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Information Studies

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Information Studies

Location

Location

  • School of Information Studies
  • 3661 Peel Street
  • Montreal, QC H3A 1X1
  • Canada
  • Telephone: 514-398-4204
  • Fax: 514-398-7193
  • Email: sis [at] mcgill.ca
  • Website: www.mcgill.ca/sis

About Information Studies

About Information Studies

The School of Information Studies (SIS) at McGill University is a dynamic teaching and research unit engaged in the education of information professionals, individuals who can make a difference to the management and design of information resources, services, and systems to ensure adequate access to information and knowledge for all. As the pioneer school in Canada, SIS has been offering programs at McGill since 1897, and our Master of Library and Information Studies degree has been continuously accredited by the American Library Association since 1929. The School offers the Master of Library and Information Studies (M.L.I.S.), post-M.L.I.S. certificate and diploma programs, and a Ph.D. program in Information Studies. Our programs are articulated around three specializations: Archival Studies, Knowledge Management, and Librarianship.

Information Studies is the name assigned to a wide-ranging discipline, and SIS professors are engaged in four major research areas—information-seeking behaviour, human-computer interaction, information resources in context, and knowledge management and representation. Located within the Faculty of Education, SIS offers our students the advantages of a small, autonomous unit, yet with all the facilities and administrative support of a large and vibrant university faculty, located in the heart of bilingual and multicultural Montreal.

For complete information on the School of Information Studies, please see our website at www.mcgill.ca/sis.

For complete information about the M.L.I.S., including goals and objectives of the program, registration, categories of students, transfer credits, and courses taken at other Quebec universities, please see the M.L.I.S. section of the website at www.mcgill.ca/sis/programs/mlis.

Master of Library and Information Studies (M.L.I.S.); Information Studies (Non-Thesis) (48 credits)
The Master of Library and Information Studies consists of a 48-credit non-thesis program, accredited by the American Library Association. This program is designed to prepare graduates for the broad field of information studies and has three areas of specialization: Archival Studies, Knowledge Management, and Librarianship. The program provides the intellectual foundation for careers in these three areas, fosters competencies in managing information and knowledge resources, advocates the ideal of equal access to information, promotes the appropriate use of technology in meeting information needs, encourages research in the field of library and information studies, and cultivates commitment to professional service for individuals, organizations, and society.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Information Studies
The Ph.D. in Information Studies provides an opportunity for exceptional candidates to study interdisciplinary research topics at the doctoral level. The program offers a thorough grounding in both current theory and methods of research to ensure that students develop knowledge and critical awareness of relevant theories, principles, and methods in Information Studies and acquire the expertise to conduct and promote scholarly research in the context of Information Studies. The program begins with a set of common courses and proceeds to specialization through dissertation topics focused on areas of expertise that are supported by the research interests of current faculty members. Students develop scholarly and innovative expertise in one of four research areas within information studies: information-seeking behaviour, human-computer interaction, information resources in context, and knowledge management and representation. The program prepares graduates for a wide range of settings in research, teaching, and senior administrative positions, in Quebec, Canada, and internationally, contributes to the development of knowledge and to teaching/learning in Information Studies, and builds national and international visibility of Information Studies from a research perspective.
Graduate Certificate in Library and Information Studies (15 credits)
The Graduate Certificate 15-credit program is designed to assist library and information professionals currently holding an ALA-accredited (or equivalent) master's degree to update their qualifications for advanced responsibility. The program may be completed in one or two academic terms, or on a part-time basis to a maximum of five years.
Graduate Diploma in Library and Information Studies (30 credits)
The Graduate Diploma 30-credit program provides professional librarians and information specialists currently holding an ALA-accredited (or equivalent) master's degree with formal opportunities to update, specialize, and redirect their careers for advanced responsibility. For those considering admission into the doctoral program, it will provide an opportunity to further develop their research interests. The program may be completed in one calendar year, or on a part-time basis to a maximum of five years.
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2012-2013 (last updated Jul. 11, 2012) (disclaimer)

Information Studies Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

Information Studies Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

Revision, October 2012. Start of revision.

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

Master of Library and Information Studies (M.L.I.S.)

  1. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from a recognized university. Academic Standing of at least B, or second class – upper division, or a CGPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 is required. Courses in library and/or information studies taken before or as part of an undergraduate degree, or such courses taken in a school with a program not accredited by the American Library Association, cannot be accepted as credit toward the McGill M.L.I.S.
  2. Applicants to graduate studies whose mother tongue is not English, and who have not completed an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized foreign institution where English is the language of instruction or from a recognized Canadian institution (anglophone or francophone), must submit documented proof of competency in oral and written English prior to admission. Such proof normally comprises the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 600 (paper-based test), 100 (iBT Internet-based TOEFL) with a written score of at least 25 and a reading, speaking, and listening score not less than 20, or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum overall band score of 7.5. Applicants whose mother tongue is not English may be asked to demonstrate English-language competency beyond the submission of the TOEFL or IELTS scores.
  3. Competency in the use of computers is expected. Applicants should have a thorough knowledge of the Windows operating system, particularly file management and word processing, and presentation software such as PowerPoint.
  4. Previous library work experience, while not essential, will be given consideration in assessing an application, but this experience cannot replace academic criteria.

Ph.D. in Information Studies

  1. Applicants should normally have a master's degree in Library and Information Studies (or equivalent). Master's degrees in other fields will be considered in relation to the proposed research.

    An applicant with a master's degree in Library and Information Studies (or equivalent) will normally be admitted to Ph.D. 2.

    An applicant with a master's degree in another field may be considered for admission to Ph.D. 2, but will need to register for courses to upgrade background knowledge in library and information studies.

    An applicant who holds only a bachelor’s degree from McGill University or an approved institution in Information Studies (or equivalent) in exceptional circumstances may be admitted to Ph.D. 1.

    A CGPA of at least 3.0 out of 4.0 at both the undergraduate and graduate levels is required.

  2. Applicants to graduate studies whose mother tongue is not English, and who have not completed an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized foreign institution where English is the language of instruction or from a recognized Canadian institution (anglophone or francophone), must submit documented proof of competency in oral and written English prior to admission. Such proof normally comprises the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 600 (paper-based test), 100 (iBT Internet-based TOEFL) with a written score of at least 25 and a reading, speaking, and listening score not less than 20, or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum overall band score of 7.5. Applicants whose mother tongue is not English may be asked to demonstrate English-language competency beyond the submission of the TOEFL or IELTS scores.

Graduate Certificate in Library and Information Studies

  1. Applicants should have a master's degree in Library and Information Studies from a program accredited by the American Library Association (or equivalent). Candidates will normally have at least three years' professional experience following completion of the M.L.I.S.
  2. Applicants to graduate studies whose mother tongue is not English, and who have not completed an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized foreign institution where English is the language of instruction or from a recognized Canadian institution (anglophone or francophone), must submit documented proof of competency in oral and written English prior to admission. Such proof normally comprises the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 600 (paper-based test), 100 (iBT Internet-based TOEFL) with a written score of at least 25 and a reading, speaking, and listening score not less than 20, or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum overall band score of 7.5. Applicants whose mother tongue is not English may be asked to demonstrate English-language competency beyond the submission of the TOEFL or IELTS scores.

Graduate Diploma in Library and Information Studies

  1. Applicants should have a master's degree in Library and Information Studies from a program accredited by the American Library Association (or equivalent). Admission of students with overseas degrees will be guided by the M.L.I.S. equivalency standards of the A.L.A. Applicants will normally have at least three years' professional experience following completion of the M.L.I.S.
  2. Applicants to graduate studies whose mother tongue is not English, and who have not completed an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized foreign institution where English is the language of instruction or from a recognized Canadian institution (anglophone or francophone), must submit documented proof of competency in oral and written English prior to admission. Such proof normally comprises the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 600 (paper-based test), 100 (iBT Internet-based TOEFL) with a written score of at least 25 and a reading, speaking, and listening score not less than 20, or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum overall band score of 7.5. Applicants whose mother tongue is not English may be asked to demonstrate English-language competency beyond the submission of the TOEFL or IELTS scores.

Application Procedures

Application Procedures

McGill’s online application form for graduate program candidates is available at www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/apply.

See Application Procedures (for All Admissions Starting Summer 2013) for detailed application procedures.

Additional Requirements

Additional Requirements

The items and clarifications below are additional requirements set by this department:
  • Employer Reference Letters – if degree was awarded more than five years ago, two employer letters of recommendation instead of academic letters
  • Personal Statement – All programs except Ph.D.
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Research Proposal – Ph.D. only

    Applicants are encouraged to review the Staff Directory and Research sections of the School's website to assist in identifying possible dissertation supervisors and to become familiar with the School's research areas before applying to the program. Questions can be addressed to the Ph.D. Program Director, Professor Kimiz Dalkir.

Dates for Guaranteed Consideration

Dates for Guaranteed Consideration

M.L.I.S., Graduate Certificate, and Graduate Diploma
Canadian International Special/Exchange/Visiting
Fall: Feb. 15 Fall: Feb. 15 Fall: Contact Student Affairs Coordinator
Winter: N/A Winter: N/A Winter: Contact Student Affairs Coordinator
Summer: N/A Summer: N/A Summer: Contact Student Affairs Coordinator
Ph.D.
Canadian International Special/Exchange/Visiting
Fall: Jan. 15 Fall: Jan. 15 Fall: Contact Student Affairs Coordinator
Winter: N/A Winter: N/A Winter: Contact Student Affairs Coordinator
Summer: N/A Summer: N/A Summer: Contact Student Affairs Coordinator

Revision, October 2012. End of revision.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2012-2013 (last updated Nov. 22, 2012) (disclaimer)

Information Studies Faculty

Information Studies Faculty

Director
France Bouthillier
Professors
J. Andrew Large; B.Sc.(Lond.), Ph.D.(Glas.), Dip.Lib.(Lond.) (CN-Pratt-Grinstad Professor of Information Studies)
Peter F. McNally; B.A.(W. Ont.), B.L.S., M.L.S., M.A.(McG.)
Associate Professors
Joan Bartlett; B.Sc., M.L.S., Ph.D.(Tor.)
Jamshid Beheshti; B.A.(S. Fraser), M.L.S., Ph.D.(W. Ont.)
France Bouthillier; B.Ed.(UQAM), M.B.S.I.(Montr.), Ph.D.(Tor.)
Kimiz Dalkir; B.Sc., M.B.A.(McG.), Ph.D.(C'dia)
Catherine Guastavino; B.Sc.(McG.), M.Sc.(Aix-Marseille), Ph.D.(Paris)
Eun Park; B.A.(Pusan), M.L.I.S.(Ill.), M.B.A.(Pitt.), Ph.D.(Calif.-LA)
Assistant Professors
Carolyn Hank; B.A.(Antioch), M.L.I.S.(Kent), Ph.D.(N. Carolina)
Charles-Antoine Julien; B.Eng., M.Sc.(Montr.), Ph.D.(McG.)
Elaine Ménard; B.A., M.A., M.S.I., Ph.D.(Montr.)
Karyn Moffatt; B.A.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.(Br. Col.)
Adjunct Professor
Joy Bennett; B.A., M.A.(C'dia), M.L.I.S.(McG.), Ph.D.(C'dia)
Associate Members
Gordon Burr; B.A., M.L.I.S.(McG.), Senior Archivist, Records Management, McGill University Archives
Pierre Pluye; M.D.(Toulouse), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Montr.), Dept. of Family Medicine, McGill University
Richard Virr; B.A.(Tulane), M.A.(Qu.), Ph.D.(McG.), Curator of Manuscripts, Rare Books and Special Collections Division, McGill Libraries
Affiliate Members
Charles Cole; B.A., M.L.I.S.(McG.), Ph.D.(Sheff.)
Frances Groen; B.A., B.L.S.(Tor.), M.A.(Pitt.), Trenholme Director Emerita of Libraries, McGill University
Part-time Instructors
Edward Bilodeau; B.Sc, M.L.I.S.(McG.)
Heather Brydon; B.Ed.(Saint-Boniface), M.L.I.S.(McG.)
Louise Carpentier; B.L.S.(Tor.), M.Bibl.(Montr.), M.P.P.PA.(C'dia), Senior Librarian, Head, Government Documents and Special Collections Services, Webster Library, Concordia University Libraries
Yusuke Fitzgibbons; M.L.I.S.(Dal.)
Rhiannon Gainor; B.A.(Brigham Young), M.L.I.S/M.A.(Alta.)
Aleece Germano; B.A.(N. Hamp.)
Shannon Hodge; B.A.(Bishop’s), M.L.I.S.(McG.)
Michele Jenkins; B.A.(Calif.-Santa Cruz); M.L.I.S.(McG.)
Rajiv Johal; B.Com., B.A., M.L.I.S.(McG.), Reference and Subject Librarian, Concordia University Libraries
Nouf Khashman; B.A.(Al-Balqa’ Univ.), M.L.I.S.(McG.)
Isabelle Lamoureux; B.A.(C’dia), M.L.I.S.(McG.)
Alexander Lent; B.A.(Mass.) M.S.(Simmons)
Amandine Pras; M.Sc.(Cons. Paris)
Trudi Wright; B.A.(Brock), M.A.(Guelph), M.L.I.S.(McG.)
Natasha Zwarich; B.A., M.A.(UQAM)
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2012-2013 (last updated Jul. 11, 2012) (disclaimer)

Master of Library and Information Studies (M.L.I.S.); Information Studies (Non-Thesis) (48 credits)

The M.L.I.S offers three streams of study: Archival Studies, Knowledge Management, and Librarianship. ...

For more information, see Master of Library and Information Studies (M.L.I.S.); Information Studies (Non-Thesis) (48 credits).

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Information Studies

The Ph.D. program provides an opportunity to study interdisciplinary research topics within the field of library and information studies at the doctoral level. Students develop scholarly and innovative expertise in one of the four research areas within information studies: a) information-seeking behaviour; b) human-computer interaction; c) information resources in...

For more information, see Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Information Studies.

Graduate Certificate in Library and Information Studies (15 credits)

Graduate Diploma in Library and Information Studies (30 credits)

Faculty of Education—2012-2013 (last updated Jul. 11, 2012) (disclaimer)
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