Programs

SIRLS is an academic department and professional school within the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at The University of Arizona. The disciplinary foundations of the school are library science, information science, and interdisciplinary perspectives on the social phenomena of knowledge and information and library and information services and technologies.

 

Detailed information about SIRLS programs is available below.

Masters Degree

Under revision

Master's Degree in Information Resources and Library Science

The Master of Arts, with a major in Information Resources and Library Science, can prepare a student for professional opportunities in a wide variety of environments including libraries, archives, publishing, the corporate sector, and Internet and other technology companies. The curriculum reflects the diversity of library and information environments in which students will eventually work, the populations they serve, and the disciplines of library and information science augmented by an interdisciplinary approach to knowledge and information.

The Master of Arts is an American Library Association-accredited 36-credit degree program. For more on various aspects of the master's program, consult the links and documents below.

Links

Documents

Admission to the SIRLS Master’s Program

Admission to the SIRLS Master’s Program

Admission to the SIRLS master’s degree program is granted by the director of SIRLS, upon recommendation of the SIRLS Admissions Committee, and the Graduate College. To be admitted, students must meet the requirements of both the Graduate College and SIRLS. In addition, they must submit separate applications to the Graduate College and to SIRLS. (See the Application Process below.)

Requirements

Students admitted under regular status must meet the requirements of the Graduate School and of SIRLS.

Graduate School Requirements

  • A bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona or from an accredited college or university recognized by the University of Arizona (Graduate College and SIRLS requirement)
  • A grade-point-average of 3.0 or higher (Graduate College and SIRLS requirement)

Students will not be allowed to register for classes until they have have met the university's immunization requirements. For more information, see the Campus Health Service's immunization requirements.

SIRLS Requirements

  • SIRLS requires competitive scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Test scores must be no older than five years. Students with an advanced graduate degree, such as a master’s or doctoral degree, do not need to provide GRE scores.

GRE scores are one of numerous indicators that the admissions committee looks at in order to assess ability to succeed in graduate school.

Application Process

Applicants must apply to the Graduate College and to SIRLS, in two separate application processes.

A completed application to the Graduate College must include:

  • An online completed application for admission to the Graduate College - SIRLS only admits students in Winter (part of SPRING) and Summer. Please mark the Graduate College application appropriately.
  • A $50 application fee via a credit card online.
  • No transcripts are to be sent to the Graduate College.
  • Domestic applicants must also complete a domicile affadavit form if they wish to have in-state (Arizona) status. Mail or FAX the form directly to the Residency Classification Office. All students are considered out-of-state residents until domiclile affadavits are processed.
  • All students should review the information about Proposition 300. This is the students' responsibility.
  • International applicants must complete a financial guarantee form (Graduate College website) and submit TOEFL scores.
  • An immunization form (pdf) to be sent directly to Campus Health.

A completed application to SIRLS, sent directly to SIRLS, must include the following elements:

  • SIRLS application form
  • If applicable, the SIRLS financial aid form with narrative Statement of Financial Need attached. Refer to the discussion of financial aid for complete information and the correct application to download.
  • Graduate Record Examination scores. Scores submitted electronically to UA take a considerable to be posted. Please also send a copy of your paper report when received. GRE scores are waived for applicants who already have an advanced graduate degree, such as a master’s or doctoral degree.
  • Two letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the applicant’s academic abilities and/or professional potential. The authors should address the student's ability to complete a graduate program and their interest and commitment to the library and information profession. The letters should be on letterhead, dated (no more than one year old), and in sealed envelopes from the author. There is no form for these letters. A recommendation letter may be mailed directly to SIRLS from the author or may be submitted by the applicant in a sealed emvelope.
  • A written statement of introduction and why interested in the program
  • TWO official transcripts from EACH college or university attended in sealed envelopes.
  • A resume or curriculum vitae

Send SIRLS admissions materials to:

School of Information Resources & Library Science
University of Arizona
1515 East First Street
Tucson, Arizona 85719

Applications are considered by SIRLS when all the above elements are received. An application will not be processed by SIRLS until all required information is received.

Refer to SIRLS application deadlines.

Knowledge River Admission

Admission to Knowledge River, a project for educating librarians who are culturally and linguistically sensitive to Latino and Native American populations, requires admission to the SIRLS program and the Graduate College, under the requirements stated above. For more information about Knowledge River admissions, see Knowledge River.

Provisional Admission

Students who do not meet the stated requirements of the Graduate School and SIRLS will be considered as candidates for provisional admission. Provisional admission requires concurrence from both SIRLS and the Graduate College. Decisions for provisional admission are based on strong indicators of potential success in a graduate program and in the profession present in the applicant’s file. More information on provisional admission is available on the advising website.

Readmission to SIRLS

Students who have been but are no longer SIRLS students, and who want to regain admission, must follow both the Graduate School Policy for readmission and SIRLS policies. There are varying circumstances under which former students who did not complete the degree might seek readmission. For more information on readmission, see the SIRLS advising webpage or contact SIRLS Academic Advising Coordinator, wilding@email.arizona.edu.

Additional Information

If you have questions about admissions that are not covered by the information above, please contact us.

Advising at SIRLS

Advising at SIRLS

This document, and others on the SIRLS website, contains important information about the progress through the degree. Please become familiar with it and other resources on the website. If you have questions about what you read, please contact SIRLS faculty and/or staff.

Student Responsibility for Obtaining Information & Advice

Students are responsible for seeking out the information and advice they need about their professional and career goals and their progress through the SIRLS program. Multi-faceted advising resources, both in the form of documents and people, are available, but it is the student’s responsibility to locate and use these resources to meet their individual needs.

SIRLS Master's Program

See SIRLS Master's Program for comprehensive links to information about the master's degree at SIRLS.

Communication Policies at SIRLS

Many individuals and groups make up the SIRLS community—faculty, staff, students, alums and other librarians and friends of SIRLS. Strong communication, fostering the vigorous flow of information and founded in trust and respect, is the lifeblood of any healthy community and certainly of an information-oriented one like ours. Use of any of the communication media sponsored by SIRLS implies understanding of and agreement to abide by these policies for communication at SIRLS.

Although more and more communication takes place through electronic communication media, face-to-face and telephone communication may be, under certain circumstances, both more enjoyable and more effective. This document covers primarily electronic communication media, but it’s important to remember that the SIRLS community interacts constantly through a myriad of formal and informal interactions face-to-face and by phone. Community members are encouraged to seek each other out for these kinds of communications.

University of Arizona Policies

SIRLS students are expected to follow these standard university policies.

Netiquette

“Netiquette” is a word for etiquette in on-line communication, basically the do’s and don’ts of email and online communication. Following netiquette is essential to healthy online communication. The Netiquette Homepage is a good netiquette site.

Required Student Communication

SIRLS students are required to participate in several communication vehicles in order to ensure that they receive information essential to their progress through the program.

  • University-Assigned “U” Email
    Students are required to have a university-assigned email account and are responsible for all information sent to them through that account and should check it regularly. Students need to set up a NetID and email account. Students may wish to forward mail from their “U” email to another account, perhaps one that they already check frequently, but please note that doing so may cause problems in receiving important information, especially in receiving messages from listservs. All official UA and SIRLS communications will go to the student's UA account; therefore, students are strongly advised to use their UA accounts and to check them regularly.
  • The School’s Listserv: irlsadmin
    The irlsadmin listserv is SIRLS’ method for communicating official information to graduate students. Students are responsible for providing the SIRLS office with their U email address by the third week of school, and they will be added to this listserv. Students are responsible for all information posted on this listserv, so continued subscription to this listserv while in the SIRLS program is required, but, in addition, it is only common sense to remain connected to the official source of information about your program.
  • Virtual Course Participation
    SIRLS provides a range of virtual courses through the Internet using Desire2Learn (D2L) software. To take virtual courses, students must have graphical web access and a university-assigned email account. See Desire2Learn for more information.

Voluntary Student Communication

There are numerous other communication vehicles which connect students to the SIRLS community and the profession beyond. Participation in these is voluntary but strongly recommended.

  • SIRLSTalk
    This list is primarily for SIRLS students to interact with each other and with SIRLS director, Jana Bradley. Students must subscribe themselves to this listserv, and they are strongly urged to do so. See instructions on subscribing to listservs.
  • UA-LSO
    This list is owned and managed by the Library Student Organization, LSO and is a forum for students only. Students subscribe themselves to this listserv, and they are strongly urged to do so. See instructions on subscribing to listservs.
  • JobOps
    This list is owned and managed by LSO and the SIRLS staff as a forum for the dissemination of internship and job opportunities within the profession. Students, and other interested SIRLS community members, subscribe themselves to this listserv. See instructions on subscribing to listservs.
  • PhD Students
    This listserv is for PhD students. Contact Dr. Martin Fricke, mfricke@email.arizona.edu, to be added to this listserv.
  • Town Meetings
    Periodically SIRLS director, Jana Bradley, will convene face-to-face town meetings to discuss current issues with students and other interested members of the SIRLS community. She will ensure that these discussions are summarized on SIRLSTalk for the benefit of distance students and others not able to attend in person. It is worth noting that SIRLSTalk serves as a continuous, virtual Town Meeting.
  • Issues and Concerns
    Any healthy community needs multiple ways for all members to interact over issues and concerns in ways that maintain and foster trust, respect, and understanding. Diversity of opinion, expressed in respectful ways, strengthens our community. At SIRLS, students have numerous options for discussing issues and expressing concerns.
  • Direct communication with the involved people
    Many issues can be resolved by direct interaction with the people involved. Particularly when issues and concerns involve particular courses, students are urged to start with the professor of the course. For issues in particular courses, the course evaluation offers a protected way of raising issues and expressing opinions. Course evaluations are read carefully and taken seriously at SIRLS.
    • Interactive communication with SIRLS director, Jana Bradley
      Jana maintains SIRLSTALK as a discussion forums for ideas, issues and concerns of SIRLS students. Town Meetings are also venues in which students can interact directly with Jana. Students are also encouraged to make appointments or drop by Jana’s office, or to arrange “virtual” appointments, by telephone, email or chat rooms. The director’s physical and virtual door is open!
    • LSO Faculty-Student Liaison: Feedback Form
      The Library Student Organization has a faculty-student liaison who brings student issues and concerns to the director and the faculty.

Academic Advising

Faculty advisors are the primary but not the only source of advising at SIRLS.

Faculty Advisors

Faculty are a primary source of advising at SIRLS. Faculty advisors have extensive experience in many aspects of the library and information professions, can provide the big picture in terms of professional and career opportunities, and can refer students if they are not themselves expert in an area. Faculty are also the developers of the curriculum at SIRLS and can provide excellent advice about course selection and course sequencing relevant to career goals. In addition, interaction with faculty, whether in person or virtually, can be a valuable experience for students. Student interaction with faculty need not be limited to faculty advisors, and students are encouraged to contact faculty in their areas of interest.

A faculty advisor is assigned to each student at IRLS 504. It is the student's responsibility to contact the advisor and request the advising he or she desires. In the event that the faculty member is not available, or feels someone else is better suited to advise a student, he or she will refer the student to another source of advice, often the SIRLS Academic Advising Coordinator.

SIRLS Academic Advising Coordinator

Tom Wilding is the SIRLS Academic Advising Coordinator. His primary role is to assist with information and advice concerning program requirements, policies, and procedures. In addition, he is available to consult with students about professional and career issues and course selection as a supplement to faculty advising. Tom's contact information: wilding@email.arizona.edu .

Change of Faculty Advisor

Students may change their faculty advisors at any time by obtaining the approval of both new and old advisors and notifying the Academic Advising Coordinator via email.

Advising Resources

The SIRLS website is the student's primary source of information about the program. The website, and particularly this advising page, replaces the former SIRLS Handbook for completing the degree. Students should familiarize themselves thoroughly with the website.

Additional documents and people as sources of information about SIRLS appear below:

Academic Milestones

Students are strongly encouraged to consult their faculty advisors regarding the formal stages of progress, or "Academic Milestones," below. Note that many of the milestones require advisory approval.

Required First Class, IRLS 504

Students starting the program spring 2006 and after begin with IRLS 504 Foundations of Library and Information Services. See Starting the Program for more information.

ePortfolio (effective 2006)

Students starting the program 2006 and after are required to develop an ePortfolio as a part of IRLS 504 and to deposit a completed ePortfolio as a graduation requirement. Students starting the program before spring 2006 have the option of doing an ePortfolio as a part of a IRLS 504 or other class. Interested students should contact their advisors. ePortfolio Site and older Background(do not regard this as definitive).

Contacting Your Faculty Advisor

Students will receive an advisor during the campus face to face part of IRLS504. Students are strongly urged to contact their advisors at the start of their program and at least once during each semester in the program.

Plans of Study (POS)

The Graduate College requires students to submit a Plan of Study (POS) in the semester in which they complete 18 units. SIRLS policy requires the approval of students' faculty advisors. The POS form is available on the website of the Graduate College. Please note that failure to file a POS in the appropriate semester may delay graduation. The POS requires an original signature and may not be FAXed to the SIRLS office. Only one copy is necessary. Please send it to the attention of the Senior Program Coordinator, Polly Lindeman Mitchell.

Graduation Paperwork

The following steps are necessary for graduation:

  1. Plan of Study (see above)
  2. Master's Completion of Degree Requirements Form must be submitted to SIRLS in students� last semester of study. Specific deadlines are announced on the student listserv, IRLSadmin.
  3. For students beginning before 2006, the Course Justification is a document written by students that must be submitted to SIRLS with the Completion of Degree Form. Course Justification instructions are on our website.
  4. For those beginning in 2006 or later, submission of a completed electronic portfolio (ePortfolio) is an exit requirement for the MA.
  5. Notification to the SIRLS office of intent to participate in the graduation ceremonies is required. Graduating students have the option of participating in the university-wide graduation, the Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS) graduation ceremonies, and/or the SIRLS graduation event. Students must inform the SIRLS office by stated deadlines (announced on IRLSadmin) of their intention to participate in one or more of these events. Students graduating in the summer may participate in the events in the spring preceding formal completion of the program or in the fall following formal completion of the program.

Course Policies

Information relating to SIRLS courses is collected below.

Courses: Comprehensive Information

See Courses for comprehensive links to information about courses at SIRLS.

Course Sequencing

The following guidelines regarding the sequence in which courses are taken are strongly recommended by the faculty.

Core Courses:

  • IRLS 504 required as first course, effective Spring 2006.
  • IRLS 506 strongly recommended in first semester, or early in the program.
  • IRLS 515 recommended in the second full semester or mid-way in the program.
  • IRLS 520 strongly recommended near the end of the student's program, or in the last semester

Elective Courses:

Effective spring 2006, SIRLS will require that students take 18 credits of SIRLS electives. There are distribution requirements for these electives.

Students are advised to use the two-year rotation schedule on our website to anticipate the scheduling of electives for their academic and career planning purposes. SIRLS offers courses in several modes of delivery. While SIRLS makes every effort to balance the availability of core and electives over course delivery modes, students who take courses primarily in one mode should work out their the sequencing of their courses with their advisors or the Academic Advising Coordinator, using the two-year rotation of classes.

Other sources of sequencing advice include prerequisites, notes in course syllabi, suggested courses of study and the student's faculty advisor.

Course Registration

SIRLS classes are available for registration through WebReg or Student Link as of 2007. Instructions to register for classes are on our website. Students may drop courses through Student Link until UA deadlines and then must use a CHANGE OF SCHEDULE form (see the next paragraph) submitted directly to the SIRLS office. Forms of any kind should not go directly to the Graduate College.

Course Add/Drops

To add a class after the semester starts, students need the approval of the instructor. After the second day of class, a $50 late fee is charged. Students may drop a class themselves through Student Link up to the 20th day of the semester, after which they need to complete a Change of Schedule Form (pdf) and submit it directly to the SIRLS' Program Coordinator. Forms never go directly to the Graduate College. An email from the instructor, with permission to drop the class, should be forwarded to the Program Coordinator, Polly Lindeman Mitchell plmitch@email.arizona.edu. Office staff will gather signatures for the student and submit the form to the Graduate College.

Incompletes

Students may take an incomplete only for compelling reasons and only at the end of the semester when all but a minor portion of the coursework has been satisfactorily completed. Students must obtain the approval of the instructor and make arrangements with this instructor to make up the incomplete. Note that granting an incomplete is entirely at the instructor's discretion, and some have policies against granting incompletes. Other instructors may grant incompletes and set their own deadlines for completion of the work. In the absence of an instructor-set deadline, students have one year to make up an incomplete. If the instructor's deadline is missed or if the incomplete is not addressed within one year, the incomplete automatically changes to a grade of "E." The grade to replace an incomplete grade is due at the UA Registrar on the last day of classes. The grade will change to an "E" if the grade is submitted after the last day of classes even if it is submitted before the end of the semester (last day of final exams.)

Please see the Graduate College website for more information.

Grade Appeals

Students may appeal a grade during the first regular semester after the semester or Summer or Winter Session in which the grade was awarded. Students considering a grade appeal must first speak with their instructor; if the issue is not resolved after this discussion, then the student must follow a formal process, determined by the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, with deadlines. Follow instructions (pdf) provided by SBS.

Withdraws

Students may withdraw from a class with approval from the instructor within the first four weeks after registration. After the fourth week and through the end of the tenth week of classes, the grade of W may be awarded to students earning a passing grade at the time of the withdrawal. A withdrawal from all classes must be initiated before the last day of classes of any semester, and must be completed before the beginning of the final exam period. Please check the Graduate College website for the financial implications of withdrawing from either classes or the University.

"C" Grades and Minimum GPA

Graduate students who earn one grade of "C" or lower are placed on academic probation within the program. By vote of the faculty, any student who earns two grades of "C" or lower will be disqualified from the School of Information Resources and Library Science. Only one grade of "C" or lower may be applied toward graduate degree requirements for the master's program in Information Resources and Library Science.

Grade Replacement Option

Students may retake up to 10 units of coursework in which they received a grade of "C" or below. Approval of both the old and new instructors and of the Academic Advising Coordinator is required to exercise the grade replacement option. Note that students who are disqualified from SIRLS by virtue of 2 "C"s may, at the discretion of SIRLS and on a space-available basis, take courses as a continuing education (non-degree status) student. Approval of SIRLS is required.

Minimum and Maximum Enrollment

The normal enrollment for SIRLS students in the fall and spring semesters is nine credits per semester; prior approval is required to take more than nine credits. No more than three credits are allowed for Winter Session; no more than one class is allowed in the summer Pre-session; and no more than two classes each are allowed for Summer Session I and Summer Session II. A virtual course that spans Summer Sessions I and II counts as a course in each session.

The minimum enrollment allowed per semester (fall and spring) is three graduate credits. If it is not possible to take the minimum, a student must apply for a Leave of Absence.

Out of Department Classes

Students following the 2001 graduation requirements are required to take two out-of-department classes. Prior approval from your faculty advisor is required. Out-of-department courses must be at the graduate level (course number 500 or higher), taken for a grade, and support students' program of study. SIRLS students have compiled a list of suggested out-of-department classes displayed on our website.

Students matriculating under the new degree requirements, effective spring 2006, are encouraged, but not required, to take out-of-department classes. Any out-of-department classes chosen count as part of their curricular options and also as transfer credits.

Individual Studies:
Independent Studies, Internships, Practica

Independent Studies, Internships, and Practica are a type of "Individual Study" and may be taken for up to three credits per semester. A student cannot take more than six credits of Individual Study. Students must have taken at least 12 credits and be in good academic standing to apply for an individual study. An application and a detailed proposal must be approved by the student’s faculty advisor, the Individual Study site supervisor, and the Internship Coordinator by specific deadlines for each semester. Deadlines are typically two months prior to the semester of the Internship. Instructions and the application form are on our website.

Students entering the program in 2006 or after must fit their selections from the individual studies options into the 6 units of extra curricular options allowed under the new degree structure.

Transfer Credits

Students may transfer up to six credits of coursework taken outside of SIRLS into the program for presentation for graduation under the following limitations: approval by the student's faculty advisor in writing; grades of B or better; credits must be graduate level; courses cannot be older than six years at the time of graduation and must be from an regionally accredited institution; transfer courses cannot have been used for another degree; and transfer courses will not be approved if SIRLS offers the same courses. SIRLS courses taken as a non-degree student or continuing education student are considered transfer courses.

For students entering in 2006 and after, credits from out-of-department classes are considered transfer credit. Students are limited to six credits of other options and so the use of transfer credit of all kinds needs to be carefully balanced with the student's interest in other forms of independent study.

Effective spring 2006, students who are not yet admitted to SIRLS will be considered continuing education students (non-degree-seeking status)and will enroll through continuing education at SIRLS. Continuing education (non-degree status) students who intend to apply for a SIRLS MA must follow the requirements for entry course and course sequencing, in order not to be disadvantaged with respect to matriculated students. See Continuing Education for more information about these options.

Provisional Admissions Status

Applicants who do not meet the stated requirements of the Graduate School and SIRLS will be considered as candidates for provisional admission. Decisions for provisional admission are based on strong
evidence (what we call "indicators of success") in the applicant's admission file, that the applicant can complete successfully a graduate program and on evidence of an applicant's strong interest and commitment to the library and information science profession. Provisional admission requires concurrence from both SIRLS and the Graduate College.

Provisional to Regular Graduate Status Request

Once admitted provisionally, students must complete nine credit hours of SIRLS coursework, six of which must be core classes with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or better and with grades of "A" or "B" in order to be eligible for regular status. Students must be in regular status to graduate, but the form must be submitted before the Plan of Study is approved. It is the student's responsibility to apply for regular status, using the appropriate form , Provisional to Regular Status. List only three classes on the form.

Academic Probation

SIRLS follows closely the Graduate College policy on academic probation:

1. Students are required to maintain a GPA of at least 3.00. If students’ GPA falls below 3.00, they are immediately placed on academic probation. Students placed on academic probation must meet with their faculty advisors and the Academic Advising Coordinator to plan a course of action.

2. Students on academic probation for two consecutive semesters are converted to “non-degree status” by the Graduate College. Non-degree status students must re-apply to both the Graduate College and SIRLS.

3. Students may count only one class with a "C" grade towards their graduation requirement of 36 credits, or 12 classes. In other words, students may list only one "C" grade in their paperwork for graduation.

4. If students receive a "C" grade and do not want this grade on their record, they have two remedies. Students may retake the class, with the approval of the new instructor and the SIRLS Director. Students may retake up to ten credits of coursework in this way. Alternatively, students may take another class and not list the classes in which they have received grades of "C" or below in their paperwork for graduation.

See "C" Grades and Minimum GPA for more information.

Leaves of Absence

Academic, Medical, and Personal Leaves of Absence (LOA) are granted for either one semester or one year with the approval of the Academic Advising Coordinator and the Graduate College. Only when the LOA is approved prior to the beginning of the semester for which the LOA is being sought will students be exempted from fees for that semester. Instructions and form are on the Graduate College website.

Non-Degree Seeking Status

SIRLS follows the Graduate College policy on non-degree seeking status.

The Graduate College allows students who are not admitted to a degree program to take classes in a degree program subject to the policies of that program. Students wishing to take SIRLS classes as non-degree students must apply to the Graduate College. A fee is assessed by the Graduate College for this application. Effective 2006, students must also apply to SIRLS as continuing education students.

SIRLS accepts non-degree seeking students according to the following policies:

  • Non-degree students can register for SIRLS classes on a "space available" basis.
  • In general, non-degree seeking students should take IRLS 504 as their first class. Exceptions may be discussed with the Academic Advising Coordinator.
  • After a student matriculates into the SIRLS program, a maximum of six credits taken in non-degree status may be transferred into the program and counted towards graduation requirements.
  • If a non-degree student receives a grade of "C" or lower, this performance is considered in the admission process and may result in failure to be admitted into the program. Courses in which students receive a grade of "C" or lower cannot be transferred into the program.
  • Non-degree students must be "continuously enrolled" to maintain their non-degree seeking status with the Graduate College. If a non-degree student does not enroll for at least one class in a regular semester, that student must re-apply to the Graduate College as a non-degree student.

Advising Tips for New SIRLS Students

The information below comes from a handout given to new students at orientation. It is intended to point new students to some important information to get them started but does not substitute for reading all the information on the SIRLS website.

1. Review our website, and the website of the Graduate College. You are responsible for reading everything and becoming familiar with the policies and procedures listed on these sites.

2. Each new student is assigned a faculty advisor. Do not hesitate to contact your faculty advisor and/or your Academic Advising Coordinator (AAC), Tom Wilding, at wilding@email.arizona.edu at any time. Of course, you are encouraged to contact any faculty member for help or to chat about your program of study. You may change faculty advisors, with the approval of your old advisor and the new advisor, plus the AAC.

3. For Winter 2006-2007 and Summer 2007 use the university's WebReg function to register for classes. Spring 2007 classes go through the SIRLS office.

4. The minimum enrollment required for each semester is three (3) credits. If you cannot take three credits during any semester, you need to take a Leave of Absence (LOA). The AAC, as well as the Graduate College, must approve requests to take an LOA. The normal enrollment for SIRLS students is nine (9) credits per semester. Prior approval is required to take more than nine credits.

5. Students may withdraw from a class, with approval from the instructor, within the first four weeks after registration. After that time, the grade of "W" may be awarded to students earning a passing grade at the time of the withdrawal. Please note deadlines for adding/dropping/withdrawing from classes on the UA Academic Calendar.

6. Students are required to maintain a 3.00 GPA. If students' GPA falls below 3.00, they are immediately placed on academic probation. Students on academic probation for two consecutive semesters are converted to "non-degree seeking status" by the Graduate College and must re-apply to both the Graduate College and to SIRLS.

7. SIRLS has strict policies regarding "C" grades. See "C" grades and minimum GPA requirements for more information.

8. Many academic milestones and curricular decisions require advisory approval. Read the advising website, especially the section on academic milestones, and consult your advisor early in the program. Opportunities such as independent studies and internships have deadlines. Inquire early when you are interested in these opportunities.

Disability Resource Center

Disability Resource Center Mission and Background:
The University, through the Disability Resource Center, is committed to providing equal educational opportunities for disabled students and recognizes that reasonable accommodations or modifications may be necessary to ensure access to campus courses, programs, services, activities, and facilities.

The DRC is the office designated by the University to review disability documentation, determine reasonable accommodations, and develop plans for the provision of such accommodations. The DRC also provides consultation, training, and technical assistance to the campus community to help ensure equal learning opportunities. For example, the DRC provides assistance to instructors and administrators, upon request, with Universal Design for Instruction and with testing websites for "fixes" to accommodate users with disabilities.

A reasonable accommodation is a modification or adjustment to a course or program that enables a qualified student with a disability to have an equal opportunity. An equal opportunity means an opportunity to attain the same level of performance or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges as are available to a similarly-situated student without a disability. The University is obligated to make a reasonable accommodation only to the known limitations of an otherwise qualified disabled student. To determine reasonable accommodations, DRC seeks information from appropriate University personnel regarding essential standards for courses and programs. Reasonable accommodations are determined by examining:

  1. the barriers resulting from the interaction between the documented disability and the campus environment;
  2. the possible accommodations that might remove the barriers;
  3. whether or not the student has equal access to the course, program, activity, or facility without accommodations;
  4. whether or not essential elements of the course, program, activity, or facility are compromised or fundamentally altered by the accommodations;
  5. and whether or not accommodations are unduly burdensome.

Disability Documentation:
All students who register with the DRC are assigned a DRC Learning Specialist. If students want an accommodation for a specific disability, they must be tested for that disability (at their own expense, so some students opt not to be tested). The DRC uses the test results to develop documentation for the disability. This documentation is evaluated and discussed with the student to determine reasonable accommodations that may be necessary for the student to fully benefit from the higher education experience. In determining reasonable accommodation for each class, the interaction between the disability and the specific course requirements is evaluated. Accommodations are designed to maintain the essential components of the course and to not dilute curriculum. There is no need to reduce course requirements for students with disabilities. After providing reasonable accommodations, DRC students must be treated in the same way as all other students. All students must be held to the same standards of scholarship and to the same rules and regulations pertaining to classroom behavior.

Without test results, no documentation can be developed, and therefore no accommodation can be required.

Reasonable accommodations can take the form of:

  • Extra time for test-taking
  • Sign Language interpreting
  • Accessible transportation for field trips
  • Lab or library accommodations
  • Assistive technology
  • Class note-taking assistance
  • Braille, large print, and electronic text production

Identification of DRC Students:
Upon the request of registered students, the DRC will send emails to instructors that identify DRC students with documented disabilities and recommend specific accommodations. Instructors should receive this email from the DRC prior to or at the beginning of each class term; instructors should contact Leslie Kent Kunkel or the DRC directly if they feel that recommended accommodations would compromise the essential components of their curricula. Instructors are encouraged to speak with DRC students directly about individual academic needs.

Students may choose not to identify themselves as having a disability in courses in which they require no accommodations; likewise, instructors are under no obligation to provide accommodations to students who have not self-identified. DRC encourages instructors, advisors, and students to discuss access and accommodation issues with each other in person.

General Information for SIRLS Instructors:
The University of Arizona is committed to equal educational opportunities for disabled students. An equally important part of the DRC Mission is serving faculty in designing educational environments that are inclusive. DRC staff is available to assist faculty in reviewing curricula and suggesting teaching strategies with the goal of creating a course that is universally accessible and maintains all essential academic elements ("Universal Design Instruction"). SIRLS instructors and faculty members are encouraged to meet with Leslie Kent Kunkel, the Academic Advising Coordinator, who can serve as a liaison with the DRC, or instructors may work with the DRC directly. Faculty and instructors are asked to keep Leslie informed of their interaction with the DRC.

Contact Information:

Tom Wilding, Academic Advising Coordinator
wilding@email.arizona.edu or 520-621-3565

Carol Funckes, DRC Associate Director
520-621-3274 or carolf@u.arizona.edu

Disability Resource Center

Computer Access and Technical Requirements

Computer Access and Technical Requirements

The School expects students to have the use of a computer with online access (other than those located in the University computer labs). Typically a student will own a computer at their home or residence, with broadband or modem access. It is possible to have satisfactory access through computers in public libraries or halls of residence, etc.. Students do need access, though, to a computer that will run a web browser like Firefox, or Netscape, or Internet Explorer.

Students are expected to have an understanding of and be competent with the following basic software: a word processor, a spreadsheet, a database, and a web browser. Familiarity with webpage creation software is helpful.

Please note that email is the department's official means of communication with all students. SIRLS requires that you provide an email address at the time of admission. The University and School policy require that students obtain a netID (see Step 2) and a University email account. The University and the School communicate with students through this email account, and failure to use it regularly or forward it to an often-used account will result in missing communication essential to the progress of the degree. In addition, students are signed on to the school's official communication listserv, IRLSadmin. It is the student's responsibility to receive messages sent to IRLSadmin and to the student's university email account.

Distance and Virtual Learning

Under revision

Distance & Virtual Learning

SIRLS offers one master's degree, the MA with a major in Information Resources and Library Science. Students living at a distance are part of the same program as students living in Tucson, but they take coursework in course delivery modes that are "distance-friendly," including:

  • Virtual courses, taught in an online course environment
  • Hybrid courses, including a combination of intensive face-to-face meetings and pre- or post- work, often in a virtual environment.

The variety of course delivery modes makes it possible to pursue the SIRLS master's degree without living in Tucson. Students living in Tucson also have the flexibility of taking courses in multiple modes. Below are links that will help you understand the options for distance and virtual education at SIRLS.

Current time and date in Tucson, Arizona

Introduction to Distance Learning Opportunities

Content coming

Master's Degree Requirements

Master's Degree Requirements

Requirements for the degree are modified by the faculty from time to time. Students follow the degree requirements in place when they were admitted and first enrolled. Students may submit a form requesting consideration under the new requirements.

Degree Requirements for Students Entering Before Fall 2001

Curriculum Requirements for Graduation
for Students Admitted before Fall 2001

 

General Requirements

This website is a constantly changing document, and the requirements may change with incoming terms as the faculty develop the curriculum. However; each student is mailed a welcome letter upon admission, which should be used as the guide for the requirements of the program of studies. Please note that each student is bound by the specific requirements listed in the letter of welcome, which is received upon admission to the School. The requirements for the program of study for each admitted student are listed in this letter.

Overall Program Description and Requirements:

A master's degree in Information Resources & Library Science can prepare a student for a wide variety of professional opportunities. The degree is comprised of a total of 36 semester hours. Different goals will dictate course selection. This is an interdisciplinary major and students are required to work with their faculty advisor for approval of their overall plan of study. However, the faculty of SIRLS has determined that there are three core areas that every information professional should be familiar with: Organization of Information, Research Methods, and Information Ethics.

ORGANIZATION OF INFORMATION

Information professionals perform a wide variety of tasks. They may be involved in the storage, transmission, retrieval, evaluation, or archiving of information. The common thread that allows all of these tasks to be effectively carried out is the coherent organization of the information in question.

Students at SIRLS are required to take IRLS 501 - Organization of Information - or IRLS 601 - Theory of Classification - or any other course approved by the student's SIRLS advisor. These courses cover the basic principles of the organization of information.

RESEARCH METHODS

Students that plan to carry out research in the field of information and library science need to be familiar with the research methods of this discipline. A primary task for information professionals is to evaluate information and research as well as to assist others in carrying out research.

Students at SIRLS are required to take two graduate-level research methods courses. The first course must be IRLS 506 - Research Methods for Library and Information Professionals. This course covers the basic research methods used in information and library science. Consult with Academic Advising Coordinator, Leslie Kent Kunkel, to select a second research methods course, either from within SIRLS or alternatively, a graduate-level course that covers research methods in some other academic discipline.

INFORMATION ETHICS

Information professionals tend to be faced with questions involving ethics, such as freedom of speech, privacy, copyright, access to information, intellectual property, etc. Students need the intellectual tools for addressing those issues. Students at SIRLS are required to take one course on information ethics.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

SIRLS students are required to include at least two courses taken outside of the School of Information Resources & Library Science. It is recommended that these be taken in a field or discipline that is relevant to the specific professional goals of the individual student. These courses must be approved by the student's faculty advisor.

Students may elect the thesis option, completing a minimum of 6 semester hours of thesis in addition to a minimum of 30 semester hours of course work.

Other requirements of the program include:

  • a written course justification
  • the "master's specialist / completion of degree requirements" form that must be submitted before the student's last semester (see graduation requirements for more details)
  • completion of a minimum of 6 graduate units of residency on campus as an admitted student

"C" Grades and Minimum GPA
Graduate students who earn one grade of "C" or lower are placed on academic probation within the program. By vote of the faculty, any student who earns two grades of "C" or lower will be disqualified from the School of Information Resources & Library Science. Grades of "C" or lower may not be applied toward graduate degree requirements for the master's program in Information Resources & Library Science. Students must replace a grade of "C" or lower with an equivalent number of graduate credits at the "B" level or higher.

Graded Units
In general, a maximum of 9 credit hours of individual studies (693, 699) with grades of S or P may be applied. The remaining credit hours for the degree must be graded (i.e., grades of A or B), with the exception of thesis credits. Those students taking thesis, please check with your advisor.

Time Limitation
Course work more than 6 years old is not acceptable toward a degree. The "age" of a course is relative to the semester of graduation.

Residency Requirement
All master's degree programs must include a minimum of six credit hours of course work done on the University of Arizona campus in Tucson. Individual studies or thesis credits do not fulfill this requirement.
NOTE: Courses taken as a non-degree seeking student do not fulfill the residency requirement.

Virtual Course work
Students may present up to 30 credit hours of virtual course work from SIRLS for the master's degree, including individual studies courses.

Transfer of credit hours
Transfer work must be approved by the School of Information Resources & Library Science and the Graduate College. The University allows up to 20% of the total degree requirements (7 units) of transfer work to be included in a student's program. A maximum of 7 units of graduate credit may be transferred in from another institution. Course work must be a grade of A or B, 500-level or higher, and clearly marked on the transcript for graduate credit. Correspondence or extension courses cannot be applied. Transfer courses not clearly denoted on official transcripts as graduate level will be routinely disallowed by Graduate Degree Certification. Course work used in a previous master's degree from The University of Arizona or another institution is not acceptable for transfer.

Course Work taken as a Non-Degree Seeking Student
The School of Information Resources & Library Science accepts up to 12 credit hours earned as a non-degree student from The University of Arizona. Transfer course work is included in this catagory.

CAUTION: If a student takes 12 credit hours as a non-degree seeking student from the University of Arizona, NO course work may be transferred into the degree program from another institution. Likewise, if a student transfers in 6 credit hours from another institution, he/she is limited to 6 units of course work as a non-degree student from the University of Arizona.

Thesis Credit
Students may elect to submit a minimum of 6 credit hours of thesis for their program. With the prior approval of the director, thesis work, where applicable, may be done in absentia under the direct supervision and guidance of a member of the faculty.

More detailed information is offered in the University of Arizona Graduate Catalog

Degree Requirements for Students Entering from Spring 2002 through Fall 2005

Curriculum Requirements for Graduation
for Students Admitted Fall 2001 through Fall 2005

 

General Requirements

This website is a constantly changing document, and the requirements may change with incoming terms as the faculty develop the curriculum. However each student is mailed a welcome letter upon admission, which should be used as the guide for the requirements of the program of studies. Please note that each student is bound by the specific requirements listed in the letter of welcome, which is received upon admission to the School. The requirements for the program of study for each admitted student are listed in this letter.

Overall Program Description and Requirements

The Master of Arts in Information Resources and Library Science can prepare a student for professional opportunities in a wide variety of environments including libraries, archives, publishing, the corporate sector, and Internet and other technology companies. The curriculum reflects the diversity of information environments in which students eventually work, the populations they serve, and the interdisciplinary nature of the knowledge base on which they need to draw.

The MA degree requires a minimum of 36 semester hours of graduate credit. The curriculum is grouped into five course work areas: department core, evaluation of resources, management of information services, department electives, and out-of-department electives. This is an inter-disciplinary major and course selection will vary with respect to an individual student’s professional goals. Students are required to work with their faculty advisor for approval of their overall plan of study. To aid students, the faculty has developed suggested plans of study in specific areas. These plans are suggested sets of courses that will allow students to achieve particular goals.


Department Core (9 credits):
All students must complete the department core. The core is a set of three courses, prescribed by the faculty, which provides a common base of knowledge with which all information professionals should be familiar.

IRLS 501 Organization of Information
Information professionals perform a wide variety of tasks. They may be involved in the storage, transmission, retrieval, evaluation, or archiving of information. The common thread that allows all of these tasks to be effectively carried out is the coherent organization of the information in question. IRLS 501 is an introduction to the theories, practices, and standards used in the organization of information.

IRLS 506 Research Methods for Library and Information Professionals
A primary task for almost all information professionals is to evaluate information and research as well as to assist others in carrying out research. They can only perform these tasks effectively if they understand how good research is generated. In addition, students that plan to carry out research in the field of information and library science need to be familiar with the research methods of this discipline. IRLS 506 covers the basic research methods used in information and library science, including research methodology, research design, and elementary statistics. Upon presentation of relevant coursework by the student the faculty advisor may waive IRLS 506. However, the research methods requirement may not be waived.

IRLS 520 Ethics for Library and Information Professionals
Information professionals tend to be faced with ethical questions involving freedom of speech, privacy, copyright, and access to information, intellectual property, etc. IRLS 520 covers the basics of ethical theory and its application to problems in information management and provides students with the intellectual tools for addressing ethical questions. The faculty advisor has to approve any other coursework the student wishes to present to satisfy this requirement.

Evaluation of Information Resources (3 credits)
A primary task for information professionals is to evaluate the quality of information resources. For example, whether they are working at the reference desk or making collection development decisions, librarians need to be able to select appropriate materials that will effectively meet the information needs of the patron. In order to satisfy this requirement, students must take at least one of the following courses:

IRLS 524, Information Resources and Services (previously titled: Information Resources Evaluation)
IRLS 560, Information Resource Development
IRLS 622, Verifiable Information (previously titled: Advanced Information Resources)

Management of Information Services (3 credits)
Information professionals are invariably called upon to act as managers of information services. As a result they need to be familiar with the basic principles of management and how they apply in the context of an information service such as a library. It is strongly recommended that students fulfill the management requirement in the second half of their studies. In order to satisfy this requirement, students must take at least one of the following courses:

IRLS 502 Public Management Information Systems (identical to PA 502)
IRLS 581 School Library Administration and Organization
IRLS 608 Planning and Evaluation of Library and Information Centers
IRLS 613 Decision Making for Library and Information Professionals

Department Electives (15 credits)
In consultation with their faculty advisor, students must take a number of electives within the department. Students may choose from a wide variety of topics such as information-seeking behaviors, human-computer interaction, social epistemology, scholarly communication, and children’s and youth services. Internships also count towards elective credit.

Out-of-Department Electives (6 credits)
SIRLS students are also required to include at least two courses taken outside of the School of Information Resources and Library Science. It is recommended that these be taken in a field or discipline that is relevant to the specific professional goals of the individual student. The student's faculty advisor must approve these courses before they are taken.

Computer Requirements

See SIRLS computer access and technical requirements.

Thesis Option

Students may elect the thesis option, completing a minimum of six (6) semester hours of thesis in addition to a minimum of 30 semester hours of course work.

"C" Grades and Minimum GPA

Graduate students who earn one grade of "C" or lower are placed on academic probation within the program. By vote of the faculty, any student who earns two grades of "C" or lower will be disqualified from the School of Information Resources & Library Science. Only one grade of "C" or lower may be applied toward graduate degree requirements for the master's program in Information Resources & Library Science.

Graded Units

In general, a maximum of 9 credit hours of individual studies (693, 699) with grades of S or P may be applied. No more than six units of internship (693) or independent study (699) may be taken. The remaining credit hours for the degree must be graded (i.e., grades of A or B), with the exception of thesis credits. Those students taking thesis, please check with your advisor.

Time Limitation

Course work more than 6 years old is not acceptable toward a degree. The "age" of a course is relative to the semester of graduation.

Residency Requirement

The master's degree program must include a minimum of six (6) credit hours of course work done on the University of Arizona campus in Tucson. Individual studies and Thesis credit do not fulfill this requirement.
NOTE: Courses taken as a non-degree seeking student do not fulfill the residency requirement.

Virtual Course Work

Students may present up to 30 credit hours of virtual course work from SIRLS for the master's degree, including individual studies courses.

Transfer of Credit Hours

Transfer work must be approved by the School of Information Resources & Library Science and the Graduate College. The University allows up to 20% of the total degree requirements (7 units) of transfer work to be included in a student's program. A maximum of 7 units of graduate credit may be transferred in from another institution. Course work must be a grade of A or B, 500-level or higher, and clearly marked on the transcript for graduate credit. Correspondence or extension courses cannot be applied. Transfer courses not clearly denoted on official transcripts as graduate level will be routinely disallowed by Graduate Degree Certification. Course work used in a previous master's degree from The University of Arizona or another institution is not acceptable for transfer.

Course Work Taken as a Non-Degree Seeking Student

The School of Information Resources & Library Science accepts up to 6 credit hours earned as a non-degree student from The University of Arizona. Non-Degree Seeking students are not eligible to take IRLS courses at the 600 (or higher) level.

Thesis Credit

Students may elect to submit a minimum of six (6) credit hours of thesis for their program. With the prior approval of the director, thesis work, where applicable, may be done in absentia under the direct supervision and guidance of a member of the faculty.

More detailed information is offered in the University of Arizona Graduate Catalog.

Degree Requirements for Students Entering in 2006 and After

Master's Degree Requirements for Students Entering in 2006 and After

The document below describes the degree requirements for students entering in 2006 and after.

Index to the Document Below

Introduction to Degree Requirements for Students Entering 2006 and After

Students matriculating (i.e. admitted and enrolled) spring 2006 and after must follow the requirements described in this document for their program of study leading to graduation. The letter of admission will also state these requirements.

The curriculum changes below represent a reorganization and rebalancing of the former curriculum requirements. Students who matriculated from fall 2001 through fall 2005 will be considered for graduation, de facto, under the requirements existing during that period unless they submit a Request to Graduate Under the 2006 Requirements and receive approval.

Starting the Program: 2006 and After

Starting the Program describes how to begin the program under the new degree requirements in effect 2006 and after.

Overview of Curriculum and Other Requirements

The MA degree requires a minimum of 36 semester hours of graduate credit. The curriculum is grouped into four broad groupings:

  • Core courses
  • SIRLS electives
  • Other curricular options
  • Additional requirements and Regulations

Core Courses (12 credits)

All students must complete the department core. The core is a set of four courses, prescribed by the faculty, which provides a common base of knowledge essential to the work of library and information professionals.

  • IRLS 504: Foundations of Library and Information Services
    All students begin the program with IRLS 504, taught as a 7-day intensive course in Tucson. The course includes orientation topics essential to success in the program, such as introductions to graduate study, group work, and distance learning. Course content also covers basic concepts needed for the core courses and subsequent electives, such as introductions to bibliography concepts, online searching, types of libraries and library positions, organization of library services, roles of information professionals, information science, and information policy. The course also includes an introduction to the required ePortfolio, as well as a module entitled “Information Technology Readiness,” which ensures that students have the technical skills to succeed in the program. IRLS 504 is taught three times a year; for dates see "Starting the SIRLS MA Program" above. IRLS 504 satisfies the residency requirement for the MA degree. (Core courses are never waived.)
  • IRLS 515: Organization of Information (formerly 501)
    Information professionals perform a wide variety of tasks. They may be involved in the storage, transmission, retrieval, evaluation, or archiving of information. The common thread that allows all of these tasks to be effectively carried out is the coherent organization of the information in question. IRLS 501 is an introduction to the theories, practices, and standards used in the organization of information. (Core courses are never waived.)
  • IRLS 506: Research Methods for Library and Information Professionals
    A primary task for almost all information professionals is to evaluate information and research as well as to assist others in carrying out research. They can only perform these tasks effectively if they understand how good research is generated. In addition, students who plan to carry out research in the field of information and library science need to be familiar with the research methods of this discipline. IRLS 506 covers the basic research methods used in information and library science, including research methodology, research design, and elementary statistics. (Core courses are never waived.)
  • IRLS 520: Ethics for Library and Information Professionals
    Information professionals tend to be faced with ethical questions involving freedom of speech, privacy, copyright, and access to information, intellectual property, etc. IRLS 520 covers the basics of ethical theory and its application to problems in information management and provides students with the intellectual tools for addressing ethical questions. The faculty advisor has to approve any other coursework the student wishes to present to satisfy this requirement. (Core courses are never waived.)

Electives (18 credits)

Students must take 18 credits of SIRLS electives, distributed over 5 categories. The curriculum committee approves the courses that fulfill the distribution requirement in each category. The most current list of approved courses is available at Distributed Electives: Current List. The categories of distribution for electives are described below.

  • Management of Information Services
    Library and information professionals are invariably called upon to act as managers of information services and frequently become managers of information-based institutions. As a result, they need to be familiar with the basic principles of management and how these principles apply in the context of an information service such as a library. It is strongly recommended that students fulfill the management requirement in the second half of their studies. One course is required from approved courses in this area to satisfy this requirement.
  • Evaluation of Information Resources
    A primary task for library and information professionals is to evaluate the quality of information resources. For example, whether they are working at the reference desk or making collection development decisions, librarians need to be able to select appropriate materials that will effectively meet the information needs of the patron. One course is required from approved courses in this area to satisfy this requirement.
  • Information Technology and Networked Digital Information
    Information technologies and digital networked information are an increasingly important part of the knowledge and information environment of the 21st Century. Library and information professionals need to understand these technologies and be able to use them to manage both print knowledge and information records and the increasingly ubiquitous digital information resources. One course is required from approved courses in this area to satisfy this requirement.
  • Cultural Perspectives on Libraries and Information
    We live in a multicultural, multiethnic, and increasing global world. SIRLS offers a range of courses that look at library and information issues from cultural perspectives. Learning to view knowledge and information issues through various cultural lenses makes it easier to understand that there are always multicultural perspectives to library and information issues, services, and technologies. One course is required from approved courses in this area to satisfy this requirement.
  • Free Choice SIRLS Electives
    In the free-choice category, students may choose any SIRLS elective, including additional choices from the categories above.

Other Curricular Options (6 credits)

Students select 6 credits from the following list of other curricular options:

  • Out-of-department courses
  • Internship or practicum (limit 1)
  • Independent study
  • Thesis (6 credits)
  • Other SIRLS electives

Additional Requirements

The following are additional requirements in the new structure:

  • Residency requirement: IRLS 504, taken as a six week course with a one-week intensive face-to-face format in Tucson as a student’s first course, is the sole on-campus requirement for the degree.
  • An electronic portfolio, "ePortfolio," is required as part of IRLS 504 and must be submitted as part of the SIRLS exit requirement. ePortfolio Site
  • Transfer credits are limited to 6.
  • A maximum of six SIRLS credits taken as a continuing education (non-degree-seeking) student count toward the thirty-six units for the degree.
  • A proposed plan of study, with advisory approval, must be filed with SIRLS in the semester the student completes eighteen credits (Graduate School requirement).
  • Students admitted with provisional status must complete three courses, including IRLS 504 and an additional core course, with a grade of "B" or better before filing to be removed from provisional status.
  • Coursework submitted to fulfill graduation requirements must be completed with no more than one grade of “C.”

Computer Access, Technology, and Electronic Communications

See Computer Access for a comprehensive description of SIRLS technology requirements.

"C" Grades and Minimum GPA

Graduate students who earn one grade of "C" or lower are placed on academic probation within the program. By vote of the faculty, any student who earns two grades of "C" or lower will be disqualified from the School of Information Resources and Library Science. Only one grade of "C" or lower may be applied toward graduate degree requirements for the master's program in Information Resources and Library Science.

As dictated by the Graduate College, students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 in order to graduate.

Graded Units

In general, a maximum of 6 credit hours of individual studies (IRLS 693, IRLS 699) with grades of S or P may be applied. No more than three units of internship (IRLS 693) may be taken, and no more than 6 units of internship and independent study (IRLS 699) combined may be taken. The remaining credit hours for the degree must be graded (i.e., grades of "A" or "B"), with the exception of thesis credits. Those students interested in writing a thesis, should consult with their advisor.

Time Limitation

Course work more than 6 years old is not acceptable toward a degree. The "age" of a course is relative to the semester of graduation.

Virtual Course Work

Students may present up to 33 credit hours of virtual course work from SIRLS for the master's degree, including individual studies courses.

Transfer of Credit Hours

Students may transfer up to six credits of coursework taken outside of
SIRLS into the program for presentation for graduation under the following limitations:
1) approval by the student’s faculty advisor in writing;
2) grades of B or better;
3) credits must be graduate level;
4) courses cannot be older than six years at the time of graduation and must be from an regionally accredited institution;
5) transfer courses cannot have been used for another degree; and
6) transfer courses will not be approved if SIRLS offers the same
courses.

SIRLS courses taken as a non-degree or continuing
education student are considered transfer courses.

Under SIRLS new degree requirements (2006 and beyond), "transfer" credit refers to any non-SIRLS class used to fulfill the SIRLS degree requirements. Non-SIRLS classes, whether from another University of Arizona department or from another university, fall under the "Other Options" section of the degree requirements. Note that 6 credits of "other options" are allowed under the new degree structure. Students have the option to choose any combination of "other options" to fulfill this requirement, including additional SIRLS classes.

Although it is allowable for students to transfer in 6 credits from non-SIRLS departments or other universities, it is vital for students to recognize that this limits their ability to take advantage of other SIRLS curricular options. For example, if a student "transfers in" two courses from Arizona State University, he or she has used 6 credits from the "other options" list, and will not be able to present other options, such as an internship or independent study, toward the 36-credit degree requirement. Note that because 30 credits of SIRLS classes are required for the degree (12 credits of core and 18 credits of electives), there is no way to extend the number of "other option" credits within a 36-unit degree. For this reason, it is essential that students wanting to transfer in courses from other departments or universities talk to their advisors or SIRLS staff about the impact on their choices for other curricular options.

As you plan your SIRLS program, please note the distinction between "transfer" credits (those taken outside SIRLS) and SIRLS classes taken as a continuing education (non-degree-seeking) student (i.e. before being admitted to SIRLS). SIRLS classes taken as a continuing education student are described below.

Course Work Taken as a Continuing Education (Non-Degree-Seeking) Student

Subject to SIRLS approval and space availability, students may apply 6 credits of SIRLS classes taken as a non-degree-seeking student (now called a "continuing education" student). Students who have not yet been admitted to SIRLS must apply through SIRLS division of continuing education, using the continuing education application form, in order to take SIRLS classes. Effective in 2006, there will be a continuing education fee, in addition to SIRLS tuition, for taking continuing education classes. See the SIRLS Continuing Education page for details.

Students intending to matriculate as degree-seeking students are required to take IRLS 504 as their first class, the same as degree-seeking students. This policy protects non-matriculated students from starting coursework without the foundational work necessary for success in the program.

As a second course, continuing education students are urged to take IRLS 506. If IRLS 506 is not available, students should work with Academic Advising Coordinator Tom Wilding, to select an appropriate course.

In summary, students who are not admitted to SIRLS and wish to take SIRLS classes must apply through the SIRLS division of continuing education under the new degree requirements. Note that only 6 credits of SIRLS classes taken as a continuing education student may be applied toward the SIRLS degree.

As you plan your SIRLS program, please note the distinction between SIRLS classes taken as a non-degree-seeking student (i.e. before being admitted to SIRLS) and "transfer" credits (those taken outside SIRLS), described above.

Thesis Credit

Students may elect to submit a minimum of 6 credit hours of thesis for their program. With the prior approval of the director, thesis work, where applicable, may be done in absentia under the direct supervision and guidance of a faculty member.

Request to Graduate Under the 2006 Degree Requirements

Request to Graduate Under the 2006 Degree Requirements

SIRLS students who have matriculated (been admitted) or will matriculate fall 2005 or before may request to be considered for graduation under the new degree requirements to be in effect 2006 and thereafter. These new degree requirements are explained on our website.

Before making this decision, please consider what is required under the new degree structure by completing the Checklist for MA Program: 2006 Degree Requirements Form.

If you would like to be considered for graduation under the new degree requirements, please print out this form, include your signature and the date, attach the completed Checklist, and submit both forms to Tom Wilding, Academic Advising Coordinator, in the Main Office at SIRLS. If your request is approved, a signed copy of this form will be returned to you and a copy placed in your file. An approved copy of this request in your file is necessary to graduate under the new 2006 degree structure. Contact Tom with any questions at wilding@email.arizona.edu.

Name (please print): _____________________________________________

Student ID: ____________________________________

First semester at SIRLS: __________________________

In good academic standing (i.e., GPA of at least 3.00)?: Yes____No____

Regular or Provisional Status (please check one): Regular____Provisional____

Estimated graduation date from SIRLS: _______________________________

My signature indicates that I understand that if this form is approved, I am obligated to follow completely the new 2006 degree requirements in order to graduate.

________________________________________
Signature of Student Applicant

_____________________
Date

Please return this form, with the attached Checklist, to Tom Wilding, Main Office, SIRLS.

________________________________________
Signature of Academic Advising Coordinator

_____________________
Date

Doctoral Program

For further information about the Doctoral Program at SIRLS, please contact Martin Fricke.

Admissions

SIRLS Doctoral Program

9/1/05

Goal

The goal of the doctoral program is to prepare future intellectual leaders in the area of information. Specifically, the program is geared toward intensive study of the organization, evaluation, and use of information. Each doctoral student will be expected to articulate his or her own goals within these general areas.

Degree

The School of Information Resources and Library Science is authorized to offer the Doctor of Philosophy degree, a Ph.D. with an emphasis in Information Resources and Library Science. A student must minor in a second area, determined in consultation with the faculty advisor and approved by the SIRLS Ph.D. Studies Committee.

Admission - General Information

Admission to the doctoral program is competitive and based on both the applicant's abilities and faculty interest and expertise in the student's proposed area of study. The School may deny entry to an otherwise qualified applicant if there is insufficient faculty interest in working with that applicant.

  • Admission to the doctoral program is possible with or without a master's degree.

  • All applicants must possess an undergraduate degree that is comparable to an undergraduate degree offered by the University of Arizona.

Admission to any graduate program at the University of Arizona is the responsibility of the Graduate College. The School and other units with graduate programs make recommendations to the Graduate College. Please note that most units, including the School, prefer to set a standard for admission that is higher than the absolute minimum levels for admission to the Graduate College (noted in the Graduate Catalog.)

The following are guidelines. The faculty consider the overall package when making candidate evaluations:

  • An undergraduate or graduate academic record that is indicative of significant achievement. This is normally a GPA of a minimum of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.

  • GRE scores that are indicative of significant promise. This is normally a minimum of the 80th percentile or higher on the verbal, quantitative, and analytical portions of the test. [There is no need to take or submit a specialized test other than noted above.]

  • A minimum of three letters of recommendation that clearly speak to the applicant's promise as a graduate student and as a doctoral student.

  • A resume indicating both employment and educational experience to date.

  • A statement of intent from the applicant clearly laying out why he or she is applying to this particular program and what he or she considers the outcome of doctoral study will be. Applicants need not, at this point, indicate potential dissertation topics, but an indication of the area(s) in which they propose to study would be very helpful to the faculty.

  • A completed set of application forms for the Graduate College and for the School.

  • An interview, on campus or by phone, with selected members of the faculty.

Funding

SIRLS sees as a priority funding for Ph.D. students in their first three years of study. Opportunities exist within SIRLS and on campus for graduate assistantships, scholarships, and other forms of support.

Admission - Process

  • Admission to the doctoral program normally occurs in the fall semester.

  • The deadline for fall admission is 1 February.

  • The Ph.D. studies committee makes recommendations to the faculty. Then admission is by faculty vote with a simple majority sufficient for admission or rejection. Faculty expertise and interest in the student's area of study are major factors in the admission decision.

Requirements

There are two parallel sets of requirements for the Ph.D.

  • One set is the Graduate College requirements, as found in the Graduate Catalog.

  • The second set contains the requirements of the School.

Graduate College Requirements

The following is a summary of the Graduate College requirements. For the full text of the requirements, see the Graduate Catalog.

  • The equivalent of at least six semesters of essentially full-time study is required.

  • Minimum residency requirement is two regular semesters (not counting summer session) of essentially full-time work in actual residence at the University of Arizona.

  • Minimum of 30 units of course work completed at the University of Arizona.

  • Registration for a minimum of 18 units of dissertation work. With prior approval, the dissertation may be done in absentia.

  • All requirements for the degree must be completed within 5 years of passing the Comprehensive Exam.

  • At least 36 units of course work, exclusive of the dissertation, must be in the major area.

  • Minimum of one-half of the courses presented for the degree must be courses in which regular grades (A, B, C) have been earned.

  • Comprehensive written and oral examination

  • Dissertation

  • Dissertation defense

School of Information Resources & Library Science Requirements

  • Annual review of student's progress.

  • A minimum of 36 units in the major, inclusive of work done for the master's, but exclusive of the dissertation.

  • Minor chosen in consultation with a faculty advisor (normally 9 units but at the discretion and control of the minor unit).

  • Dissertation proposal defense

  • 18 units of dissertation and successful completion of dissertation

SIRLS expects all requirements for the doctoral degree to be completed in three to six years. Please see the Chronology of the SIRLS Doctoral Program for more information.

Requirements/Chronology

Chronology of the SIRLS Doctoral Program


Major Advisor Assigned (who may or may not be same as the dissertation director): immediately upon arrival.

  • The major advisor must be a full-time SIRLS faculty member.

  • The major advisor will also usually be a tenured member of faculty. The major advisor may be changed with the approval of the SIRLS PhD Studies Committee.


Qualifying Examination: for major and possibly minor (at option of minor department)

  • A diagnostic examination

  • Taken within first semester of residence and preferably within first two weeks of residence

  • May inform decisions regarding the student's Plan of Study

  • May be waived with the approval of the major advisor and the PhD Studies Committee.

Plan of Study:

The student is to determine a Plan of Study in consultation with the major advisor and with the approval of the PhD Studies Committee. This Plan of Study will detail the student's courses which are required, elective, transferred in from an MLS or equivalent (if applicable), and which involve research methods. The Plan of Study should be approved by the end of the first year of residence.

The major advisor must approve any subsequent changes in a Plan of Study.

The Plan of Study includes:

  • Courses to be transferred in

  • Courses completed at UA

  • New coursework to be taken at UA in major and minor

Proposed Coursework:

  • 4 required SIRLS PhD seminars. One taken each semester over four semesters, covering topics which might typically include collection development, information-seeking behavior, epistemology, or the societal context of information, etc.

  • 4 electives course in major area of study. These may be courses within or outside of SIRLS. These are to be determined by the student, with approval of the student's Program Committee (12 hours)

  • A minor at UA: hours to be determined at the discretion of the minor host department, typically 9-12 hours, with the approval of the student's Program Committee.

  • For students with a master 's degree in Information Resources and Library Science (IRLS) or a related field, 12 hours of graduate coursework may be transferred in, as approved by the student's major advisor. Students without a master's degree in IRLS or equivalent must take the following four required SIRLS courses in addition to the coursework given above:

    • IRLS 501 Knowledge Structures I
    • IRLS 506 Research Methods I
    • IRLS 520 Ethics for Information Professionals
    • IRLS 606 Research Methods II, or equivalent advanced research methods

  • 2 courses (6 hours) of research methods and statistics. Students with a previously completed master's in IRLS or equivalent who have not taken acceptable research methods courses, as determined by their major advisor, during their master's program must also take IRLS 506 and IRLS 606. This requirement shall be waived for students with a previously completed master's in IRLS who have taken acceptable research methods courses, as determined by their major advisor, during their master's program.

[Some Graduate College requirements to recall:

  • A minimum of 30 units of graduate credit in residence at The University of Arizona. "In residence" is defined as units offered by The University of Arizona, whether or not they are offered on campus.

  • At least 36 units of coursework, exclusive of the dissertation, must be in the major area ]

Annual review

Each year, toward the end of the second semester in May, the Ph.D. studies committee will seek an annual review of each individual Ph.D. student from their respective major advisors. (This will be conducted in accordance with the School's Satisfactory Academic Progress guidelines.)

Comprehensive Examination/Dissertation Committee formed

The Comprehensive Examination/Dissertation (CE/D) Committee consists of the major advisor; at least two additional faculty from the student's major field (at least one of which must be SIRLS faculty); and two faculty members from the student's minor.

All five members of the CE/D Committee must be present for the comprehensive written and oral examination. At the discretion of the minor department, the two members from the minor field may also be present at the later dissertation proposal defense and the later dissertation defense.

The members of the CE/D Committee may be changed with the approval of the SIRLS PhD Studies Committee.

Comprehensive Examination: covers major and minor

Administered and graded by the student's Comprehensive Examination/ Dissertation (CE/D) Committee

In preparation for this examination, the student's CE/D Committee, in consultation with the student, identifies broad topical areas and a reading list based upon the student's coursework.

Written examination: covers major and minor

In consultation with the student, the student's CE/D Committee will determine the format of the written portion of the examination well in advance of the scheduled exam.

Oral examination: covers major and minor

The oral portion of the examination is conducted before a committee of 5 faculty members appointed by Dean of Graduate College and supervised by a representative of Graduate College. (This last requirement, a Graduate College representative, is being phased out. When the Graduate College not longer require it, neither will the School.)

On successful completion of the written and oral portions of the comprehensive examination, the student advances to candidacy.

Dissertation Proposal Defense

In addition to the comprehensive written and oral examination mandated by the Graduate College, SIRLS requires Ph.D. students to pass a dissertation proposal defense.

The dissertation proposal defense is to be done after the student has completed the comprehensive examination. In order to remain in good academic standing, the student must pass the dissertation proposal defense no later than the semester immediately following the semester in which the comprehensive examination is completed (not counting summer sessions).

The comprehensive examination is to ensure that the student has the necessary depth and breadth of knowledge in the area of Information Resources and Library Science. The dissertation proposal defense is to ensure that the student has chosen an appropriate problem for the dissertation and has a plan of action that allows the student to tackle that problem.

The student, in consultation with the major advisor and other appropriate faculty, should prepare a brief (typically 15- to 30- page) dissertation proposal and a substantive reading list of relevant sources. The proposal should include a statement of the problem that the student intends to address and the student's proposed plan of action for tackling it. When this task is completed to the satisfaction of the major advisor, the student may schedule a dissertation proposal defense.

The three major members of the student's CE/D Committee will administer the dissertation proposal defense. This committee will evaluate the proposal and reading list in order to determine whether or not the student is prepared to begin work on a dissertation. The committee must vote unanimously in favor for the student to pass the dissertation proposal defense.

If the student fails the dissertation proposal defense, the major advisor will send the student a written report explaining the reasons for the failure. The student may make a second--and final--attempt to pass the dissertation proposal defense.

The student has to pass the dissertation proposal defense only once. The student may, in consultation with your major advisor, change the dissertation topic without having to retake this exam.

This requirement applies to any student entering the Ph.D. program after October 1, 1997.

Formal Oral Defense (of Dissertation) Examination:

  • Administered by the student's dissertation committee

  • Administered by 3 major faculty from major field, and by 2 faculty from minor field (these may waive attendance).

SIRLS Doctoral Program PhD Minor

SIRLS Doctoral Program PhD Minor


3/26/08

A PhD Minor in Library and Information Resources consists of an approved 12 units of SIRLS home department courses (passed with Grade B or better), and a written and oral examination (which forms part of the PhD Comprehensive Exam). The form of the Ph.D. minor written exam would typically be a 2 hour paper with questions requiring 30 minutes to answer.

Applications for admission to the Minor should be made to the PhD Studies Committee. Successful admission will be contingent, in part, on there being a member of SIRLS faculty willing to serve as a member of the candidate's PhD committee. Students intending to apply for admission should consult with the Chair of the PhD Studies Committee.

Request for course approval for the four courses that make up the Minor, or for variations in the form of the written exam, should be addressed to the PhD Studies Committee.

Courses in SIRLS typically have IRLS504 as a pre-requisite (or approval from the relevant course instructor to waive this pre-requisite). PhD Minor students are not required to do IRLS504; but if they do not, they will have to obtain waivers, from the IRLS504 pre-requisite, from the instructors of the courses that constitute their Minor.

Undergraduate Minor

Under revision (check links)

 

Undergraduate Minor

SIRLS accepts a limited number of undergraduates in selected SIRLS courses, and the undergraduate minor takes 18 credit hours to complete. Students interested in a minor at SIRLS are strongly encouraged to identify themselves to SIRLS Assistant Director, Leslie Kent Kunkel, lkunkel@email.arizona.edu, as early as possible.

SIRLS undergraduates who are contemplating applying to the SIRLS Master's program after graduation should choose the SIRLS courses they take as an undergraduate carefully in order to avoid repetition once admitted to graduate status. Close coordination with SIRLS is strongly advised. Please note that the number of undergraduates in SIRLS courses is limited.

SIRLS Courses Available to Undergraduates

Number

Title

IRLS 400

Social Constructs of Information

IRLS 404

Foundations of Library and Information Services

IRLS 424

Information Resources and Services (previously titled: Information Resources Evaluation)

IRLS 460

Information Resource Development

IRLS 461

Academic Libraries in the 21st Century

IRLS 462

Public Libraries in the 21st Century

IRLS 463

Readers’ Advisory Services in Public Libraries

IRLS 471

Introduction to Information Technologies

IRLS 473

Information Technology in Libraries

IRLS 475

User Interface and Website Design

IRLS 481

School Library Administration and Organization

Tips for Choosing Undergraduate Courses

[Numbers after the slash are effective spring 2006]

IRLS 404: Foundations of Library and Information Services
This course is the introduction to library and information science disciplines and professions. It is an excellent course for undergraduate minors; however, it is also the first required course for the master's degree. Students who enter the master's program having completed IRLS 404 will need to complete a supplementary course to fulfill the core requirement for IRLS 504.

Core Courses (506, 501/515, 520)
Courses in the core for the master's degree are not available to undergraduates.

Distributed Electives
It is recommended that undergraduate students choose their courses from the list of distributed electives required for the master's degree.

See SIRLS course descriptions for more information on courses.

If you intend to be a SIRLS minor, declare early so we can help you with course selection. Contact SIRLS Academic Advising Coordinator, Leslie Kent Kunkel, lkunkel@email.arizona.edu.

Graduate Certificate in Digital Information Management (DigIn)

Graduate Certificate in Digital Information Management (DigIn)

The University of Arizona School of Information Resources and Library Science and The University of Arizona Office of Continuing Education jointly administer the graduate certificate program in Digital Information Management (DigIn). DigIn provides hands-on experience and focused instruction for people seeking new careers in or improving their skills and knowledge of digital archives, digital libraries, digital document repositories and other kinds of digital collections.

The explosion of digital information and the growth of online digital resources has led to a shortage of individuals with an understanding of the disciplines of libraries, document management and archives who also have the technical knowledge and skills needed to create, manage and support digital information collections. The six-course 18-credit hour graduate program will provide both new students and working professionals with a balanced mix of content that includes practical applied technology skills along with a foundation in the theory and practice of building and maintaining today’s digital collections. Certificate holders will be well positioned for careers in libraries, archives, local, state and federal government and the private sector.

All coursework is online and may be completed in 15-27 months. Studies begin each summer with the course Introduction to Applied Technology. Students may then take either one or two courses each fall and spring, with a capstone course concluding the program each summer. The certificate program has been developed in cooperation with The Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records. Major funding for program development comes from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), which has also provided funding for a limited number of scholarships.

Application to the program and enrollment are administered by the University of Arizona Office of Continuing Education and Academic Outreach. The application deadline for summer admission and scholarship applications is April 1.

Computer Access and Technology Requirements

Technology requirements for the DigIn certificate program are higher than those for the SIRLS Masters program due to the hands-on nature of the program and delivery. Read the following carefully to make sure you are prepared to begin the DigIn program.

Prerequisites

There are no formal prerequisites for the certificate program, however you should be familiar with the World Wide Web, basic technology and personal computers. Students are expected to have experience in at least one of the four professions: libraries, archives, records management, or information technology. The first course is a hands-on course in applied technology. You will download and install programs and updates, configure hardware and software, create Web pages and learn how to manage software environments that may be unfamiliar to you. You should be reasonably proficient at finding resources on the Web and performing routine tasks using word processors and spreadsheets. You should feel comfortable with your current desktop operating system (e.g. Windows, Linux or Mac OS) and know how to create and organize files and folders, install and configure peripherals such as printers and other hardware devices, and do basic troubleshooting when problems occur.

Hardware - Primary Personal Computer

Certificate students need to be able to download large files and applications and install software that has minimum requirements for operating system, memory, and available disk space. The student's primary working computer should meet the following minimum specifications:

Hardware - Demo/Practice Computer

Certificate students will also be required to acquire an inexpensive computer for practice installation of operating systems and application software. Recommended specifications are:

Used computers meeting this specification can normally be acquired for $100-$200 or in many cases, less. Consult with the course instructor before making any purchases.

Course Descriptions

IRLS 671 – Introduction to Digital Collections
Introduces students to basic concepts of collection management in the information professions—especially libraries, museums, archives, and records management—and the impact technology is having on these institutions. Topics include information organization, resource description, and user services in the digital environment, systems design and policy issues involved in building digital repositories, and access issues related to privacy concerns and copyright law. As a prerequisite course, IRLS 671 provides the background students will need in later DigIn courses that focus on advanced concepts for managing digital information.

IRLS 672 – Introduction to Applied Technology
Provides students with a foundation in the practical use of core technologies applicable to library, museum, archival and records domains. The approach is hands-on and focuses on basic concepts of operating systems, web servers, databases and scripting. Theoretical content includes introductions to technology planning and acquisition, project management, and networking fundamentals as applied within the library and information science disciplines. As an extended, hands-on exercise, students will learn to install, configure and manage a Linux LAMP server in preparation for developing an online ePortfolio that will demonstrate students’ skills in creating and managing a digital collection.

IRLS 673 – Managing the Digital Information Environment
Introduces students to theoretical and practical approaches to managing technology. Topics include developing strategic plans, project management, the acquisition and deployment of systems, hardware and software lifecycles, information ethics, policy development, and leading and managing in the digital environment.

IRLS 674 – Preservation of Digital Collections
Provides an in-depth look at the fundamental problems involved in long-term digital preservation, and the full range of potential solutions. Topics range from the immediate risk of content loss due to human error or systems failure, the ongoing threat of technology obsolescence, the role of standards and best practices in mitigating risks, and the strategic approaches that are being developed by preservationists in seeking to ensure the permanence and authenticity of digital information in a rapidly evolving technology environment.

IRLS 675 – Advanced Digital Collections
Builds on previous DigIn coursework by giving students hands-on experience in constructing a prototype digital