Library Science (LBSC)

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Abstract

The Masters of Library Science program focuses on areas central to research and practice in information science. It emphasizes the theoretical and conceptual foundations of the field. The application of the results of scholarly research are related to current practices and are analyzed with the goal of advancing the quality and scope of services in a variety of information settings. The program provides a comprehensive foundation for professional careers in all libraries, information centers, and other agencies engaged in information activities.

Beginning in Fall 2008, the College will expand the Master of Library Science program to the Universities at Shady Grove. Initially the program will offer specializations in school library media and public librarianship with a focus on children's and youth services. For more information on courses available at the Shady Grove Campus, admissions deadlines,or to schedule an informational interview please contact the Director of Student Services directly at cbjones@umd.edu.

Admissions Information

New master's students are admitted to the MLS program in the Summer and Fall terms. Admission decisions are based upon a thorough review of the applicant's undergraduate record, scores on the Graduate Record Exam General Test, letters of recommendation, and statement of purpose. Other factors, such as other graduate degrees, major discipline, and work experience, may be considered as well.

Application Deadlines

	Fall	Spring
Domestic Applicants: U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents
Domestic Applicant Deadlines	HiLS applications must be received by December 15 . M.L.S. applications must be received by February 1 .
	Summer: M.L.S. applications must be received by February 1 .
International Applicants: Applicants from Outside the U.S. or U.S. Citizens / Permanent Residents with Non-U.S. Credentials IMPORTANT:   International Applicants and U.S. Applicants with Non-U.S. Credentials must follow the domestic deadlines above if they are earlier than the deadlines listed below.
Applicants seeking admission under F (Student) or J (Exchange Visitor) visas	February 1 If Domestic Deadline is after Feb. 1	June 1 If Domestic Deadline is after Jun. 1
Applicants seeking admission under A, E, G, H, I, and L visas and immigrants	May 1 If Domestic Deadline is after May 1	October 1 If Domestic Deadline is after Jun. 1
U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents with foreign credentials	May 15 If Domestic Deadline is after May 15	October 31 If Domestic Deadline is after Oct.31

Application Requirements

1. Transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate work
2. GRE General (see the College's website for information on GRE waiver requirements)
3. Three Letters of Recommendation
4. 500 word targeted essay
5. Resume

Degree Requirements

Master of Library Science (M.L.S.)

The MLS degree requires 36 credit hours of academic work to be completed with a B minimum average within five calendar years from the first semester of registration. In the nonthesis option, all credits are course work. The thesis option requires 30 credits of course work and 6 credits of thesis research. A full-time MLS student usually completes the program in two years.

Students in the College have flexibility in completing the program. Students may take courses in the daytime and evening and may change from part-time to full-time and vice versa, as their circumstances permit. Most MLS courses are offered both day and evening on a regular rotation; however, there are a few courses that are only offered during the day or evening.

The History/Library Science (HiLS) specialization requires 54 credit hours for the MLS and MA in History. The time limit for completion of all degree requirements for this dual degree specialization is five years.

Each student works with an advisor to design a suitable course of study. Five courses are required upon entry into master's study:

* LBSC 601 Information Use, OR LBSC 605 Archival Principles, Practices and Programs (for students in the Archives, Records, and Information Management specialization), OR LBSC 640 Library Media Specialists as Information Professionals (for students in the School Library Media specialization)

* LBSC 635 Management and Administration for the Information Professional (not required for School Library Media students, who take a specialized management course later in their program)

* LBSC 650 Information Access

* LBSC 670 Information Structure

* LBSC 690 Information Technology

Students must complete the five required courses before taking electives. The other seven courses are electives selected by the student and the advisor. Advisor approval is required before registering for courses.

At least 24 credits of the 36 required must be LBSC courses taken at the College. A student may take courses in other UMCP departments or through the Consortium at other area institutions (limit of nine credits). Six credits may be transferred from another accredited graduate program and from Advanced Special Student status at UMCP. Information about policies and procedures governing degree requirements and courses taken outside the College is available from the College's Student Services Office.

Specializations and Concentrations

Students may choose to specialize in one of two areas:

* Archives, Records, and Information Management

* School Library Media

Alternatively, students may choose one of these two concentrations:

* E-Government Concentration

* Lifelong Access Concentration

MLS students may work with their advisors to define their own course plans, and are certainly not required to pursue a specialization, concentration, or dual degree.

At this time, MLS students pursuing specializations in school library media and public librarianship with a focus on children's and youth services may enroll in courses at the Universities at Shady Grove. For more information please contact the Director of Student Services at cbjones@umd.edu.

Doctor of Philosophy in Information Studies (Ph.D.)

The Doctor of Philosophy in Information Studies is no longer coded under 'LBSC'. Please look under Information Studies (INFS) in the Graduate Catalog for more information on this program and its requirements.

Facilities and Special Resources

Special computing labs with a variety of general purpose and specialized hardware and software are operated by the College; in addition, students use numerous other labs on campus. The Instructional Development and Support Center is a nonprint media facility with equipment, materials, instruction, and individual assistance in all phases of audiovisual production and use.

Faculty and students participate in cooperative research with staff of the University libraries, the Human-Computer Interaction Laboratory, and other campus units. Students have access through cooperative arrangements and programs to the resources of Archives II, the National Agricultural Library, the Library of Congress, and other prominent research facilities.

Financial Assistance

The College offers a limited number of scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships. For full consideration for financial aid, all required documentation for admission must be received by February 1. In-state tuition fees for the M.L.S. program may be available for students from states that are members of the Southern Regional Educational Board. Information on the availability of financial aid may be requested from the Director of Student Services, College of Information Studies.

Contact Information

For specific information on the academic programs available in the College of Information Studies, admission procedures, or financial aid, contact:

Director of Student Services
4110 Hornbake Building, College Park
MD  20742
Telephone: (301) 405-2038
Fax: (301) 314-9145
lbscgrad@deans.umd.edu

http://www.ischool.umd.edu

Courses: LBSC