Goals
The School of Library and Information Studies mission is articulated through the following series of educational, research and service goals and objectives.
Education Goals- To prepare individuals for positions of responsibility in the profession of library and information services through the accredited graduate professional degree, the Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS) program.
- To provide teaching and supervision to students in undergraduate, postgraduate diploma, other master's, and doctoral programs in both library and information studies and other disciplines.
- To offer opportunities, in conjunction with other departments, for individual interdisciplinary PhD programs to students with exceptional professional background and strong potential for research and scholarship.
- To carry out scholarly study and research that advances the knowledge base of library and information studies.
- To disseminate research and scholarship to both academic and professional communities of library and information studies.
- To participate in the collegial administration of the University of Alberta.
- To support the profession of library and information services through consultation, leadership, and continuing education.
- To contribute to the community at large through the dissemination of research and scholarship.
- To provide the knowledge, understanding, and skills sufficient for the practice of library and information service at a basic professional level, including the foundation on which further competence and specialization may be built.
- To examine the cultural and informational role in society of library and information services.
- To emphasize, where appropriate, the Canadian geographic, cultural, social, and governmental context in which libraries and information agencies operate.
- To stress the professional obligation to keep informed of social and technological developments, with particular emphasis on Canadian issues.
Upon completion of the program:
- Students will be familiar with the history, the philosophy, and the service orientation of libraries and librarianship.
- Students will have an understanding of concepts of knowledge and concepts of information and of the methods of preservation and transmission of cultural records.
- Students will be aware of the responsibility of librarians and information specialists with respect to the free flow of ideas and access to information.
- Students will have an understanding of the functions of librarians and information specialists within the larger societal framework, and of the factors influencing the creation, dissemination, and use of knowledge and information.
- Students will be knowledgeable about basic principles of selection, acquisition, organization, storage, retrieval and use of recorded knowledge and information resources of all kinds.
- Students will be knowledgeable about the theories and concepts of administration and organizational behaviour and their application to the management of libraries and information agencies.
- Students will possess the skills necessary to evaluate library and information systems and services.
- Students will have an understanding of the principles of systems analysis and systems design for libraries and information agencies.
- Students will understand current information technology as an integral part of the operations and services of libraries and information agencies.
- Students will be able to evaluate published research in library and information studies and to apply basic principles and techniques of research in library and information studies.
- Students will be aware of the links between library and information studies and other disciplines, including shared methodologies and common concerns.
- Students will understand the importance of cooperation among libraries and information agencies and of the development and maintenance of collegial relationships with their fellow professionals.
- Students will be aware of the needs for continuing professional education and be ready to play an active role in associations and engage in other professional activities.
- Students will be aware of the culturally diverse composition of society, and of the responsibility to serve all client groups with respect and understanding.
Source: School of Library and Information Studies website.