Bulletin 2000-2002

School of Library and Information Science University Library (UL) 1110C
755 West Michigan
Indianapolis, IN 46202
(317) 278-2375
School of Library and Information Science Home Page

The School

The School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) at Indiana University ranks consistently in the top five or ten programs in North America, and its master’s and doctoral enrollments are among the largest in the nation. In a recent 11-year survey of scholarly productivity, the school was ranked number one in North America in terms of its peer-reviewed publication output. The M.L.S. (Master of Library Science) degree has been accredited continuously since 1953. The recently introduced M.I.S. (Master of Information Science) degree adds another avenue of entry to the information professions. In addition to the two master’s programs, the school offers a Ph.D. in Information Science, a Specialist in Library and Information Science, specializations in Chemical Information, African Studies Librarianship, and Music Librarianship, and a dual master’s/Doctor of Jurisprudence program with the School of Law. There are also dual master’s degree programs with the Schools of Fine Arts, Journalism, Music, and Public and Environmental Affairs and the Departments of Comparative Literature, History, History and Philosophy of Science, Latin American and Caribbean Studies, and Russian and East European Studies. Also available is course work leading to certification in public libraries and in school media.

At SLIS we bring fresh insights to bear on information design, access, and policy issues by looking at information and information technologies in diverse human contexts. We seek to understand the behaviors, cognitive factors, human contexts, social practices, media, and tools that foster and hinder effective information use. We place a strong emphasis on the social and behavioral dimensions of information technology.

SLIS has a full-time faculty of 20, supplemented by a distinguished emeritus, visiting, and adjunct faculty.

The School of Library and Information Science is located on the Bloomington campus, with a satellite program at Indianapolis. All students have access to the extraordinary physical and human resources of Indiana University’s eight campuses, including one of the largest university computing networks in the world and a university library system that ranks thirteenth in the nation in terms of its holdings. Included in this system is the prestigious Lilly Library, which is internationally known for its rare books, manuscripts, and special collections.

The IU School of Library and Information Science is a member of the Association for Library and Information Science Education, the American Library Association, the American Society for Information Science, and the Special Libraries Association. It maintains affiliation with a number of other national and international bodies in library and information science.

The History of SLIS at Indiana University

The first organized library science curriculum at Indiana University, a program for the preparation of school librarians, was offered by the School of Education in the summer of 1930. In 1938 this curriculum was expanded and made available in the regular school year as well as the summer session.

In 1947 the Division of Library Science was established within the School of Education. A basic undergraduate curriculum in library science concerned with the fundamental processes common to all types of libraries was offered as a minor within the four-year program leading to the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in the College of Arts and Sciences or to the Bachelor of Science in Education degree in the School of Education.

Fifty Years of Graduate Education in Library and Information Science: 1949-99 A five-year program leading to the Master of Arts with a major in library science, granted by the Graduate School, was created in 1949, and a Ph.D. program in library and information science was established in 1964.

In 1966 the Trustees of Indiana University established the Graduate Library School and the professional degree Master of Library Science (M.L.S.), replacing the Master of Arts degree granted by the Graduate School. The Specialist degree program was added to the curriculum in 1978. In 1980 the name of the school was officially changed to School of Library and Information Science (SLIS). The addition of the Master of Information Science (M.I.S.) degree in 1995 reflects the school’s continuing commitment to change.

The Mission of SLIS

The school provides students with an understanding of the conceptual foundations of librarianship and information science and of the multi-faceted nature of the wider information environment. It prepares students with a rich mix of knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to function as critical thinkers and effective communicators. Graduates should have a strong grounding in theory and the ability to translate theory into effective practice.

To provide a proper setting for the implementation of this mission, the school promotes the advancement of knowledge, both theoretical and applied, through active programs of research and scholarly publication. The school also provides service within the university and to the local, national, and international communities through contributions to, and leadership in, associations and organizations and by assuming consulting, advising, publishing, and other professional roles. This leadership by example is considered essential in providing a framework in which the goals of the program can be pursued effectively.

The school also provides opportunities for students to seek educational experiences involving the development of the specialized skills currently emphasized in information-providing agencies. The development of these skills often highlights current trends in information systems and information management that serve to assist the student in career planning. Such educational experiences are gained through selection of elective courses from the School of Library and Information Science, through cooperation with other graduate programs of the university, and through seminars, workshops, conferences, and practicum experiences.

Goals of the M.L.S. Program

The school has identified the following goals for the Master of Library Science program:
  1. To promote an understanding of the role of libraries in society, and of the professional and ethical responsibilities of librarians.
  2. To foster a user-centered approach to the development and management of information resources.
  3. To understand the theory and practice of information collection, organization, retrieval, and analysis with regard to print, nonprint, and electronic resources.
  4. To prepare professionals who will promote access to information and be aware of their role in an information-based society.

Objectives for Students in the M.L.S. Program

Students who complete curricular and other requirements of the program will be able to
  1. Understand the generation and dissemination of information and the role of libraries and information centers in the communication process.
  2. Develop and organize collections of information to meet user needs and assist their publics in using those collections.
  3. Demonstrate the management skills and technical expertise necessary to support and implement information policies and programs.

Goals of the M.I.S. program

The school has identified the following goals for the Master of Information Science program:

  1. To develop an understanding of the theoretical and empirical bases of information science.
  2. To promote an understanding of the economic, social, and strategic value of information.
  3. To showcase a range of information analysis and management techniques.

Objectives for Students in the M.I.S. Program

Students who complete curricular and other requirements of the program will be able to
  1. Analyze information needs and plan and develop information delivery/access systems for business, industry, government, academic, or nonprofit organizations.
  2. Understand the nature and role of the information industry.
  3. Understand and use communication and information technologies in support of organizational objectives.
  4. Develop appropriate information management strategies and policies for organizations.
 

INDIANA UNIVERSITY -  PURDUE UNIVERSITY  INDIANAPOLIS
425 University Blvd. Indianapolis, IN 46202-5143
Comments: IUPUI Office of the Registrar
Copyright 2000, The Trustees of Indiana University