Library Science, M.S.
The Master of Science, Library Science (MSLS) is a terminal practicing degree that aligns with current and future needs within WV's library system while also meeting national standards and professional trends in the field. This 30-hour online program can be completed by full-time students within 12 months. Aligning with national association competencies, (no prerequisites and a fixed curriculum format) students will be able to conveniently start the degree in the fall, spring, or summer-- critical for public library employees conducting summer reading programs or students who complete baccalaureate programs in December or May. An internship is optional for individuals seeking hands-on experience in a library setting, and a written comprehensive exam based on the core will be administered during a student’s last semester.
Special topics and independent study course numbers can be used immediately by the new MSLS faculty to anticipate trends in the profession to cover specialized areas necessary for job attainment. Aside from the public or technical librarian focus, the following career options have been identified by the literature and Hanover as areas for professional growth. Preparation and training are covered for these niche areas in the proposed courses but may necessitate one or more courses from other MU degree areas:
- Sustainability Librarian
- User Experience Librarian
- Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Librarian or Director
- Open Educational Resources (OER) Librarian
- Data Visualization Librarian
Admission Requirements
Admissions standards reflect those used in other MU graduate programs and those presented at R1 and R2 institutions in other states offering this degree. Additionally, they are established at this level aligning with program outcomes to ensure that the university produces ethical and capable practitioners of librarianship who can obtain employment in a special, public, or academic library in the region.
Applicants should follow the admissions process described in this catalog or at the Graduate Admissions website at www.marshall.edu/graduate/admissions/how-to-apply-for-admission. All admission materials must be sent to the Graduate Admissions Office.
In addition, to be admitted to the MSLS program, an applicant must have:
- A bachelor’s degree and have a minimum undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0.
- Three professional letters of recommendation from former instructors or library employers describing the applicant's academic ability or current knowledge of the field.
- A writing sample in the form of a written personal statement not to exceed 1000 words. Personal statements generated by artificial intelligence will not be accepted.
- Prompt: Introduce yourself and articulate your motivation for pursuing a master’s degree in library and information science. Highlight any relevant experiences or skills that have equipped you for this program, and outline your career goals, explaining how this degree will facilitate their achievement. Convey your passion for librarianship and dedication to making meaningful contributions to the field.
Provisional Admission:
- Students with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 to 2.99 may still apply and will be admitted on a provisional basis.
- Provisional students who are admitted must maintain a 3.0 or better in their graduate courses for the duration of the MSLS program.
- Admission standards for the School Library track outlined by the College of Education and Professional Development must be met by candidates.
Conditional Admission:
- The MSLS program may admit applicants conditionally for one term, on a limited basis, at the discretion of the program.
Graduation Requirements
Students must complete the required 30 hours listed in the plan of study and pass the competency exam administered in their last semester.
Degree students are expected to maintain a 3.0 Grade Point Average in their courses.
No more than nine hours excluding the optional internship can be substituted for LSC courses (with prior approval) from other graduate degree programs.
Students may obtain graduate certificates in addition to the required LSC courses.
Course Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses (12 hours) | ||
| LSC 500 | Library Foundations | 3 |
| LSC 505 | Library Organization | 3 |
| LSC 510 | Library Research Skills | 3 |
| LSC 515 | Library Management | 3 |
| Focused Courses (18 hours) | ||
| LSC 600 | Library Access Services | 3 |
| LSC 605 | Collection Development | 3 |
| LSC 610 | Library Resource Management | 3 |
| LSC 615 | Print/Digital Preservation | 3 |
| LSC 620 | Library Marketing Skills | 3 |
| LSC 520 | Ethical Librarianship | 3 |
| Optional Internship Course | ||
| LSC 625 | Library Internship | 3 |
| Optional Special Topics Courses | ||
| LSC 580 | Special Topics | 3 |
| LSC 581 | Special Topics | 3 |
| LSC 582 | Special Topics | 3 |
| LSC 583 | Special Topics | 3 |
| LSC 650 | Special Topics | 3 |
| LSC 651 | Special Topics | 3 |
| LSC 652 | Special Topics | 3 |
| LSC 653 | Special Topics | 3 |
| Optional Independent Study Courses | ||
| LSC 585 | Independent Study | 3 |
| LSC 586 | Independent Study | 3 |
| LSC 587 | Independent Study | 3 |
| LSC 588 | Independent Study | 3 |
| LSC 685 | Independent Study | 3 |
| LSC 686 | Independent Study | 3 |
| LSC 687 | Independent Study | 3 |
| LSC 688 | Independent Study | 3 |
CURRICULUM NOTE:
- Relevant substitutions (up to nine hours) among the focused courses will be allowed with permission from both the MSLS program and the academic unit providing substitutions.
Plan of Study
The core and focused LSC courses below will always be offered in the terms listed. A student may enter the program in the fall, spring, or summer.
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| LSC 500 | Library Foundations | 3 |
| LSC 505 | Library Organization | 3 |
| LSC 600 | Library Access Services | 3 |
| LSC 605 | Collection Development | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 12 | |
| Spring | ||
| LSC 510 | Library Research Skills | 3 |
| LSC 610 | Library Resource Management | 3 |
| LSC 615 | Print/Digital Preservation | 3 |
| LSC 620 | Library Marketing Skills | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 12 | |
| Summer | ||
| LSC 515 | Library Management | 3 |
| LSC 520 | Ethical Librarianship | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 30 | |
Optional Courses
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| The following optional courses can be taken in any term: | ||
| LSC 625 | Library Internship (optional in place of a focused course only) | 3-9 |
| LSC 580 | Special Topics | 3 |
| LSC 581 | Special Topics | 3 |
| LSC 582 | Special Topics | 3 |
| LSC 583 | Special Topics | 3 |
| LSC 650 | Special Topics | 3 |
| LSC 651 | Special Topics | 3 |
| LSC 652 | Special Topics | 3 |
| LSC 653 | Special Topics | 3 |
| LSC 585 | Independent Study | 3 |
| LSC 586 | Independent Study | 3 |
| LSC 587 | Independent Study | 3 |
| LSC 588 | Independent Study | 3 |
| LSC 685 | Independent Study | 3 |
| LSC 686 | Independent Study | 3 |
| LSC 687 | Independent Study | 3 |
| LSC 688 | Independent Study | 3 |