Master's
Program in Information and Library Science
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
March 1 for the MLS program July 1 for the fall semester and November
1 for the spring semester for the M.S. and Sixth Year programs.
Department of Information and Library Science
The Department of Information and Library Science offers graduate
programs leading to the degrees of Master of Library Science and
Master of Science in Instructional Technology, a professional diploma
in Library/Information Studies, and several joint degree programs.
The Master of Library Science Program, integrating library science,
information science and instructional design, development, and technology,
offers preparation for careers in all types of libraries and a range
of information occupations. Connecticut certification as a School
Library Media Specialist may also be obtained through this program.
The Master of Science Program in Instructional Technology offers
concentrations in media production, the design of systems for teaching
and learning, and corporate training. Students normally prepare
for careers in business or education.
The Professional Diploma in Library/Information Studies provides
for the formal continuing education or specialization needs of information
professionals. A master’s degree is required for admission
to the Art of the Oral Tradition specialization. A master’s
degree in library science or information science is required for
admission to the Information Studies specialization. Joint degree
programs enable students to study in two programs concurrently and
earn two degrees. The number of credits and time for completion
are shortened.
Application Procedure and Deadlines
Applicants must present for admission a completed application and
credentials by March 1 for the MLS program; and July 1 for the fall
semester and November 1 for the spring semester to the M.S. and
Sixth Year programs. Departmental admissions decisions will be mailed
on approximately May 1, August 1, and December 1. ILS admits students
based on the anticipated number of seats available in classes. Applicant
files must be complete before a review will be conducted and must
include the following:
-
completed Graduate School application form and application fee;
-
two copies of official transcripts of all college level work;
-
two letters of recommendation attesting to the ability of the
applicant to successfully complete the program of studies;
-
a statement of 250-500 words stating why the applicant is interested
in the program of study and career expectations 5-10 years from
completion;
- Graduate
Record Exam scores (for MLS and School Media Specialist
Certification applicants only); and
- Praxis
I scores (for School Media Specialists Certification applicants
only).
Applications
will not be forwarded to the Admissions Committee until all materials,
including official transcripts and test scores or waiver certificates,
are received. Incomplete applications will be withdrawn six months
after the initial application is received. Prospective students
are strongly encouraged to submit all materials at the same time.
Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
All applicants to the MLS degree or school media specialist certificate
programs are required to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
Test. The GRE exam must have been taken in the past five years.
All applicants are expected to benchmark against the following scores:
550 points in verbal; 450 in quantitative; 550 (pre-October 2002)
in analytical or 5.0 (beginning October 2002) in analytical writing.
Test of English as a Foreign Language Exam (TOEFL)
All applicants for whom English is a second language are required
to take the GRE and Test of English as a Foreign Language Exam (TOEFL)
examinations. These applicants must score a minimum of 600 on the
TOEFL.
Professional Assessments for Beginning Teachers (PRAXIS) All applicants
to the School Media Specialist certification program must pass the
statemandated skills examination (Praxis I) in mathematics, reading,
and writing, or, present a combined score of 1000 on the SAT with
at least a score of 400 on both the verbal and the mathematics sections
respectively from any test administration prior to March 31, 1995;
or, present a combined score of 1100 on the SAT with at least a
score of 450 on both the verbal and the mathematics sections respectively
from any test administration on or after April 1, 1995; or, present
a composite score of 24 or more on the American College Testing
Program Assessment (ACT), with no less than 22 on the English subtest
and no less than 19 on the math subtest from test administrations
on or after October 1989. Refer to the section entitled “Admission
to Teacher Certification Programs” in the beginning of this
catalog under “Application and Admission” for additional
information regarding acceptance to a certification program and
PRAXIS examinations.
Reporting Test Scores
All required tests must be sent to Southern directly from the Educational
Testing Service (ETS). Southern’s school code is 3662. Information
(including test preparation) on the GRE, TOEFL, and PRAXIS can be
found at:
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Department
Admissions Criteria
Although acceptance cannot be guaranteed given the high number of
applicants, applicants whose records show all the conditions outlined
below will be given consideration. All applicants to graduate programs
in ILS should meet the following admissions criteria:
-
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
An
undergraduate degree earned abroad must be deemed equivalent to
a U.S. bachelor’s.
-
A benchmark 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in all undergraduate studies,
as well as for any subsequent graduate-level work.
-
For applicants for whom English is the native language, a benchmark
of 550 in verbal; 450 in quantitative; 550 or 5.0 in analytical
writing on the GRE General Test.
-
For applicants for whom English is a second language, a benchmark
of 550 in verbal; 450 in quantitative; 550 or 5.0 in analytical
writing on the GRE General Test; plus a minimum of 600 on the
TOEFL.
-
Submission of an application, college transcripts, an essay, letters
of
recommendation, and any required test scores.
Independent
of these measures, the Admissions Committee will also provide an
overall assessment on the applicant’s likelihood of successful
completion of the intended program of study. This assessment will
be based on the letters of recommendation, past academic achievements,
consistency of academic direction and goals, and expected contribution
to the information professions. In special circumstances, applicants
may be asked to make themselves available for a formal interview
with the Admissions Committee.
Prior to being admitted to the program, students may take up to
9 credits on a nonmatriculated basis. However, taking such courses
does not give the applicant an advantage in the application process.
Computer Skills Prerequisite
The Department assumes that students have basic computer skills,
abilities, and knowledge of the type that are normally acquired
through a college-level computer literacy course. The skills, abilities,
and knowledge encompass the use of word processing, email, and web-browser
software and a basic understanding of computer hardware, software
and telecommunications capabilities. Some familiarity with personal
computer operating systems and interfaces is also assumed. All incoming
graduate students must have the following computer skills prior
to taking any courses in the Department of Information and Library
Science: Windows; MS Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and
basic Access (table creation, queries on a single table); e-mail;
Internet; any drawing tool; telnet; and ftp. To acquire these skills,
students can take courses at a community college, a university,
or a computer training center. These skills can also be self-taught
with the help of a textbook or instruction manual.
The Capstone Portfolio Requirement
All students in graduate degree or certification programs in the
Department of Information and Library Science are required to prepare
and submit a portfolio in their final semester of coursework and
prior to completing all degree or certification requirements. Included
in the portfolio will be a special project that requires the application
or drawing together of knowledge and skills acquired in the graduate
program. Students must pass a portfolio review to be considered
eligible for graduation or recommendation for certification. Each
student should also prepare a serviceable resume. It is strongly
advised that each student consult up to three practitioners in developing
the resume.
Students in the School Media Program will need to prepare materials
for the portfolio that relate to certification. Students in the
School Media Program will need to show how they meet the certification
requirements by including examples of work completed (narratives,
papers, media) which exemplify the certification criteria. It is
recommended that the criteria and materials be organized around
the values of scholarship, attitude, integrity, leadership, and
service. Requirements for school media certification in Connecticut
include:
- Design,
implementation and evaluation of media programs (all instructional
and other services furnished to students and teachers by a media
center and its staff)
-
Evaluation, selection, acquisition, organization, production and
retrieval of media (printed and audiovisual forms of communications
and their accompanying technology)
-
Teaching students, staff and faculty to utilize media and its
accompanying technology by applying valid instructional methods
and techniques
-
Assisting students in the interpretation of print and non-print
materials
-
Application of principles of administration and supervision for
effective leadership and operation of the school library media
center program
-
Formulation of the educational specifications and contribution
to the design of school library media facilities
Students who will apply for certification in other states need to
work with the certification offices in those states to be sure all
requirements are met and additional portfolio materials prepared.
The Special Project Requirement
All students in an ILS graduate program are to complete a special
project. The project may be completed in connection with a course
being taken or it may be completed as an independent study, field
project, or outside of course credit. Each special project must
include the following:
- dentification
and listing of 5 - 9 key concepts and skills the student gained
over the course of his or her planned study and that are applied
to the special project
-
identification and listing of the courses in the student's planned
study that contributed to this knowledge and skill set
-
discussion of how the student applied this knowledge and skill
set to the special project
-
documentation of the special project itself
-
supporting assessment documents, such as letters from practitioners
who benefited from the project's implementation
Continuous
Enrollment and Satisfactory Progression
From the time of acceptance by the Graduate School until the completion
of all requirements for the degree, each student must be enrolled
every fall and spring term in at least three-credits of coursework
or pay the continuous enrollment fee of $40. Continuation in a graduate
program is contingent upon ongoing positive faculty evaluation of
a graduate student’s grades, professional or scholarly attributes,
performance in real or simulated professional situations, and subjective
appraisal of the student’s progress and potential. A student
may be suspended or dismissed from a graduate program for deficiencies
in any of these areas.
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LIBRARY SCIENCE
The Master of Library Science degree program is accredited by the
American Library Association. The school media specialist concentration
is also approved by the Connecticut State Board of Education. ILS
501 is required as a first course for all students. It may be taken
along with other courses, however. A maximum of 15 credits in 600
level courses is permitted. An interview may be required of applicants
to the program.
Those who are awaiting an admissions decision may enroll in up to
9 credits. The recommended courses to choose from are:
ILS 501 — Introduction to Information Science and Technology
ILS 503 — Foundations of Librarianship
ILS 504 — Reference and Information Resources and Services
ILS 506 — Information Analysis and Organization
Transfer Credit
In addition to university requirements (please consult that section
of the catalog), transfer credits may be awarded for work completed
in an ALA accredited program only.
Field Project and Independent Study
An application for a field project and/or independent study must
be submitted to the department by April 15th for the fall term and
November 15th for the spring term. Students must submit a proposal
according to the guidelines established by the department and the
proposal will be reviewed by a departmental committee.
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MASTER OF LIBRARY SCIENCE
DEGREE
For students who wish to qualify for a Master of Library Science
degree with specialization alternatives. The Master of Library Science
degree requires completion of a total of 36 credits (or approximately
12 courses) with a grade of “B” or higher. All students
in the program must complete a core consisting of the five courses
(see below) with a grade of “B” or higher in each course.
A course can be repeated only once and a grade of “B”
or higher must be achieved. Each grade is included in the grade
point average. Failure to receive a grade of “B” or
higher when a course is repeated, or if the grade point average
falls below 3.0, results in automatic academic dismissal.
Core Requirements
ILS 501 — Introduction to Information Science and Technology
ILS 503 — Foundations of Librarianship
ILS 504 — Reference and Information Resources and Services
ILS 506 — Information Analysis and Organization
ILS 680 — Evaluation and Research
Electives
Students select courses in Information and Library Science with
the ILS course designation that are suited to their needs or up
to 3 credits in a cognate area outside the ILS course designation
with department permission. Pre-approval has been given to the following
cognate area courses: IDS 553, SED 594, EDF 520, and courses with
ITC
course designations.
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MASTER OF LIBRARY SCIENCE DEGREE
AND CERTIFICATION
This program is designed for students who wish to qualify for a
Master of Library Science degree and certification as a school media
specialist. Refer to the section entitled “Admission to Teacher
Certification Programs” in the beginning of this catalog under
“Application and Admission” for additional information
regarding acceptance to a certification program, PRAXIS examinations,
and student teaching. A minimum of 36 credits in library science
and instructional technology is required. Additional course work
in education and psychology as well as practice in a school library
media center may be needed to meet certification requirements. Cross
endorsement students are allowed to take only two courses prior
to being fully matriculated; also, all students must take a course
in special education.
Initial Certification Phase
ILS 501 — Introduction to Information Science and Technology
ILS 503 — Foundations of Librarianship
ILS 504 — Reference and Information Resources and Services
ILS 506 — Information Analysis and Organization
ILS 511 or 512 — Materials and Services for Children/Adolescents
ILS 562 — School Library Media Centers
EDU 566 — Media Utilization and Curriculum
Six credits in instructional technology (ITC/ILS 570, ITC 571, ITC/ILS
575, ILS 539, ILS 655)
Plus one elective (3 credits) from the following:
ILS 511 — Materials and Services for Children
ILS 512 — Materials and Services for Adolescents
ILS 515 — Library Service to Special Groups
ILS 534 — Library Automation
ILS 575 — Instructional Design Principles
ILS 693 — Issues in School Library Media Centers Institute
ILS 695 — Online Information Retrieval Institute: Search Techniques
ITC 571 — Designing Instructional Software or MLS Degree and
Professional
Certification Phase
ILS 680 — Evaluation and Research
Elective(s) in library science or instructional technology
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JOINT DEGREE PROGRAMS
Students may earn two master’s degrees by electing one of
the following options: information and library science and instructional
technology, library science and history, library science and foreign
languages, library science and chemistry, library science and English,
instructional technology and history, or instructional technology
and chemistry. A significant advantage to students is the reduction
in the number of course credits required for the two degrees.
The School also offers a unique opportunity for students to earn
a master of library science degree and a juris doctor degree. This
program is offered in cooperation with the School of Law, University
of Connecticut.
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MASTER
OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY
This program is designed for students who wish to qualify for a
Master of Science degree in Instructional Technology for positions
in business, industry, colleges and universities, and related fields.
Applicants must meet the graduate school requirements for admission.
An interview may be required.
Core Requirements
ITC 500 — Instructional Technology Foundations
ITC 570 — Utilizing Instructional Media
ITC 572 — Administering Instructional Media Services OR
ITC 576 — Designing Corporate Training Environments
ITC 575 — Instructional Design Principles
ITC 590 — Instructional Design Portfolio Development Seminar
Professional Requirements and Electives
Within broad limits, students participate in planning course sequences
suited to their individual needs and goals.
Special Project
36 credits of approved course work including a special project.
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SIXTH YEAR DIPLOMA IN LIBRARY INFORMATION
STUDIES
The thirty-credit Library Information Studies program is an advanced
educational program which provides a choice of two areas of specialization:
Information Studies and Art of the Oral Tradition.
Specialization in the Art of the Oral Tradition
The mission of the specialization in the Art of the Oral Tradition
is to provide teachers, librarians, educators and other professionals
with an advanced level of expertise in the art and application of
the oral tradition. This sixth year program is designed to provide
unique opportunities for students to focus on historic, sociological,
anthropological, multicultural, and evolutionary aspects of the
oral tradition. The refinement of the oral
tradition as a transformational discipline will enable teachers
and other professionals to more fully develop skills critical in
today’s multicultural environments. A master’s degree
is required for admission to the Art of the Oral Tradition specialization.
Programs will be individually planned with consideration of the
students’ educational background, experience, and career objectives.
The sixth year is a 30-credit program.
Required Courses (6 credits)
Two library science courses are required of all students in this
specialization:
ILS 670 – History and Development of the Oral Tradition
ILS 685 — Field Project
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Specialization in Information Studies
The mission of the specialization in Information Studies is provide
an advanced educational program leading to a sixth year professional
diploma which meets the formal continuing education and specialization
needs of library and information professionals. A master’s
degree in library science or information science is required for
admission to the Information Studies specialization. Programs will
be individually planned with consideration of the students’
educational background, experience, and career objectives. Programs
also will encourage interdisciplinary course work, action research,
and problem solving. Further, programs will accommodate a student’s
need to enroll in courses missed in the fifth year of study, but
which are considered essential to current development. The sixth
year is a 30-credit program in which a minimum of 15 graduate credits
must be 600 level courses.
Required Courses (6 credits)
Two library science courses are required of all students in this
specialization:
ILS 535 — Resource Sharing and Library Networks
ILS 685 — Field Project
Specialization (9-15 credits)
Students select an area of specialization from among several available,
including: management, technical services, user services, and instructional
technology.
Cognate Area (9-15 credits)
A concentration of courses related to the area of specialization
and to student career goals is an integral part of a planned program.
Areas of study include the sciences, humanities, social sciences,
curriculum and foundations, research, special education, and urban
studies. Concentrations are also available for certification as
a school media specialist or district media supervisor. 500 level
courses may also be elected when
appropriate.
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