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Department of Library and Information Studies
Frequently Asked Questions
Program Requirements
What are the program requirements?
ANSWER: The MLIS program requires thirty-six semester hours of course work of which fifteen hours are core courses (LIS 600, 615, 620, 540, 650) and a final one hour course (LIS 601) in which the student completes a professional portfolio. It is strongly recommended that LIS 600 be taken in the first semester of the program and the remaining core requirements be taken as early as possible in the MLIS program. The capstone project (LIS 601) is usually taken in the last semester of course work.
How important are the GRE scores?
ANSWER : The scores earned on the Graduate Record Exam (general exam) are very important in the decisions of the LIS Admissions Committee in admitting a student to the program. They are, however, only one of the elements considered in the evaluation of the prospective student's record. Other factors given consideration by the Admissions Committee are the undergraduate grade point average, the statement of intent, the letters of recommendation, and the resume submitted by the applicant to the department. Information about the GRE dates and applications for the GRE are available at www.gre.org.
What GRE score would guarantee program admission?
ANSWER: In general, the Admissions Committee looks for a combined score of 1000 on the verbal and quantitative portion of the general GRE exam. However, there is no minimum score established for admission to the MLIS program. The Admissions Committee considers the whole of the prospective student's record in making admissions decisions.
What is the status of an LIS application?
ANSWER: The application process requires application to the Graduate School at UNCG and the submission of two copies of all post-secondary academic work as well as the scores from the Graduate Record Exam and three letters of recommendation. The department additionally requires submission of a current resume and a statement from the applicant addressing the reasons for the decision to work toward the MLIS degree. The process does not begin until all elements of a complete application are forwarded to the department and to the Admissions Committee. Inquiries about the status of a particular applicant may be addressed to: cpfelts@uncg.edu .
How can I apply to the MLIS program?
ANSWER: Application forms and directions are available at
http://www.uncg.edu/grs/prospective/forms.html
ANSWER: The Department of Library and Information Studies does have some courses available on-line and others in configurations in which web-base instruction is supplemented by other forms, but does not have plans to move to a totally on-line program.
I need a Graduate School Application.
ANSWER: Applications forms for the Graduate School are available at:
http://www.uncg.edu/grs/prospective/forms.html
What are the graduation deadlines?
ANSWER: The deadlines for an application for graduation is the first week of classes for that term and the current deadline date is available at : http://www.uncg.edu/grs/current/graduation_application.html
How long does the program take?
ANSWER: The MLIS degree can be earned in thirty-six semester hours. The length of time it would take a student to complete the requirements will depend on the number of hours the student is willing to take in any given term. Typically, UNCG students in Greensboro and at the distance sites progress through the MLIS program on a part-time basis and the degree will take two to three years of part time work to complete. The Graduate School at UNCG imposes a five year limit on courses that apply toward a graduate degree. This five year term begins with the first course the student takes that is to be applied to the MLIS degree .
Financial Aid Inquiries
How do I get financial aid?
ANSWER : The Department of Library and Information Studies usually has a few Graduate Assistantships in the department available each fall. These carry a stipend of $3,500 a semester for twenty hours a week working for the LIS offices, on research projects undertaken by members of the faculty, or in the LIS computer laboratory. These graduate assistantships carry out-of-state and in-state tuition waivers. The deadline for application to these is March 31st for the following fall. While every effort is made to find financial resources to carry students through a second year of study, these assistantships are only available for one academic year of work (i.e. fall and spring semesters). There are also several scholarships offered by the LIS Department and the School of Education. Organizations and library associations are also good sources of financial assistance. Please see the Financial aid section of this website for more detailed information.
There are many different library organizations for a list of sites please see professional associations.
How do I contact a professor in the department?
ANSWER: Email is the best way to contact most professors. Email and contact information can be found under Faculty at the DLIS site.
Form Inquiries- Please see the forms page
How do I register for classes?
ANSWER: Students register for classes through the Genie portal. A password and user name should be obtained from the university. Please see Registration and Advising for more detailed information.
Where can I find the 3 year plan?
ANSWER: The three year plan for the LIS Department with predicted courses
for the next 3 years is available at: http://lis/uncg.edu/docs/3YrPlan07to10.xls
What classes are being offered next term?
ANSWER: A schedule for the semester can be found on the LIS Site and on UNCGenie.
Inquiries About Information Technology
How
do I set up a UNCG E mail account
Answer: Get directions for setting up your accounts here
What
to do if you have forgot your password?
ANSWER: If you have forgotten your UNIX, Novell, or Pipeline passwords you will need to reset you password by going to the following site and following the instructions at https://banweb.uncg.edu/pls/prod/hwzksspr.P_UncgSSPR The LIS Tech Info page may also be of assistance.
How can the student access online library resources for UNCG?
ANSWER: Students and staff can go to http://library.uncg.edu to access Jackson Library and Journal Finder. Online Reserves are available with your user name and social security number at the above link.
How do I get access to Blackboard?
ANSWER: Blackboard is available at blackboard.uncg.edu . Passwords must be set by the university.
School Media and Licensure Questions
How
do I become licensed as a school media specialist?
ANSWER : In North Carolina, school library media coordinators (076 licensure) are required to hold a Master of Library Science Degree, along with specific coursework required for the license. School media licensure candidates have a full program of study that only allows room for 5 credits of electives. (Plan of Study) A practicum is required at the end of the program of study, along with successful completion of the praxis exam.
When do I take the PRAXIS exam?
ANSWER: The Praxis Library Media Specialty Exam (10310) should be taken during the Practicum Semester. Information regarding test dates and locations can be found at http://www.ets.org/praxis/index.html. Note that 076 licensure candidates need only take PRAXIS II 10310, not the PRAXIS I test.
How do I prepare for the PRAXIS exam?
ANSWER: You should prepare for the PRAXIS by reviewing your notes and readings from LIS 653, LIS 616, and other courses. You are well prepared for this exam after completing the UNCG program. Our mean scores are well above the passing rate of 610, and no UNCG LIS graduates have ever failed the PRAXIS exam.
How do I apply for a teacher's license for a school media specialist?
ANSWER: During the practicum semester, information will be disseminated about the teacher licensure process. Near the end of the semester, candidates should request an application for teacher licensure from the UNCG Teacher's Academy (http://www.uncg.edu/soe/affiliates/teachers_academy/index.html).
Along with the application, all transcripts are required, along with copies of any previous teacher licenses, a copy of the PRAXIS exam score, and a copy of the completed plan of study. TheTeacher's Academy the sends the completed paperwork to the UNCG LIS Coordinator of School Library Media for approval, and then sends it to the NC Department of Public Instruction.
What are the requirements for the MLIS, School Media Specialist?
ANSWER: Students wishing to obtain school library media coordinator licensure (076) along with the MLIS degree should work carefully with their advisor to develop a plan of study. There are only 5 credits of electives within the 36-credit program for school library media students.
What if I do not have an education degree? Can I still be a school library media specialist?
ANSWER: Licensure candidates without a valid North Carolina Teaching license will need additional coursework, and an additional practicum. More information is available here.
What is involved in a school library media practicum?
ANSWER: Practicum for school library media is evolving. Currently, school library media students work with their advisor and the practicum supervisor to design a praticum that meets licensure requirements. This planning process should occur the semester before the practicum is scheduled. It is possible to do a practicum "on the job" if one is working as a school media specialist. Summer practica is also possible at times. Regardless, it is crucial that the practicum student, advisor, and practicum supervisor work to design the best practicum for a particular situation.