Library and Information Science: Libraries and Librarianship

The Master of Library and Information Science: Libraries and Librarianship Concentration at Simmons University focuses on the principles of managing a library collection and guiding patrons in their quest for information.

Program Overview

Libraries are a cornerstone of contemporary society. Simmons SLIS offers education in archives, cultural heritage informatics, information science, and technology, with a renowned program in library and information science. Students interested in careers in libraries have directed coursework, programming, and a community of peers to support their academic, extracurricular, and professional endeavors.

Why Pursue a Degree in this Academic Area?

This program addresses the unique challenges of working in libraries, including:

• Selecting, organizing, managing, and providing access to collections of information materials
• Working with patrons to help guide them in their pursuit of information and knowledge and services
• Interacting with people and technologies and resources
• Supporting the libraries through the thoughtful application of planning, evaluation, and management theories and practices

What Will This Degree Teach Students?

Students will receive a comprehensive education in:

• Information sources and services
• Information organization
• Principles of management
• Technology skills necessary for a library setting
• User instruction and collection development
• Public, special, or academic libraries

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Libraries and Librarianship Concentration will be prepared to begin their professional careers in public, special, or academic libraries. Potential job titles include:

• Cataloging and Acquisition Librarian
• Children's Librarian
• Collection Development / Subject Librarian
• Digital Initiatives Librarian
• Electronic Resources Librarian
• Emerging Technologies Librarian
• Information Literacy Librarian
• Legal Information Librarian
• Liaison Librarian
• Library Director
• Medical Librarian
• Metadata Librarian
• Outreach and Marketing Librarian
• Preservation Librarian
• Public Services / Reference Librarian
• Scholarly Communication Librarian
• Technical Services Librarian

Degree Requirements

Students in the MS (LIS) degree program must complete 36 credits of graduate coursework to be qualified to earn the MS (LIS) degree. MS (LIS) students must maintain a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 to continue in the program.

Concentrations and Specializations

LIS students may choose to focus their studies by following a degree concentration curriculum designed to prepare students to work in a variety of information institutions with a diversity of materials and tools.

Program Requirements

MS (LIS) students are required to complete three courses equaling nine (9) credits of core coursework in library and information science, including:

• LIS407: Information Service, Behaviors & Ethics
• LIS415: Information Organization
• LIS488: Technology for Information Professionals

Concentration Course Requirements

The Libraries and Librarianship Concentration requires:

• LIS core courses (9 credits)
• LIS404: Principles of Management
• LIS408: User Instruction & Information Literacy
• LIS453: Collections Development and Management
• One of the following: LIS414: Special Libraries, LIS450: Public Libraries, or LIS451: Academic Libraries
• Five elective courses (15 credits)

Faculty

The program is led by experienced faculty, including:

• Rebecca Stallworth, Associate Professor
• Lisa Hussey, Professor and Director of Self-directed Concentration
• Daniel Joudrey, Professor and Director of Libraries and Librarianship Concentration
• Amy Pattee, Professor
• Eric Poulin, Associate Professor of Practice and SLIS West Director
• Laura Saunders, Professor and Associate Dean of SLIS

Related Programs

Simmons University offers related undergraduate and graduate programs, including:

• Computer Science + Library and Information Science (3+1) BS, MS
• Information Technology + Library and Information Science (3+1) BS, MS
• Children's Literature + Library Services to Children MA, MS
• Library and Information Science (MS) MS
• Library and Information Science PhD PhD
• Library and Information Science: Archives Management + History MA, MS
• Library and Information Science: Archives Management Certificate Certificate
• Library and Information Science: Archives Management Concentration MS
• Library and Information Science: Information Science and Technology Concentration MS
• Library and Information Science: School Library Teacher Concentration MS
• Library and Information Science: School Library Teacher Licensure Certificate

Simmons University

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Overview:

Simmons University is a private university located in Boston, Massachusetts. It is known for its focus on women's leadership and its commitment to social justice. The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including online options, and is recognized for its real-world learning opportunities and integrated career advising.

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Services Offered:

Simmons University provides a variety of services to its students, including:

Academic Advising:

Customized support throughout the academic journey, from first-year advising to career guidance.

Campus Dining:

A variety of dining options on campus.

Community Engagement:

Opportunities for students to engage in social justice initiatives and community service.

Student Support & Resources:

A range of resources to support student success, including academic support, counseling, and health services.

Library:

Access to a comprehensive library with extensive resources.

Athletics:

A variety of athletic programs and opportunities for students to participate in sports.

Events:

A calendar of events and activities for students to participate in.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Simmons University offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can expect:

A small college feel:

A close-knit campus community with a focus on student support and engagement.

A dynamic city location:

Located in the heart of Boston, students have access to a wealth of cultural, historical, and professional opportunities.

Real-world learning opportunities:

Students gain practical experience through internships, research, and creative projects.

A commitment to inclusivity:

A welcoming and supportive environment for students from diverse backgrounds.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Real-world learning:

Students gain practical experience through internships, research, and creative projects.

Integrated career advising:

Customized support throughout the academic journey, from first-year advising to career guidance.

Accelerated graduate programs:

Shorten the time to a graduate degree with accelerated undergraduate to graduate programs.

Location in Boston:

Access to a wealth of cultural, historical, and professional opportunities.

Commitment to social justice:

A focus on women's leadership and social justice initiatives.

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Academic Programs:

Simmons University offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate programs:

A variety of majors and minors in fields such as business, health sciences, humanities, and social sciences.

Graduate programs:

Master's and doctoral programs in fields such as business, education, health sciences, law, and social work.

Online programs:

A range of online undergraduate and graduate programs for adult learners.

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Other:

Simmons University has been recognized with the 2024 Carnegie Elective Classification for Leadership for Public Purpose, which acknowledges its commitment to leadership and the collective public good. The university also has a strong alumni network and offers a variety of resources for alumni to stay connected.