Academics:   Master of Library and Information Science

Information School Technology Requirements

Students should carefully consider the following technology specifications if they wish to facilitate completing coursework from home. The following will cover basic technology requirements (including preferred hardware, software, and internet connections).

Technology Requirements for Students in Residential Programs: Informatics, Day MLIS, Day and Exec MSIM, PhD

Residential students do not have specific technology requirements, although students using Mac, Linux or older versions of Windows may encounter difficulties in select classes. On-site computer labs are provided to facilitate coursework when a personal computing environment is not sufficient. Students with an Intel Mac may wish to consider installing Parallels, VMWare Fusion, or Boot Camp so you have easy access to Windows if necessary.

Students who take online classes, classes that are hybrid in nature, or any class that makes heavy use of online technologies should be aware of the requirements for online students and will need to have access to headset and microphone for use in labs, at work or at home.

Technology Requirements for Online MLIS Students

Specific requirements exist for Online MLIS students but any student planning to take online classes or complete a majority of their course work from home should keep them in mind. These requirements are in place to ensure that we have a baseline set of capabilities through which we can effectively deliver remote instruction. Be advised that technology changes rapidly and specific requirements such as the operating system, software versions, and Internet connection type (broadband vs. dial-up) may change during your time in the program.

By default, the assumption is that all Online MLIS students have access to a Windows-based PC. Not all software utilized in iSchool classes has Mac or Linux equivalents. It is at the discretion of the instructor to allow alternative tools, however the faculty member may not be familiar with the alternative you suggest or be able to properly grade an assignment if you use a different application. Therefore it is highly recommended that students with a Mac purchase and install Parallels or VMWare Fusion, or use the free Boot Camp application from Apple and partition their Mac with both an OS X and a Windows disk partition. Linux users may also have to partition their machine with both a Linux and Windows partition to use select software in certain classes. Students can obtain a free copy of Windows from the iSchool MSDNAA site if needed. Unfortunately iSchool IT may not be able to help you with Mac or Linux setup issues – be prepared to support yourself if you select these options.

Some classes require students to create online recorded presentations. When the iSchool provides the software application and license necessary for recording presentations, it is available to all Online MLIS students for the duration of their program. Often this software is for the Windows OS only. Mac or Linux users may need to find their own alternative, or again use Parallels, VMWare Fusion, or Boot Camp to produce these presentations.

Online students are strongly encouraged to use high-speed Internet access such as DSL or cable modem. A high-speed broadband connection will do more to improve the quality of experience in the program than a fast computer. Satellite Internet connections are not recommended, but are highly preferable to dial-up. If you must use a dial-up modem, you may experience extended delays while downloading audio and video lectures, completing exercises, and uploading assignments. You also may not be able to fully participate in some online voice or video conferencing sessions due to bandwidth constraints. Approximately 99% of students currently in the Online MLIS program have access to a broadband connection.

Students must have the ability to install software and make changes to their computer configuration. Students may also be required to open some network ports blocked by firewalls or security software to enable certain functionality. Students are expected to keep their computers current and install the latest operating system security patches and service packs on a regular basis. Students are also expected to have an updated anti-virus product on their machines. The University of Washington provides McAfee Virus Scan to all students at no charge.

Productivity software such as Microsoft Office is available to UW students at a significant discount (approximately $70 for Office Professional). Other software such as Windows, Microsoft Access, Visio, and Visual Studio are available via free download to iSchool students or can be shipped for a nominal fee. All software can be obtained and installed just prior to beginning the program.

*If your phone line has excessive noise or your ISP has slow dial-in modem connections, your actual throughput may not meet the requirement, even if you have a 56K modem. Check the throughput of your connection at one of these sites: www.dslreports.com/tools: click on speed test, and verify that your connection is at least 35kb/sec.; or www.speakeasy.net/speedtest

View the MLIS and MSIM Information Technology Literacy Requirements.