Master of Library Science

MLS 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 are prepared to:

Assist and Educate Users

• Analyze and identify the information needs of diverse communities of users
• Educate users and potential users to locate, use, and evaluate information resources and tools
• Analyze and evaluate information systems and services in a variety of settings

Develop and Manage Collections of Information Resources

• Design and apply policies and procedures that support the selection and acquisition of information resources for particular communities of users
• Manage, evaluate, and preserve physical and virtual collections of information resources
• Uphold ethical and legal standards in acquiring, leasing, preserving, and providing access to information resources

Represent and Organize Information Resources

• Understand and apply principles of representation and organization

Manage and Lead Libraries and Other Information Organizations

• Perform basic managerial functions, including planning, budgeting, and performance evaluation
• Communicate effectively to a variety of audiences
• Apply theories of organizational behavior and structure

Use Research Effectively

• Design, conduct, interpret, and take action based upon research and evaluation

Deploy Information Technologies in Effective and Innovative Ways

• Implement and evaluate information and communication technologies for efficiency, usability, and value to users

Approach Professional Issues with Understanding

• Understand the social, political, ethical, and legal aspects of information creation, access, ownership, service, and communication
• Anticipate emerging trends and respond proactively

MLS 2001 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 or S401 Waiver

FOUNDATION: (Each course is 3 credit hours, for a total of 15 hours)
Choose one course from each area:

Assist and Educate Users of Libraries and Information Centers
S501 Reference

Develop and Manage Library Collections
S502 Collection Development and Management

Organize and Represent Information Resources
S503 Organization and Representation of Knowledge and Information
S504 Cataloging

Apply Management and Leadership Skills
S551 Library Management
S552 Academic Library Management
S553 Public Library Management
S671 School Media

Conduct and Analyze Research
S506 Introduction to Research
S519 Evaluation of Information Systems
S505 Evaluation of Library Sources and Services

ELECTIVES: (21 credit hours; may include up to 3 credit hours of internship, up to 6 credit hours of workshops)

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES: (do not count towards the MLS degree or the graduate school media certification)

L301 Collection Development - Public Libraries
L302 Reference Services - Public Libraries
L305 Management - Small Public Libraries

For questions, please contact Marilyn Irwin: irwinm@iupui.edu, 866-758-6254 or 317-278-2376