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USC Marshall to offer new online master’s in library science The University of Southern California has announced a new online master’s degree of management in library and information science (MMLIS) to launch in May. This is the first time in more than 30 years that a major private research university has determined to invest in librarianship as a career of the future. Developed by the USC Libraries in partnership with the USC Marshall School of Business, the MMLIS is one of the first programs in librarianship in the United States to be affiliated with a major business school. Offering synchronous and asynchronous learning in an entirely online, multimedia environment, the MMLIS will prepare graduates to join the global community of library professionals and assume leadership positions in a variety of academic, corporate, government and not-for-profit settings. Students will be able to complete the degree in approximately two years. The degree will have several unique features including team-based problem-solving as a defined program pedagogy for all courses and formal partnerships with industry for infrastructure support. The program will lead to the initial degree in LIS; it has been accredited by WASC and ALA accreditation will be sought once the program is operational. “We have worked closely with our partners at USC Marshall to build a unique program, one that addresses the challenges that face our profession now and that will grow only more urgent and complex for libraries, librarians and library leaders,” said Catherine Quinlan, dean of the USC Libraries. Offering synchronous and asynchronous learning in an entirely online, multimedia environment, the MMLIS will prepare graduates to join the global community of library professionals and assume leadership positions in a variety of academic, corporate, government and not-for-profit settings. Students will be able to complete the degree in approximately two years. “We look forward to working with the USC Libraries to help prepare librarians for leadership roles in a rapidly evolving arena — from maximizing local community engagement in the face of limited resources to addressing the need within global industry to manage digital information and improve communication,” said James G. Ellis, dean of USC Marshall. Ken Haycock, professor emeritus and former director of the San Jose State School of Library and Information Science, has been named director of graduate programs in library and information management. Haycock is research professor of management and organization at USC Marshall. A longtime library and information science educator, Haycock developed the global, online master’s in library and information science at San Jose State University, which is used by 2,000 students in 14 countries. He also has developed graduate programs at the University of British Columbia, where he remains an emeritus faculty member. Prospective students should contact [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>.