Library Science, M.L.S.

Holly Hebert, Program Director
(615) 898-5378
Holly.Hebert@mtsu.edu

The Master of Library Science (M.L.S.) degree is an online program offered by the Department of Leadership, Development, and Educational Systems. The program is intended to prepare graduates to lead and educate in school, public, and academic libraries.

MTSU’s College of Education has earned national accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) through June 30, 2029. This accreditation demonstrates our commitment to excellence in the areas of content and pedagogy, clinical experiences, selectivity, program impact, and capacity for continuous improvement.

Vision of the Library Science Program

To meet the information society’s current and future needs pertaining to the discovery, acquisition, organization, provision, and ethical and effective use of information regardless of media format.

Mission of the Library Science Program

To prepare the next generation of 21st century information professionals through impactful research, creative entrepreneurship, learner-centered teaching, and innovative professional practice.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the master’s program in Library Science requires

an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college;
official transcripts from all previous college-and university-level work showing a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.75;
three letters of recommendations from professionals;
500-word essay (Statement of Purpose) regarding applicant’s reasons for seeking the M.L.S. at MTSU.

NOTE: A current teacher’s license or passing score on Praxis I is required for those interested only in school library endorsement.

Application Procedures

All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies, not the program director.

Applicant must submit

an application with the appropriate application fee (online at www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.php). Once this initial application has been accepted, the applicant will receive directions on how to enter the graduate portal to be able to submit other materials.
official transcripts of previous college work;
three letters of recommendation addressing the applicant’s potential for completing the Master of Library Science degree;
500-word essay (Statement of Purpose) regarding applicant’s reasons for seeking the MLS at MTSU.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Library Science requires completion of 36 semester hours (non-licensure) or 42 semester hours (licensure).

Once admitted to the program, candidate must

complete 36 (non-licensure) or 42 (licensure) semester hours;
complete an e-portfolio on a web-based site as he/she moves through the program to be assessed by at least two faculty members.

Curriculum: Library Science

The following illustrates the minimum coursework requirements.

Non-licensure (36 hours)

Electives (12 hours)

MLS students must complete 12 elective credit hours from any LIBS 6000-level courses. Non-LIBS courses may be substituted with permission of advisor.

LIBS 6106 - Introduction to Leadership in Libraries 3 credit hours
LIBS 6201 - Public Libraries 3 credit hours
LIBS 6310 - Materials for Literacy of Children 3 credit hours
LIBS 6311 - Materials for Literacy of Young People and Adults 3 credit hours
LIBS 6312 - Government Information Sources 3 credit hours
LIBS 6320 - Information Searching Strategies 3 credit hours
LIBS 6330 - Digital Library Collections 3 credit hours
LIBS 6331 - Library Systems and Automation 3 credit hours
LIBS 6340 - Integration of Learning Theory, Programs, and Technology 3 credit hours
LIBS 6345 - Instructional Strategies for Information Professional 3 credit hours
LIBS 6401 - Academic Libraries 3 credit hours
LIBS 6550 - Supervised Field Experience in Library Science 3 to 6 credit hours (may be taken once more as an elective)
LIBS 6620 - Library Services for Special Populations 3 credit hours
LIBS 6625 - Engaging Communities through Library Programs 3 credit hours
LIBS 6700 - Special Libraries and Librarianship 3 credit hours
LIBS 6820 - Advanced Metadata Management of Library Resources 3 credit hours
Must complete exitPortfolio with passing grade

Licensure (42 hours)

Major Field Core (18 hours)

LIBS 6000 - Librarianship 3 credit hours
LIBS 6011 - Collection Development and User Services 3 credit hours
LIBS 6015 - Introduction to Information Intermediation, Resources, and Instruction 3 credit hours
LIBS 6020 - Organization of Information 3 credit hours
LIBS 6030 - Information Technology for Information Professionals 3 credit hours
LIBS 6060 - Understanding Research for Evaluation in Libraries 3 credit hours

Administration (3 hours)

LIBS 6105 - School Library Management 3 credit hours

Supervised Field Experience and Student Teaching (12 hours)

LIBS 6550 - Supervised Field Experience in Library Science 3 to 6 credit hours (3 credit hours required)
YOED 5510 - Clinical Practice-Secondary 3 to 9 credit hours (9 credit hours required)

Electives (9 hours)

LIBS 6310 - Materials for Literacy of Children 3 credit hours
LIBS 6311 - Materials for Literacy of Young People and Adults 3 credit hours
LIBS 6345 - Instructional Strategies for Information Professional 3 credit hours
Must complete exit Portfolio with passing grade

Library Science, M.L.S.

Vision of the Library Science Program

Mission of the Library Science Program

Admission Requirements

Application Procedures

Degree Requirements

Curriculum: Library Science

Non-licensure (36 hours)

Major Field Core (18 hours)

Administration (3 hours)

Field Experience (3 hours)

Electives (12 hours)

Licensure (42 hours)

Major Field Core (18 hours)

Administration (3 hours)

Supervised Field Experience and Student Teaching (12 hours)

Electives (9 hours)