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The 21st Century
Library Science Degree

The Master of Management in Library and Information Science (MMLIS) online transcends the scope of a traditional library science program, delivering management strategies to help you define your role as a leader.

  • Empowering
    Study leadership tactics geared specifically toward today’s library landscape and library science-based professions.
  • Relevant
    Be a part of a field that is constantly evolving along with modern technology and offers a variety of career choices.
  • Unique
    Experience the advantages of the nation’s only library science degree program to be offered through a leading school of business.
  • Focused
    Choose the general studies track or select one of three distinct specializations to tailor your educational experience to your own aspirations.

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Rankings & Accreditations

American Library Association

Accreditation by the American Library Association (ALA) is anticipated and in process for USC’s online library and information science program. Read More

WASC

The University of Southern California (USC) is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Read More

AACSB

The Marshall School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Read More

U.S. News

U.S. News & World Report ranks USC #23 in its 2014 national university rankings. Read More

  • Overview
  • Specialization
  • Curriculum
  • Faculty
  • Goals and Outcomes

A Unique and Innovative Program

As the only library and information science degree in the nation to be offered through a top-ranked business school, the Master of Management in Library and Information Science online offers considerable advantages for the student. The MMLIS program goes above and beyond the typical library science program to explore business operations and advanced leadership strategies.

The curriculum covers essential facets of librarianship – such as collection development, database management and research methods – and presents you with opportunities to advance your management skills through course work in training techniques and instructional technologies.

Relevant and Focused

Few fields offer the diverse range of career options that can be found within the arena of library and information science. With three distinct specializations in addition to the broader general track and a number of focused electives, the Master of Management in Library and Information Science online allows you to follow an academic path that will address your own professional objectives.

Academic Librarianship

Today’s successful academic librarian acts as a start-to-finish guide to scholarly research, leading students and patrons to the most useful materials and ensuring they get the most out of them. The Academic Librarianship specialization is designed to give you a strong understanding of contemporary teaching methods and instructional technology so that you may go further in facilitating the learning process. The curriculum also delves into the challenges of serving diverse populations and leading collaborative efforts with faculty.

video-digital

Digital Librarianship

The Digital Librarianship specialization features a technology-driven curriculum designed to provide you with the competencies to organize, maintain and preserve modern databases and libraries. The course work offers a thorough examination of integrated technologies and digital preservation as well as an exploration of metadata. Because digital libraries exist in almost every arena imaginable, including academic institutions, businesses and government agencies, this track can be applicable to a variety of career paths.

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Urban Public Librarianship

The Urban Public Librarianship specialization is intended to prepare you for the unique challenges facing today’s public libraries. In addition to being an engaging information specialist, the modern public librarian often serves as a teacher, mentor, community leader and coach. The Urban Public Librarianship specialization offers perspective on the social elements of public librarianship while also delving into strategies for effective management of people and resources. Additionally, this track explores budgetary planning and staffing to prepare you for the responsibilities that come with leadership roles in the public setting.

The Definitive Curriculum in Library Leadership

To succeed in today’s world of library and information science, individuals should have a strong understanding of how the field has evolved and a leadership philosophy that reflects those changes.

A unique relationship with the Marshall School of Business helps the Master of Management in Library and Information Science online to transcend the average library science degree. This innovative degree program offers management-based course work designed to help forge the field’s next generation of librarian leaders. The MMLIS consists of five 15-week semesters and may be completed in 20 months.

Semester I

LIM 500: Fundamentals of Library and Information Science (3)
An overview of the history of libraries and librarianship that connects the history to the current and future engagement of the profession with information, the communities of users, other library and information professionals, and society through an examination of library scholarly and professional research. It explores the current roles, competencies, values and ethical considerations that continue to differentiate the profession and the current and future issues and opportunities in the ever-changing landscape of information and those who use it.
LIM 501: Fundamentals of Library Leadership and Management (3)
An overview of the fundamentals of leadership and management in libraries and information centers. This course will prime the student in the fundamentals in the leadership and management of libraries and information centers. Students will gain practical techniques and theoretical insights in leading and managing libraries and information centers successfully.
LIM 591A: Research and Professional Applications (2)
This course is designed to present an overview of concepts, components and developments in reference, and teach you to think critically about information and become a better information seeker and user. Students will apply concepts learned during the program and investigate research questions and professional problems of concern to employers, agencies and the profession at large.

Semester II

LIM 502: Collection Development and Management (3)
The theoretical and practical aspects of collection development and management in different types of information institutions. By the end of the course, students should be able to design and assess collections and be able to discuss the current and future trends as well as the legal and ethical aspects of collection development.
GSBA 502: Management Communication for Leaders (3)
An integration of leadership, interpersonal and communication theory and practice with skill development to improve your ability to drive and lead individual, team and organizational performance. Learning will focus on the key processes that will make you a more effective and efficient communicator and leader both in your verbal and non-verbal/written communications. The course design aims for you to utilize knowledge, as opposed to just acquiring it, and to build your skills as opposed to just learning about skills.
LIM 591B: Research and Professional Applications (2)
Research and Professional Applications is a two-unit course, which must be taken during the student’s first five semesters of enrollment, for a maximum of 10 units. Working primariliy in teams, students will apply concepts learned during the program and investigate research questions and professional problems of concern to employers, agencies and the profession at large.

Semester III

LIM 503: Organization, Access and Retrieval of Information (3)
An overview and critical analysis of current practices of information organization, cataloging, access and reference services, including a conceptual understanding of these skills as they support a variety of formats.
LIM 504: Research Methods in Library and Information Management (3)
An overview of research methods in information management, including the conceptualization of research problems, literature reviews, research design, sampling, measurement, data collection and data analysis.
LIM 591C: Research and Professional Applications (2)
The purpose of this course is to learn about the impact of MOOCs in library environments, including their potential and implication.  The student will experience MOOCs through coursework in Business Fundamentals while gaining knowledge and understanding of leadership and management skills.  Students will apply insights as they examine the impact of disruptive technologies in libraries. 

Semester IV

LIM 562: Library and Information Technologies (3)
An overview of the fundamentals of information technologies within the library and information environment. Students will be introduced to information technology concepts, terminology and usage in organizations. Topics may vary, but will include integrated library systems, information design and architecture (IA), information retrieval and electronic resources, computer networks, cloud technologies, data storage, Web design, the Internet and intranets. In addition, this course will also focus on the impact of emerging technologies on library and information service.
LIM 552: Strategic Information and Competitive Analysis  (3)
An introduction to information searching with an emphasis on transforming information into intelligence for a designated client. Building on a basic understanding of information resources, evaluation, and search strategies, students will gain hands-on experience with specialized, fee-based and publicly available information sources including government, statistical, industry, marketing, legal and health sources. 
LIM 591D: Research and Professional Applications (2)
Working primarily in teams, students will apply concepts learned during the program and investigate research questions and professional problems of concern to employers, agencies and the profession at large. This course allows for flexibility for students to pursue independent study, join a faculty research team, work on a professional project with an employer, under faculty supervision, or create unique learning opportunities with faculty support.

Semester V

LIM 511: Instructional Strategies for Professionals (3)
Provides an overview of research in teaching and learning, emphasizing the role of academic librarians as instructors and facilitators of information navigation. This course includes a brief history of library instruction and an overview of learning theories, including adult learning (Knowles) and motivation and instructional design models and strategies. Activity-based learning will provide practical experience in instructional librarianship.
LIM 591E: Research and Professional Applications (2)
Students will identify and apply learned skills while gaining real-world experience working within an organization. This course provides a combination of valuable experiential and contextual learning by purposefully structuring knowledge and theory learned with practical application and skills development in a supervised professional setting. Note that students also have the option of undertaking a second project in LIM 591D in place of this internship. 
LIM 598: Capstone in Library and Information Management (3)
A thesis or project as approved by the student’s advisor.

First-Class Faculty Makes All the Difference

As a student in the Master of Management in Library and Information Science online program, you have access to the support of an exceptional team of educators. The acclaimed faculty of the Marshall School of Business is an immensely valuable resource, engaging you in thought-provoking discussion and providing wisdom and mentorship throughout the program.

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Program Goals

Through community connections, strategic orientations and flexibility, the Master of Management in Library and Information Science program develops graduates with potential for success in organizations and in our changing enterprise.

Our Mission

Aligned with the mission of USC and the Marshall School of Business, the Master of Management in Library and Information Science (MMLIS) educates professionals with enterprise-wide perspectives to lead work teams, units and organizations to benefit diverse communities and deliver value.

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Intended Student Learning Outcomes

As a minimum, librarian/leaders require capability in the discipline/business and the organization in which it is practiced, together with a strategic orientation and social intelligence. These are undergirded by general intellect, with a strong inclination to continue to learn.

Within this context, graduates of the MMLIS program will be able to:

  • Understand the ecology of libraries and information networks, their unique environments and how they are governed
  • Articulate and employ professional values and ethics in a variety of situations and circumstances
  • Apply and assess management strategies, practices and decisions
  • Develop and manage content, including negotiating with vendors and licensors, for targeted communities of users
  • Organize, retrieve and manage information for stakeholder benefit
  • Locate, synthesize and translate information to intelligence for various client groups
  • Develop, implement and assess programs and services for enhancing use of information and ideas
  • Understand the role of current and emerging technologies and infrastructure in organizational effectiveness and service delivery
  • Design, apply and interpret different research and evaluation methods to gain insight, assess impact and make appropriate decisions
  • Manage and lead diverse projects and teams, understanding communication and leadership behaviors that affect workplace performance and client satisfaction
  • Apply persuasion and influence through networking, collaboration, and relationship-building
  • Demonstrate a commitment to continued professional education and lifelong learning

More Choices in
an Evolving Field

The Master of Management in Library and Information Science online can expand your professional horizons, paving the way for you to choose from a variety of exciting work environments. Work alongside Impressionist paintings in an art museum or manage a collection of rare 17th century books. Mentor students and teach them to make the most of digital learning technologies. Prepare yourself for the lasting and fulfilling career that’s right for you with a library science degree from the University of Southern California.

The New Age of Librarianship:
Fact vs. Fiction

FICTION: Libraries are silent, impersonal places where conversation is discouraged.
FACT: Today’s libraries and information centers are lively, interactive meeting places where staff members communicate one-on-one with customers to improve their research experience.

FICTION: The job of a librarian ends when he or she helps a customer find a resource.
FACT: Modern librarians are trained professionals who act as agents of the educational process, offering customers their guidance and wisdom.

FICTION: Working at libraries and information centers means constantly working with books, hard copy, digital or e-content and databases.
FACT: Today’s information centers house an incredible wealth of different media, including music, film and maps.

FICTION: A library science degree can only prepare you to be a librarian in a library.
FACT: On the contrary, the MMLIS program from the University of Southern California is designed to expand your career prospects. MMLIS degree holders may choose to pursue careers in a variety of government agencies or private business settings.

WHY PURSUE YOUR MASTER’S IN LIBRARY
SCIENCE THROUGH THE UNIVERSITY OF
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA?

  • The Marshall Edge
  • The USC Libraries
  • The Superior Flexibility
  • The Focus Factor

The Marshall Edge

As the nation’s only library and information science degree program to be housed within a top-ranked business school, the USC MMLIS is unlike any other library science program.

USC Marshall School of Business is widely regarded as a leader in innovation and cross-cultural academia, making it the perfect choice for our transcendent program. Unlike other library science degrees, the Master of Management in Library and Information Science provides training in leadership, business and management to help mold the leaders of tomorrow’s information culture – not just in libraries, but in museums, businesses, government agencies, medical centers and a vast array of other professional settings.

The USC Libraries

If you’re going to pursue an advanced library science degree, shouldn’t you do it through an academic institution standing at the forefront of library science?

The University of Southern California is home to an expansive network of 24 libraries and information centers. Within the network are libraries of medicine, philosophy and the cinematic arts as well as our digital library. The Master of Management in Library and Information Science online taps into these resources to give your education a topical depth that’s uncommon in many of today’s library science programs.

The Superior Flexibility

The Master of Management in Library and Information Science online was designed to provide students with added scheduling flexibility without sacrificing education quality.

The online learning environment offered by the University of Southern California lets you build a course work schedule that fits your busy lifestyle, allowing you to give your other responsibilities the attention they deserve.

The Focus Factor

A library science degree from the University of Southern California can put you in the driver’s seat of your professional life, allowing you to define your career focus by choosing the general studies track or one of three specializations:

Academic Librarianship, Digital Librarianship, and Urban Public Librarianship.

Each track presents a different set of challenges to prepare you for a different career setting.

The Focus Factor

  • Academic Librarianship – The modern academic librarian helps students or customers find the resources they need and then helps them understand what they find. Contemporary academic librarianship comes with an inherent educational component, in many ways making the academic librarian a teacher, too.

The Focus Factor

  • Digital Librarianship – Information culture is trending heavily toward digital media and databases, creating a demand for information professionals with specialized training. Those who choose the Digital Librarianship specialization likely have an eye toward the future and a thirst for technology.

The Focus Factor

  • Urban Public Librarianship – Equal parts mentor, community servant and librarian, the individual who chooses the Urban Public Librarian specialty will have a strong interest in promoting the greater good that public libraries provide in the community. This specialization will help prepare students to meet the unique challenges that public libraries face, including budgetary constraints and social development issues.

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Your local public library has probably become a
different place in recent years.

If it hasn’t yet, change is coming soon – and to museums, businesses and government offices as well. Information centers are no longer cold, quiet data rooms marked by impersonality. Today, they have come alive as vibrant learning hubs, creating a demand for industry professionals who are ready to lead their organizations into a new era of librarianship. Modern librarians are engaging and instructive, with a strong grasp on new media and digital technology. They are tutors, teachers, mentors and coaches. They are businessmen and women. They are managers of resources, including individuals. Today’s library science professionals have an unprecedented range of choice in defining their career

TOP 10 EXCITING JOBS FOR
THE MMLIS GRADUATE

If you think all library science degrees lead
to the same place, think again.

Here are 10 unique and exciting career choices for an individual with a Master of Management in Library and Information Science to consider:

  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Librarian
    Perfect for individuals with an interest in geography or cartography, this position entails the acquisition and maintenance of map collections, GIS databases and other geospatial resources.
  • Metadata Analyst
    Metadata analysts can be found in a variety of settings, including banks, technical companies and academic institutions. They are exceedingly comfortable in the digital environment, where they play an essential role in database management operations, focusing primarily on tagging and cataloging.
  • Wine Librarian
    Oenophiles with a love of literature, rejoice! The wine librarian is responsible for managing resources and information on vineyards, vintages, grape growing, fermentation and all other topics that wine enthusiasts may find interesting.

  • Business Researcher
    Before a business opens its doors, it must effectively gauge the marketplace for consumer demand and marketing opportunities and examine the strategic profiles of the competition. Business researchers provide such a service, collecting, processing and organizing relevant market data to allow businesses to make smart decisions.
  • Special Collections Librarian
    As their job title suggests, these individuals focus on the unique task of working with special collections. Special collections librarians often work closely with rare books, but may also find themselves in the company of historical maps, recordings or photographs, making this an incredibly appealing career choice for those with an interest in history.
  • Technology Coordinator
    While the professional duties of technology coordinators may vary from one industry to another, the constant is a responsibility to ensure network and technical functionality. Additionally, they often find themselves in the role of educator, providing system training and making those around them as comfortable with emergent technologies as possible. Technology coordinators may find themselves employed at schools, tech firms, health care organizations and just about any other information-intensive arena you can imagine.
  • Museum Librarian
    Museum librarians are often involved in the development and archiving of artifact collections, works of art or other unique items. This field is a world unto itself, allowing professionals endless leeway for specialization. An art lover may wish to work at an art museum, while a history buff will choose to work in a history museum. Museum librarianship presents engaging career opportunities for people of all interests.

  • Chief Information Officer (CIO)
    The chief information officer is generally an organization’s greatest authority when it comes to all technology matters. They may work in academia, private business or various government agencies. A strong technological background is of the utmost importance for any CIO, as is an understanding of contemporary leadership and management strategies.
  • Law Librarian
    Law librarians manage complex legal databases and assist legal professionals in their research, often playing an important part in the legal process. Although a law degree isn’t necessarily required, law librarians are often well versed in the field, and may even participate in training sessions to teach attorneys or law students how to conduct their research more efficiently.
  • Medical Librarian
    Medical librarians play a significant role in the health care process, managing important information that can be found in medical journals and the documentation of clinical trials. Some are employed by hospitals, while others choose to work at medical schools, serving as facilitators of the educational process for tomorrow’s doctors.
  • Requirements
  • Scholarships
  • Tuition
  • Financial Aid
  • Calendar

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for this program, students must meet the following qualifications.

  • Online Application
    Submit along with a $150 application fee.
  • Bachelor’s degree
    Must be from a regionally accredited institution.
  • Grade Point Average
    3.0
  • Standardized examinations
    GRE or GMAT score not required; however, you must show related work experience.
  • Transcripts
    Must have official transcripts sent from all colleges and universities attended, regardless of whether credit or a degree was obtained. The official transcript should show the titles of all courses taken, grades or marks received and the date and title of any degree(s) conferred; USC alumni do not need to submit the USC official transcript. Transcripts must be enclosed in an envelope sealed by the registrar’s office and mailed to:

USC Enrollment Advisor [Name]
University of Southern California – MMLIS Program
Off-Site Admission Center
50 Northwest Point Blvd, 5th Floor
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007-1032
Email: admissions@librarysciencedegree.usc.edu
Phone: 1-877-830-8647

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for this program, students must meet the following qualifications.

  • Language Proficiency
    Must submit a test score from the TOEFL If your native language is NOT English. MMLIS applicants must have a total minimum score of 100 with a minimum score of 20 in each section. Visit USC Proficiency in English for more information.
  • Three Letters of Reference
    Must be completed by three people who can provide academic or professional references.
  • Essay Question
    Write a response to this essay question: How will your involvement with the Master of Management in Library and Information Science help you achieve your current personal and professional goals? The response is limited to 500 words or less. Some financial awards are based on this statement of career development.

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Scholarship Opportunities

The Master of Management in Library and Information Science (MMLIS) awards scholarships to incoming students each semester. Students are automatically entered into the award candidate pool once they have been admitted to the program. The MMLIS program awards “USC MMLIS Entry Scholarships” based on past academic performance.

In 2014, these scholarships are $2,000 each. The MMLIS program also grants “USC MMLIS Career Development Awards” for career plans and aspirations based on a student’s personal application statement. To be eligible for an award each student must be enrolled full time (8 units). Award recipients are selected by the program director and faculty.

Tuition

The Master of Management in Library and Information Science online presents an opportunity for you to enrich your educational profile and prepare yourself for leadership roles in librarianship and information management. The program includes 15 courses and may be completed in just five semesters (approximately 20 months). Tuition rates and associated fees for 2015-16 are as follows:

  • Online Application Fee: $150
  • Norman Topping Student Aid Fund: $8 per semester
  • Commitment Deposit: $250 (non-refundable, but applicable to tuition)
  • Tuition: $1,666 per credit hour plus fees
  • Total Tuition: $66,640*
  • Program-Provided Books and Tech: iPad minis, webcams, headsets and textbooks supplied to new incoming students (Approximate Value of Books and Supplies: $1,000-$2,000).

*Tuition is subject to change and increase each academic year

Transfer Credits: No transfer credits are allowed for this program.

Financial Aid

A variety of financial aid opportunities are available to help eligible students cover some or all of the expenses associated with their graduate learning experience. Prospective students should review all financial aid literature carefully to gain an understanding of their options.

Click the link below for a more detailed financial aid overview:
http://www.usc.edu/admission/fa/

Academic Calendar and Deadlines

 

Term Application Deadline Term Start Date
Spring 2015 12/1/2014 1/7/2015
Summer 2015 4/20/2015 5/6/2015
Fall 2015 8/17/2015 9/2/2015

FAQs

Q: Are the GRE or GMAT required for admission?
A: No, but you will be required to show related work experience.

Q: How long will it take me to earn my degree?
A: Students can complete the MMLIS program during five 15-week semesters, or approximately 20 months.

Q: Can I specialize the focus of my MMLIS education?
A: Yes. You may choose to specialize in Academic Librarianship, Digital Librarianship or Urban Public Librarianship, or you may opt for the broader general concentration.

Q: Why is the MMLIS degree offered through the USC Marshall School of Business?
A: Affiliation with the Marshall School of Business presents a unique opportunity to study leadership, business and management techniques as they relate to library and information science. The goal is to go beyond the scope of a typical library science degree and provide MMLIS students with the advanced background to become leaders in their field.

Q: Will my diploma indicate that I earned my degree online?
A: No. Upon completion of the program you will receive a Master of Management in Library and Information Science from USC. There will be no indication on the diploma of whether you earned it online or on campus

Q: What accreditation does the University of Southern California have?
A: USC is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). It is anticipated that the Master of Management in Library and Information Science will be fully accredited by the American Library Association.

Q: Does USC encourage applications from international students?
A: Absolutely. The University of Southern California enrolls more international students than any university in the United States and takes great pride in the cultural diversity of its student body.

Q: I have questions that weren’t answered in these FAQs. Whom can I contact for further assistance?
A: You should feel free to contact your enrollment advisor at 1-877-830-8647 with any questions you may have about application or enrollment.
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