Department of Information and Library Science Programs
Announcement: The IMS Program will stop accepting new students at the beginning of the Spring 2023 semester. The IMS Program is in the process of being discontinued with a planned sunset date at the end of the Fall 2024 semester.
The major in Information Management and Services (IMS) is a 39-credit program, which consists of 24 credits of required core courses, 9 credits of electives from computer science and 6 credits of electives from cognate areas. The IMS B.S. degree program prepares students for careers in a broad range of evolving information-based fields, especially skills and knowledge in digital information. The program also prepares graduates for support positions in libraries and information centers. Students will have the opportunity to take courses in computer science, management, communication, sociology, and psychology as part of their IMS studies. Additionally, the program prepares students for a future Master’s degree in Information and Library Science or a relevant discipline.
To elect an Information Management and Services major, students must complete a major declaration/change form, which is available online in the Registrar’s Homepage under Forms -- Change of Major/Minor. By clicking on the 'Change of Major/Minor' link it takes you to a login page, the student logs in and selects their declaration/change of a Major. (Minimum 2.5 overall GPA).
Announcement: The IMS Program will stop accepting new students at the beginning of the Spring 2023 semester. The IMS Program is in the process of being discontinued with a planned sunset date at the end of the Fall 2024 semester.
The minor in Information Management and Services may be used as a pre-professional preparation as a career ladder component for students who have earned an associate of science degree in the field and as a career-oriented concentration for students in professional studies or liberal arts programs. To elect an Information Management and Services minor, students must complete a minor declaration/change form, which is available online in the Registrar’s Homepage under forms (https://inside.southernct.edu/onestop/forms) -- Change of Major/Minor. By clicking on the 'Change of Major/Minor' link it takes you to a login page, the student logs in and selects their declaration/change of a Minor. IMS Minor (18 credits; minimum 2.5 Overall GPA).
The Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree prepares professionals to design, implement and manage library and information services in academic, public, school and special libraries, as well as related information agencies and settings. The program is offered with the following specializations: (1) MLIS individualized programs designed to provide flexibility that supports student choices and career plans (2) school library media specialists and (3) Digital Information Management. Courses are all offered online.
The MLIS program was launched in the Fall of 2016. The MLIS curriculum is a 36 credit hour program: six core courses, including a field based internship, that address discipline specific foundations and concepts; five courses focused on specializations of a student’s choice; and one concluding course that prepares students to meet degree requirements (capstone experience) determined by the School of Graduate and Professional Studies. The culminating capstone experience provides opportunities for students to showcase and apply their knowledge and skills gained throughout their program.
The Graduate Certificate in School Library Media - Cross Endorsement prepares currently certified Connecticut teachers for cross endorsement as school library media specialists. School library media specialists manage libraries, as well as technology and media integration in their schools.
The teacher certification may be combined with dual enrollment in the Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) program, with the completion of the additional requirements.
The Graduate Certificate in School Library Media – Initial Teacher Certification offers the opportunity to gain certification as a K-12 teacher in Connecticut. This program welcomes both mid-career professionals seeking a career change and recent graduates with an interest in teaching and school libraries. As the only program of its kind in Connecticut, with nationally recognized faculty and a statewide network of professional support, we welcome inquiries and interest from potential students with all types of undergraduate degrees and professional backgrounds.
The teacher certification may be combined with dual enrollment in the Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) program, with the completion of the additional requirements.
Applicants must complete the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators exam to be considered for admission to the program.