(Kent, OH) ---The School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) at Kent State University has developed two new curriculum options in digital librarianship to help respond to information organization needs in the 21st century. Beginning Fall 2008 Semester, the school will offer a specialization in its Master of Library and Information Science (M.L.I.S.) program in digital librarianship. In addition, M.L.I.S. or M.L.S. degree holders can earn a Certificate of Advanced Study in Digital Librarianship.

Responding to the growing need for information professionals in the area of digital librarianship, SLIS at Kent State developed a curriculum that offers students a specialization focusing on the technical and human aspects of the Web and digital libraries. Students, who complete the specialization, will gain expertise needed to hold professional positions in libraries, archives, museums and other organizations, which create digital resources and make them available on the Internet.  

Students, who choose the digital librarianship specialization in the M.L.I.S. program, will be able to enroll in two newly developed courses, “Digital Libraries,” to be offered Fall 2008 Semester, and “Implementation of Digital Libraries,” to be offered Spring 2009 Semester. These courses will augment existing M.L.I.S. courses that focus on digital library education, and selected courses offered in both the M.L.I.S. and M.S. in Information Architecture and Knowledge Management degree program.

The Certificate of Advanced Study in Digital Libraries is intended for professionals who already hold an M.L.I.S. or M.L.S. degree. The certificate program focuses on infrastructure, organization and maintenance of the digital library, as well as information access and policy issues.

“Education and trining of digital library librarians has emerged as a major task during recent years, and Kent State is providing the knowledge and skills for future professionals in this area of librarianship,” says Richard Rubin, director of the Kent State University School of Library and Information Science.

Kent State University’s School of Library and Information Science is the largest single master’s program at the university. The school is ranked 19th nationally by a U.S. News and World Report survey and the third largest master’s program in library and information science in the country, with more than 600 students. Classes are offered at the Kent campus, at various distance learning sites throughout the state including Columbus and online.

For programs and application information, visit www.slis.kent.edu.