Library Science

The Masters of Library Science program prepares librarians with the skills, ethics, and expertise to excel as leaders in public, school, and academic library settings. We provide students with opportunities to engage in learning opportunities, research, and service that help them meet their educational and career goals and foster students’ diverse areas of interest.

The Masters of Library Science Program strives to provide transformational educational experiences situated in an inclusive program culture that values community, equity, collaboration, and engagement, both locally and globally.  The program aims to empower the next generation of diverse library and information professionals, developing innovative and strategic thinkers capable of solving contemporary information problems, and providing them with the professional skills and experiences necessary for leadership roles in the library and information science field.

• To model and teach the application of professional ethics and principles in various situations and contexts
• To encourage and produce research that contributes to the development of the library science field
• To employ teaching methods that cultivate community and prioritize inclusivity, equity, and diversity.
• To prepare graduates with a firm grounding in core competencies of librarianship in their selected area of focus as determined by professional organizations.
• To foster globally-minded library professionals who engage with and actively contribute to their communities
• To develop a community of constituents who regularly collaborate with the MLS faculty to continuously refine the program’s direction 

The Library Science program’s Program Learning Objectives (PLO’s) describe what our students are expected to know and be able to do by the time of graduation.  The program regularly evaluates the attainment of the PLOs through a semester review of student learning, according to the program’s PLO’s.  The development of these PLOs was informed by the most recent statements of ALA Core Competencies and Core Values.

• Students will evaluate, select, use, and adapt appropriate technology to best serve patrons and solve information problems.
• Students will demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in library services, collections, and programming.
• Students will integrate and promote the principles of intellectual freedom and information access in the physical and digital design and intellectual context of the services provided in libraries.
• Students will collaborate with library stakeholders to create, implement, and evaluate resources, services, and programs for diverse populations.
• Students will describe the importance and impact of continued, life-long learning opportunities for themselves and the patrons they serve. They will plan, participate in, and evaluate learning opportunities such as professional development for librarians and educators as well as diverse educational programming appropriate for the needs of patrons in a variety of settings. 
• Students will articulate and apply the values and ethical frameworks of the library science profession in a variety of situations and contexts.
• Students will locate, use, and synthesize scholarship, engage in critical thinking, collect and utilize data, and solve problems.
• Students will demonstrate proficient management, organizational, and communication skills. They should be able to describe and apply philosophies of leadership and advocacy.
• Students will apply core library science principles and practices, such as those related to collection development and management, organization of information, and reference sources and services.
• Students will apply sustainability practices in the administration of library operations, services, and resources.