Program Description

In this concentration, students will focus on the role of the academic library and academic librarians within the larger institution, particularly advance reference and research support services, library instruction, and information literacy. Students may then customize this concentration to a specific type of academic librarianship, e.g., government documents, electronic resources management, metadata, or sample a variety of academic library specialties.

A solid theoretical base + current practical skills = Dynamic curriculum

The goal of the SLIM MLS program is to prepare creative problem solvers who will provide proactive client-centered services in information agencies. To meet this goal, the curriculum is designed to provide the following dynamic mix of courses:

• Core theory courses provide the foundation from which students learn the skill sets necessary for the library and information management profession.
• Tools courses provide instruction on how to catalog and classify information, retrieve and repackage information, diagnose information needs, plan and evaluate information services, and use print and electronic information sources.
• Applications courses amplify and extend the themes identified in the theory courses and focus on information transfer, global information infrastructure, management, and technology.
• Elective courses are devoted to current issues in the profession and a capstone experience provides an opportunity to synthesize the educational experience in preparation for entering the field.

SLIM faculty teach all of the required theory courses in the curriculum and most of the elective offerings. SLIM hires qualified practitioners to teach certain elective courses that match their areas of expertise. In this way, SLIM students receive a quality education experience grounded in theory and in touch with the latest and best practices in the field.

Since many of their classes involve working with practitioners in the field, SLIM students benefit from outstanding opportunities for professional networking. More than 3,300 alumni across the country and around the world make a great job search network.

Accreditation

The online Master of Library Science program is a 36-credit hour degree program fully accredited by the American Library Association.

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