Library and Information Science

Master of library and information science

The role of the library continues to evolve. Once a place for checking out books, libraries have transformed into multipurpose information hubs for communities and private organizations. These facilities not only provide access to books, journals, media and other collections but expand the boundaries of information and research through technology. Librarians organize, catalog, store and monitor these information channels. Many additionally direct and educate users and design programming to the needs of the surrounding community or supporting organization.

As technology transforms how we interact with libraries, professionals in the information science field require a diverse skill set. The University of Missouri (Mizzou) helps you pursue a role in or adapt to the field with a fully online master of library and information science (MLIS). Prepare to make decisions through research, develop education programs and engage users through a core emphasizing the essential principles and methods of librarianship and the information science field. Students have the option to complete this degree alone or in conjunction with a master of public affairs (MPA).

Overseeing the online master of library and information science, the School of Information Science and Learning Technologies (SISLT) is a proud member of iSchools, an international coalition of leading information schools.

About the online MLIS

As technology influences the growth and demands of the information science field, more public, private and school libraries are seeking out librarians equipped to serve diverse users through education, programming and guidance. At the same time, the profession’s core principles shape how traditional and digital information is stored, organized and accessed.

For decades, Mizzou has graduated library and information professionals ready to tackle new challenges and keep pace with the field. Today, the online master of library and information science is the only degree of its type in Missouri that’s accredited by the American Library Association (ALA). Mizzou received initial accreditation for the 1966–67 school year and earned continued accreditation in 2015.

Now pairing fully online course work with a practicum assignment for real-world, hands-on experience, the online master of library and information science:

• Positions existing professionals to become experts in the information age
• Equips you to assist library users through relevant and meaningful service
• Emphasizes the importance of research and leadership in the library and information science field
• Instills the values, ethics and principles of the information science professions and covers the history of librarianship
• Trains you to apply theories, research and management principles to answer questions related to library and information science
• Strengthens your analytical, technology and communication skills for organizing, evaluating and connecting users to information
• Highlights the role of the library as a community hub for programming, research, knowledge and skills-building

Earn a dual master’s degree

With this program, you can concurrently earn a master of public affairs.

The programs have separate applications and require a minimum of 12 hours of shared 8000-level or above graduate credit. Candidates accepted to both programs complete 51 credit hours total, including 21 for the master of library and information science and 18 for the master of public affairs.

Ideal for mid-career professionals contemplating the library’s broader role within its community, this dual-degree program complements the master of library and information science’s core with courses in public and nonprofit management, public policy strategies and research methods used in public affairs. Both degrees can be completed entirely online.

Learn more about the academic process for dual master’s degree students at the Mizzou Graduate School website.