Library and Information Science, Master of Science

Program Overview

St. John's University's ALA-accredited Master of Science in Library and Information Science equips students with the knowledge and skills to excel in diverse information-rich environments. The program offers a flexible online format, specialized modules in various areas, and emphasizes service-learning for practical experience. Graduates are prepared for a wide range of career paths in traditional and non-traditional settings, including libraries, archives, and information centers.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview:
The Master of Science (M.S.) program in Library and Information Science at St. John's University aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in today's information-rich workplace. Graduates are prepared for diverse settings such as public libraries, government and corporate information centers, archives, law firms, museums, and more. The program is accredited by the American Library Association (ALA) Committee on Accreditation and guided by the Vincentian Mission of St. John's, emphasizing service and social justice.
• Objectives:
The program's objectives include:
• Facilitating the information needs of patrons and clients
• Developing leadership in information management
• Preparing students for various settings in the information field
• Program Description:
The program requires 36 credits, including four core courses, a management course, and seven elective courses. Students also submit an electronic portfolio as an end-of-program assessment.

Outline:

• Content:
The program covers various aspects of library and information science, including:
• Information Organization
• Library and Information Science
• Information Sources and Services
• Research and Evaluation Methods
• Management of Libraries and Information Centers
• Specialization areas (Academic Librarianship, Archives and Records Management, Public Librarianship, Youth Services)
• Structure:
The program consists of:
• Core courses (12 credits)
• Management course (3 credits)
• Elective courses (21 credits)
• Electronic portfolio assessment
• Course Schedule:
The program is offered fully online, allowing students to complete it at their own pace.
• Modules:
The program includes specialized modules within the following areas:
• Academic Librarianship:
• Planning and Delivering Information Literacy Programs
• College and University Libraries
• Web Design for Libraries and Information Centers
• Information Use and Users
• Archives and Records Management:
• Archival Appraisal & Management
• Data Preservation & Access
• Developing an Information Governance Strategy
• Fundamentals of Data Curation
• Records and Information Management (RIM)
• Introduction to Archival Theory, Principles and Practices
• Archival Representation
• Public Librarianship:
• Planning and Delivering Information Literacy Programs
• Materials and Services to Diverse Populations
• Public Libraries and Community Information Centers
• Web Design
• Information Use and Users
• Genealogical Sources and Services
• Youth Services:
• Literature and Related Resources for Children
• Library Materials and Services for Young Children
• Literature and Related Resources for Young Adults
• Library Services for Children and Young Adults
• Popular Culture and the Young Adult

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods:
Assessment methods may include:
• Tests
• Quizzes
• Projects
• Presentations
• Electronic portfolio assessment
• Assessment Criteria:
Assessment criteria may include:
• Knowledge and understanding of concepts
• Critical thinking skills
• Research skills
• Communication skills
• Professional development

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods:
The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Lectures
• Discussions
• Online learning
• Project-based learning
• Faculty:
The program's faculty includes experienced professionals and scholars in the field of library and information science.
• Unique Approaches:
The program emphasizes service-learning, providing students with opportunities to gain practical experience in real-world settings.

Careers:

• Career Paths:
Potential career paths for graduates include:
• Archivist
• Business Librarian
• Communications Specialist
• Conflicts Analyst
• Digital Initiatives Program Manager
• Information Technology Specialist
• Innovation Librarian
• Instructional and Training Librarian
• Knowledge Consultant
• Linked Data Strategist
• Medical Librarian
• Project Manager
• Research Analyst
• Research Librarian
• Special Collections Librarian
• Workflow Analyst
• Career Outcomes:
The program prepares students for emerging job opportunities in a variety of traditional and non-traditional settings, including:
• Archives, museums, and record centers
• Corporate, business, and legal organizations
• Government and non-governmental (NGO) organizations
• Health, medical, pharmaceutical, and scientific institutions
• Non-profit organizations
• Post-secondary institutions
• Public libraries
• Special libraries