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Indiana University Bloomington
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Degrees

MLS Degree Requirements

MLS Degree Checklist
(pdf, effective Fall 2007)

MLS Curriculum

The Master of Library Science degree can be completed with 36 credit hours of graduate course work in the School plus the pre-requisite computer skills from S401 - Computer-Based Information Tools (or equivalent experience). Your course of study builds a foundation in five areas of librarianship, then allows you to work with your adviser to choose advanced elective courses to develop the knowledge and skills for your career:

PREREQUISITE: (3 undergraduate credit hours)

Must be fulfilled before completion of 9 credit hours

  • S401 Computer-Based Information Tools

FOUNDATION: (Each course is 3 credit hours, for a total of 15 hours)

Choose one course from each area:

ELECTIVES: (21 hours) - Choose from:

  • Any 500 or 600-level SLIS Course - MLS electives must be SLIS courses
  • Internship(s) for S605 (L596) course credit (2-3 credit hours) -- note: students in some dual degree programs can be approved (or may be required) to take two internships. Students can do an internship for S605 credit after completion of 18 SLIS graduate credit hours. An approval form is required.
  • SLIS Workshops (usually 1.0 or 1.5 credit hours) are offered under the S603 (L595) course number. Workshops focus on practical, professional skills. MLS students may count up to 6 credit hours of S603 toward the degree.
  • SLIS Topics Courses -- offered under S604 and S635. SLIS offers a changing selection of special topics courses on professional issues.
  • S601 (L600) or S603 (L595) courses with SLIS faculty (1-6 credit hours) -- course approval forms are required.

Continuing students may complete their degrees under this new curriculum. Indicate your MLS curriculum option when you apply to graduate.

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Goals & Objectives

The Master of Library Science (MLS) is a 36-credit-hour program accredited by the American Library Association. The program is innovatively designed to meet the new challenges of our profession. Students in the program are introduced to the roles and functions of libraries in contemporary society. They become familiar with key policy issues and technological trends, and with how these issues and trends affect libraries and information centers of all kinds. Students learn to manage and evaluate collections, respond to the information needs of patrons, and to use technology to improve access to information. Students who complete the program are prepared for careers in library administration, public services, technical services, reference services, and collection development at public, school, academic, and special libraries.

Upon completion of the MLS program, graduates will be prepared to assist and educate users of libraries and information centers; analyze and identify information needs which represent a variety of age, academic, economic, and social groups; and apply appropriate search strategies for effective and efficient information retrieval in each situation. Graduates will also be able to educate users and potential users of information systems to locate and evaluate information resources, and to analyze and evaluate the provision of information systems and services in a variety of library and information settings.

  1. Develop and Manage Library Collections
    • Prepare and apply policies and procedures that support the selection and acquisition of information resources which will meet the information needs of an organization, institution, or community.
    • Manage, evaluate and preserve collections of information resources.
  2. Organize and Represent Information Resources
    • Understand and effectively apply principles of representation and systems of organization to provide access to resources in a variety of library and information environments.
  3. Apply Management and Leadership Skills
    • Understand a wide range of organizational structures and management and leadership styles; demonstrate positive attitudes and constructive actions which characterize innovative leadership.
    • Recognize the value of collaborative planning and project management.
    • Apply the interpersonal and organizational skills necessary to manage and evaluate projects and personnel successfully.
  4. Work effectively within and across a variety of organizational structures
    • Communicate an organization's values and contributions, and identify sources that will support the organization's activities.
  5. Conduct and Analyze Research
    • Understand and apply research and evaluation methods to investigate questions related to the acquisition, representation, organization, use and/or dissemination of information.
    • Analyze and interpret findings of such research and evaluation.
  6. Demonstrate Basic Technical Expertise
    • Understand the basic applications of modern technology in today's libraries and other information environments.
  7. Approach Professional Issues with Understanding
    • Comprehend the social, political, and legal aspects of information creation, access, and ownership.
    • Engage in continuing learning in professional organizations in library and information science.
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