2017-2018 Graduate Studies Bulletin (Archived Copy) [Archived Catalog]
School of Library and Information Science
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Tom Reichert, Dean
David Lankes, Ph.D., Associate Dean and Director, School of Library and Information Science
Overview
The mission of the School of Library and Information Science is to provide and promote education and leadership in library and information science, services, and studies through the highest levels of teaching, research and service. The school is committed to supporting the development and improvement of library and information services as an essential part of cultural enrichment, the dissemination of knowledge, and the enhancement of overall quality of life.
The School of Library and Information Science offers the Ph.D. in Library and Information Science, the Master of Library and Information Science degree, and two programs of advanced study beyond the master’s degree: the Certificate of Graduate Study in Library and Information Science and the Specialist in Library and Information Science degree. In addition, the school offers the Certificate of Graduate Study in Health Communication in cooperation with the Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior (of the Arnold School of Public Health) and the School of Journalism and Mass Communications. Joint master’s degrees are offered in conjunction with the English department and with the Public History Program (see Graduate Dual Degree Programs ).
The Ph.D. in Library and Information Science is a research-intensive degree designed to prepare graduates for faculty and administrative careers in universities, research centers, and the public sector. The Ph.D. program is broadly interdisciplinary, with a curriculum balanced between the intellectual realms of library science and information science. While providing foundational courses covering theoretical and methodological approaches to information-seeking behavior and interactions with information in its many formats, the program also allows for study in a cognate discipline that sharpens and enriches a student’s major research emphasis.
The Master of Library and Information Science degree is a program of basic professional education designed to prepare students for entry into positions in libraries and information centers in colleges, schools, communities, industries, and businesses. The M.L.I.S. program provides students not only a strong core of general knowledge of the profession but also the opportunity to explore individual areas of interest related to career preparation. Instruction is available to students in all areas of South Carolina through an extensive program of distance education. Advances in educational technology made it possible for the University of South Carolina to work cooperatively with appropriate agencies in Georgia, West Virginia, Maine, and Virginia to offer the complete M.L.I.S. program to students in those states who would not otherwise have access to an ALA-accredited program of library and information science.
The Certificate of Graduate Study in Library and Information Science is tailored to complement the Master of Library and Information Science program by providing post-master’s degree instruction designed to enhance the student’s career opportunities in a chosen area of specialization. Completion of the Certificate of Graduate Study in Library and Information Science will acknowledge to prospective employers the student’s additional preparation for specific job responsibilities.
The Specialist in Library and Information Science is a sixth-year degree program for librarians, information managers, media specialists, and other related professionals who wish to refresh and update their knowledge and skills, gain greater specialization in their professional training, or redirect their careers from one area to another. The school meets the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education standards for teacher education programs.
Admission
Ph.D. in Library and Information Science
Admission to the Ph.D. program is competitive and is based on the strength of the applicant’s educational background (with the expectation of an M.L.I.S. or master’s-level degree in a related field), standardized test scores, work experience, a statement of research interests, and a personal interview.
Application requirements for the Ph.D. program include:
- completing the Graduate School’s online application form, including a written statement describing the applicant’s anticipated research focus or interest and a nonrefundable $50 application fee;
- official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended;
- GRE scores taken within 3 years of application with a combined verbal and quantitative scores of 1000 or above and one of the score registering 600 or above; a resume or c.v.; and a personal interview;
- an official report showing a minimum score of 570 (230 computer-based) on the TOEFL or a minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS Academic Course Type 2 exam for international students whose native language is not English;
- three letters of recommendation from persons able to comment on the applicant’s academic ability and scholarly potential;
- a resume or curriculum vitae outlining the applicant’s educational and professional achievements (sent directly to the School of Library and Information Science);
- following the receipt of all documents listed above, an interview with a member of the graduate faculty, preferably in person but, if necessary, by phone.
Master of Library and Information Science Program
Admission to the School of Library and Information Science is selective and based on the faculty’s assessment of the applicant’s aptitude for graduate study and potential contribution to the profession. The School of Library and Information Science takes a holistic approach to the admissions process. Consequently, an applicant’s entire file and interview are taken into consideration before an admission decision is made.
Application requirements for the M.L.I.S. program include:
- a completed USC Graduate School admissions form and a nonrefundable $50 application fee;
- official transcripts showing possession of a baccalaureate degree from an institution that is regionally accredited (such as by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) or international credentials deemed by The Graduate School and the School of Library and Information Science to be acceptable; the undergraduate record should show promise for graduate study with a GPA of at least 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) in the last two years or 60 semester hours of the applicant’s undergraduate degree;
- official transcripts from all other colleges or universities attended;
- two letters of reference from persons who can comment directly on the applicant’s professional and academic capabilities and potential (For example, college instructors could comment on an applicant’s previous academic performance in relation to potential for graduate study; an immediate supervisor could address job performance and potential for advancement. Letters which speak only of the applicant’s personal attributes will not be accepted.);
- official score reports for the GRE taken within the last five years that indicate a total score of 950 on the combined verbal and quantitative portions. The verbal portion must have a score of at least 500. You may register online at www.ets.org/gre. USC’s institution code is 5818. Miller Analogies Test (MAT) Official score reports for tests taken within the last five years must indicate a score of at least 410. For MAT information and testing center locations, go to www.milleranalogies.com. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL ) International students whose native language is not English must also submit an official score report with a minimum score of 570 paper-based, a 230 computer-based total, and a score of 75 on the Internet-based test (TOEFL iBT). TOEFL scores are available from ETS for two years. Information can be found at www.ets.org/toefl;
- the School of Library and Information Science supplemental information form, which includes a statement of purpose.
Non-degree applicants (persons with no degree objective) submit the appropriate graduate school application, the $50 application fee, and an official transcript bearing proof of completion of a bachelor’s degree or higher. Admission as a non-degree seeking student does not assure or imply admission to degree candidacy in the future. Applicants to degree programs will not be allowed to register as non-degree students in any course in library and information science until their applications are complete and an admission decision has been made.
Applications for admission are processed as they are received. Applicants who file after the deadline for a given semester may not be admitted for that term. Deadlines are available from the school’s admissions office and on the school’s Web page.
Graduate students who are degree candidates in other divisions of the University may enroll in some elective courses in the School of Library and Information Science. An individual who holds a master’s degree in library and information science from an ALA-accredited program may enroll in any course in which space is available after admission as a nondegree student to The Graduate School. Recertification (nondegree) admission is available for certified school teachers whose purpose in enrolling is for renewal of the teaching certificate only (applicants not intending to seek a master’s degree).
Nondegree applicants (persons with no degree objective) submit the University’s graduate school non-degree application, the $40 application fee, and an official transcript bearing proof of completion of a bachelor’s degree or higher. Admission as a nondegree-seeking student does not assure or imply admission to degree candidacy in the future.
Applications for admission are processed as they are received. Applicants who file after the deadline for a given semester may not be admitted for that term. Deadlines are available from the school’s admissions office and on the school’s Web page.
A number of assistantships and scholarships are available to students entering the school. To inquire about or apply for these, contact the School of Library and Information Science Student Services Office. Students interested in financial assistance are also encouraged to apply to the financial aid office of the University as early as possible.
Certificate of Graduate Study in Library and Information Science Program
The Certificate of Graduate Study in Library and Information Science complements the Master of Library and Information Science program by providing post-master’s degree instruction, enhancing the student’s career opportunities, and providing extended preparation for specific areas of library and information service.
Requirements for admission to the Certificate of Graduate Study in Library and Information Science are the same as those listed above for the M.L.I.S program. Students enrolled in the M.L.I.S program should seek admission to the certificate program prior to the completion of 24 credit hours of course work; current M.L.I.S. students must submit an official application from The Graduate School for the certification program prior to the completion of 24 hours of M.L.I.S. course work.
Certificate of Graduate Study in Health Communication (LIS)
Applicants to the Certificate of Graduate Study in Health Communication must have, at a minimum, a bachelor’s degree and meet the general requirements of The Graduate School. Applicants may request that significant professional experience be substituted for standardized test scores.
Specialist in Library and Information Science Program
Admission to the Specialist in Library and Information Science degree program is selective and is based on the faculty’s assessment of the applicant’s aptitude for a particular level of graduate study and potential contribution to the profession. The school takes a holistic approach to the admissions process. Consequently, an applicant’s entire file is taken into consideration before an admission decision is made.
Application requirements for the specialist program include:
- a completed USC Graduate School admissions form and a nonrefundable $50 application fee;
- an official transcript showing possession of a master’s degree in library and information science from an ALA-accredited or NCATE-approved program (Applicants with a master’s degree from an NCATE-approved program must also have current certification as a librarian or school library media specialist.); applicants with a master’s degree in library and information science that is not from an ALA-accredited or NCATE-approved program may also be admitted to the program upon satisfactory exemption of SLIS 701 and 707; any of these courses not exempted must be taken as part of the specialist degree program in addition to the required 30 hours; applicants may be accepted into the program upon satisfactory exemption of SLIS 701; any of these courses not exempted must be taken as part of the specialist degree program in addition to the required 30 hours;
- a minimum of three years of full-time experience in a library, media center, or information agency (Requirements for work experience may be waived.);
- official score reports for the GRE taken within the last five years that indicate a total score of 950 on the combined verbal and quantitative portions. The verbal portion must have a score of at least 500. You may register online at www.ets.org/gre. USC’s institution code is 5818. Miller Analogies Test (MAT) Official score reports for tests taken within the last five years must indicate a score of at least 410. For MAT information and testing center locations, go to www.milleranalogies.com. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL ) International students whose native language is not English must also submit an official score report with a minimum score of 570 paper-based, a 230 computer-based total, and a score of 75 on the Internet-based test (TOEFL iBT). TOEFL scores are available from ETS for two years. Information can be found at www.ets.org/toefl;
- two letters of recommendation from persons able to comment on the applicant’s professional performance and potential;
- a statement of professional purpose indicating the specialization the applicant seeks to develop (A resume outlining the applicant’s educational and professional record should be forwarded directly to the School of Library and Information Science.);
- a personal interview with the specialist committee. (The committee may, at its discretion, waive or change the personal interview requirement and use other information in its place.)
Programs and Courses
Programs
CoursesLibrary and Information Science: 500-level CoursesLibrary and Information Science: Core Courses - RequiredLibrary and Information Science: Core Courses - RecommendedLibrary and Information Science: Archives, Special Collections and PreservationLibrary and Information Science: School LibrariesLibrary and Information Science: Information and its OrganizationLibrary and Information Science: Provision of Information ServicesLibrary and Information Science: Health Information ServicesLibrary and Information Science: Strategic IntelligenceLibrary and Information Science: Services to User PopulationsLibrary and Information Science: Leadership and ManagementLibrary and Information Science: Information Science and TechnologyLibrary and Information Science: Experience-based LearningLibrary and Information Science: Doctoral Courses
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