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_V 506, 507, 509 (collectively, the "Core"). Students are also required to take LIBR_V 598 in the final or penultimate term of their program.
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_V 504, LIBR_V 570, LIBR_V 571, LIBR_V 574, LIBR_V 575, LIBR_V 576. 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.
To complete the requirements of the degree, students can take up to 12 credits other than those designated “LIBR” at UBC.
Academic Regulations
The general academic regulations of the University and of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies apply.
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_V 595: Practicum, the 3-credit LIBR_V 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.