• Course Delivery
    100% Online
  • Total Credits
    39
  • In-State Tuition Per Credit
    $492.50
  • Out of State Tuition Per Credit
    $492.50

Library and Information Science, MLIS

Master of Library and Information Science

When the discipline of library science emerged in the second half of the 19th century, it focused on the study of library operation and administration. Today's professionals are leaders in applying technology to facilitate access to information. Experts in library science and data technology focus on information literacy, metadata management, and other modern challenges in our digital age.

The IU Online Master of Library and Information Science is accredited by the American Library Association and explores foundation courses in five areas of librarianship. You also work with your advisor to select advanced elective courses. As a student in the program, you learn about libraries' roles in contemporary society. You develop an understanding of key policy issues and technological trends, and come to recognize how these issues and trends affect libraries and other information organizations. The program prepares you to assist library users, develop and manage collections, organize information resources, conduct effective research, and make the most effective use of information technologies.

Intensive coursework links you to fellow students across Indiana and other states. You converse, work in teams, and complete individual projects with instructors-as-coaches. You tie general principles to observations and experiences in your own home area. Customized options include internships, directed readings, and directed research.

Your IU Online MLIS prepares you to work in public services, technical services, reference services, and collection development at public, school, academic, and special libraries, in such careers as:

  • Digital collections librarian 
  • Genealogy researcher
  • Social science data librarian
  • Media specialist
  • Metadata specialist
  • Technical services specialist
  • Teen librarian
  • Library director
  • Curator
  • Information architect

Degree Requirements

To graduate with the MLIS, you must complete 39 credit hours including foundation courses and specialization electives.

Specializations

To increase your expertise in specific areas, you may pursue concentrations in:  

  • Generalist (no specialization)  
  • Academic librarianship specialization  
  • Digital curation specialization 
  • Archives management specialization
  • Public librarianship/adult services specialization  
  • School library specialization  
  • Technical services specialization  
  • Youth services specialization
  • Facilitated learning

Dual Degree Options

You can combine your Master of Library and Information Science degree with a graduate degree from another field to expand your career options. These programs have agreed to share some courses and reduce the total credits that would be required to earn both degrees independently: 

  • Master of Library and Information Science + MA History  
  • Master of Library and Information Science + MA Philanthropic Studies*  
  • Master of Library and Information Science + MS Health Informatics*  
  • Master of Library and Information Science + JD Law  
  • Master of Library and Information Science + Nonprofit Management Certificate*  
  • Master of Library and Information Science + Public Management Certificate* 

*These dual degrees are offered online. Please see the delivery method in the Schedule of Classes for all other dual degree programs and

Admissions

To be accepted to this program, you must have:
  1. A bachelor's degree 
  2. 3.0 GPA or above on a 4.0 scale

NOTE: This program is authorized, exempt, or not subject to state regulatory compliance and may enroll students from all 50 states

To apply to this program:

Complete an online application that includes:

  • Transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation 
  • Personal statement (750-1,500 words)
  • TOEFL score (minimum 100) or IELTS score (minimum 7.5) - international students only 

Courses

Core

Foundation Courses:

LIS-S 500Methods and Tools for the Information Profession3 Credits
LIS-S 501Information Sources and Services3 Credits
LIS-S 502Acquisitions and Management of Knowledge and Information*3 Credits
LIS-S 503Organization and Representation of Knowledge and Information*3 Credits
Note:*For all specializations except Digital CurationCredits
Elective

Specialization and Elective Courses:

LIS-S 504Cataloging3 Credits
LIS-S 505Evaluation of Information Sources and Services3 Credits
LIS-S 506Introduction to Research3 Credits
LIS-S 511Database Design3 Credits
LIS-S 512Information Systems Design3 Credits
LIS-S 517Web Programming3 Credits
LIS-S 524Adult Reader’s Advisory3 Credits
LIS-S 532Information Architecture for the Web3 Credits
LIS-S 533Online Searching3 Credits
LIS-S 541Information Policy3 Credits
LIS-S 551Library Management3 Credits
LIS-S 552Academic Library Management3 Credits
LIS-S 553Public Library Management3 Credits
LIS-S 554Library Systems3 Credits
LIS-S 558Archives and Records Management3 Credits
LIS-S 571Materials for Youth3 Credits
LIS-S 572Youth Services3 Credits
LIS-S 574Information Instruction3 Credits
LIS-S 575Public Library Services3 Credits
LIS-S 582Digital Preservation3 Credits
LIS-S 583Data Curation and Management3 Credits
LIS-S 605Internship in Library and Information Science3 Credits
LIS-S 631Advanced Cataloging3 Credits
LIS-S 632Advanced Resource Management3 Credits
LIS-S 634Metadata3 Credits
LIS-S 652Digital Libraries3 Credits
LIS-S 656Scholarly Communication3 Credits
LIS-S 671School Media3 Credits
LIS-S 672Seminar on Literature for Youth3 Credits

Find course descriptions with our Search Schedule of Classes/Courses tool.

Tuition & Fees

Cost for Indiana Residents
  • Per Credit Hour
  • Tuition: $492.50
  • 3 Credit Hours
  • Tuition: $1477.50
Note:  Additional fees will apply.
Cost for Out of State Residents
  • Per Credit Hour
  • Tuition: $492.50
  • 3 Credit Hours
  • Tuition: $1477.50
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