MLIS in Library and Information Science with Emphasis in Archival Studies
The MLIS emphasis area of Archival Studies will prepare students to work within the expanding arena of archives and records management within the information field. Students will graduate with the credentials of an American Library Association (ALA) accredited library program, which is required to work in most archives and libraries, and the skills and knowledge that they need to work as archivists and records managers.
An archivist selects, preserves, and makes available primary sources that document the activities of institutions, communities, and individuals. Archivists increasingly provide long-term stewardship for archival materials in both analog and digital formats- from traditional paper records, photographs, audio recordings, and moving images, to email messages, word processing documents and websites. The core values of archivists include access and use, accountability, advocacy, diversity, history and memory, preservation, professionalism, responsible custody, selction or appraisal, service, and social responsibility. There are many job listings that articulate the qualifications that students will gain by completing the coursework in the Archival Studies emphasis area.
Degree Requirements
The MLIS degree consists of 39 credit hours, including 18 credits of required courses. Elective courses are selected in consultation with faculty advisors, and specifically, must include 15 credit hours of 9000-level courses, and 12 hours of courses taught by a full-time faculty member.
Archival Studies students will be advised to complete their practicum (two to three credits) in an archival setting. Each student completes a practicum unless they have an approved practicum waiver. Students will be advised to complete the one-credit MLIS portfolio course.
| Required Core Courses (18 credit hours) | ||
| IS_LT 7301 | Library and Information Technology | 3 |
| or IS_LT 7320 | Emerging Technologies in Libraries | |
| IS_LT 7305 | Foundations of Library and Information Science | 3 |
| IS_LT 7312 | Principles of Cataloging and Classification | 3 |
| or IS_LT 7302 | Organization of Information | |
| IS_LT 7313 | Collection and Access Management | 3 |
| IS_LT 7314 | Reference Sources and Services | 3 |
| IS_LT 7315 | Management of Information Agencies | 3 |
| Emphasis Area Courses (9 credit hours) | ||
| IS_LT 9490 | Archival Practice | 3 |
| IS_LT 9491 | Appraisal and Archival Systems | 3 |
| IS_LT 9492 | Data and Records Management | 3 |
| Elective Courses (12 credit hours) * | ||
| IS_LT 7381 | Practicum in Information Agencies | 2-3 |
| IS_LT 9410 | Seminar in Information Science and Learning Technology | 1-3 |
| IS_LT 9409 | Seminar in Digital Libraries | 3 |
| IS_LT 9428 | History of Books and Media | 3 |
| IS_LT 9429 | Metadata | 3 |
| IS_LT 9439 | Digital Humanities and Information | 3 |
| IS_LT 9445 | Special Libraries and Information Centers | 3 |
- *
Students will need to take at least 6 credit hours at the 9000-level and 3 credit hours by a full-time faculty member.
Graduate Examination Process
In your final semester, you will develop and present a portfolio of your work to demonstrate your mastery of the LIS Student Learning Outcomes. The portfolio contains descriptions of competencies and what they mean to you, explanations of artifacts, and reflections. You should start on your portfolio early in your coursework.
Portfolios can be submitted spring and fall semesters. You will be notified of the submission dates by the SISLT Student Services Office of the specific date at the beginning of your final semester.
Admissions
Email: sislt@missouri.edu
SISLT Student Services
304 Townsend Hall
Columbia, MO 65211
Phone: 573-882-4546 or toll free 877-747-5868
https://education.missouri.edu/information-science-learning-technologies/degrees-programs/library-information-science/
Applicants are required to meet two sets of minimum qualifications for admission: The minimum requirements of the Master of Library & Information Science program and the minimum requirements of the Graduate School. Because requirements vary, you must refer to a degree program's graduate admission page to learn about specific admission criteria, application deadlines, eligibility and application process. Your application materials will be reviewed by both the Graduate School and the degree program to which you’ve applied before official admission to the University of Missouri.