MS in Library and Information Science: Cultural Heritage
Program Overview
Simmons University's Library and Information Science program offers a Cultural Heritage Informatics Concentration, providing students with a foundation in preserving and exhibiting cultural heritage in physical and digital forms. The program prepares graduates for careers in library special collections, archives, museums, and other cultural heritage institutions. Students complete core LIS courses and a sequence of courses focused on cultural heritage informatics, including concepts, archival theory, and digital asset management.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
- Program Name: Library and Information Science (MS): Cultural Heritage Informatics Concentration
- Objectives:
- To provide students with a solid foundation in collecting, preserving, and exhibiting cultural heritage in both physical and digital form.
- To prepare students for successful careers in various settings, including library special collections, archives, museums, historical societies, and public/private agencies involved in cultural heritage preservation.
- To offer practical engagement activities and internships in cultural heritage informatics institutions.
- To leverage the resources and research opportunities available in historic New England.
Careers:
- Potential Career Paths:
- Library special collections
- Archives
- Museums
- Historical societies
- Public and private agencies involved in cultural heritage preservation
Other:
- Program Requirements:
- Students must complete 36 credits of graduate coursework.
- Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 to continue in the program.
- Students must complete three core courses in library and information science (LIS 407, LIS 415, and LIS 488 or LIS 460 for School Library Teacher Program students).
- Students must complete a sequence of courses required for the Cultural Heritage Informatics Concentration.
- Students must complete a 0-credit course, LIS 400 – Virtual Orientation, which introduces students to program requirements, university policies, and available resources.
- LIS 415: Information Organization (3 credits)
- Required Courses (9 credits):
- LIS 432: Concepts in Cultural Heritage Informatics (3 credits)
- LIS 438: Introduction to Archival Theory and Practice (3 credits)
- LIS 477: Digital Asset Management (3 credits)
- One of the following (3 credits):
- LIS 439: Preservation Management (3 credits)
- LIS 444: Digital Preservation (3 credits)
- LIS 448: Digital Stewardship (3 credits)
- Five Elective Courses (15 credits):
- Faculty:
- Peter Botticelli, Associate Professor and Director, Cultural Heritage Informatics Concentration
- Student Spotlight:
- Sage Loyema Innerarity ’25MS, a citizen of the Ione Band of Miwok Indians of California, is a graduate student working on building and preserving tribal archives.
- Related Programs:
- Computer Science + Library and Information Science (3+1)BS, MS
- Children's Literature + Library Services to Children MA, MS
- History MA
- Inter-Professional Informationist Certificate
- Library and Information Science (MS)
- Library and Information Science PhD
- Library and Information Science: Archives Management + History MA, MS
- Library and Information Science: Archives Management Certificate
- Library and Information Science: Archives Management Concentration MS
- Library and Information Science: School Library Teacher Concentration MS
- Library and Information Science: School Library Teacher Licensure Certificate
- Teaching + History MA, MAT
Simmons University
Overview:
Simmons University is a private university located in Boston, Massachusetts. It is known for its focus on women's leadership and its commitment to social justice. The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including online options, and is recognized for its real-world learning opportunities and integrated career advising.
Services Offered:
Simmons University provides a variety of services to its students, including:
Academic Advising:
Customized support throughout the academic journey, from first-year advising to career guidance.Campus Dining:
A variety of dining options on campus.Community Engagement:
Opportunities for students to engage in social justice initiatives and community service.Student Support & Resources:
A range of resources to support student success, including academic support, counseling, and health services.Library:
Access to a comprehensive library with extensive resources.Athletics:
A variety of athletic programs and opportunities for students to participate in sports.Events:
A calendar of events and activities for students to participate in.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Simmons University offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can expect:
A small college feel:
A close-knit campus community with a focus on student support and engagement.A dynamic city location:
Located in the heart of Boston, students have access to a wealth of cultural, historical, and professional opportunities.Real-world learning opportunities:
Students gain practical experience through internships, research, and creative projects.A commitment to inclusivity:
A welcoming and supportive environment for students from diverse backgrounds.Key Reasons to Study There:
Real-world learning:
Students gain practical experience through internships, research, and creative projects.Integrated career advising:
Customized support throughout the academic journey, from first-year advising to career guidance.Accelerated graduate programs:
Shorten the time to a graduate degree with accelerated undergraduate to graduate programs.Location in Boston:
Access to a wealth of cultural, historical, and professional opportunities.Commitment to social justice:
A focus on women's leadership and social justice initiatives.Academic Programs:
Simmons University offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate programs:
A variety of majors and minors in fields such as business, health sciences, humanities, and social sciences.Graduate programs:
Master's and doctoral programs in fields such as business, education, health sciences, law, and social work.Online programs:
A range of online undergraduate and graduate programs for adult learners.Other:
Simmons University has been recognized with the 2024 Carnegie Elective Classification for Leadership for Public Purpose, which acknowledges its commitment to leadership and the collective public good. The university also has a strong alumni network and offers a variety of resources for alumni to stay connected.
