The Department of Information and Library Science is committed to educating students to work in the growing digital information environment with programs that are ranked first and second in the nation. The department seeks to prepare you to access, evaluate, manage, communicate, create, and adapt the information environment to meet the needs of changing user groups. Through their diverse professional backgrounds and research expertise, the faculty can prepare you for a range of emerging careers in libraries and all types of information agencies.
Library science programs
We offer the following programs for both undergraduate and graduate library science
education:
- B.S. in Liberal Studies with a Library Science Concentration
- M.S.L.S. (online)
- M.S.L.S. School Library Media (online)
- Master of Science in Library Science and Juris Doctor Cooperative Program
The department offers a cooperative MSLS/JD program with Widener University School of Law's Harrisburg, PA., campus. Students must be admitted to both programs separately. Any six credits of coursework taken as part of a student's JD program may be applied to that student's MSLS program, and vice versa. These courses will be chosen in consultation with the student's faculty advisors. - MSLS and MA in Applied History Cooperative Program
The department also offers a cooperative program with Shippensburg University. Students must be accepted by each instruction through a separate applications process at each university. Students enrolled in these programs will receive a six-hour (two-course) reduction in total hours required for the two degrees.
Accreditations & Certifications
The Clarion University Department of Information and Library Science holds the following accreditations and certifications:
- American Library Association - The MSLS program is accredited by the American Library
Association.
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Pennsylvania School Library Certification
- Pennsylvania Department of Education Approval
Library Science Careers
Prospects for the future are extremely positive for well-prepared new graduates guided by creative faculty advisors. Employment opportunities vary according to educational qualifications and the areas of specialization of the individual preparing to enter the information professions. The M.S.L.S. graduate who is flexible with respect to geographic location and willing to meet the challenge of serving special groups will have especially good opportunities for employment.
Capstones
LS570 INTERNSHIP IN LIBRARIANSHIP
Provides an advanced pre-professional experience through work in a cooperating library or information center. Students are expected to apply and evaluate the theory and practice learned in the classroom; prepare an evaluative paper, and be observed and evaluated by the site supervisor. Accreditation assessments administered. Prerequisites: successful completion of at least 30 credit hours, including all other required courses; permission of advisor, internship coordinator, and the department chair. For students not seeking initial certification.
Library Science Internship Capstone Course
Field Experience in Librarianship (PDF fill-in form)
LS600 RESEARCH IN LIBRARIANSHIP
Intended as a capstone experience for students in the Masters of Science in Library Science program. Provides the opportunity to pursue a research project related to the student's area of specialization or interest and which is based on research strategies developed in LS550. Accreditation assessments administered. Prerequisites: LS550 and successful completion of at least 30 credit hours, including all other required courses; project approval by advisor, instructor, and the department chair. For students not seeking initial teacher certification.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
maisam nouh
Clarion University M.S.L.S. alum Maisam Nouh grew up in Alexandria, Egypt, where the oldest library once stood.
This rich environment of historical sites, which also happened to be full of small libraries and bookstores, fostered Nouh's love of reading and libraries. Read more...
Lesley mason
I obtained my master's degree in library science. I was working part time at the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, and knew immediately that this was something I could build into a career. Read more...
Haley Walters
George Washington High School (GWHS) librarian Haley Walters was shocked last Tuesday when she won the Roanoke Region’s... (Read more)
Terri Gallagher
"The M.S.L.S. at Clarion allowed me explore new paths and conduct my job at a higher level. That means I have more in my tool kit to offer those visiting the library!"
Department Contacts
Dr. Linda L. Lillard, Chair
209 Carlson Library
814 393 2383
LLILLARD@CLARION.EDU
Kimberly J. Wyman, Secretary
210 Carlson Library
814 393 2271
KWYMAN@CLARION.EDU
Toll Free Number: 866 272 5612
General email address: libsci@clarion.edu