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Degree, Minors and Certificates Offered

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Requirements for Undergraduate Degrees from the Colleges of Arts and Sciences

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Library and Information Science

College of Natural Sciences
Hamilton Library, Ground Floor
2550 McCarthy Mall
Honolulu, HI 96822
Tel: (808) 956-7321
Fax: (808) 956-5835
Email: slis@hawaii.edu
Web: www.hawaii.edu/lis/

Faculty

*Graduate Faculty

*A. Wertheimer, PhD (Chair)—history of libraries, print culture and professional education
*N. Asato, PhD—Japanese librarianship, research methods
D. Bair-Mundy, PhD—information systems
*R. Gazan, PhD— social aspects of information technology
*P. Jacsó, PhD—online technology, computer system analysis, databases
*R. Knuth, PhD—history of libraries, international librarianship
*R-A. Montague, PhD—school librarianship and community informatics
*D. Nahl, PhD—information services, human-system interaction
*L. Quiroga, PhD—information retrieval, databases, library systems

Adjunct Faculty

L. Bell, CASIT, MLS— lecturer, San Jose State Universiy
J. Campbell-Meier, PhD— assistant professor, University of Alabama
M. Chopey, MLS— cataloging, Hamilton Library
S. Dawrs, MLIS— librarian, Hamilton Library
D. Dunn, MLIS— preservation educational specialist, Conservation, Hamilton Library Treatment, Hamilton Library
N. Fujii-Babb, MLS— librarian, Salt Lake/Moanalua Public Library, retired
G. Geary, MLS— Interim University Librarian, Hamilton Library
J. Hori, MLS— curator, Hawaiian Collection, Hamilton Library
J. Kamiya, MLISc— young adult librarian, Manoa Public Library
C. Kellett, MLIS— systems librarian, Library Information Technology, Hamilton Library
E. Kleiber, MLIS, MAS— librarian, Hamilton Library
M. Kowalsky, EdD— librarian, Rowan University
D. Minatodani, MLIS— librarian, Hawaiian Collection, Hamilton Library
S. N. Naluai, MLIS— librarian, Kamehameha Elementary Division
A. Olden, PhD—senior lecturer, University of West London
R. Pagell, MBA, MS(LIS), MAT—former University Librarian, Singapore Management University
R. Paseng, MA, MLIS—Southeast Asia specialist, Hamilton Library
J. Quirante, MLISc—Head Archivist, 'Ulu 'Ulu, Henry Ku'ualoha Giugni Moving Image Archive of Hawai'i
B. Richardson, PhD—Dean of Academic Affairs, Windward Community College
L. Roy, PhD, MLS—Professor, University of Texas
G. Sinclair, MLIS—librarian, Government Documents, Hamilton Library
D. Skeem, MLSc, CA—archivist, Hamilton Library
M. Trafford, MLS—Medical Library, Tripler Army Medical Center

The Academic Program

Founded in 1965, the Library and Information Science (LIS) Program prepares professionals for work in libraries, archives, and other types of information-handling agencies. It currently offers a master's in library and information science (MLISc) and a Certificate in Advanced Library and Information Science and participates in an interdisciplinary doctoral program in Communication and Information Sciences. The LIS program is aware of the opportunities and the responsibilities inherent in its Pacific setting and the unique cultural amalgam of Hawai'i. Its major goals are:

To furnish students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that are basic to professional competence and career-long professional growth in the field of library and information services;
To expand the knowledge base of the profession through research; and
To share its resources by extending services to the UH and its academic units and to the people of Hawai'i and beyond.

Graduate Study

Master’s Degree

The MLISc degree program was first accredited by the American Library Association in 1967 and was reaccredited in 1964, 1980, 1990, 1996, 2000, and 2009. The curriculum is subject to continuous review and modification, and every effort is made in academic advising to ensure that students plan programs of study suited to their individual goals. Entering students are expected to be computer literate. Graduate standing is the normal prerequisite for all courses.

Degree Requirements

Students are required to take the following courses:

LIS 601 Introduction to Reference & Information Services
LIS 605 Metadata Creation for Information Organization
LIS 610 Foundations of the Information Professions
LIS 615 Collection Management
LIS 663 Database Searching

In addition, they must take one of the following:

LIS 650 Management of Libraries & Information Centers
LIS 684 Administration of School Library Media Centers

In addition, the student's LIS faculty advisor must approve one course selected to meet the ICT requirement.

Plan A (Thesis)

The normal requirement for the MLISc degree under the thesis option is a minimum of 39 credit hours of approved graduate study. At least 27 credits must be taken in LIS courses or a combination of LIS and approved information and computer sciences courses. The student must also take 6 credit hours in LIS 700 Thesis Research and 3 credit hours in a research methods course.

To advance to candidacy and become eligible to enroll in LIS 700 Thesis Research, students must complete at least 15 credits of course work, and defend a thesis proposal in a private meeting with their thesis committee. While it is strongly suggested that all committee members physically attend the thesis proposal defense meeting, remote participation is permitted. Upon approval of the committee, students advance to candidacy, conduct their research, and present their results at a public defense.

Plan B (Non-thesis)

The normal requirement for the MLISc degree under the non-thesis option is a minimum of 39 credit hours of approved graduate study. At least 30 credits must be taken in LIS courses or in a combination of LIS and approved ICS courses. Up to 9 credits may be taken in other schools or colleges when the courses are relevant to the individual student's specialization and approved by the LIS program chair and Graduate Education.

The maximum course load is 15 credit hours per term. Therefore, 39 credit hours would require at least two terms and a summer. A full load is a minimum of 8 credit hours per term. The program may be undertaken on a part-time basis but must be completed within five years (a two-year extension is allowed by Graduate Education for a total of seven years).

Students who were in MLISc-degree programs from other ALA-accredited library programs may, in special circumstances, transfer up to 21 credit hours toward their MLISc degree at UH Manoa, provided the work to be credited has been completed within the time limit previously cited. Such requests must be included in the application.

Comprehensive Examination

All Plan B students are required to take an oral comprehensive examination as a requirement for the MLISc degree. The examination is taken during the semester the student expects to graduate.

Distance Education

The MLISc program uses different formats for course delivery. It offers a few courses each year online. Students at remote sites may also request the use of Adobe Connect (Halawai) to participate synchronously in courses being taught at UH Manoa. In addition, several courses are offered asynchronously throughout the year.

Dual Master’s Degree Programs

Students may pursue the MLISc degree and a second master's concurrently, cooperating with the following departments and fields of study: information and computer sciences (MS), history (MA), Pacific Islands studies (MA), American studies (MA), Asian studies (MA), educational technology (MEd), Hawaiian Language (MA), Hawaiian Studies (MA), and Law (JD). For more information on these programs, contact the LIS program chair or the other respective departments.

Doctoral Degree

Interdisciplinary Doctoral Degree Program

LIS participates in an interdisciplinary PhD program in Communication and Information Sciences (CIS) integrating computer science, communication, library science, and management information systems. Because of the broad knowledge base required to support the interdisciplinary approach, the program also draws on political science, economics, engineering, operations research, and behavioral sciences. This unique program is sponsored by four academic faculties: communication, information technology management, information and computer sciences, and library and information science.

For information on admission and requirements, refer to the “Communication and Information Sciences” in the Interdisciplinary Programs section.

School Library Media Specialist Certification

The LIS program recommends graduates to the Hawai'i Department of Education for certification as school library media specialists. To be eligible, graduates must meet the MLISc degree program requirements and the course requirements approved for certification by the Hawai'i Department of Education. The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) is used in conducting periodic reviews of the program.

A student who enters the LIS program to earn this certification must also complete a state-approved teacher education program. For more specific and current information on prerequisites and required as well as recommended LIS courses, contact the LIS program chair.

Certificate Program

The Certificate in Advanced Library and Information Science (CALIS) offers two options. Option A is available for those who complete a successful, coherent program of specialized study and research beyond the MLISc degree. The program allows for specialization in 1) applying computer and information technologies to information environments; and 2) extending information management skills in information system design, evaluation, and the development of user services.

Option B focuses on school librarianship. It allows for specialization in 1) applying computer and information science technologies in elementary and secondary school libraries, and 2) extending curriculum planning skills in information literacy and general literacy instruction.

For both options, students must complete a research paper that meets the approval of the CALIS committee and give an oral presentation of their research to students and faculty. Students are expected to remain enrolled each semester until the requirements are completed. If it is necessary to withdraw temporarily, students must reapply for admission within application deadlines before returning. Credits more than five years old cannot be applied to the certificate requirements; thus, the program must be completed in five years. For more specific information on prerequisite and elective courses, contact the LIS program chair.

LIS Courses

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Please note: This Catalog was prepared to provide information and does not constitute a contract. The University reserves the right to change or delete, supplement or otherwise amend at any time and without prior notice the information, requirements and policies contained in this Catalog.