School of Information and Library Science - Pratt Institute - Overview
A Highly-Regarded School of Information and Library Science
Pratt Institute's highly-regarded School of Information and Library Science prepares students for professions in the information sciences, with an emphasis on cultural informatics and world information, society, and environments (W.I.S.E.).
The school offers master's degrees, dual degree programs, and advanced certificates. The goal of Pratt's comprehensive program is to teach students critical thinking, keep up with trends in technology, and train top information specialists. The cutting-edge program offers several areas of concentration such as literacy, education, and outreach and rare books and special collections.
Established in 1890, the school holds the distinction of being the oldest school of library science in North America and the only ALA-accredited graduate school of information and library science in Manhattan.
Master's Degree Program
The School of Information and Library Science (S.I.L.S.) offers the Master of Science in Library and Information Science (M.S.L.I.S.) degree. Students can choose to focus in a particular area including reference, cataloging and metadata, information technology, or the role of information professions in society.
The curriculum includes work with arts and humanities, library services, business/corporate information services, health sciences, law librarianship, and archives and records management.
Electives can round out a student's expertise. Classes cover topics like digital technology, urban public libraries, cultural diversity, and photography collections.
Dual and Joint Degree Programs
Pratt offers several dual and joint degree programs. In conjunction with Pratt's History of Art Department, students can work toward an M.S.L.I.S./M.S. in History of Art and Design. This track is designed for students who want to work in arts-related academic libraries, museums, galleries, and auction houses. To get the dual degree, students must apply to and be accepted in both programs.
With the Brooklyn Law School, Pratt offers a joint degree program leading to a
M.S.L.I.S./J.D. degree. This prepares students for careers such as law librarianship and legal and database publishing. To enter the joint degree program, students must apply separately to both Pratt Institute and Brooklyn Law School.
Advanced Certificate Programs
Some students choose to pursue an advanced certificate. To receive an advanced certificate as a library media specialist, students must have a master's degree in library science from an accredited institution. This degree can lead to a teaching certification from New York State.
Many programs can be taken within Pratt's M.S.L.I.S. or after the master's degree is completed. When pursuing a certificate in archives, students can prepare themselves for fields in special collections, digital libraries, and records management. An advanced certificate in museum libraries prepares students for working in museum, research, and academic libraries.
An advanced certificate in library and information studies is ideal for information professionals who want to gain knowledge and experience to work in digital libraries, digital information design, and social media and policy.
The Practicum
As part of their immersion into library science, students have the opportunity to take a practicum, which includes on-site work experience supervised by professionals in the field. The practicum, which may take place in a variety of world-class New York institutions, culminates in a final project.
International Programs
Pratt-S.I.L.S. offers summer programs in Florence, Italy, and London, England.
In partnership with Florence's SACI School of Art, Pratt offers a program that explores Florentine art and culture, museum and library resources and documentation, and cultural heritage conservation.
Students can also study at London's University College London, which houses a highly regarded school for information science.
Tuition Aid
In partnership with the Brooklyn Museum, Pratt offers grants for S.I.L.S. students studying for careers in museum libraries and archives in the digital age.
The school also offers a fellowship program for S.I.L.S. students with a track record of academic excellence. This program supports research, international studies, and field experience.
About S.I.L.S. and Pratt
Many S.I.L.S. classes are held in Manhattan, in a building that houses 5 computer laboratories, smart classrooms, and a scanning lab. Other classes are held in New York's top libraries, museums, and archives. It is at these revered institutions that students can also do internships, research, and guided visits.
The main campus of Pratt, known as a top liberal arts school, is located in a residential area of Brooklyn.