Prospective Students

Message from the Director

Welcome to the School of Library and Information Science at the University of Kentucky. For more than 75 years, the School of Library and Information Science has been educating library and information professionals to meet the needs of the community. Our programs are designed to prepare students to compete successfully in today’s workplace. We strive to provide students with the basic knowledge and skills required to function effectively in beginning positions in various types of libraries and information settings.

The School of Library and Information Science began in 1933 as the Department of Library Science within the College of Arts and Sciences. Sixty years later, in 1993, the College of Library and Information Science merged with the College of Communications to form the College of Communications and Information Studies. The new college consists of a School of Library and Information Science, a School of Journalism and Telecommunications, and a Department of Communication. The School offers one of 58 master’s programs in the United States and Canada accredited by the American Library Association.

This is an exciting time to work in the Library and Information Science arena. Emerging technologies continue to revolutionize how information is delivered while content becomes more and more accessible. The ability to deliver relevant information at the point and time of need is quickly becoming a reality.

If you are interested in pursuing a rewarding career, come join the Library and Information Science program at the University of Kentucky. You can find information about our programs by browsing our Web site. You will also find information on our Web site about requesting additional information and submitting your application materials. I look forward to seeing you here at the School of Library and Information Science at the University of Kentucky.

Jeffrey T. Huber, Director and Professor

Find out More

Request more information
Sign up for an online information session
Vision, Mission, Goals and Instructional Objectives
Diversity Plan

The University of Kentucky's School of Library and Information Science was ranked one of "America's Best Graduate Schools" in the 2009 U.S. News and World Report; graduates comprise more than 80% of Master's-level librarians in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Most students opt for a MSLS, a 36 hour program that can be done at any pace and qualifies graduates for positions that require a Master's degree from an ALA-accredited institution.

Tracks are offered in general studies, health informatics, public libraries, academic libraries, information technology, and school media librarianship.

SLIS hosts online information sessions for prospective students throughout the year. Each session covers roughly the same material and runs for approximately thirty minutes. To attend, fill out our registration form.

The School of Library and Information Science is currently accepting applications for the MA, MS, and the School Media Certification programs.

  • MA: Master of Arts in Library Science; thesis option; 42 hours.
  • MS: Master of Science in Library Science; student portfolio or comprehensive exam; 36 hours.
  • School Media Certification: Concurrent with MS.

Admission requirements:

  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
    • Verbal: New exam 150 or higher; old exam 450 or higher
    • Quantitative: New exam 140 or higher; old exam 400 or higher
    • Analytical writing 4.0 or higher.

    Note: students must meet the verbal requirement and either the quantitative OR the analytical requirement.

See our How To Apply page for an outline of the application process, or download the application checklist (.pdf).

Please note the following application deadlines:

  • Spring deadline: November 15
  • Summer deadline: April 15
  • Fall deadline: June 15 (though earlier deadlines may apply for scholarship purposes).

We are part of the College of Communications and Information Studies at the University of Kentucky.
Information about all graduate programs at the University of Kentucky can be found in the Graduate School publications and at the Graduate School web site.
 

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