Department of Information Culture and Data Stewardship

The Department of Information Culture and Data Stewardship offers two degree programs and several certificate programs. The mission of the department is to contribute to the common good through community-centered scholarship and teaching in data, information, and library studies.

The Master of Library and Information Science degree program is more than 120+ years old and has been continuously accredited by the American Library Association since accreditation began in 1924. Its mission is to educate and empower librarians, archivists, and other information professionals to understand and address the information needs of people, organizations, and communities.

The faculty teaching in the MLIS program have been educating information professionals, including librarians, and archivists, to lead in their communities. As the nature and forms of data and information evolve and become more complex, the education of information professionals must keep pace. The MLIS curriculum is formed around and aligned with the “Goals for MLIS Graduates,” which are the long-term transfer goals for MLIS graduates. These Goals identify what graduates should know and be able to do when they complete the degree. The foundation core of the MLIS curriculum centers on the life cycles of data and information, design methods, data and information in systems, and the information professional’s role in the community. All students in the MLIS program take coursework in each of these areas. Students select elective courses that meet their career objectives and help them build the competencies they need to succeed as an information professional.

The Department also offers the Doctor of Philosophy in Library and Information Science degree for those interested in teaching and research in library and information science. The mission of the PhD LIS is to mentor future leaders who will advance teaching, research, and service in library and information studies. The program provides opportunities to gain competencies in teaching and research appropriate for careers at major research universities, teaching institutions, and knowledge organizations.

ICDS faculty, students, and alumni drive the Department’s reputation in a top-tier university. Students at both the MLIS and PhD LIS may earn certificates in Applied Data-Driven Methods, Instructional Design, and Digital Studies and Methods. Those MLIS students and special non-degree students interested in becoming school librarians may earn an instructional I teaching certificate in Library Science, PK-12, from the PA Department of Education through the School Library Certification Program.

Academic Integrity

All students in the School of Computing and Information are expected to follow the Academic Integrity Policy of the School.

Grievance Procedures

Students who believe that a decision about their academic program has been made based on incomplete or incorrect information may appeal the decision. To do this, students should prepare a letter that outlines their position and provide evidence to support their claim that the decision was inappropriate. Students should send their letters to the ICDS Chair, after securing the endorsement of their advisors. The ICDS Chair may either reject or approve the appeal for grievances pertaining to department-level policies. In some instances, the ICDS Chair will forward it to the Dean of the School for consideration. Students should make their appeals within thirty days of the date of notification of any decision.

Glossary

ICDS - Department of Information Culture and Data Stewardship
School - School of Computing and Information
GPA - Grade Point Average

Programs

Doctoral

Library and Information Science, PhD

Master’s

Library and Information Science, MLIS

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