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Fred W. Roper, Dean Gayle Douglas, Assistant Dean Professors Daniel Barron, Ph.D., Florida State University, 1976 Associate Professors Stephen T. Bajjaly, Ph.D., University of New York at Albany, 1993 Assistant Professors Renee Nesbitt Jefferson, Ph.D., University of Iowa, 1997 Distinguished Professor Emeritus Curran, Ph.D., Rutgers University, 1977 Emeriti Faculty Nancy B. Burge, M.A., George Peabody College for Teachers, 1948 OverviewThe mission of the University of South Carolina College of Library and Information Science is to provide and promote education and leadership in library and information science, services, and studies through the highest levels of teaching, research and service. The college is committed to supporting the development and improvement of library and information services as an essential part of cultural enrichment, the dissemination of knowledge, and the enhancement of overall quality of life. The College of Library and Information Science offers the Master of Library and Information Science degree and is fully accredited by the American Library Association, the library professions standard accrediting agency. The college is also certified as meeting the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education standards for teacher education programs. The college also offers two programs of advanced study beyond the masters degree: the Certificate of Graduate Study in Library and Information Science and the Specialist in Library and Information Science degree. Joint masters degrees are offered in conjunction with the English department and with the Public History Program. The Master of Library and Information Science degree is a program of basic professional education designed to prepare students for entry into positions in libraries and information centers in colleges, schools, communities, industries, and businesses. The M.L.I.S. program provides students not only a strong core of general knowledge of the profession, but also the opportunity to explore individual areas of interest related to career preparation. Instruction is available to students in all areas of South Carolina through an extensive program of distance education. Advances in educational technology made it possible for the University of South Carolina to work cooperatively with appropriate agencies in Georgia, West Virginia, and Maine to offer the complete M.L.I.S. program to students in those states who would not otherwise have access to an ALA-accredited program of library and information science. The Certificate of Graduate Study in Library and Information Science is tailored to complement the Master of Library and Information Science program by providing post-masters degree instruction designed to enhance the students career opportunities in a chosen area of specialization. Completion of the Certificate of Graduate Study in Library and Information Science will acknowledge to prospective employers the students additional preparation for specific job responsibilities. The Specialist in Library and Information Science is a sixth-year degree program for librarians, information managers, media specialists, and other related professionals who wish to refresh and update their knowledge and skills, gain greater specialization in their professional training, or redirect their careers from one area to another. AdmissionMaster of Library and Information Science Program Admission to the College of Library and Information Science is selective and based on the facultys assessment of the applicants aptitude for graduate study and potential contribution to the profession. The College of Library and Information Science takes a holistic approach to the admissions process. Consequently, an applicants entire file and interview are taken into consideration before an admission decision is made. Application requirements for the M.L.I.S. program include: 1. a completed USC Graduate School admissions form and a nonrefundable $35 application fee 2. official transcripts showing possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution (The undergraduate record should show promise for graduate study with a GPA of at least 3.00 [on a 4.00 scale] in the last two years or 60 semester hours of the applicants undergraduate degree.) 3. official transcripts from all other colleges or universities attended 4.two letters of reference from persons who can comment directly on the applicants professional and academic capabilities and potential (For example, college instructors could comment on an applicants previous academic performance in relation to potential for graduate study; a supervisor/administrator could address job performance and potential for advancement. Letters which speak only of the applicants personal attributes will not be accepted.) 5. official score reports showing at least 950 on the combined verbal and quantitative or verbal and analytical (whichever is higher) portions of the GRE or at least 50 on the Miller Analogies Test (International students whose native language is not English must also submit an official report showing a minimum score of 570 [230 computer-based total] on the TOEFL exam.) 6. the College of Library and Information Science supplemental information form, which includes a statement of purpose 7.a personal interview with a representative of the college following receipt of all admission information listed above. Applicants who live some distance from South Carolina may, upon request, have this requirement satisfied by telephone. Application forms for admission may be obtained electronically from the College of Library and Information Science (www.libsci.sc.edu) or from The Graduate School (www.gradschool.sc.edu). Admission policies and procedures apply to part-time students and to full-time students. Graduate students who are degree candidates in other divisions of the University may enroll in some elective courses in the College of Library and Information Science. An individual who holds a masters degree in library and information science from an ALA-accredited program may enroll in any course in which space is available after admission as a nondegree student to The Graduate School. Recertification admission is available for certified school teachers whose purpose in enrolling is for renewal of the certificate only (applicants not intending to seek a masters degree). The recertification privilege typically permits six credit hours in a five-year period. Nondegree applicants submit the Universitys graduate school application, the $35 application fee, and an official transcript bearing proof of completion of a bachelors degree or higher. Admission as a nondegree-seeking student does not assure or imply admission to degree candidacy in the future. Applications for admission are processed as they are received. Applicants who file after the deadline for a given semester may not be admitted for that term. Deadlines are available from the colleges admissions office and on the colleges Web page. A number of assistantships and scholarships are available to students entering the college. To inquire about or apply for these, contact the College of Library and Information Science student services coordinator. Students interested in financial assistance are also encouraged to apply to the financial aid office of the University as early as possible. Certificate of Graduate Study in Library and Information Science Program The Certificate of Graduate Study in Library and Information Science complements the Master of Library and Information Science program by providing post-masters degree instruction, enhancing the students career opportunities, and providing extended preparation for specific areas of specialization. Requirements for admission to the Certificate of Graduate Study in Library and Information Science are the same as those listed above for the M.L.I.S program. Students enrolled in the M.L.I.S program should seek admission to the certificate program prior to the completion of 24 credit hours of course work. Specialist in Library and Information Science Program Admission to the Specialist in Library and Information Science degree program is selective and is based on the facultys assessment of the applicants aptitude for a particular level of graduate study and potential contribution to the profession. The college takes a holistic approach to the admissions process. Consequently, an applicants entire file and interview are taken into consideration before an admission decision is made. Application requirements for the S.L.I.S. program include: 1. a completed USC Graduate School admissions form and a nonrefundable $35 application fee 2. an official transcript showing possession of a masters degree in library and information science from an ALA-accredited or NCATE-approved program (Applicants with a masters degree from an NCATE-approved program must also have current certification as a librarian or school library media specialist.) Applicants with a masters degree in library and information science that is not from an ALA-accredited or NCATE-approved program may also be admitted to the program upon satisfactory exemption of CLIS 701, 702, 703, 704, and 706. Any of these courses not exempted must be taken as part of the specialist degree program in addition to the required 30 hours. Applicants without an ALA-accredited or NCATE-approved program degree but holding a masters degree in a library and information science related field may be accepted into the program upon satisfactory exemption of CLIS 701, 702, 703, 704, and 706. Any of these courses not exempted must be taken as part of the specialist degree program in addition to the required 30 hours. 3. a minimum of three years of full-time experience in a library, media center, or information agency (Requirements for work experience may be waived.) 4. official scores of at least 950 on the combined verbal and quantitative or verbal and analytical (whichever is higher) parts of the GRE or a minimum score of 50 on the Millers Analogy Test (These scores may not be more than five years old at the time of application. International students whose native language is not English must also submit an official score report verifying at least 570 [or 230 computer-based score] on the TOEFL exam.) 5. two letters of recommendation from persons able to comment on the applicants professional performance and potential 6. a statement of professional purpose indicating the specialization the applicant seeks to develop (A resume outlining the applicants educational and professional record should be attached to the statement.) 7. a personal interview with the specialist committee. (The committee may, at its discretion, waive or change the personal interview requirement and use other information in its place.) Degree RequirementsMaster of Library and Information Science For the M.L.I.S. degree, an approved program of at least 36 semester hours of graduate course work must be completed with a minimum grade point average of 3.00 (B) overall and on all 700800 level courses. No student who receives a grade below B on more than six hours of work may continue in the program. Any grade of U or F dismisses the student from the program. Eighteen hours of required courses are designed to provide the student with an understanding of the information professions. Students and their advisors will choose a minimum of 18 hours of elective courses. Elective courses in the College of Library and Information Science and/or graduate departments in other institutions may be used to develop a specialization in one or more areas or to provide a broad, general preparation for the information professions. A minimum of 24 graduate hours must be completed within the college. Students may transfer up to six semester hours of graduate course work from colleges or universities other than the University of South Carolina. Courses that will be more than six years old at the time the M.L.I.S. degree is awarded may not be included in the program. Masters students who have prior course work or experience in library or information science may apply to exempt as many as five of the required courses. If successful, the student will replace required courses with an equal number of elective courses. Exemption from required courses does not reduce the length of the program. Certificate of Graduate Study in Library and Information Science The certificate program consists of 18 credit hours of required and elective course work in a specific area of library and information science. A student may pursue the certificate simultaneously with the M.L.I.S. or following completion of the M.L.I.S. University of South Carolina CLIS students who are admitted to the certificate program prior to completion of the M.L.I.S. are allowed to use six hours of M.L.I.S. credit toward the certificate provided the six hours are related to the proposed area of specialization for the certificate. If there is a lapse of time between completion of the M.L.I.S. and enrollment in the certificate program or if the student is a graduate of another ALA-accredited masters program, 18 hours of course work will be required to earn the certificate. Courses that will be more than four years old at the time the certificate will be awarded may not be included in the program of study. Students must complete a minimum of three credit hours of internship (CLIS 794) and an additional nine or 15 credit hours, depending upon whether admission was prior to or following completion of the M.L.I.S. degree. Students may choose their elective courses in library and information science or a related discipline after consultation with an academic advisor. Each students program of study will be tailored according to prior course work and the students professional objectives. The student will apply for and be awarded the M.L.I.S. degree upon completion of the 36 hours required for that degree. Subsequently the student will be awarded the Certificate of Graduate Study in Library and Information Science upon completion of the additional 1218 hours as specified above. Specialist in Library and Information Science The S.L.I.S. degree consists of a minimum of 30 semester hours of post-masters degree course work with a grade point average of at least 3.00 (B) on all work. If CLIS 705 (or its equivalent) has not been completed prior to admission with a grade of B or higher, this requirement must be fulfilled in addition to the 30 semester hours necessary to earn the degree. In consultation with a faculty advisor, each student will develop a program of study specifically tailored to the students career objectives. In general, these objectives should be oriented towards increased specialization, change of specialization, or an upgrading of professional skills and knowledge. In addition, two structured emphases have been approved for the specialist degree. The first, which was developed in cooperation with the USC College of Education, allows students who currently hold certification as school library media specialists to meet South Carolina requirements for certification as district-level school media coordinators in conjunction with the specialist degree. The second emphasis in educational information technology encourages students to concentrate on course work that encompasses the new developments in technology being implemented daily in schools. At least 18 hours of the S.L.I.S. program must be taken within the college; the additional hours may be taken in other departments of the University in accordance with the students program interests, and up to nine credit hours may be transferred from another institution. Up to six hours of graduate work taken prior to admission to the program may be included in the S.L.I.S. degree provided the courses meet specified conditions. Courses that will be more than six years old at the time the S.L.I.S. degree is awarded may not be included in the students program. Students must present a grade point average of 3.00 (B) on all courses taken in the program. Students who earn a grade below B on more than six hours of work or a grade below C in any course will not be allowed to continue in the program. Each student in the program will be assigned a faculty advisor and a program committee by the specialist committee of the college. It is expected that each students program will be highly individualized and thus responsive to the specialized objectives of the student. A final research project resulting from some phase of the program and demonstrating the ability to conduct, synthesize, and utilize basic research in the area of specialization is optional. For students who choose the research product/project option, a program committee will be appointed by the specialist committee consisting of the advisor and at least one additional CLIS reader. The program committee will coordinate both the students program and final research project (CLIS 798). The maximum number of hours that can be used in CLIS 796 and CLIS 798 is nine credit hours, with no more than six hours directly related to the research project. For students who choose to complete the optional research project (CLIS 798), the college follows The Graduate Schools regulations for deposit of the final research project. Detailed editorial instructions for the research project are available either through the colleges specialist committee or The Graduate School. School Library Media Specialist Concentration School library media specialist certification may differ from one state department of education to another. The CLIS program leading to certification is accredited by NCATE. Graduates who have completed this approved program are eligible for certification in South Carolina and any other state that recognizes NCATE standards. Students who are pursuing school library media certification should have their programs of study approved by the school library media coordinator no later than one year after the first term of enrollment. The general requirements for NCATE at CLIS are 18 semester hours of foundations in library and information science, 12 semester hours of educational foundations or current certification in some other discipline in education, and 1218 semester hours of courses related specifically to school library media programs. Those who want certification in South Carolina must take the Specialty Area (Library Media) of the PRAXIS but do not have to take either the General Knowledge or Professional Knowledge area. Many other states do require other parts of the PRAXIS, so those considering employment in another state should contact that states department of education as early in their program as possible. A one-time fee of $120 for initial certification or $65 add-on certification is required by the University for all recommendations for certification regardless of the state in which the individual is applying. A person may request that recommendations be sent to any number of states at any time after paying this fee. Joint Masters Program in English and Library and Information Science The joint masters program in English and library and information science prepares students for careers as subject specialists in academic or public libraries. Subject specialists typically work in such areas as collection development, reference, and bibliographic instruction. Admission Criteria Persons applying to the joint masters program in English and library and information science must meet the admissions requirements of both the Department of English and the College of Library and Information Science. Degree Requirements The joint masters program in English and library and information science is a 55-hour program leading to a Master of Arts in English and a Master of Library and Information Science. (Earning both degrees separately normally requires 66 hours of course work.) The program is administered by a joint committee, which recommends a student for admission and approves the students program. The student takes 28 hours of English courses. Fifteen hours from five required groups, one course in an allied field (3 hours), two electives (6 hours), ENGL 700 (3 hours), and ENGL 799 (1 hour). Twenty-seven hours are taken in the College of Library and Information Science: 18 hours of required courses (CLIS 701, 702, 703, 704, 705, and 706) and nine hours of elective courses. There is no comprehensive examination. A thesis is required by the English department, and there is a foreign language requirement. If the student wishes to change from the joint program to the degree program in English or library and information science, the student must reapply to the particular program of interest. Joint degrees are awarded simultaneously. Joint Masters Program in Public History and Library and Information Science One of only a few such programs in the United States, the joint masters program in public history and library and information science has been designed to prepare students for careers in historic agency administration, archives, records management, and library administration in such areas as manuscripts, rare books, government information, and reference. Admissions Persons applying to the joint masters program in public history and library and information science must meet the entrance requirements of both the Department of History and the College of Library and Information Science. Degree Requirements Students earn both the Master of Arts in Public History and the Master of Library and Information Science upon successful completion of 60 hours of course work consisting of 30 hours in each area. (Earning both degrees separately would require 72 hours of graduate credit.) Courses required in the College of Library and Information Science are CLIS 701, 702, 703, 704, 705, 706, 750, and 719; three hours of elective specialization courses; and three hours of internship in libraries, archives, museums, records management settings, or historical agencies. In public history each student will complete 21 hours of the following foundation courses: historical research methods, archival administration and techniques, historical editing, history of historical writing, and two courses and a research seminar in the students minor field of study. Six hours of elective specialization courses and a thesis (3 hours) also are required in public history. Course Descriptions (CLIS)Required Courses
Elective Courses Development of Libraries, Printing, and Publishing
Library and Information Organizations
Technical Services
Information Services and Sources
Services to Special Groups
Administration and Planning of Libraries
Information Science
General Courses
Courses for Students Enrolled in Other Departments
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