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].