Ten Tips as you begin your M.L.I.S. Degree Program

Welcome to SLIS, the School of Library and Information Science, at Kent State University. We are the only library school in Ohio, and we are fully accredited by the American Library Association.  As you begin in the program you may need help in general procedures in the school.  These tips will assist you on your way...

1). Plan your degree program by consulting the online Course Rotations for Kent and Columbus.

Each course rotation PDF document indicates when a course is to be offered at either the Kent site or the Columbus site. Therefore, you can plan a tentative degree program semesters in advance. Remember that the course rotation is subject to change due to instructor availability; and additional courses not shown on the rotation may also be added to the schedule.

2). Before you register for classes, consult the SLIS online Course Schedules:

Write down the five-digit call number for each course that you plan to take. Then, log on to Web for Students https://wfs.kent.edu/ahomepg.htm and enter the 5-digit call number for each class. If a class is closed, add your name to the wait list. Remember to print out a copy of your Detailed Student Schedule before logging off.

3). Meet with your faculty advisor to fill out the Program Statement form before you have completed your first 9-credit hours of coursework.

Remember, that’s it’s best to begin your program by taking the core classes, which are listed on the Program Statement form. Your advisor will help you make sure that your course selection is adequate for your professional goals. Feel free to contact Rhonda Filipan  if you have questions about upcoming course and workshop schedules. There are also specialization guidesheets online to assist you with course and workshop selection.

4). Please note that you can count up to four workshop credits toward the 36 credit hours required for the M.L.I.S. degree.

SLIS, in conjunction with the College of Continuing Studies , offers more than 20 workshops every semester. There are more than 50 workshops total that are rotated throughout the academic year. Workshops are offered primarily at SLIS-Kent and SLIS-Columbus, but the school also schedules workshops at the distance learning sites, too.

5). Workshops meet Friday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Most workshops have a pre-workshop assignment that will be mailed to you. All workshops have a post-workshop assignment that must be completed within a month after the workshop has ended. Try to register for workshops at least two - three weeks in advance so that you can receive the pre assignment in time to complete it before the workshop.

6). Consult the online Workshop-Course Overlap List

before you register for a workshop. You cannot receive credit for both a course and a workshop with similar content.

It can be found in the Forms and Downloads section.

7). Complete the Request for Workshop Credit form

and submit it to your faculty advisor prior to registering for a workshop.  It can be found in the Forms and Downloads section

8). Be sure to attend Library Careers Night in either Kent or Columbus.

This fun, informational event features a panel discussion, exhibits, and presentations. You will have the chance to mingle with library and information professionals from all types of libraries: public, special, academic, K-12, and even those from non-library settings. All types of settings hire those who hold the M.L.I.S. degree.

9). Read the online Student FAQ’s,

especially the sections on Course Work and Curricular Information, School Library Media Licensure, Financial Assistance, Jobs and Work Experience, and Miscellaneous. This document may help to answer some additional questions you have about being a SLIS graduate student . Prospective Student FAQ 

10). Subscribe to the listserv and check it frequently.

Because SLIS has a large program population, this web site and the listserv are our primary communication tools, and we use them to advertise new classes and workshops, announce course or workshop cancellation, inform you of upcoming events (such as Library Careers Night), remind you about important deadlines (for graduation), post jobs, and advertise internship and practicum opportunities. In other words, you can’t truly be an informed SLIS student unless you are subscribed to the LISTSERV.

For instructions on subscribing go to the Listserv page.

Good Luck as you begin your graduate school experience at SLIS. I am always happy to meet with students and will answer any questions you may have about the MLIS program.