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 will be prepared to assist and educate users of libraries and information centers; analyze and identify information needs which represent a variety of age, academic, economic, and social groups; and apply appropriate search strategies for effective and efficient information retrieval in each situation. Graduates will also be able to educate users and potential users of information systems to locate and evaluate information resources, and to analyze and evaluate the provision of information systems and services in a variety of library and information settings.

1. Develop and Manage Library Collections
   • Prepare and apply policies and procedures that support the selection and acquisition of information resources which will meet the information needs of an organization, institution, or community.
   • Manage, evaluate and preserve collections of information resources.
2. Organize and Represent Information Resources
   • Understand and effectively apply principles of representation and systems of organization to provide access to resources in a variety of library and information environments.
3. Apply Management and Leadership Skills
   • Understand a wide range of organizational structures and management and leadership styles; demonstrate positive attitudes and constructive actions which characterize innovative leadership.
   • Recognize the value of collaborative planning and project management.
   • Apply the interpersonal and organizational skills necessary to manage and evaluate projects and personnel successfully.
4. Work effectively within and across a variety of organizational structures.
   • Communicate an organization's values and contributions, and identify sources that will support the organization's activities.
5. Conduct and Analyze Research
   • Understand and apply research and evaluation methods to investigate questions related to the acquisition, representation, organization, use and/or dissemination of information.
   • Analyze and interpret findings of such research and evaluation.
6. Demonstrate Basic Technical Expertise
   • Understand the basic applications of modern technology in today's libraries and other information environments.
7. Approach Professional Issues with Understanding
   • Comprehend the social, political, and legal aspects of information creation, access, and ownership.
   • Engage in continuing learning in professional organizations in library and information science.

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/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