Preparation of Librarians in the 21st Century

Today’s librarians will work in a broad spectrum of libraries and information centers, and must be able to understand and interpret an increasingly complex information environment; they must be able to collaborate effectively with other information professionals; they must be able to articulate the value of the knowledge and skills of librarianship in a rapidly changing information environment; and they must be competent managers capable of innovation, efficiency, and leadership as they meet the demands of their clientele.

Challenges for the Profession
At Syracuse University, the Master of Science in Library and Information Science program (MSLIS; formerly known as MLS or Master of Library Science) is designed to prepare students to respond to the challenges of librarianship including:

planning and implementing high quality library and information services in the changing social and technological environment
organizing libraries, media centers, and information agencies to serve their clientele effectively
designing information systems that meet specific needs of library and information users
integrating information technologies creatively and effectively into library and information services
contributing to the debates concerning digital information policy, including issues of universal access, privacy, freedom of expression and censorship, and intellectual property
increasing the effectiveness of libraries as a foundation in preserving a nation's cultural heritage
sharing information resources through innovative networking and ensuring equitable access to a broad range of information

Innovation, Leadership, and Quality
The program in library science is a respected leader in the field, with a tradition of innovation stretching back more than a century. The MSLIS program at Syracuse University is distinctive in several important ways:

Faculty Expertise: Faculty members are nationally and internationally known as experts in a wide variety of library and information areas.
Collegial, Collaborative Educational Environment: The graduate programs are small, and students and faculty interact collegially in class, on committees, and on research projects.
Student-Focused Research Environment: Faculty members are active researchers who bring insights from their work to their teaching and who involve students directly in their projects.
Outstanding Resources: Syracuse University has excellent computing facilities, an extensive library with a strong collection in the library and information areas, and a broad array of graduate courses.
Flexibility: Students design schedules to complete the program at their own pace, through on-campus, online, Regnier Summer Institute courses, and evening classes.
Interdisciplinary Information Environment: MSLIS students have the opportunity to interact with faculty and students in other information programs and learn to collaborate across disciplinary and professional boundaries.
Professional Reputation of the School: Of the approximately 60 programs accredited by the American Library Association, Syracuse University's MSLIS is currently ranked #3 by U.S. News and World Report.
School Media Specialization: The school library media specialization within the MSLIS is ranked #4 in the country by U.S. News. Job opportunities are plentiful for school media specialists.