prototype development. One twenty-eight-workstation Macintosh lab offers the latest graphics and Web design tools and allows students to work with UNIX. SLIS is also home to the Cyberinfrastructure for Network Science (CNS) Center and Information Visualization Laboratory (InfoVis). In addition to the quality research facilities, the numerous campus resources include the IU libraries, ranked fourteenth in North America in terms of holdings; University Information Technology Services (UITS), which operates one of the world's largest distributed computer networks; and the Lilly Library, one of the preeminent rare book collections in the nation. The diverse disciplinary backgrounds of the school's full-time faculty, as well as their attentiveness, ensure that students at all levels are exposed to a wide range of ideas, perspectives, and approaches. Graduates of the program can be found in virtually every state in the nation and many countries around the globe.