Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the MLIS Program, students will be able to:
- Create innovative and ethical responses to meet the needs and interests of local, diverse, and global communities.
- Demonstrate leadership and management attributes for a variety of library and information environments.
- Discover, interpret and apply foundational and applied research to improve professional practice, contribute knowledge, and serve communities.
- Access, evaluate, and synthesize information from a variety of perspectives and sources to assist information users.
- Evaluate and integrate evolving technologies as well as their design, application, and use within library and information services.
- Analyze trends to anticipate and respond to future directions of the library and information science field.
- Create a plan for continuous professional development and lifelong learning.
- Identify legislative and other policy framework considerations to engage in advocacy and sustainable practices in the library and information space.
Course Requirements
Plans of Study:
All plans of study should be created in consultation with a faculty advisor and are to be approved by the Graduate Program Director by the student's 12th credit hour in the MLIS program.
Core Courses (12 credits)
- LIBS 608 Foundations in Library and Information Science
LIBS 658 Knowledge Resources: Planning, Selecting & Managing Collections
LIBS 674 Management and Leadership in Library and Information Sciences
LIBS 677 Knowledge Organization and Information Access
Area of Emphasis (9 credits)*
- Course 1 Relevant to the chosen pathway
- Course 2 Relevant to the chosen pathway
- Course 3 Relevant to the chosen pathway
Electives (6 credits)*
- Course 1 - Your Choice
- Course 1 - Your Choice
Internship (3 credits)
- LIBS 668 Internship
* Pathway and elective courses are subject to the approval of the program advisor and Graduate Program Director
Core Courses (12 credits)
- LIBS 608 Foundations in Library and Information Science
- LIBS 658 Knowledge Resources: Planning, Selecting & Managing Collections
- LIBS 674 Management and Leadership in Library and Information Sciences
- LIBS 677 Knowledge Organization and Information Access
School Library Endorsement (9 credits)
- LIBS 602 Production of Instructional Materials
- LIBS 676 Library Media Services and the Curriculum
Literature Requirement - select one:
- LIBS 642 Children's Literature Across the Curriculum, PK-8
- LIBS 644 Literature and Media for Young Adults
Electives (6 credits)
- Course 1 - Your Choice with advising
- Course 2 - Your Choice with advising
Internship (3 credits)
- LIBS 669 Internship
Core Courses (12 credits)
- LIBS 608 Foundations in Library and Information Science
LIBS 658 Knowledge Resources: Planning, Selecting & Managing Collections
LIBS 674 Management and Leadership in Library and Information Sciences
LIBS 677 Knowledge Organization and Information Access
School Library Endorsement (12 credits)
- LIBS 602 Production of Instructional Materials
- LIBS 676 Library Media Services and the Curriculum
-
LIBS 655 Methods & Strategies for the School Library
Literature Rquirement - select one:
- LIBS 642 Children's Literature Across the Curriculum, PK-8
- LIBS 644 Literature and Media for Young Adults
Professional Education Courses (12 credits)
- TLED 608 Foundation of Education and Instruction
- TLED 640 Classroom Management
- SPED 613 Human Growth and Development
- READ 680 Reading Across the Curriculum
Internship (6 credits)
- LIBS 668 Internship
Pathways and Areas of Emphasis:
The MLIS degree prepares students to work in a variety of library and information settings. Students on the general track will craft plans of study that prepare them for the varying opportunities within the field. The ODU MLIS program offers several pathways and areas of emphasis to choose from:
- Academic Librarianship
- Assessment and Evaluation
- Public Librarianship
- Archives and Special Collections
- Collection Development
- Community Outreach
- Data and Information Foundations
- Information Organization
- Instructional Librarianship
- Leadership and Management
- Reference Services
- Social Justice and Inclusivity
- User Services and Programming
- Youth Services
Internship Opportunities
Completion of an internship is a requirement for all graduates of the MLIS Program. The internship is an opportunity to focus on learning experiences and authentic professional engagement alongside other professionals in the field. During the internship experience, students document their progress toward meeting their goals and reflect on their personal and professional growth. Additionally, they develop and plan a project developed to measure impact for data-driven decision making.
Students completing a General MLIS Degree will complete a semester-long, 160 hour internship. Students are eligible for this experience after they have completed the core coursework. Students work with our program Internship Coordinator to identify and secure a placement in a site that meets individual program and career goals.
Students pursuing a certification for School Library Media complete their internship in a school library setting at the completion of all curriculum requirements. School lIbrary students work with the college placement specialist to secure an approved placement in a K-12 school environment. All placements meet required licensure expectations. The program School Library Coordinator works with students to ensure all requirements are satisfied.
Accreditation
The Master of Library and Information Studies Program at Old Dominion University is accredited by the American Library Association Committee on Accreditation, with the status of Initial accreditation. The next comprehensive review visit is scheduled for Fall 2028.