MLIS Courses
The MLIS Program consists of 63 credits divided into three elements: core courses, electives, and the choice between a final degree Capstone project or the development of a professional portfolio. All courses are guided by key student learning outcomes with program requirements the same for all students regardless of residential or online format. MLIS Law students are to refer to their specific requirements, as they differ.
Core coursework
The core courses grounding the MLIS curriculum are designed to give students a broad and solid foundation in important aspects of the library and information science field. The following is a list of courses that make up the core for all students who enter the MLIS program (Residential or Online). See the Degree Planning page for more details.
LIS 520 Concepts, Services, and Issues for Information Professionals (4 credits)
Explores role of information professionals in mediating between individuals and resources in an ever changing information environment; including information production, distribution, selection, organization, and services to facilitate access to diverse users.
LIS 530 Organization of Information and Resources (4 credits)
Introduction to issues in organization of information and documents including: analysis of intellectual and physical characteristics of documents; principles and practice in surrogate creation, including standards and selection of metadata elements; theory of classification, including semantic relationships and facet analysis; creation of controlled vocabularies; and display and arrangement.
LIS 570 Research, Assessment, and Design (4 credits)
Students recognize research and design opportunities, translate them into researchable frameworks, and conduct research in libraries and other information agencies. Covers problem definition, data collection and analysis, design and validation of alternative solutions, and reporting of results.
LIS 580 Management of Information Organizations (4 credits)
Introduction to internal and external management issues and practices in information organizations, including critical assessment of institutional structures. Internal issues include organizational behavior, organizational theory, talent management, budgeting, service and operational planning, decision making and evaluation. External issues include organizational environments, advocacy, strategic planning, communication, and funding sources.
Choose one: LIS 510 or LIS 547
LIS 510 Information Behavior (3 credits)
Introduction to the user-centered approach to information behavior. Theoretical foundations of need, creation, seeking, sharing, assessment, management, and use. Synthesis of information behavior studies, performance of information behavior field research, and application of the results of information behavior studies to design information systems, services, and policy.LIS 547 Design Methods for Librarianship (4 credits)
Focused on the human fabric of libraries — stakeholders, values, information technology, and policy — students develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills for design. Methods include futures workshops, scenarios, paper-prototyping, usability methods, among others. To conceptualize and steer design processes, the course includes an introduction to design methodologies and theory.
Information Technology Core Course (one required)*
Students choose from a variety of offerings focusing on technology, with subjects spanning a basic introduction to Data Science to exploring Relational Database Management Systems
Social/Ethical Core Course (one required)*
Students are encouraged and advised to choose from a broad variety of offerings that meet this core requirement, with subjects including Indigenous Knowledge, the History of Children's and Young Adult Literature, and Cross Cultural Approaches to Leadership
Electives
Beyond the required core courses, there is a lot of flexibility and the option of designing a program of study specific to interests and career goals. Elective credits may include advanced LIS courses, other iSchool graduate courses, directed fieldwork, independent study, or relevant upper-level coursework in other academic disciplines.
Culminating experience
In winter quarter of their first year of study, students attend an orientation introducing them to the two-course sequence options leading up to their culminating experience: either to complete an individual or group Capstone project, or develop a personal professional Portfolio. Both sequences are worth 5 credits total, contain 3 courses each, and are credit/no-credit only.
Capstone (LIS 569, 596, and 597)
Capstone is pursued in a student’s final year. This sequence is completed in autumn, winter, and spring consecutively.
LIS 569 Capstone I: Project Preparation (1)
Preparation for implementing a capstone project. Topics include choosing a project, team formation, professional communication with a project sponsor, identifying the scope of the project, assessing feasibility, developing a project charter and sponsor agreement. Prerequisite: completion of 30 credit hours. Credit/no-credit only.LIS 596 Capstone II: Project Planning (2)
Analysis and preliminary design of an approved individual or group research or implementation project demonstrating professional-level knowledge and skills. Cannot be taken for credit if credit received for IMT 596. Prerequisite: LIS 569. Credit/no-credit only.LIS 597 Capstone III: Project Implementation (2)
Implementation of a project demonstrating professional-level knowledge and skills based on a project plan developed in LIS 596. Completion of project deliverables and presentation of project results. Cannot be taken for credit if credit received for IMT 597. Prerequisite: LIS 596. Credit/no-credit only.
Portfolio (LIS 574, 575, and 599)
This sequence is initiated in the spring quarter at the end of the student’s first year of study, using the first course to explore and do a gap analysis so the student is made aware of any additional offerings they should take to complete their portfolio. The sequence then picks up again the following winter and is completed in the student’s final spring quarter.
LIS 574 Portfolio Retreat: Discovery (1)
Covers self-evaluation; reflection; professional communication; professional values, goals, and gaps; relationship building and mentorship. Credit/no-credit only.LIS 575 Portfolio Retreat: Development (1)
Covers self-evaluation of professional achievements; professional communication; professional values; career development; relationship building, and mentorship. Prerequisite: LIS 574. Credit/no-credit only.LIS 599 Portfolio (3)
Culminating experience for the Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree. Topics include: (1) creation of a professional website that reflects goals, values, and mastery of professional skills; (2) preparation and delivery of a professional presentation; (3) engagement in reflections on learning and future plans; and (4) participation in a peer review process. Prerequisite: LIS 574; LIS 575; and completion of 30 credit hours. Credit/no-credit only.
*Any iSchool course with the same title but different course designations (e.g. LIS 511/IMT 511) can be used to meet degree requirements.