The ALA Glossary defines Library Science as:
"The knowledge, demands and skills by which recorded information is selected, acquired, organized and utilized in meeting the information needs of a community of users."
Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) is the only university in Connecticut to offer an American Library Association (ALA) accredited program. At SCSU the Department of Information and Library Sciences offers both undergraduate and graduate level programs. Those students completing the undergraduate program earn a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and those in the graduate program can earn a Masters of Library Science (MLS), a professional diploma in Library Information Studies (sixth-year certificate program), and a Connecticut teacher certification as a School Media Specialist.
Bachelor of Science Program in Library Science
Students will take an integration of courses in information science, library science, and instructional technology. Graduates can work in information and library science fields including public libraries and museums. Students must maintain a 2.7 GPA. The major consists of 30 credits- 9 of core course credits and 21 of elective credits.
Master of Library Science (MLS)
The MLS program is an ALA accredited program. The Connecticut School Media Specialist teaching certification is approved by the State Board of Education and accredited through the School of Education by NCATE. This is a 36 credit program- 12 core course credits and 12 elective credits. SCSU offers this program through online courses, which is licensed and accredited by the Board of Governors, Department of Higher Education, State of Connecticut.
Professional Diploma in Library Information Studies (Sixth-year certificate)
This is a post-MLS degree program, allowing a student to specialize in Information Studies. It is an advanced program for library and information professionals and is individually planned based on a student's educational background, experience, and career objectives.
In addition to planned programs of study, SCSU offers a variety of continuing education workshops throughout the year for alumni, students and information/library professionals. Past offerings included topics such as Web 2.0, Beyond Google, and E-Librarian.
