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- Information Studies Admission Requirements and Application Procedures
- Information Studies Faculty
- Master of Library and Information Studies (M.L.I.S.); Information Studies (Non-Thesis) (48 credits)
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Information Studies
- Graduate Certificate in Library and Information Studies (15 credits)
- Graduate Diploma in Library and Information Studies (30 credits)
Information Studies
Location
Location
- School of Information Studies
- 3661 Peel Street
- Montreal, QC H3A 1X1
- Canada
- Telephone: 514-398-4204
- Fax: 514-398-7193
- Email: sis [at] mcgill.ca
- Website: www.mcgill.ca/sis
About Information Studies
About Information Studies
The School of Information Studies (SIS) at ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ University is a dynamic teaching and research unit engaged in the education of information professionals, individuals who can make a difference in the management and design of information resources, services, and systems to ensure adequate access to information and knowledge for all. As the pioneer school in Canada, SIS has been offering programs at ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ since 1897, and our Master of Library and Information Studies degree has been continuously accredited by the American Library Association since 1929. The School offers the Master of Library and Information Studies (M.L.I.S.), post-M.L.I.S. certificate and diploma programs, and a Ph.D. program in Information Studies. Our programs are articulated around three specializations: Archival Studies, Knowledge Management, and Librarianship.
Information Studies is the name assigned to a wide-ranging discipline, and SIS professors are engaged in four major research areas: information-seeking behaviour; human-computer interaction; information resources in context; and knowledge management and representation. Located within the Faculty of Education, SIS offers our students the advantages of a small, autonomous unit, yet with all the facilities and administrative support of a large and vibrant university faculty, located in the heart of bilingual and multicultural Montreal.
For complete information on the School of Information Studies, please see our website at www.mcgill.ca/sis.
For complete information about any of our programs, please see the Programs & Courses section of our website at www.mcgill.ca/sis/programs.
Master of Library and Information Studies (M.L.I.S.); Information Studies (Non-Thesis) (48 credits) | |
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The Master of Library and Information Studies consists of a 48-credit non-thesis program, accredited by the American Library Association. This program is designed to prepare graduates for the broad field of information studies and has three areas of specialization: Archival Studies, Knowledge Management, and Librarianship. The program provides the intellectual foundation for careers in these three areas; fosters competencies in managing information and knowledge resources; advocates the ideal of equal access to information; promotes the appropriate use of technology in meeting information needs; encourages research in the field of library and information studies; and cultivates commitment to professional service for individuals, organizations, and society. | |
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Information Studies | |
The Ph.D. in Information Studies provides an opportunity for exceptional candidates to study interdisciplinary research topics at the doctoral level. The program offers a thorough grounding in both current theory and methods of research to ensure that students develop knowledge and critical awareness of relevant theories, principles, and methods in Information Studies and acquire the expertise to conduct and promote scholarly research in the context of Information Studies. The program begins with a set of common courses and proceeds to specialization through dissertation topics focused on areas of expertise that are supported by the research interests of current faculty members. Students develop scholarly and innovative expertise in one of four research areas within information studies: information-seeking behaviour, human-computer interaction, information resources in context, and knowledge management and representation. The program prepares graduates for a wide range of settings in research, teaching, and senior administrative positions, in Quebec, Canada, and internationally; contributes to the development of knowledge and to teaching/learning in Information Studies; and builds national and international visibility of Information Studies from a research perspective. | |
Graduate Certificate in Library and Information Studies (15 credits) | |
The Graduate Certificate 15-credit program is designed to assist library and information professionals currently holding an ALA-accredited (or equivalent) master's degree to update their qualifications for advanced responsibility. The program may be completed in one or two academic terms, or on a part-time basis to a maximum of five years. | |
Graduate Diploma in Library and Information Studies (30 credits) | |
The Graduate Diploma 30-credit program provides professional librarians and information specialists currently holding an ALA-accredited (or equivalent) master's degree with formal opportunities to update, specialize, and redirect their careers for advanced responsibility. For those considering admission into the doctoral program, it will provide an opportunity to further develop their research interests. The program may be completed in one calendar year, or on a part-time basis to a maximum of five years. |
Information Studies Admission Requirements and Application Procedures
Information Studies Admission Requirements and Application Procedures
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
Master of Library and Information Studies (M.L.I.S.)
- Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from a recognized university. Academic Standing of at least B, or second class – upper division, or a CGPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 is required. Courses in library and/or information studies taken before or as part of an undergraduate degree, or such courses taken in a school with a program not accredited by the American Library Association, cannot be accepted as credit toward the ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ M.L.I.S.
- Applicants to graduate studies whose mother tongue is not English, and who have not completed an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized foreign institution where English is the language of instruction or from a recognized Canadian institution (anglophone or francophone), must submit documented proof of competency in oral and written English prior to admission. Such proof normally comprises the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 600 (paper-based test), 100 (iBT Internet-based TOEFL) with a written score of at least 25 and a reading, speaking, and listening score not less than 20, or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum overall band score of 7.5. Applicants whose mother tongue is not English may be asked to demonstrate English-language competency beyond the submission of the TOEFL or IELTS scores.
- Competency in the use of computers is expected. Applicants should have a thorough knowledge of the Windows operating system, particularly file management and word processing, and presentation software such as PowerPoint.
- Previous library work experience, while not essential, will be given consideration in assessing an application, but this experience cannot replace academic criteria.
Ph.D. in Information Studies
-
Applicants should normally have a master's degree in Library and Information Studies (or equivalent). Master's degrees in other fields will be considered in relation to the proposed research.
An applicant with a master's degree in Library and Information Studies (or equivalent) will normally be admitted to Ph.D. 2.
An applicant with a master's degree in another field may be considered for admission to Ph.D. 2, but may need to register for courses to upgrade background knowledge in library and information studies.
An applicant who holds only a bachelor’s degree from ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ University or an approved institution in Information Studies (or equivalent) in exceptional circumstances may be admitted to Ph.D. 1.
A CGPA of at least 3.0 out of 4.0 at both the undergraduate and graduate levels is required.
- Applicants to graduate studies whose mother tongue is not English, and who have not completed an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized foreign institution where English is the language of instruction or from a recognized Canadian institution (anglophone or francophone), must submit documented proof of competency in oral and written English prior to admission. Such proof normally comprises the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 600 (paper-based test), 100 (iBT Internet-based TOEFL) with a written score of at least 25 and a reading, speaking, and listening score not less than 20, or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum overall band score of 7.5. Applicants whose mother tongue is not English may be asked to demonstrate English-language competency beyond the submission of the TOEFL or IELTS scores.
Graduate Certificate in Library and Information Studies
- Applicants should have a master's degree in Library and Information Studies from a program accredited by the American Library Association (or equivalent). Candidates will normally have at least three years' professional experience following completion of the M.L.I.S.
- Applicants to graduate studies whose mother tongue is not English, and who have not completed an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized foreign institution where English is the language of instruction or from a recognized Canadian institution (anglophone or francophone), must submit documented proof of competency in oral and written English prior to admission. Such proof normally comprises the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 600 (paper-based test), 100 (iBT Internet-based TOEFL) with a written score of at least 25 and a reading, speaking, and listening score not less than 20, or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum overall band score of 7.5. Applicants whose mother tongue is not English may be asked to demonstrate English-language competency beyond the submission of the TOEFL or IELTS scores.
Graduate Diploma in Library and Information Studies
- Applicants should have a master's degree in Library and Information Studies from a program accredited by the American Library Association (or equivalent). Admission of students with overseas degrees will be guided by the M.L.I.S. equivalency standards of the A.L.A. Applicants will normally have at least three years' professional experience following completion of the M.L.I.S.
- Applicants to graduate studies whose mother tongue is not English, and who have not completed an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized foreign institution where English is the language of instruction or from a recognized Canadian institution (anglophone or francophone), must submit documented proof of competency in oral and written English prior to admission. Such proof normally comprises the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 600 (paper-based test), 100 (iBT Internet-based TOEFL) with a written score of at least 25 and a reading, speaking, and listening score not less than 20, or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum overall band score of 7.5. Applicants whose mother tongue is not English may be asked to demonstrate English-language competency beyond the submission of the TOEFL or IELTS scores.
Application Procedures
Application Procedures
ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ’s online application form for graduate program candidates is available at www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/apply.
See Application Procedures for detailed application procedures.
Additional Requirements
Additional Requirements
The items and clarifications below are additional requirements set by this department:
- Employer Reference Letters – if degree was awarded more than five years ago, two employer letters of recommendation instead of academic letters
- Personal Statement – All programs except Ph.D.
- Curriculum Vitae
- Research Proposal – Ph.D. only
Applicants are encouraged to review the Staff Directory and Research sections of the School's website to assist in identifying possible dissertation supervisors and to become familiar with the School's research areas before applying to the program. Questions can be addressed to the Ph.D. Program Director.
Application Deadlines
Application Deadlines
M.L.I.S., Graduate Certificate, and Graduate Diploma | ||
---|---|---|
Canadian | International | Special/Exchange/Visiting |
Fall: Mar. 15 | Fall: Feb. 15 | Fall: Contact Student Affairs Coordinator |
Winter: N/A | Winter: N/A | Winter: Contact Student Affairs Coordinator |
Summer: N/A | Summer: N/A | Summer: Contact Student Affairs Coordinator |
Ph.D. | ||
Canadian | International | Special/Exchange/Visiting |
Fall: Jan. 15 | Fall: Jan. 15 | Fall: Contact Student Affairs Coordinator |
Winter: N/A | Winter: N/A | Winter: Contact Student Affairs Coordinator |
Summer: N/A | Summer: N/A | Summer: Contact Student Affairs Coordinator |
Information Studies Faculty
Information Studies Faculty
Director |
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France Bouthillier |
Associate Professors |
Joan Bartlett; B.Sc., M.L.S., Ph.D.(Tor.) |
Jamshid Beheshti; B.A.(S. Fraser), M.L.S., Ph.D.(W. Ont.) |
France Bouthillier; B.Ed.(UQAM), M.B.S.I.(Montr.), Ph.D.(Tor.) |
Kimiz Dalkir; B.Sc., M.B.A.(McG.), Ph.D.(C'dia) |
Catherine Guastavino; B.Sc.(McG.), M.Sc.(Aix-Marseille), Ph.D.(Paris) |
Eun Park; B.A.(Pusan), M.L.I.S.(Ill.), M.B.A.(Pitt.), Ph.D.(Calif.-LA) |
Assistant Professors |
Charles-Antoine Julien; B.Eng., M.Sc.(Montr.), Ph.D.(McG.) |
Elaine Ménard; B.A., M.A., M.S.I., Ph.D.(Montr.) |
Karyn Moffatt; B.A.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.(Br. Col.) |
Adjunct Professor |
Joy Bennett; B.A., M.A.(C'dia), M.L.I.S.(McG.), Ph.D.(C'dia) |
Associate Members |
Gordon Burr; B.A., M.L.I.S.(McG.), Senior Archivist, Records Management, ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ University Archives |
Pierre Pluye; M.D.(Toulouse), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Montr.), Dept. of Family Medicine, ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ University |
Richard Virr; B.A.(Tulane), M.A.(Qu.), Ph.D.(McG.), Curator of Manuscripts, Rare Books and Special Collections Division, ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ Libraries |
Affiliate Members |
Charles Cole; B.A., M.L.I.S.(McG.), Ph.D.(Sheff.) |
Frances Groen; B.A., B.L.S.(Tor.), M.A.(Pitt.), Trenholme Director Emerita of Libraries, ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ University |
Part-Time Instructors |
Edward Bilodeau; B.Sc, M.L.I.S.(McG.) |
Nathalie Blanchard; B.A., B.F.A.(C'dia), M.L.I.S.(McG.) |
Heather Brydon; B.Ed.(Saint-Boniface), M.L.I.S.(McG.) |
Rhiannon Gainor; B.A.(Brigham Young), M.L.I.S/M.A.(Alta.) |
David Weigl; B.Sc., M.Sc.(Edin.) |
Master of Library and Information Studies (M.L.I.S.); Information Studies (Non-Thesis) (48 credits)
This program will be changed for the 2014-2015 academic year. Please refer to the School of Information Studies website at .
The M.L.I.S offers three streams of study: Archival Studies, Knowledge Management, and Librarianship.
In consultation with the coordinator of each stream and the Student Affairs Coordinator, before registering for courses, students will select a stream based on their interests.
During their first two terms, students should aim to complete the required core and complementary courses needed for their selected stream.
Complementary Courses (36 credits)
24-36 credits from one of the following streams: Archival Studies, Knowledge Management, or Librarianship.
12-24 credits chosen from the following complementary courses:
GLIS 609 | (3) | Metadata & Access |
GLIS 613 | (3) | Library and Archival History |
GLIS 634 | (3) | Web System Design and Management |
GLIS 643 | (3) | Electronic Records Systems |
GLIS 646 | (12) | Research Project |
GLIS 647 | (6) | Independent Study |
GLIS 657 | (3) | Database Design & Development |
GLIS 689 | (3) | Selected Topics |
GLIS 699 | (3) | Practicum |
0-12 credits chosen from the following complementary courses:
GLIS 607 | (3) | Organization of Information |
GLIS 616 | (3) | Information Retrieval |
GLIS 619 | (3) | Information Services & Users |
GLIS 631 | (3) | Systems Thinking |
GLIS 632 | (3) | Library Systems |
GLIS 633 | (3) | Multimedia Systems |
GLIS 638 | (3) | Business Information |
GLIS 639 | (3) | Introduction to Museology |
GLIS 655 | (3) | Language and Information |
GLIS 661 | (3) | Knowledge Management |
GLIS 665 | (3) | Competitive Intelligence |
12-24 credits chosen from the following complementary courses:
GLIS 616 | (3) | Information Retrieval |
GLIS 633 | (3) | Multimedia Systems |
GLIS 634 | (3) | Web System Design and Management |
GLIS 638 | (3) | Business Information |
GLIS 643 | (3) | Electronic Records Systems |
GLIS 646 | (12) | Research Project |
GLIS 647 | (6) | Independent Study |
GLIS 657 | (3) | Database Design & Development |
GLIS 665 | (3) | Competitive Intelligence |
GLIS 689 | (3) | Selected Topics |
GLIS 699 | (3) | Practicum |
0-12 credits chosen from the following complementary courses:
GLIS 607 | (3) | Organization of Information |
GLIS 619 | (3) | Information Services & Users |
GLIS 624 | (3) | Marketing Information Services |
GLIS 631 | (3) | Systems Thinking |
GLIS 639 | (3) | Introduction to Museology |
GLIS 645 | (3) | Archival Principles & Practice |
GLIS 655 | (3) | Language and Information |
GLIS 679 | (3) | Information Literacy |
12-24 credits chosen from the following complementary courses:
GLIS 608 | (3) | Classification and Cataloguing |
GLIS 612 | (3) | History of Books and Printing |
GLIS 613 | (3) | Library and Archival History |
GLIS 614 | (3) | Public Libraries |
GLIS 632 | (3) | Library Systems |
GLIS 636 | (3) | Government Information |
GLIS 637 | (3) | Scientific & Technical Information |
GLIS 638 | (3) | Business Information |
GLIS 644 | (3) | Descriptive Bibliography |
GLIS 646 | (12) | Research Project |
GLIS 647 | (6) | Independent Study |
GLIS 651 | (3) | Humanities and Social Science Information |
GLIS 656 | (3) | Abstracting and Indexing |
GLIS 671 | (3) | Health Sciences Information |
GLIS 672 | (3) | Law Information |
GLIS 673 | (3) | Bioinformatics Resources |
GLIS 679 | (3) | Information Literacy |
GLIS 689 | (3) | Selected Topics |
GLIS 699 | (3) | Practicum |
0-12 credits chosen from the following complementary courses:
GLIS 609 | (3) | Metadata & Access |
GLIS 616 | (3) | Information Retrieval |
GLIS 624 | (3) | Marketing Information Services |
GLIS 631 | (3) | Systems Thinking |
GLIS 633 | (3) | Multimedia Systems |
GLIS 634 | (3) | Web System Design and Management |
GLIS 639 | (3) | Introduction to Museology |
GLIS 643 | (3) | Electronic Records Systems |
GLIS 645 | (3) | Archival Principles & Practice |
GLIS 655 | (3) | Language and Information |
GLIS 657 | (3) | Database Design & Development |
GLIS 660 | (3) | Records Management |
GLIS 661 | (3) | Knowledge Management |
GLIS 665 | (3) | Competitive Intelligence |
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Information Studies
The Ph.D. program provides an opportunity to study interdisciplinary research topics within the field of library and information studies at the doctoral level. Students develop scholarly and innovative expertise in one of the four research areas within information studies: a) information-seeking behaviour; b) human-computer interaction; c) information resources in context; d) knowledge management and representation, as well as an awareness of the inter-relatedness of these areas. Students begin with a set of common core courses and proceed to specialization through advanced coursework and dissertation topics focused on areas of expertise that are supported by the research interests of current faculty members.
Thesis
A thesis for the doctoral degree must constitute original scholarship and must be a distinct contribution to knowledge. It must show familiarity with previous work in the field and must demonstrate ability to plan and carry out research, organize results, and defend the approach and conclusions in a scholarly manner. The research presented must meet current standards of the discipline; as well, the thesis must clearly demonstrate how the research advances knowledge in the field. Finally, the thesis must be written in compliance with norms for academic and scholarly expression and for publication in the public domain.
Graduate Certificate in Library and Information Studies (15 credits)
Complementary Courses
9-15 credits, three to five GLIS courses chosen in consultation with the student's adviser with the exception of the following courses:
GLIS 646 | (12) | Research Project |
GLIS 647 | (6) | Independent Study |
GLIS 689 | (3) | Selected Topics |
GLIS 695 | (6) | Research Paper 1 |
GLIS 696D1 | (6) | Research Paper 2 |
GLIS 696D2 | (6) | Research Paper 2 |
Note: students who wish to register for:
GLIS 694 | (3) | Certificate Project |
must first have their research proposal approved by the Committee on Student Standing and Academic Affairs.
Graduate Diploma in Library and Information Studies (30 credits)
Research Paper
(6-18 credits)
GLIS 695 | (6) | Research Paper 1 |
GLIS 696D1 | (6) | Research Paper 2 |
GLIS 696D2 | (6) | Research Paper 2 |