Library and Information Science, MS

Contact:

Caroline Haythornthwaite, Program Director, 225 Hinds Hall, (315) 443-2911, igrad@syr.edu

Website:

Library & Information Science

Overview:

As part of the School of Information Studies, the Library and Information Science (LIS) program provides thorough grounding in the knowledge, skills, and values of librarianship within the context of an interdisciplinary faculty. LIS coursework stresses both the theory and practice of library science. It includes educational opportunities beyond formal coursework through one-on-one interaction with the faculty; hands-on learning in libraries and information centers; exposure to leaders in the profession; and direct participation in research projects. The program is offered in both campus and distance learning formats and can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. Our LIS program graduates librarians who are prepared to assume leadership roles in the libraries, information centers, and the broader information environment.

Three themes run through the LIS curriculum:

Focus on the users of library and information services. Keeping the needs of users-and potential users-of library and information services in the foreground is a fundamental value of librarianship.
Use technology to provide exemplary library and information services. Librarians need to be able to use technology effectively to provide quality library and information services.
Manage information services and systems. Librarians in the 21st century must be competent managers of information, capable of innovation, efficiency, and leadership to meet the needs of their clientele.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Apply the skills and attitudes of visioning, entrepreneurship, advocacy, planning and management to leadership in the information field

2. Manage information resources and the information life-cycle through the processes of collection development, representation, organization, preservation, curation, access, and dissemination in accordance with physical, virtual, and technical infrastructure and needs

3. Apply appropriate pedagogical and learning theory principles in the design, development, implementation, and assessment of library instruction and learning that contribute towards an information and technology literate society

4. Design and employ policies essential for creating and providing information services and resources guided by the values of patron privacy, equitable access, intellectual freedom, and ethical use of information

5. Possess the skills to respect, engage and collaborate with a diverse community in order to advocate for and construct inclusive, meaningful, and participatory library services, programs and resources

6. Perform and assess research-based practices through the application of information literacy, inquiry, and research methods including data discovery, analytics and qualitative measures

Curriculum:

The 36-credit LIS curriculum is designed to prepare librarians who have the broad range of knowledge and skills needed for exemplary practice in the library and information profession. Students in the School Media specialization should consult the School Media specific curriculum, as there are no electives due to each course being required to meet NY State Education Department requirements for certification.

I. Core Knowledge and Skills (19 credits)

LIS core courses provide a solid grounding in the knowledge, skills, and values of the library and information profession. The 19-credit LIS core has three parts:

II. Electives (14 credits)

14 credits of electives allow students to extend their core knowledge and skills in directions of their choice. Electives can be selected from graduate courses in the iSchool, including those from the Information Management program. In selecting courses that are not LIS-focused, the student should consult with his/her faculty advisor to ensure their appropriateness. A student should consider how any elective will add to his/her knowledge and skill set as an emerging professional.

IST 502 - New Directions in Academic Libraries 1-3 credit(s)
IST 556 - Mobile Network Services 3 credit(s)
IST 558 - Technologies in Web Content Management 3 credit(s)
IST 564 - Library & Information Services to Students with Disabilities 3 credit(s)
IST 707 - Data Analytics 3 credit(s)
IST 585 - Knowledge Management 3 credit(s)
IST 604 - Cataloging of Information Resources 3 credit(s)
IST 611 - Information Technologies in Educational Organizations 3 credit(s)
IST 612 - Youth Services in Libraries and Information Centers 3 credit(s)
IST 617 - Motivational Aspects of Information Use 3 credit(s)
IST 619 - Applied Economics for Information Managers 3 credit(s)
IST 622 - Introduction to Preservation of Cultural Heritage 3 credit(s)
IST 624 - Preservation of Library and Archival Collections 3 credit(s)
IST 625 - Enterprise Risk Management 3 credit(s)
IST 628 - Organization/Management of Archival Collections 3 credit(s)
IST 631 - Theory of Classification and Subject Representation 3 credit(s)
IST 632 - Management and Organization of Special Collections 3 credit(s)
IST 635 - Collection Development and Access 3 credit(s)
IST 638 - Indexing and Abstracting Systems and Services 3 credit(s)
IST 639 - Enterprise Technologies 3 credit(s)
IST 641 - User-Based Design 3 credit(s)
IST 645 - Managing Information Systems Projects 3 credit(s)
IST 646 - Storytelling for Information Professionals 3 credit(s)
IST 649 - Human Interaction with Computers 3 credit(s)
IST 653 - Telecommunications and Enterprise Network Management I 3 credit(s)
IST 657 - Basics of Information Retrieval Systems 3 credit(s)
IST 659 - Data Administration Concepts and Database Management 3 credit(s)
IST 661 - Managing a School Library 3 credit(s)
IST 662 - Instructional Strategies and Techniques for Information Professionals 3 credit(s)
IST 664 - Natural Language Processing 3 credit(s)
IST 667 - Information Technology for Libraries and Information Centers 3 credit(s)
IST 668 - Literacy Through School Libraries 3 credit(s)
IST 676 - Foundations of Digital Data 1-3 credit(s)
IST 679 - Electronic Commerce Technologies 3 credit(s)
IST 685 - Social Networks in Libraries 3 credit(s)
IST 715 - LAMS: Libraries, Archives, Museums 3 credit(s)
IST 717 - Advanced Library Management 3 credit(s)
IST 735 - Copyright for Information Professionals 3 credit(s)

III. Exit Requirement (3 credits)

The exit requirement for the LIS degree is a three-credit internship,IST 973 or independent study, IST 690 .

A. Internship:

The internship treated as another course in terms of the intensity and depth of the knowledge sought. Most students choose this option for their exit requirement even if they have had prior library work experience. An internship comprises 150 hours of work on site (or virtually) for 3 credits. Internships can be done locally in the Syracuse area, nationally, and even internationally. The student must be under the supervision of a professional librarian or information manager, although this does not mean that the student can’t work with non-professionals as part of the experience. Most internships involve some general orientation, some work practice, and often a special project. Each experience is different and the student designs the internship contract in cooperation with the site supervisor, the faculty internship supervisor, and his or her academic advisor. An internship may be paid or unpaid.

IST 973 - Internship in Information Studies 1-6 credit(s)

B. Independent Readings and Research:

Students who already possess significant/professional work experience in libraries or information centers may elect to do a culminating project as an independent study or readings and research in place of an internship. No more than 12 credits of a student’s program can be taken as independent study or internship.

Programs of Study for Specific Types of Libraries or Library Positions:

The generalist core provides a solid grounding in the knowledge and skills of librarianship. Most electives are designed to provide conceptual and practical knowledge and skills that apply across types of libraries. For students wishing to prepare for a specific type of library or position, there are many ways to tailor your program of study to these interests. These include:

Choosing topics pertaining to your areas of interest for papers and projects in core and elective courses.
Choosing an iSchool Certificate of Advanced Study to combine with the master’s degree.
Choosing electives that are particularly appropriate for a particular type of library or position: see the section on advising guides below.
Developing an internship that gives you practical experience in your area of interest.
Taking an independent study in your area of interest.

Your advisor can work with you to plan a program of study that will prepare you for positions in your area of interest while also providing you with a solid generalist knowledge that will allow you to take advantage of unexpected opportunities.