Contact
Beth Patin
Program Director
(315) 443-2911
igrad@syr.edu
Website
https://ischool.syr.edu/academics/library-and-information-science-masters-degree/
Overview
As part of the School of Information Studies, the Library and Information Science (LIS) program provides a foundation in the knowledge, skills, and values of librarianship by educating leaders in the library and information profession who will implement and advocate for information justice, equity, and community engagement in their communities of practice. LIS coursework stresses both the theory and practice of library and information science. It includes educational opportunities beyond formal coursework through one-on-one interaction with the faculty; hands-on learning in libraries and information centers; exposure to leaders in the profession; and direct participation in research projects. The program is offered in both campus and online learning formats and can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. The focus on information justice, equity, and community engagement will be applied and demonstrated through core courses focusing on access and use of information, community information use and users, cultural responsiveness, organization of information and knowledge, evaluation of knowledge, knowledge producing, dissemination and preservation systems, leadership, advocacy, social justice, and best practices for information management.
Student Learning Outcomes
By the completion of their program, MSLIS students will be prepared effectively to:
- Advance information equity and justice by applying professional ethics, values, and standards to work towards a just and equitable information society.
- Connect, engage, and collaborate with users and their communities through the provision of inclusive resources, services, and spaces.
- Design and innovate to create equitable, just, and engaging information artifacts, including services, systems, spaces, resources, and technologies.
- Lead and manage people and projects in an equitable, just, and culturally responsive manner.
- Demonstrate information literacy and technological agility.
Curriculum
The 36-credit LIS curriculum is designed to prepare librarians who have the broad range of knowledge and skills needed for exemplary practice in the library and information profession. Students in the School Media specialization should consult the School Media specific curriculum.
I. Core Knowledge and Skills: 15 credits
LIS core courses provide a solid grounding in the knowledge, skills, and values of the library and information profession. The 15-credit LIS core has three parts:
Course List | Code | Title | Credits |
| IST 511 | Cultural Foundations of Information Studies | 3 |
| IST 605 | Reference and Information Literacy Services | 3 |
| IST 613 | Library Planning, Marketing, and Assessment | 3 |
| IST 616 | Information Resources: Organization and Access | 3 |
| IST 717 | Library Leadership and Management | 3 |
II. Electives: 18 credits
The 18 credits of electives allows students to extend their core knowledge and skills in directions of their choice. Students can select any graduate-level course in the iSchool, including those from the MS Information Systems or MS Applied Data Science programs. Up to six credits may be taken from other approved graduate programs. In selecting courses that are not LIS-focused, students should consult with the program director to ensure the appropriateness of the courses and consider how the electives will add to their knowledge and skillset as an emerging professional. Courses outside of the iSchool must receive permission prior to registration to be used as elective credit. Listed below are some recommended classes.
Course List | Code | Title | Credits |
| IST 564 | Accessible Library & Information Services | 3 |
| IST 604 | Cataloging of Information Resources | 3 |
| IST 607 | Digital Humanities for Librarians, Archivists, & Cultural Heritage Workers | 3 |
| IST 611 | Information Technologies in Educational Organizations | 3 |
| IST 612 | Youth Services in Libraries and Information Centers | 3 |
| IST 615 | Cloud Management | 3 |
| IST 622 | Introduction to Preservation of Cultural Heritage | 3 |
| IST 624 | Preservation of Library and Archival Collections | 3 |
| IST 625 | Enterprise Risk Management | 3 |
| IST 626 | Information Justice & Community Engagement | 3 |
| IST 628 | Arrangement and Description of Archival Collections | 3 |
| IST 635 | Collection Development and Access | 3 |
| IST 645 | Managing Information Systems Projects | 3 |
| IST 649 | Human Interaction with Computers | 3 |
| IST 651 | Scripting for Enterprise Data Systems | 3 |
| IST 654 | Information Systems Analysis | 3 |
| IST 659 | Data Administration Concepts and Database Management | 3 |
| IST 662 | Instructional Strategies and Techniques for Information Professionals | 3 |
| IST 664 | Natural Language Processing | 3 |
| IST 668 | Literacy Through School Libraries | 3 |
| IST 671 | Foundations of Research Methods in Information Studies | 3 |
| IST 672 | Public Libraries | 3 |
| IST 674 | Academic Librarianship | 3 |
| IST 676 | Digital Curation | 3 |
| IST 681 | Metadata | 3 |
| IST 682 | Cultural Competence for Information Professionals | 3 |
| IST 686 | Quantitative Reasoning for Data Science | 3 |
| IST 687 | Introduction to Data Science | 3 |
| IST 707 | Applied Machine Learning | 3 |
| IST 715 | LAMS: Libraries, Archives, Museums | 3 |
| IST 719 | Information Visualization | 3 |
| IST 776 | Research Methods in Information Science and Technology | 3 |
| IST 973 | Internship in Library Science | 1-6 |
III. Exit Requirement: 3 credits
IST 773 Reflective Portfolio should be taken in the final term of the MSLIS program. This course is intended to facilitate a holistic, comprehensive, and reflective demonstration of the competencies students have learned in the program by allowing them to reflect on their body of work and make explicit connections among coursework and experience.
Course List | Code | Title | Credits |
| IST 773 | Reflective Portfolio | 3 |
Programs of Study for Specific Types of Libraries or Library Positions:
The generalist core provides a grounding in the knowledge and skills of librarianship. Most electives provide conceptual and practical knowledge and skills that apply across types of libraries. For students wishing to prepare for a specific type of library or position, there are many ways to tailor a program of study to these interests. These include:
- Selecting topics pertaining to areas of interest for papers and projects in core and elective courses.
- Adding an iSchool Certificate of Advanced Study to combine with the master’s degree.
- Choosing electives that are appropriate for a particular type of library or position; see the section on advising guides below.
- Developing an elective internship that offers practical experience in an area of interest.
Faculty or academic advisor can assist students in planing a program of study that will prepare them for positions in their area of interest while also providing a solid generalist knowledge that will allow students flexibility in taking advantage of unexpected opportunities.
