Master of Science in Library and Information Science

The Library and Information Science Program prepares future librarians, archivists and other information professionals to work in a variety of settings including schools, colleges and universities, public and state libraries and other settings.  The program offers courses in both the theoretical foundations and practical application of various subjects in Library and Information Science, which include the essential theories, research and foundations of library and information science, management and organization of library and information services, organization of information, information sources and media, information literacy, information services, information technology for Library and Information Services, plus other LIS-related topics.

The program offers a Master of Science degree in Library and Information Science with a specialization in the following areas: 1.) school libraries (initial licensure, advanced master’s degree/endorsement to become a School Library Information Specialist in the state of Illinois), 2.) Archives and Records Management, 3.) Academic Libraries, and 4.) Public Libraries.  In addition to the master's degree, the program offers an endorsement-only option in the area of School Library Information Specialist to licensed teachers in Illinois and a post-baccalaureate certificate in archives and records management.

The program is actively seeking initial accreditation with the American Library Association (ALA). The program was recently granted candidacy status with the American Library Association. 

The program received approval from the Higher Learning Commission in 2013 to offer more than 50% of its program of study online. Currently, most courses are offered in the online or hybrid course delivery formats.

There are several Library and Information Studies program options:

• Master of Science Degree in Library and Information Science with a specialization in school, academic, public or archives (M.S. LIS)
• Non-Degree Endorsement in School Information Specialist for Licensed Teachers
• Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Archives and Records Management

 The Master of Science degree in Library and Information Science (MSLIS) prepares professionals to design and manage library and information services in a variety of settings. The program is designed to reflect an urban focus with the following specializations:

1. School Libraries
2. Archives and Record Management
3. Academic Libraries
4. Public Libraries

Library and Information Science Program Learning Objectives

 The student learning objectives for the Master of Science in Library and Information Science program are based on the American Library Association’s Standards for Accreditation of Master’s Programs in Library & Information Studies (2015).  Students have mastered the following objectives by the end of their programs of study:

 Manage recordable information and knowledge.

• Describe the social, political, ethical, cultural, economic and legal aspects of information creation, access, and use.
• Demonstrate the knowledge necessary to sustain the cycle of recordable information and knowledge in society.

 Provide information and instructional services to address the diverse needs of users.

• Assess user information needs in order to determine what is needed to improve service for constituents.
• Develop and implement information and instructional services to address specific needs.
• Demonstrate leadership in the provision of information and instructional services.

 Integrate and use current research to advance the LIS professions.

• Leverage the evolving body of knowledge from relevant fields to guide decisions and practices.
• Conduct original research that advances the field’s knowledge base and candidate’s professional knowledge.

 Employ information technologies to enhance services.

• Evaluate situations to determine the best technical solution.
• Effectively utilize technology to add value to the field.
• Assess how changing technologies impact the field.

 Provide specialized LIS services.

• Demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to perform within his/her specific specialization.

M.S. Library and Information Science Curriculum

Required Courses (15 credit hours):

• LIS 5050: Foundations of the Information Professions
• LIS 5060: Organization of Information
• LIS 5070: Introduction to Reference Services
• LIS 5080: Information Technology for Library and Information Agencies
• LIS 5090: Research Methods in Library and Information Science

Directed Electives (15- 43 credit hours)

Students will select one of the following specializations and complete the sequence of courses listed:

Academic Libraries

• • LIS 5300: The Academic Library
  • LIS 5390: Management and Organization of Libraries
  • LIS 5510: Database Design for Information Storage & Retrieval
  • LIS 5970: Field Practicum
  • Two electives selected with an advisor

Public Libraries

• • LIS 5350: The Public Library
  • LIS 5390: Management and Organization of Libraries
  • LIS 5510: Database Design for Information Storage & Retrieval
  • LIS 5970: Field Practicum
  • Two electives selected with an advisor

Archives and Records Management

• • LIS 5200: Archives and Records Administration
  • LIS 5970 Field Practicum
  • Four electives selected with an advisor (2 may be taken outside of the department)

School Libraries

• • Professional Education Coursework Sequence (approx. 18 credit hours) for candidates without an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL)
    
  • LIS 5710: Literature and Services for Children
  • LIS 5720: Literature and Services for Young Adults
  • LIS 5520: Cataloging and Classification
  • LIS 5 120: Administration of Media Centers
  • LIS 5130: Curriculum in the Media Center
  • LIS 5180: Clinical Experiences in School Library Media Centers
  • LIS 5185: Certification Exam Review
  • LIS 5190: Student Teaching and Seminar (for candidates without PEL)

 Concluding Courses (4 -7 Credit Hours):

• LIS5990 MSLS Capstone (I credit hours)
• LIS 5980 Thesis/Project (3 credit hours)

Chicago State University's Library and Information Science program has been granted candidacy status by the Committee on Accreditation of the American Library Association. Candidacy status is an indication that the Department of Information Studies' Library and Information Science program has voluntarily committed to participate in the ALA accreditation process and is actively seeking accreditation. Candidacy does not indicate that the program is accredited nor does it guarantee eventual accreditation of the program by ALA.

Program Assessment  - Student Learning

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