Degree Requirements

The M.L.I.S. is awarded on completion of 48 credits of work approved by the School.

Program Requirements

Core Requirement: The required courses are LIBR 506, 507, 508, 509 (collectively, the "Core"). Students taking the program on a part-time basis are required to take LIBR 508 and 509 in their first term. The remaining two Core courses (LIBR 506 and 507) require LIBR 508 and 509 as pre- or co-requisites. All four of the Core courses are prerequisites to all non-Core courses, as the Core introduces knowledge that should be common to all librarians and information professional in related fields.

Management Requirement: All students are required to take a minimum of 6 credits of courses in the organizational management area, drawn from the following courses: LIBR 504, LIBR 570, LIBR 571, LIBR 572, LIBR 573, LIBR 574, LIBR 575, LIBR 576, LIBR 577, and LIBR 578. Graduate or upper-undergraduate level management courses taken outside the program may be used to satisfy up to 3 credits of this requirement, with permission of the Graduate Advisor.

With the approval of the Graduate Advisor, a student may apply to the program up to 12 credits for courses other than those designated 'LIBR' at this university, whether taken at UBC or another institution.

Academic Regulations

The general academic regulations of the University and of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies apply. The following regulations are specific to the School:

1. A student may continue in the M.L.I.S. program if an overall average of 70% is obtained in the Core courses (LIBR 506, 507, 508, 509), and if no individual course is failed (grade below 60%), and if no more than two of these courses have marks below 70%. A student who fails any of these requirements must withdraw from the program.
2. A student must maintain an overall average of 70% throughout the M.L.I.S. program. A student who fails to meet this requirement will be required to withdraw from the program.
3. A student must obtain at least 60% in any course to pass that course. However, only 6 credits graded under 70% can be credited toward the degree.
4. If a student fails a non-Core course in the M.L.I.S. program, the student may repeat that course if the School so recommends and the Dean approves. A course in which a grade of less than 70% was obtained may be repeated for a higher standing if recommended by the School.
5. Field trips are integral parts of the program; satisfactory participation in them is required of all students.
6. A one-time fee will be charged at the start of the program for materials and services provided by the School. The fee is subject to change.
7. Written work may be refused a passing mark if it is, in the opinion of the faculty, deficient in English.

Experiential Learning

Field experience in an information-based centre is highly desirable for students, even those with experience in the work of the practising information professional. This may be in the form of the non-credit LIBR 595: Practicum, the 3-credit LIBR 596: Professional Experience or a UBC iSchool co-op paid work placement.

Co-operative Work Program

M.L.I.S., M.A.S., and Dual M.A.S./M.L.I.S. students who have completed 21 credits of coursework by their first co-op work term are eligible to apply to the School's co-op work program. Applications are submitted in October for the work period that begins in May of the following year. Depending on their individual needs, students may elect to take a term of work lasting either four months (January to April, May to August, or September to December), or eight months (January to August, May to December, or September to April), or do two consecutive four-month terms. Students are paid for their work according to industry standards, which will vary depending on the type of library or information agency. Students do not receive academic credit for their work term, but participation in the co-op is noted on transcripts.

Thesis

A student with research interests may elect to write a thesis. Consultation on this with the students advisor should begin by the end of the term in which 24 credits have been completed.

First Nations Concentration

The First Nations Curriculum Concentration in the M.L.I.S., M.A.S., or dual M.A.S./M.L.I.S. programs offers students the opportunity to complete courses selected for their relevance to the First Nations librarian or archivist. In addition to the required courses of the chosen program (M.L.I.S., M.A.S., or Dual M.A.S./M.L.I.S.), a student enrolled in the concentration must also take courses in fundamentals of the School's other program, and elective courses offered by the School and other departments. All elective courses must be chosen for their particular application to First Nations studies. Satisfactory completion of the concentration will be noted on the student's transcript.

Advanced Standing

A student who enters the program having previously begun work toward, or obtained, a recognized professional qualification in library and information studies as specified under Admission may be exempted from some or all of the required courses. Students who wish to request these exemptions must do so prior to registering in the M.L.I.S. program. Such requests should be addressed to the School's Graduate Advisor, and should enumerate the courses for which exemption is sought as well as a detailed rationale, including previous courses taken and work history, for the exemption. The request will be adjudicated by the School's Graduate Advisor and, if approved, a recommendation for exemptions will go forward to the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. There will be no reduction in the total credit requirement to complete the degree.

Methods of Instruction

The School employs a wide variety of instructional methods, including lectures, web-delivered courses, laboratories, discussions, seminars, directed studies, colloquia, field trips, and field work. Each student has an individual faculty advisor available for consultation and specific assistance.

Attendance

Regular attendance is expected. A student who cannot attend a class, field trip, etc., must notify the instructor concerned by telephone or email, preferably in advance if the absence is foreseen.

Part-Time Work

The School's programs are time-consuming, particularly during the first term of familiarization with new vocabulary, concepts, and professional issues. Most students find it unwise to consider more than four to six hours per week of outside work during the first term. Enquiries for part-time work at the University should be directed to Career Services in Brock Hall.

Admission to Courses

A student not registered in one of the School's programs who wishes to enrol in or audit any of its courses should apply to the School of Information Graduate Advisor.