The Master of Library Science offered by Southern Connecticut State University's Department of Information and Library Science is accredited by the American Library Association. The next re-accreditation review is scheduled for 2010. In preparation for the ALA's re-accreditation review, the department, as part of the established cycle of activities, has begun more in-depth discussions and planning, in part due to the new university strategic plan, and in part as a normal course of cyclic review. 
This portion of the department's website will be used to keep students, alumni, the professional community, and the university community updated on the process, its progression, and upcoming events, including student, alumni, and employer surveys and input.

ILS is pleased to publish its new mission statement, in response to the new (2007) university vision and mission statements and strategic plan as well as in response to events in the profession as well as society since the last review of the the mission, goals, and objectives in 2000-2002.

ILS MISSION STATEMENT
(Revised November 2007 and Approved by ILS Faculty April 10, 2008)

In support of the University's mission, the Department of Information and Library Science provides exemplary education to develop leaders who collect, organize, preserve, manage, and disseminate information in all formats.  We do this by instilling values and beliefs in service to our communities in a global society.


VISION STATEMENT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION AND LIBRARY SCIENCE
(From the ALA Program Presentation Plan dated March 15, 2009)

The department of Information and Library Science is to be universally recognized as the provider of outstanding professional education programs for leaders in the field of information and library science, in the region, in the country and around the globe.

 
ILS DEPARTMENT GOALS
(From the ALA Program Presentation Plan dated March 15, 2009)

In consideration of the University's 2006 revisions to its mission and vision statements and the completion of the University's Strategic Plan for 2007-2012, the Department of Information and Library Science re-evaluated and updated its departmental goals set in 2003. During the ILS Faculty retreat of August 2008, five (5) strategic initiatives/goals were established for 2008-2012:

1. Create more effective management of the ILS program's operations in order to enhance services to students and better support online teaching and learning
2. Review and enhance curriculum and programs based on ALA Accreditation Standard II, 2008 and ALA Statements of Core Competencies
3. Develop support and standards for faculty to enhance online teaching excellence
4. Develop new support for faculty to participate in local/national/international professional activities
5. Develop strategies to market the MLS program nationwide

DRAFT PROGRAM VALUES

The Department of Information and Library Science shares and supports the University's Core Values Statements as follows:

Core Value Statements

Excellence:  The Department values exemplary and distinguished performance in all aspects of academic life by all members of the Department Community, especially in the areas of teaching, learning, scholarship, and service.

Access:  The Department values its responsibility to provide opportunities for individuals with potential and motivation to become productive members of the Professional and Academic Communities and demonstrates that value by eliminating barriers that hinder full participation.

Diversity:  The Department values an educational and work environment in which individuals and cultures are celebrated and respected for the unique talents, insights, and perspectives that they contribute.

Student Success:  The Department values all students, believes in their potential to achieve, and commits to challenging, supporting, and empowering them to transform their lives.

Life-Long Learning:  The Department values the pursuit of knowledge and provides an environment for all individuals to intentionally learn and develop throughout the various phases of their lives.

Community Involvement:  The Department values professional service, engagement, and responsibility by all department members and encourages the integration of these principles in the learning experiences of students, invites participation of practitioners in department affairs, and promotes local, regional, national, and international collaborations.