Library and Information Science - M.L.I.S. Download to print

The Master of Library and Information Science prepares students for professional positions in academic, public, special, school libraries, museums and other types of information agencies. Graduates with the M.L.I.S. degree can also find jobs in cultural organizations and companies of all sorts and sizes. Many M.L.I.S. graduates go on to positions in other areas of the information field besides libraries – in research, for example, or publishing, information management, competitive business intelligence and more. The American Library Association has granted continued accreditation to the Kent State M.L.I.S. program for over 50 years. An accredited M.L.I.S. is the basic requirement for professional employment in most libraries and information centers.

The degree program is available 100 percent online. An option for an on-campus program offers a limited number of select face-to-face courses and a majority of online courses.

The student has the option of taking general electives for the M.L.I.S. or focusing in one or more areas. The School provides advising to help students select appropriate courses for a variety of areas of specialization.

Students interested in School Library Media licensure have three pathways: M.L.I.S. degree with K-12 School Library Media Licensure, Dual Degree M.Ed./ M.L.I.S. degrees with K-12 School Library Media Licensure, or K-12 School Library Media Licensure only. The K-12 School Library media Licensure only program prepares graduates to work in school libraries only, leads to a multi-age licensure in school library media, and includes library science and instructional technology courses. In addition, they must successfully complete the exam for Library Media Specialists, administered by the Evaluation Systems Group of Pearson.

A number of M.L.I.S. degree options provide training in the theory and practice in the following:

• The Master of Library and Information Science (M.L.I.S.) + K-12 School Library Media Licensure prepares graduates to work in all types of libraries including school libraries, leads to the M.L.I.S. + multi-age licensure in school library media, and includes library science and instructional technology courses within the College of Education, Health and Human Services.
   
• The Dual Degree Master of Education (M.Ed.) and M.L.I.S. + K-12 School Library Media Licensure prepares graduates to work in all types of libraries, including school libraries, and confers initial teaching license.  The program leads to the M.Ed. and M.L.I.S. + multi-licensure in school library media, is offered in cooperation with the College of Education, Health, and Human Services, and includes professional educational requirements, as well as library science and instructional technology courses. Up to 27 credit hours may count toward both programs.
   
• The Dual Master of Library and Information Science (M.L.I.S.) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) is designed for managers of large libraries and information centers. Individuals in these positions need knowledge pertaining to planning, organizing, staffing, directing and controlling. Advanced education to obtain knowledge and learn skills related to these management functions enables students to take advantage of career opportunities in library settings and other information settings, both in the profit and nonprofit sectors. Up to 27 credit hours may count toward both programs.

For K-12 School Media Licensure
Licensure Requirement (not required for graduation):
Candidates seeking Ohio licensure are required to pass specific assessments in order to apply for licensure. Students should consult their advisors for specific program requirements and refer to the See Ohio Department of Education-Educator Preparation website for more information on assessments specific to licensure type.

Official transcript(s), three letters of recommendation, GRE if total GPA is below 3.0 in highest completed degree, TOEFL for international students, goal statement and biographical sketch. In calculating the total GPA, all grades from all courses taken at relevant level (baccalaureate or master's) from all institutions are required. Prospective students should complete the application process no later than September 15 for spring admission, January 15 for summer admission and March 15 for fall admission. For further details on admission procedures and deadlines, prospective students should consult the school's web site. 

For more information about graduate admissions, please visit the Graduate Studies website.

The Master of Library and Information Science degree requires a minimum of 37 hours.

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Interpret, adapt and enhance the environments where people create and interact with information.
2. Analyze, engage, enrich and empower individuals and communities by understanding their needs and connecting them to information.
3. Sustain, organize, synthesize and transform information to make it accessible to individuals and communities.

Students must choose between a 3-hour culminating experience (LIS 60092, or LIS 60098, or LIS 60792) or a 6-hour master's thesis (LIS 60199) to meet degree requirements. LIS 60792 Culminating Experience Practicum in K-12 Libraries is available only to students selecting a course of study in K-12 Libraries.

American Library Association
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Chicago, IL 60611-2795
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www.ala.org