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Information Studies

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School of Information Studies

Location

Location

  • School of Information Studies
  • 3661 Peel Street
  • Montreal QC H3A 1X1
  • Canada
  • Telephone: 514-398-4204
  • Fax: 514-398-7193
  • Email: sis [at] mcgill.ca
  • Website: www.mcgill.ca/sis

About Information Studies

About the School of Information Studies

The School of Information Studies (SIS) at ƽÌØÎå²»ÖÐ is a dynamic teaching and research unit engaged in the education of information professionals and scholars. At the School, we educate individuals who make a difference in the management and design of information resources, services, and systems from a human-centred perspective, and find better ways to organize, access, disseminate, use, and preserve information and recorded knowledge. As the pioneer school of its kind in Canada, SIS has been offering programs at ƽÌØÎå²»ÖÐ since 1897, with continuous accreditation by the American Library Association (ALA) since 1929. The School offers a Master of Information Studies (M.I.St.), post-M.I.St. certificate and diploma programs, and a Ph.D. in Information Studies.

Information Studies is the name assigned to a wide-ranging discipline. Faculty members are all engaged in the broad research area of Human-Information Interaction (HII), which includes our core research areas of Human-Computer Interaction, Information Behaviour and Services, and Information and Knowledge Management, with projects in areas such as: data mining, digital curation, information classification, information preservation, knowledge management, multisensory information, and user experience.

For complete information about the School of Information Studies, please see our website at www.mcgill.ca/sis.

For complete information about our programs, please see the Programs & courses section of our website.

Master of Information Studies (M.I.St.); Information Studies (Non-Thesis) (48 credits)
The Master of Information Studies is a 48-credit non-thesis program, accredited by the American Library Association (ALA). This program is designed to prepare graduates for the broad field of Information Studies. Courses are offered in areas of specialization including: Archival Studies, Information and Computer Technologies, Knowledge Management, and Library Studies, among others. The program begins with a set of common courses followed by two streams: students may chose either a stream comprised of courses in areas of specialization, or another stream to conduct a major research project. The program provides the intellectual foundation for careers as information professionals; fosters competencies in managing information and knowledge resources; promotes the appropriate use of technology in meeting information needs; promotes research in information studies; advocates access to information as a fundamental human right; and educates service-oriented professionals.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Information Studies
The Ph.D. in Information Studies provides an opportunity for exceptional candidates to study interdisciplinary research topics at the doctoral level. The program offers a thorough grounding in both current theory and methods of research to ensure that students develop knowledge and critical awareness of relevant theories, principles, and methods in Information Studies and acquire the expertise to conduct and promote scholarly research in the context of Information Studies. The program begins with a set of common courses and proceeds to specialization through dissertation topics focused on areas of expertise that are supported by the research interests of current faculty members. Students develop scholarly and innovative expertise in Human-Information Interaction (HII) in one of three research areas: Human-Computer Interaction; Information Behaviour and Services; and Information and Knowledge Management. The program prepares graduates for a wide range of settings in research, teaching, and senior administrative positions, in Quebec, Canada, and internationally; contributes to the development of knowledge and to teaching/learning in Information Studies; and builds national and international visibility of Information Studies from a research perspective.
Graduate Certificate in Library and Information Studies (15 credits)
The Graduate Certificate 15-credit program is designed to assist library and information professionals currently holding an American Library Association (ALA)-accredited (or equivalent) master's degree to update their qualifications for advanced responsibility. The program may be completed in one or two academic terms, or on a part-time basis to a maximum of five years.
Graduate Diploma in Library and Information Studies (30 credits)
The Graduate Diploma 30-credit program provides professional librarians and information specialists currently holding an American Library Association (ALA)-accredited (or equivalent) master's degree with formal opportunities to update, specialize, and redirect their careers for advanced responsibility. For those considering admission into the doctoral program, it will provide an opportunity to further develop their research interests. The program may be completed in one calendar year, or on a part-time basis to a maximum of five years.
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2014-2015 (last updated Sep. 3, 2014) (disclaimer)

Information Studies Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

Information Studies Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

Master of Information Studies (M.I.St.)

  1. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from a recognized university. Academic Standing of at least B, or second class – upper division, or a CGPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 is required. Courses in library and/or information studies taken before or as part of an undergraduate degree, or such courses taken in a school with a program not accredited by the American Library Association, cannot be accepted as credit toward the ƽÌØÎå²»ÖÐ M.I.St.
  2. Applicants to graduate studies whose mother tongue is not English, and who have not completed an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized foreign institution where English is the language of instruction or from a recognized Canadian institution (anglophone or francophone), must submit documented proof of competency in oral and written English prior to admission. Such proof normally comprises the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 600 (paper-based test), 100 (iBT Internet-based TOEFL) with a written score of at least 25 and a reading, speaking, and listening score not less than 20, or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum overall band score of 7.5. Applicants whose mother tongue is not English may be asked to demonstrate English-language competency beyond the submission of the TOEFL or IELTS scores. For more information about proof of proficiency, refer to the Admissions section of the School's website.
  3. Competency in the use of computers is expected. Applicants should have a thorough knowledge of the Windows operating system, particularly file management and word processing, and presentation software such as PowerPoint.
  4. Previous library work experience, while not essential, will be given consideration in assessing an application, but this experience cannot replace academic criteria.

Ph.D. in Information Studies

  1. Applicants should normally have a master's degree in Library and Information Studies (or equivalent). Master's degrees in other fields will be considered in relation to the proposed research.

    An applicant with a master's degree in Library and Information Studies (or equivalent) will normally be admitted to Ph.D. 2.

    An applicant with a master's degree in another field may be considered for admission to Ph.D. 2, but may need to register for courses to upgrade background knowledge in library and information studies.

    An applicant who holds only a bachelor’s degree from ƽÌØÎå²»ÖÐ or an approved institution in Information Studies (or equivalent) in exceptional circumstances may be admitted to Ph.D. 1.

    A CGPA of at least 3.0 out of 4.0 at both the undergraduate and graduate levels is required.

  2. Applicants to graduate studies whose mother tongue is not English, and who have not completed an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized foreign institution where English is the language of instruction or from a recognized Canadian institution (anglophone or francophone), must submit documented proof of competency in oral and written English prior to admission. Such proof normally comprises the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 600 (paper-based test), 100 (iBT Internet-based TOEFL) with a written score of at least 25 and a reading, speaking, and listening score not less than 20, or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum overall band score of 7.5. Applicants whose mother tongue is not English may be asked to demonstrate English-language competency beyond the submission of the TOEFL or IELTS scores. For more information about proof of proficiency, refer to the Admissions section of the School's website.

Graduate Certificate in Library and Information Studies

  1. Applicants should have a master's degree in Library and Information Studies from a program accredited by the American Library Association (or equivalent). Candidates will normally have at least three years' professional experience following completion of their master's degree.
  2. Applicants to graduate studies whose mother tongue is not English, and who have not completed an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized foreign institution where English is the language of instruction or from a recognized Canadian institution (anglophone or francophone), must submit documented proof of competency in oral and written English prior to admission. Such proof normally comprises the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 600 (paper-based test), 100 (iBT Internet-based TOEFL) with a written score of at least 25 and a reading, speaking, and listening score not less than 20, or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum overall band score of 7.5. Applicants whose mother tongue is not English may be asked to demonstrate English-language competency beyond the submission of the TOEFL or IELTS scores. For more information about proof of proficiency, refer the Admissions section of the School's website.

Graduate Diploma in Library and Information Studies

  1. Applicants should have a master's degree in Library and Information Studies from a program accredited by the American Library Association (or equivalent). Admission of students with overseas degrees will be guided by the M.L.I.S. equivalency standards of the A.L.A. Applicants will normally have at least three years' professional experience following completion of the M.L.I.S.
  2. Applicants to graduate studies whose mother tongue is not English, and who have not completed an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized foreign institution where English is the language of instruction or from a recognized Canadian institution (anglophone or francophone), must submit documented proof of competency in oral and written English prior to admission. Such proof normally comprises the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 600 (paper-based test), 100 (iBT Internet-based TOEFL) with a written score of at least 25 and a reading, speaking, and listening score not less than 20, or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum overall band score of 7.5. Applicants whose mother tongue is not English may be asked to demonstrate English-language competency beyond the submission of the TOEFL or IELTS scores. For more information about proof of proficiency, refer to the Admissions section of the School's website.

Application Procedures

Application Procedures

Detailed graduate application procedures and ƽÌØÎå²»ÖÐ’s online application form for graduate program candidates is available at www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/apply.

Additional Requirements

Additional Requirements

The items and clarifications below are additional requirements set by this department:

  • Two academic reference letters; if degree was awarded more than five years ago, two employer letters of recommendation instead of academic letters
  • Personal Statement
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Research Proposal – Ph.D. only

Ph.D. applicants are encouraged to review the Faculty and Research sections of the School's website to assist in identifying possible dissertation supervisors and to become familiar with the School's research areas before applying to the program. Questions can be addressed to the Ph.D. Program Director.

Application Deadlines

Application Deadlines

The application deadlines listed here are set by the School of Information Studies and may be revised at any time. Applicants must verify all deadlines and documentation requirements well in advance on the appropriate ƽÌØÎå²»ÖÐ departmental website; please consult the list at www.mcgill.ca/gps/contact/graduate-program.

M.I.St., Graduate Certificate, and Graduate Diploma
Canadian International Special/Exchange/Visiting
Fall: Mar. 1 Fall: Feb. 15 Fall: Contact the School's Administrative & Student Affairs Coordinator
Winter: N/A Winter: N/A Winter: Contact the School's Administrative & Student Affairs Coordinator
Summer: N/A Summer: N/A Summer: Contact the School's Administrative & Student Affairs Coordinator
Ph.D.
Canadian International Special/Exchange/Visiting
Fall: Jan. 15 Fall: Jan. 15 Fall: Contact the School's Administrative & Student Affairs Coordinator
Winter: N/A Winter: N/A Winter: Contact the School's Administrative & Student Affairs Coordinator
Summer: N/A Summer: N/A Summer: Contact the School's Administrative & Student Affairs Coordinator

Admission to graduate studies is competitive; accordingly, late and/or incomplete application are considered only as time and space permit.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2014-2015 (last updated Sep. 3, 2014) (disclaimer)

Information Studies Faculty

Information Studies Faculty

Director
France Bouthillier
Professor
Colleen Cook; B.A., M.L.S.(Texas-Austin), M.A., Ph.D.(Texas A & M) (Trenholme Dean of Libraries, ƽÌØÎå²»ÖÐ)
Associate Professors
Joan Bartlett; B.Sc., M.L.S., Ph.D.(Tor.)
Jamshid Beheshti; B.A.(S. Fraser), M.L.S., Ph.D.(W. Ont.)
France Bouthillier; B.Ed.(UQAM), M.B.S.I.(Montr.), Ph.D.(Tor.)
Kimiz Dalkir; B.Sc., M.B.A.(McG.), Ph.D.(C'dia)
Benjamin Fung; B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.(S. Fraser)
Catherine Guastavino; B.Sc.(McG.), M.Sc.(Aix-Marseille), Ph.D.(Paris)
Eun Park; B.A.(Pusan), M.L.I.S.(Ill.), M.B.A.(Pitt.), Ph.D.(Calif.-LA)
Assistant Professors
M. Max Evans; B.S.(N. Illinois), M.I.St., Ph.D.(Tor.)
Ilja Frissen; M.A., Ph.D.(Tilburg)
Charles-Antoine Julien; B.Eng., M.Sc.(Montr.), Ph.D.(McG.)
Elaine Ménard; B.A., M.A., M.S.I., Ph.D.(Montr.)
Karyn Moffatt; B.A.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.(Br. Col.)
Adjunct Professor
Joy Bennett; B.A., M.A.(C'dia), M.L.I.S.(McG.), Ph.D.(C'dia)
Associate Members
Gordon Burr; B.A., M.L.I.S.(McG.), Senior Archivist, Records Management, ƽÌØÎå²»ÖÐ Archives
Pierre Pluye; M.D.(Toulouse), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Montr.), Dept. of Family Medicine, ƽÌØÎå²»ÖÐ
Richard Virr; B.A.(Tulane), M.A.(Qu.), Ph.D.(McG.), Curator of Manuscripts, Rare Books and Special Collections Division, ƽÌØÎå²»ÖÐ Libraries
Affiliate Members
Charles Cole; B.A., M.L.I.S.(McG.), Ph.D.(Sheff.)
Frances Groen; B.A., B.L.S.(Tor.), M.A.(Pitt.), Trenholme Director Emerita of Libraries, ƽÌØÎå²»ÖÐ
Part-Time Instructors
Nathalie Belanger; LL.B., D.D.N.(Montr.), M.L.I.S.(McG.)
Nathalie Blanchard; B.A., B.F.A.(C'dia), M.L.I.S.(McG.)
Heather Brydon; B.Ed.(Saint-Boniface), M.L.I.S.(McG.)
Catherine Jenner; B.A., LL.B., M.L.S.(Tor.), B.C.L.(Montr.)
Jessica Lange; B.Mus.(W.Ont.), M.L.I.S.(McG.) (Management Liaison Librarian, ƽÌØÎå²»ÖÐ Libraries)
Justin Soles; B.A., M.L.I.S.(McG.)
David Weigl; B.Sc., M.Sc.(Edin.)
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2014-2015 (last updated Jul. 22, 2014) (disclaimer)

Master of Information Studies (M.I.St.); Information Studies (Non-Thesis) (48 credits)

The Master of Information Studies consists of a 48-credit non-thesis program, accredited by the American Library Association. This program is designed to prepare graduates for the broad field of information studies and has two streams: Course-based and Research Project. The program: provides the intellectual foundation for careers as information professionals;...

For more information, see Master of Information Studies (M.I.St.); Information Studies (Non-Thesis) (48 credits).

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Information Studies

The Ph.D. program provides an opportunity to study interdisciplinary research topics within the field of library and information studies at the doctoral level. Students develop scholarly and innovative expertise in one of the four research areas within information studies: a) information-seeking behaviour; b) human-computer interaction; c) information resources in...

For more information, see Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Information Studies.

Graduate Certificate in Library and Information Studies (15 credits)

Graduate Diploma in Library and Information Studies (30 credits)

Faculty of Arts—2014-2015 (last updated Sep. 3, 2014) (disclaimer)
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