Wayne State University

School of Library and Information Science

Contact

Email:

Degrees/Certificates Offered

Programs Offered

Program Philosophy

Engaged in challenging careers, qualified information professionals are working in varied settings all over the globe. "Librarians held about 167,000 jobs in 2002. Most worked in school and academic libraries, but nearly a third worked in public libraries. The remainder worked in special libraries or as information professionals for companies and other organizations" (Occupational Outlook Handbook). With more than 50 percent of today's gross national product related to the management of information, career opportunities for individuals trained in library and information science and archival administration are abundant and diverse.

Facilities

The Library and Information Science Program at Wayne State University's main office is located in the Purdy/Kresge Library, Room 106 Kresge.  SLIS classrooms are also located in Purdy/Kresge Library, with some archival courses located in the Reuther Library. Over 550 students are enrolled in the SLIS in fall 2006. Approximately 40 students are enrolled in the Archival Administration Certificate annually.

Practicum/Internships/Assistantships Offered?

The major objective of the practicum is to enable a student to work in an archives under the direction and guidance of an archival professional. This experience offers an opportunity to test professional skills and to re-examine concepts and theories within an actual library or information center.  Students are regularly placed at such prestigious institutions as the Walter P. Reuther Library of Labor and urban Affairs, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, or The Holocaust Memorial Center Zekelman Family Campus.  The Metro Detroit area offers many other opportunities for research projects beyond the institutions mentioned above. Faculty members work with students to find a good fit, whether the student's interests relate to art, architecture, theatre, dance, music, non profit work, or otherwise.

Graduate Student Assistanships are also granted to several students per year.  Students work approximately 20 hours per week in the Wayne State University Library system as reference professionals, or in the School of Library Science program office and in turn are granted tuition re-imbursement and a stipend.  This program is a most excellent way to gain real life experience dealing with the public in an information institution and pay for classes.

Research

As mentioned above, archival students may perform research in the many libraries and archives located in the Detroit area, including the largest labor archives, The Reuther Library of Labor and Urban Affairs, which is located on the Wayne State University campus.

Faculty Information

Courses Offered