Department of Library Science and Instructional Technology
School of Communication Information and Library Science
Southern Connecticut State University
501 Crescent Street
New Haven, CT 06515
Phone: (203) 392-5781
Fax: (203) 392-5780
Email: LibScienceIT@SouthernCT.edu
Web: http://www.scsu.ctstateu.edu/~lscwww/

Mary E. Brown, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Chairperson
Information Science
Brown@SouthernCT.edu

CONTENTS:
Special Information for Students Applying into the Programs
Faculty email address and phone numbers
Advisement
Department resources
Undeclared Track (MLS matriculates)
Style Manual
Deadlines
Parking Permit
University ID
Graduate Student Affairs Committee
Planned Programs
Rotation Schedules
Certification
Advisors

Special Information for Students Applying into the Programs

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 Design and Development, 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 Design and Development offers concentrations in television production, media production, and the design of systems for teaching and learning. 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 in library science or information science is required for admission.

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 July 1 for the fall semester, November 1 for the spring semester, and April 1 for the summer session. Admissions decisions will be mailed on approximately August 1, December 1, and May 1. 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 (forms will be provided);
• 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 should be accompanied by written requests for waivers where applicable. 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). The GRE exam must have been taken in the past five years. Students who have an advanced degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education may request a waiver of the GRE. All applicants for whom English is the native language are expected to score a minimum 400 points in each category of the GRE and a combined minimum of 1450 points on the three sections: verbal, quantitative and analytical.

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 550 on the TOEFL. The TOEFL score may be substituted for the verbal component in the GRE score.

Professional Assessments for Beginning Teachers (PRAXIS)

All applicants to the School Media Specialist certification program must pass the state-mandated 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. For additional requirements see requirements in the teacher education program (School of Education).

Reporting Test Scores

All required tests must be sent to Southern directly from the Education Testing Service (ETS). Southern's school code is 3662. Information (including test preparation) on the GRE, TOEFL, and PRAXIS can be found at:

• Educational Testing Service (ETS): http://www.ets.org
• Graduate Record Exam (GRE): http://www.gre.org
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): http://www.toefl.org
• Professional Assessments for Beginning Teachers (PRAXIS Series): http://www.praxis.org

Department Admissions Criteria

Although acceptance cannot 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 minimum 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 minimum 400 points in each category of the GRE and a combined minimum of 1450 points on the three sections: verbal, quantitative and analytical.
• For applicants for whom English is a second language, a minimum of 550 on the TOEFL, a minimum of 400 in each of the sections quantitative and analytical, and a combined minimum of 1450 points on the TOEFL plus the GRE quantitative and analytical sections.
• Submission of an application, college transcripts, an essay, letters of recommendation, and any required test scores and waiver requests.

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.

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.

(See Graduate Catalog for any additional requirements.)