MLIS Track: Information Equity, Diverse Communities, and Critical Librarianship


The MLIS track in Information Equity, Diverse Communities, and Critical Librarianship is a 12-credit graduate program that enables librarians and other information professionals to acquire foundational knowledge, skills, and competencies required for a diversifying workplace. This track teaches social justice approaches for libraries and information institutes; critical theoretical foundations for understanding information equity and critical thinking skills around anti-racism, race, gender, sexuality, class, disability, and immigration in libraries.

The following courses comprise the track:

Core Courses

  • LSC 502 (3 credits) Lead, Manage, & Connect Lib & Info Services
  • LSC 504 (3 credits) Searching for Answers: Meeting Users’ Information Needs
  • LSC 505 (3 credits) Organization of Information
  • LSC 508 (3 credits) Introduction to Information Science and Technology
  • LSC 595 (3 credits) Apply and Reflect

Required

LSC 525 (3 credits) Multiculturalism in Libraries

Diverse Communities (Select 2 from the list)

  • LSC 511 (3 credits) Critical Disability Approaches in Library and Information Studies
  • LSC 512 (3 credits) Immigrant and Migrant Information Contexts and Practices
  • LSC 517 (3 credits) Community Relations for Libraries
  • LSC 519 (3 credits) Advocacy for Libraries 

Critical Librarianship (Select 1 from the list)

  • LSC 513 (3 credits) Social Justice in Children’s and Young Adult Literature
  • LSC 515 (3 credits) Information Ethics and Policy
  • LSC 516 (3 credits) Information and Culture

Electives

  • 9 credits (6 credits from career-related courses in other online accelerated graduate programs with the approval of your advisor and program.)

Total = 36 credits


Optional Tracks

Student may choose to specialize in an area of interest. Tracks will have additional required courses and specific electives from which students can choose. Visit each track page to learn more.


Get in touch.

URI Online Student Support Center

401.874.5280
online@uri.edu

Program Director

Lauren Mandel, Ph.D.
Program Director, Libraries, Leadership, and Transforming Communities
Track Coordinator & Associate Professor
Graduate School of Library and Information Studies
lauren_mandel@uri.edu