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Indiana University Online

Library and Information Science, M.L.I.S.

Advance in your career as a librarian or information professional with the IU Online Master of Library and Information Science. Gain the skills and knowledge of preserving and advancing our world’s cultural, social, and scientific knowledge.

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Course Delivery: 100% Online

Total Credits: 39

In-State Tuition Per Credit: $492.50

Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit: $492.50

Cost of attendance may vary by campus. View the total cost calculator

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Degree Overview

As a student in the program, you’ll learn about libraries' roles in contemporary society, 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 IU Online Master of Library and Information Science is accredited by the American Library Association and explores foundation courses in five areas of librarianship. 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. Customized coursework options include internships, directed readings, and directed research.

You’ll graduate with an Indiana University degree respected by employers worldwide—and you can work on yours anytime and anywhere. Plus, you’ll enjoy personalized support services throughout your academic journey.

And the benefits start long before graduation. More than half of IU Online students advance in their careers before they complete their degree.

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
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

Your IU Online M.L.I.S. 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

To graduate with the M.L.I.S., you must complete 39 credit hours including foundation courses and specialization electives.

To increase your expertise in specific areas, you may specialize in the following areas:  

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

You can combine your Master of Library and Information Science 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: 

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

Foundation Courses:

Foundation Courses for the Master of Library and Information Science
Course Number Course Name Credits
LIS-S 500 Methods and Tools for the Information Profession 3 Credits
LIS-S 501 Information Sources and Services 3 Credits
LIS-S 502 Acquisitions and Management of Knowledge and Information* 3 Credits
LIS-S 503 Organization and Representation of Knowledge and Information* 3 Credits

Note: *For all specializations except Digital Curation

Specialization and Elective Courses:

Specialization and Elective Courses for the Master of Library and Information Science
Course Number Course Name Credits
LIS-S 504 Cataloging 3 Credits
LIS-S 505 Evaluation of Information Sources and Services 3 Credits
LIS-S 506 Introduction to Research 3 Credits
LIS-S 511 Database Design 3 Credits
LIS-S 512 Information Systems Design 3 Credits
LIS-S 517 Web Programming 3 Credits
LIS-S 524 Adult Reader’s Advisory 3 Credits
LIS-S 532 Information Architecture for the Web 3 Credits
LIS-S 533 Online Searching 3 Credits
LIS-S 541 Information Policy 3 Credits
LIS-S 551 Library Management 3 Credits
LIS-S 552 Academic Library Management 3 Credits
LIS-S 553 Public Library Management 3 Credits
LIS-S 554 Library Systems 3 Credits
LIS-S 558 Archives and Records Management 3 Credits
LIS-S 571 Materials for Youth 3 Credits
LIS-S 572 Youth Services 3 Credits
LIS-S 574 Information Instruction 3 Credits
LIS-S 575 Public Library Services 3 Credits
LIS-S 582 Digital Preservation 3 Credits
LIS-S 583 Data Curation and Management 3 Credits
LIS-S 605 Internship in Library and Information Science 3 Credits
LIS-S 631 Advanced Cataloging 3 Credits
LIS-S 632 Advanced Resource Management 3 Credits
LIS-S 634 Metadata 3 Credits
LIS-S 652 Digital Libraries 3 Credits
LIS-S 656 Scholarly Communication 3 Credits
LIS-S 671 School Media 3 Credits
LIS-S 672 Seminar on Literature for Youth 3 Credits

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

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