205
Graduate Programs
205.37
Library and Information Studies
205.37 Library and Information Studies
School of Library and Information Studies
3-20 Rutherford South
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2J4
E-mail: slis@ualberta.ca
205.37.1 General Information
The School of Library and Information Studies, the only graduate professional library and information studies program in the prairie provinces, offers the Master of Library and Information Studies degree.
As a professional degree, the MLIS represents a program designed to develop the knowledge, understanding, attitudes, and skills that will prepare graduates to help people define their information needs, make their information seeking more effective, use information tools efficiently, evaluate information, critically examine internet resources, make informed decisions about what to read, and help organizations manage their records and knowledge.
The MLIS program is accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of the American Library Association. This accreditation is also recognized by the Canadian Library Association.
Mission of the School of Library and Information Studies
As an academic unit of the University of Alberta, the School of Library and Information Studies seeks to fulfil the mission of the University. The University's mission is to serve the community by the dissemination of research through teaching and the discovery of knowledge through research.
In support of the University's mission, the School of Library and Information Studies provides and promotes regional, national, and international leadership for the advancement of education, research, and service in the discipline of library and information studies. The School's mission is informed by multidisciplinary perspectives on user-centred issues of information access and equity. The School's mission is articulated through the following series of education, research, and service goals.
Goals of the School
Education Goals
To prepare individuals for positions of responsibility in the profession of library and information services through the accredited graduate professional degree, the Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS) program. | |
To provide teaching and supervision to students in undergraduate, postgraduate diploma, other master's, and doctoral programs in both library and information studies and other disciplines. | |
To offer opportunities, in conjunction with other departments, for individual interdisciplinary PhD programs to students with exceptional professional background and strong potential for research and scholarship. |
Research Goals
To carry out scholarly study and research that advances the knowledge base of library and information studies. | |
To disseminate research and scholarship to both academic and professional communities of library and information studies. |
Service Goals
To participate in the collegial administration of the University of Alberta. | |
To support the profession of library and information services through consultation, leadership, and continuing education. | |
To contribute to the community at large through the dissemination of research and scholarship. |
Goals of the MLIS Program
To provide the knowledge, understanding, and skills sufficient for the practice of library and information service at a basic professional level, including the foundation on which further competence and specialization may be built. | |
To examine the cultural and informational role in society of library and information services. | |
To emphasize, where appropriate, the Canadian geographic, cultural, social, and governmental context in which libraries and information agencies operate. | |
To stress the professional obligation to keep informed of social and technological developments, with particular emphasis on Canadian issues. |
Objectives of the MLIS Program
Upon completion of the program:
Students will be familiar with the history, the philosophy, and the service orientation of libraries and librarianship. | |
Students will have an understanding of concepts of knowledge and concepts of information and of the methods of preservation and transmission of cultural records. | |
Students will be aware of the responsibility of librarians and information specialists with respect to the free flow of ideas and access to information. | |
Students will have an understanding of the functions of librarians and information specialists within the larger societal framework, and of the factors influencing the creation, dissemination, and use of knowledge and information. | |
Students will be knowledgeable about basic principles of selection, acquisition, organization, storage, retrieval, and use of recorded knowledge and information resources of all kinds. | |
Students will be knowledgeable about the theories and concepts of administration and organizational behavior and their application to the management of libraries and information agencies. | |
Students will possess the skills necessary to evaluate library and information systems and services. | |
Students will have an understanding of the principles of systems analysis and systems design for libraries and information agencies. | |
Students will understand current information technology as an integral part of the operations and services of libraries and information agencies. | |
Students will be able to evaluate published research in library and information studies and to apply basic principles and techniques of research in library and information studies. | |
Students will be aware of the links between library and information studies and other disciplines, including shared methodologies and common concerns. | |
Students will understand the importance of cooperation among libraries and information agencies and of the development and maintenance of collegial relationships with their fellow professionals. | |
Students will be aware of the need for continuing professional education and be ready to play an active role in associations and engage in other professional activities. | |
Students will be aware of the culturally diverse composition of society, and of the responsibility to serve all client groups with respect and understanding. |
Student Organizations
The Library and Information Studies Students' Association represents all students enrolled in the MLIS program. Students elect their own officers, with the presiding officer representing them at meetings of the School Council. LISSA provides liaison between students and faculty and encourages participation in a variety of academic, professional, and extracurricular activities.
Entrance Requirements
An applicant with a four-year undergraduate degree from the University of Alberta, or a comparable degree from another accredited university, who has obtained a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (or its equivalent) in the last 20 half-courses (or equivalent) of academic studies may be admitted as a candidate for the MLIS degree. Applicants who lack these qualifications are advised to make up any deficiency in consultation with the School of Library and Information Studies in order to be considered for admission as a candidate for the MLIS.
All applicants who are required to write an English language examination are advised to do so at an early date because a satisfactory score is required in order to be considered for admission (see §203.2.4). The passing score is 90 for the MELAB; 600 (paper-based) or 100 (internet-based) for the TOEFL; 70 for the CAEL with a minimum of 70 on each subtest; or 7.5 on the overall band for the IELTS with a minimum of 7 on each test band.
Applicants without a degree from a Canadian university may be required to take the Graduate Record Examination administered by the Educational Testing Service. Students should arrange for the testing agency to report results to the School of Library and Information Studies, which will judge whether or not the results are satisfactory. Acceptable scores are 600 in the Verbal Section, 525 in the Quantitative Section, and 600 in the Analytical Section.
Applicants are judged not only on their academic record but also by their professional promise as indicated in three letters of reference (letters to support application for graduate admission), statement of purpose, and curriculum vitae.
Admission offers are made from a review of complete applications received by the School by February 1. A complete application includes the application form and its supporting materials, transcripts, and three letters of reference (letters to support application for graduate admission). Where fewer than three academic referees are available, one professional/supervisor referee is acceptable for one of the references. All must be received before applications can be reviewed for admission to the MLIS program. Applicants considered will receive notification of a decision on their application no later than March 31. Once the School's acceptance limit is reached, subsequent acceptable applicants may be placed on a waiting list.
Decisions on internal scholarships and awards are normally made by June 1. Students are encouraged to seek out opportunities for scholarships and awards and to apply for these prior to and during the course of their programs.
Students who are offered admission to the MLIS program may have their admissions deferred to the following fall term if the School is notified in writing before the beginning of the Fall term.
Please consult www.slis.ualberta.ca for full application details.
Financial Assistance
Inquiries regarding program and course details, and financial assistance should be made to the School of Library and Information Studies. Details about University awards are found at www.gradstudies.ualberta.ca.
205.37.2 Academic Standing
The pass mark for any course taken for credit towards the Master of Library and Information Studies degree is a grade of C+. A student who does not achieve a pass mark in any required course must repeat the course. A student who does not achieve a pass mark in an elective course must repeat the course or substitute another elective course.
An overall average of 2.7 must be maintained throughout the program. If the School decides that a graduate student is not making satisfactory progress in either coursework or research, the School may recommend to the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research that the student be required to withdraw.
Reexaminations
Graduate students are not permitted to take reexaminations.
205.37.3 Appeals and Grievances
Students who have grievances related to academic judgments inherent in marks or grades awarded in any course should follow the grievance procedures set out by the School of Library and Information Studies and the Faculty which offers the course.
Students who have grievances related to a decision of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (FGSR) affecting the student's academic program should first exhaust the appeal and grievance procedures of the School and then, if desired, may pursue the appeal procedures of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research. These procedures are available from the School and the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research.
205.37.4 Time Limits for Completion of Program
Candidates in the course-based route must have completed all the requirements within six years of the time they are first registered as a probationary graduate student or candidate in the Master's program. Candidates in the thesis-based route must have completed all requirements within four years of the time they are first registered.
205.37.5 The Degree of MLIS
Program Requirements
The minimum requirement for the MLIS degree is either 
39 in graduate courses and a thesis, or 48 in graduate courses and a capping exercise. Students may, with approval, include up to 9 offered by a department other than the School of Library and Information Studies.
The following courses are required for both the thesis and course-based routes of the MLIS program: LIS 501, 502, 504, 505, and 6 from the approved Information Technology courses (see SLIS website for current offerings). LIS 501 is normally a prerequisite for the rest of the program. LIS 597 (or equivalent) is a requirement in the thesis route of the MLIS program.
Credit for courses taken elsewhere may be granted as transfer credit by the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, on the recommendation of the School of Library and Information Studies. Contact the School for details.
205.37.6 The Degrees of MA/MLIS
The School of Library and Information Studies and the Humanities Computing Program offer a combined MA in Humanities Computing/MLIS program that students can complete within three years. Students pursuing the combined degree must take 12 in required Humanities Computing courses (HUCO 500, 510, 520, and 530) and 6 in Humanities Computing options. They must also take 15 in required Library and Information Studies courses: LIS 501, 502, 504, 505, and 597) and 12 in LIS options. The MLIS requirement to complete 6 from a list of designated Information Technology courses is fulfilled by content covered in the Humanities Computing courses. Students are strongly encouraged to take the required Humanities Computing courses during their first year. Students must also complete a thesis. The student's thesis committee should normally include faculty members from both programs.
Students wishing to apply for the combined degree need only complete one online application form by selecting "MA/MLIS" as the program. The application will be received by both programs. Students must satisfy the entrance requirements for both programs. Administrators of the two programs will consult regarding admission to the combined degree.
Length of Program
A full-time student who is registered for the MLIS program normally will be able to complete the degree requirements in two years. A full-time student who is registered for the joint MA/MLIS degree normally will be able to complete the degree requirements in three years.
205.37.7 Graduate Courses
Graduate courses can be found in §231, Course Listings, under the subject headings Library and Information Studies (LIS).
