Library Science, M.L.S.

Program Overview

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MTSU's Master of Library Science (MLS) program offers a 100% online, asynchronous curriculum with a focus on leadership, technology, and user-based mindset. The program is designed to prepare graduates for careers in school, public, corporate, and special libraries, as well as in information science fields. The program is currently in Precandidacy status for accreditation by the American Library Association (ALA).

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master of Library Science (M.L.S.) program at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is designed to prepare graduates to lead and educate in school, public, and corporate libraries. The program consists of 36 credits, with all coursework 100% online and asynchronous except for two field experiences to help produce practice-ready librarians. Each course is tailored to individual student interest, and students are allowed to propose alternative electives in other disciplines. The themes of building a learning environment, leadership, technology, and user-based mindset are reflected in every aspect of MTSU’s program. The Master of Library Science (MLS) Program at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU’s) Womack Educational Leadership Department has been granted Precandidacy status by the Committee on Accreditation of the American Library Association (ALA). Precandidacy status is an indication that MTSU’s MLS Program has voluntarily committed to participate in the ALA accreditation process and is actively seeking accreditation.

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Outline:

The M.L.S. program curriculum includes core courses in librarianship, information intermediation, resources, and instruction; organization of information; information technology for information professionals; and understanding research for evaluation in libraries. Students also complete coursework in administration, field experience, and electives. The program culminates in an e-portfolio that demonstrates the student’s knowledge and skills. The following illustrates the minimum coursework requirements:

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Non-licensure (36 hours)

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Major Field Core (15 hours)

• LIBS 6000 - Librarianship (3 credit hours)
• LIBS 6015 - Introduction to Information Intermediation, Resources, and Instruction (3 credit hours)
• LIBS 6020 - Organization of Information (3 credit hours)
• LIBS 6030 - Information Technology for Information Professionals (3 credit hours)
• LIBS 6060 - Understanding Research for Evaluation in Libraries (3 credit hours)

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Administration (3 hours)

• LIBS 6100 - Management of Libraries (3 credit hours)
OR
• LIBS 6105 - School Library Management (3 credit hours)

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Field Experience (3 hours)

• LIBS 6550 - Supervised Field Experience in Library Science (3 to 6 credit hours)

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Electives (15 hours)

• MLS students must complete 15 elective credit hours from any LIBS 6000-level courses.
Non-LIBS courses may be substituted with permission of advisor.

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Licensure (39 hours)

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Major Field Core (15 hours)

• LIBS 6000 - Librarianship (3 credit hours)
• LIBS 6015 - Introduction to Information Intermediation, Resources, and Instruction (3 credit hours)
• LIBS 6020 - Organization of Information (3 credit hours)
• LIBS 6030 - Information Technology for Information Professionals (3 credit hours)
• LIBS 6060 - Understanding Research for Evaluation in Libraries (3 credit hours)

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Administration (3 hours)

• LIBS 6100 - Management of Libraries (3 credit hours)
OR
• LIBS 6105 - School Library Management (3 credit hours)

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Student Teaching/Residency (9 hours)

• YOED 5110 - Directed Teaching, Grades 7-12 (9 to 12 credit hours)

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Electives (12 hours)

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Assessment:

Assessment of student learning in the M.L.S. program is based on a variety of methods, including:

• Coursework: Students are assessed on their coursework through exams, quizzes, papers, and projects.
• Field experience: Students are assessed on their field experience through observation, feedback from supervising librarians, and a final report.
• E-portfolio: Students are required to develop an e-portfolio that demonstrates their knowledge and skills in librarianship.
The e-portfolio is assessed by a committee of faculty members.

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Teaching:

The M.L.S. program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are committed to providing students with a high-quality education. The faculty members use a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, simulations, and online learning. The program also offers a number of opportunities for students to engage in research and professional development.

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Careers:

Graduates of the M.L.S. program are prepared for a variety of careers in libraries, including:

• School librarian
• Public librarian
• Academic librarian
• Special librarian
• Library administrator
The program also prepares students for careers in information science, such as:
• Information architect
• Data analyst
• Knowledge manager