Library and Information Science: Libraries and Librarianship
In the Master of Library and Information Science: Libraries and Librarianship Concentration at Simmons University, you'll focus on the principles of managing a library collection and guiding patrons in their quest for information.
In the Master of Library and Information Science: Libraries and Librarianship Concentration at Simmons University, you’ll focus on the principles of managing a library collection and guiding patrons in their quest for information.
Libraries are a cornerstone of contemporary society. Simmons SLIS offers education in archives, cultural heritage informatics, information science, and technology, but has never lost sight of libraries and librarianship as the center of our renowned program in library and information science. Students who are interested in careers in libraries have directed course work, programming, and a community of peers to support their academic, extracurricular, and professional endeavors. At Simmons SLIS, we “celebrate the L” in Library and Information Science.
Why pursue a degree in this academic area?
Are you interested in a profession in libraries, and would like a program focused on the unique challenges of this role in the community? This program will address all of the dynamic elements of
- selecting, organizing, managing, and providing access to collections of information materials;
- working with patrons to help guide them in their pursuit of information and knowledge and services;
- interacting with people and technologies and resources; and
- supporting the libraries through the thoughtful application of planning, evaluation, and management theories and practices.
What will this degree teach students?
Students will receive a comprehensive education in information sources and services, information organization, and principles of management. They will learn the technology skills necessary for a library setting, as well as user instruction and collection development. They will also have the option to learn more deeply about public, special, or academic libraries.
What can you do with this degree? What types of jobs or advanced higher ed opportunities do students pursue when they graduate?
Graduates of the Libraries and Librarianship Concentration will be prepared to begin their professional careers in public, special, or academic libraries. The following is a sampling of jobs appropriate for a concentrator in Libraries and Librarianship:
- Cataloging and Acquisition Librarian
- Children's Librarian
- Collection Development / Subject Librarian
- Digital Initiatives Librarian
- Electronic Resources Librarian
- Emerging Technologies Librarian
- Information Literacy Librarian
- Legal Information Librarian
- Liaison Librarian
- Library Director
- Medical Librarian
- Metadata Librarian
- Outreach and Marketing Librarian
- Preservation Librarian
- Public Services / Reference Librarian
- Scholarly Communication Librarian
- Technical Services Librarian
Our Faculty
Rebecca Stallworth
Assistant Professor
Lisa Hussey
Professor and Director of Self-directed Concentration
Daniel Joudrey
Professor and Director of Libraries and Librarianship Concentration
Amy Pattee
Professor
Eric Poulin
Assistant Professor of Practice and Coordinator, SLIS West
Laura Saunders
Professor and Associate Dean of SLIS
Spotlight on Libraries and Librarianship Students and Alums
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...
Maya Bergamasco ’19MS Supports Research at Harvard Law School Library
Maya Bergamasco ’19MS shares how her experiences at Simmons led to her current role, Faculty Research & Scholarly Support Librarian at Harvard Law School Library.
Kirath Miller ’21MS On Her Move From Law to Libraries
What made you choose to pursue LIS after corporate law? I always wanted to be a librarian. When I graduated from college, the career development office was pushing new graduates toward corporate jobs. I worked as a legal assistant, and...