School of Library and Information Science

The School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) is a national leader with top-rated faculty, prestigious alumnae/i, and great locations in Boston and SLIS West (South Hadley, and Amherst, Massachusetts). 

A powerful opportunity to educate, inform, and serve the communities in which we live.

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Our students can complete the Master's of Library and Information Science degree entirely online. Our Archives Management, Cultural Heritage Informatics, Information Science and Technology, and Libraries and Librarianship concentrations are offered entirely online, or in blended online and face-to-face format. The School Library Teacher concentration is offered at our Boston or SLIS West location face-to-face.

Ranked among the best

5 U.S. News & World Report Badges for Best Grad Schools in Library & Information Studies: general, archives, services for children and youth, school library media, and digital librarianship

Simmons University is one of U.S. News and World Report’s top ranking schools of library and information science in the nation.

In the School of Library and Information Science, you'll have direct and frequent access to faculty who pride themselves on being personal mentors. You'll work closely with classmates in an engaging, supportive classroom environment, be it face-to-face or through our innovative online programs.

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About

Our school is big in many ways — a national leader with top-rated faculty, prestigious alumni, and great locations in Boston, South Hadley, and Amherst, Massachusetts, as well as programs offered online.

Learn More about SLIS

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Careers

For more than 100 years, our graduates have been pioneers in their profession, recognized for their amazing achievements and remarkable careers, throughout New England, across the country, and around the world.

Careers

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Alumnae/i

Our alums are innovators, challengers of the status quo, and champions of the right to information. Our alumnae/i are our most powerful ambassadors in the world of Library and Information Science.

Alumnae/i

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Follow the School of Library and Information Science on social media and get the latest news.

Library and Information Science in the News

Sanda Erdelez Visits University of Osijek in Croatia as Fulbright Specialist

School of Library and Information Science Director Visits University of Osijek in Croatia as Fulbright Specialist

In October of 2023, School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) Dean Sanda Erdelez traveled to her native Croatia as part of the Fulbright Specialist Program, which offers opportunities for U.S. professionals and academics to share expertise and collaborate with institutions around the world.


Three shelves full of books in the Simmons University library

Protecting the Freedom to Read: Sadina Shawver ’17MS on Book Sanctuaries, Handling Criticism, and Rising to the Challenge

Sadina Shawver ’17MS is Assistant Branch Manager in Youth Services at the Harris County Public Library in Texas, which was designated a book sanctuary in September of 2023. Shawver shares how she handles challenges to library materials, and protects the freedom to read.


Simmons University Beatley Library (home of best library science programs)

Protecting the Freedom to Read: How to Support Libraries in a Time of Increased Challenges

Professor Laura Saunders shares how she supported an anti-book banning resolution in her town of Somerville, Massachusetts.


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Learning Real-Life Skills in Virtual Reality

"Virtual Reality is the Zoom of the future," says Assistant Professor Catherine Dumas. Simmons SLIS is on the cutting edge of using broadly accessible Virtual Reality (VR) technology as a general pedagogic tool. Dumas, along with Assistant Professor Rachel Williams...


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Freedom is Not Neutral: Libraries Leading the Way in the Fight for Intellectual Freedom with Dr. Laura Saunders

Laura Saunders , Interim Director of Simmons School of Library and Information Science shared details on her recent discussion about the library field's role in intellectual freedom, as well as the current ethical and legal implications of that support...


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Assistant Professor Rebecca Davis Receives North Star Collective Faculty Fellowship

"The North Star Collective Faculty Fellowship provides an opportunity for BIPOC faculty to come together and create a community in which we can support one another," says SLIS Assistant Professor and Faculty Fellow Rebecca Davis . "Faculty Fellows learn about...


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In Memory of Josephine Fang, SLIS Professor Emerita

Simmons University is saddened to announce the passing of Emerita Professor Josephine Fang. Fang was a professor in the School of Library and Information Science for 20 years, until her retirement in 1995. Fang was the first woman to be...


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A Focus on Libraries and Librarianship: Simmons SLIS Celebrates the L in LIS

The Master's in Library and Information Science curriculum allows students to focus on different aspects of LIS work. We spoke to students Alessandra Hollowell and Aijaeh Hennessey on their choice to focus on traditional library work with the Libraries and...


Additional Information


Student Placement

SLIS distributes the Library Journal's "Placements and Salaries" Survey to graduates of the LIS master's of science program on a rolling basis as each class — January, May, and August — completes the program.

Retention

On average, 89% of students entering the MS (LIS) degree program between AY 2014 and AY 2021 continued their programs of study after their first year at SLIS.

Assessment & Accreditation

The Simmons School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) is proud to have a degree in Library and Information Science accredited by the American Library Association (ALA).

Upcoming School of Library and Information Science Events

SLIS West Campus: Library and Information Science Info Session

  • Mar 23, 2024
  • 10:30 am to 12:00 pm
  • SLIS West Campus - Mt. Holyoke

50 Days to Commencement

  • Mar 28, 2024
  • 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
  • Linda K. Paresky Conference Center

SLIS West Campus: Library and Information Science Info Session

  • Apr 20, 2024
  • 10:30 am to 12:00 pm
  • SLIS West Campus - Mt. Holyoke

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