Program Information
MLS─ Master of Library Science (Reference Concentration)
Program Information
Students are expected to complete all coursework and earn their degree in two years. Online coursework is delivered via UBlearns, the University’s course management system. Students must have access to a computer meeting the University’s minimum standards.
Online Program Schedule
| Year | Semester | Course |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fall | LIS 505 Introduction to Library and Information Studies LIS 506 Introduction to Information Technology |
| Spring | LIS 518 Reference Sources and Services LIS 571 Organization and Control of Recorded Information I |
|
| Summer | LIS 587 Collection Development LIS 516 Information Sources and Services in the Social Sciences |
|
| 2 | Fall | LIS 566 Digital Information Retrieval LIS 567 Government Information |
| Spring | LIS 523 User Education LIS 581 Management of Libraries and Information Agencies |
|
| Summer | LIS 517 Information and Services in the Humanities LIS 515 Information Sources and Services in the Sciences |
Students are expected to complete the online program in two years. Two courses (3-credits each) are offered each fall, spring and summer semester.
Students have the option of substituting up to six semester hours transferred from other programs accredited by the American Library Association (subject to approval) and/or completing them in the on-campus MLS program. Please read our academic regulations for a comprehensive overview of transfer credits.
Of particular interest in the regular MLS program are LIS 583 Public Libraries or LIS 554 Academic and Research Libraries, LIS 526 Practicum is also recommended. You can do the practicum in a library within your own community; your faculty advisor will help you find a placement. If you know what type of library or information setting in which you would like to be employed, it would be wise to determine if there are any specific course requirements for that type of library in your state or community. Please review our course catalog for an overview of the courses available on-campus.
Course Descriptions
Fall Year 1
LIS 505 Introduction to Library and Information Studies
An introduction to the library and information science profession covering historical and philosophical foundations of library and information studies, an overview of the professional setting including types of libraries and information centers and professional organizations, and an introduction to library literature and research and current issues in library and information studies. The course will orient students to the LIS program so they will be able to develop their individual educational objectives. Newly admitted MLS students must take this course in their first enrollment period.
LIS 506 Introduction to Information Technology
This course will introduce students to the foundational vocabulary, concepts, and practices for the use of information technology in libraries and information centers. Topics will include information storage and retrieval, networking, systems analysis, computing standards, and emerging technologies. LIS 506 should be taken as the second course in sequence in the MLS program
Spring Year 1
LIS 518 Reference Sources and Services
A study of the evaluation, selection, and use of general reference sources by type of material, including an analysis of search strategy. Source types include dictionaries, almanacs, indexes, abstracts, directories, encyclopedias, government documents, and the Internet. Also includes a survey of reference policies and services, including services and resources for people with special needs. If possible, this should be taken as the third course in sequence in the MLS program.
LIS 571 Organization and Control of Recorded Information
Introduces students to cataloging and classification practices common in most American libraries and information centers. Basic cataloging tools such as The Anglo-American Cataloging Rules, both the Library of Congress and the Dewey decimal classification schemes and the Sears and Library of Congress subject heading lists as well as the major automated source of catalog records, the OCLC system, are introduced. Students will participate in practical exercises including OCLC searching and the preparation of catalog records including materials used by patrons with special needs. They will also, however, consider more policy oriented and theoretical issues. Emphasis will be on the adaptation of existing tools for the age of automated information retrieval.
Prerequisite(s): LIS 518 or equivalent.
Summer Year 1
LIS 587 Collection Development
Investigates current and traditional approaches to collection development in libraries of all kinds. Topics considered include: philosophic and ethical foundations; strategies for defining community needs and collection goals; formulation of collection development policies; approaches to materials selection and acquisition; collection evaluation; problem materials and censorship; interlibrary cooperation, resource sharing, and document delivery systems.
LIS 516 Information Sources and Services in the Social Sciences
Examination and evaluation of resources in anthropology, economics, education, geography, history, political science, psychology, sociology and related fields. Includes an appraisal of patterns of communication and research in the fields covered.
Prerequisite(s): LIS 518 or equivalent.
Fall Year 2
LIS 566 Digital Information Retrieval
Emphasis is twofold: the practical aspects of online bibliographic retrieval and its implications for the library and information profession. Students develop skills in searching, with numerous laboratory assignments in bibliographic and full-text databases. They also study issues of question negotiation, search strategy formulation and database evaluation. Discussions, readings and some assignments require a consideration of the place of on-line retrieval in reference services and its impact on libraries and information centers, on the professionals who work in them, and on the people who use them, and on providing equal access to patrons with assistive technology needs
LIS 567 Government Information
This introduction to the Government Printing Office, Federal depository libraries, and government information production covers print and electronic sources, with practice in reference use and emphasis on US Federal resources.
Spring Year 2
LIS 523 User Education
Principles and theories of providing instruction in library use with emphasis on designing instructional sessions using technology, improving teaching skills and evaluating bibliographic instruction materials. Includes teaching sessions and evaluation by students. Emphasis is on instruction in academic libraries with attention also given to school media centers and public libraries
LIS 581 Management of Libraries and Information Agencies
Management theory and practice applicable to varied information service agencies and to supervisory, middle, and top managers are explored through lecture, case studies, problem analysis, role playing, and course assignments. Includes an overview of equal employment guidelines and understanding diversity. It is recommended that students defer LIS 581 until their final course work for better translation of management principles to work environments.
Prerequisite(s): LIS 505.
Summer Year 2
LIS 517 Information and Services in the Humanities
Examination and evaluation of resources in art, drama, literature, music, philosophy, religion, and related areas. Includes an appraisal of the patterns of communication and research in the fields covered.
Prerequisite(s): LIS 518 or equivalent
LIS 515 Information Sources and Services in the Sciences
Examination and evaluation of resources in astronomy, biology, chemistry, engineering, geology, mathematics, physics, and other related areas. Includes an appraisal of the patterns of communication and research in the fields covered. Background in science is not required.
Prerequisite(s): LIS 518 or equivalent.
Tuition Information
The University at Buffalo tuition and fee schedule is published on a link outside of this Web page. Please note when you click on the link you will be taken to a different page. There are a number of fees students are initially charged by the University that are typically waived once the GSE online programs office makes a request on the student's behalf. As we petition to have a portion of the fees waived (there are no guarantees), it is important that you calculate tuition, fees, books, and the cost of your computer into the expenses of this program. Note that you should see the part-time tuition fees, which are calculated by the number of semester credit hours in which you enroll. Please visit our tuition page for the most up-to-date information.
