Master’s in Library and Information Science - Public Librarianship

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The public librarianship concentration at UNCG prepares students to engage a variety of communities through comprehensive, innovative, and community centered services. The program focuses on developing leadership in public library settings with coursework that covers community engagement, youth and adult services, collection development, and emerging technologies. Students gain the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to address the evolving needs for public library users. 

MASTER’S IN LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE — Public Librarianship Concentration Program Distinctions

Our Library and Information Science program is nationally accredited by the American Library Association.

The program emphasizes equity, access, and advocacy – preparing graduates to be forward-thinking leaders in public libraries.  

Students benefit from faculty who are not only scholars, but also experienced practitioners in public librarianship 

MASTER’S IN LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE — Public Librarianship Concentration Student Experience

Students have the opportunity to participate in internships and/or practicum experiences at public libraries- offering hands on learning and professional networking.

The program fosters close connections with faculty mentors and offer a supportive, collaborative learning environment.

Classes are offered in flexible formats, including online and evening options to accommodate working professionals.  

Program Customization

You have the opportunity to focus on developing your skill set in specific areas. Below are some suggested courses to help students plan out a particular destination in their studies. None of these courses are required, but they can help students who wish to refine their academic experience within a particular area.

Academic Librarian

LIS 656 The Academic Library
LIS 665 Information Literacy
LIS 672 Instructional Design
LIS 635 Introduction to Technology
LIS 630 Computer-Related Tech for Info Management
LIS 631 Emerging Technological Trends in Information Access
LIS 636 Website Production and Usability for Librarians
LIS 661 Library and Information Science Research
LIS 662 Information Services to Diverse Client Groups
LIS 667 Information Services for Adults

Archives and Special Collections

LIS 610 Collection Management
LIS 639 History of Information Technologies
LIS 657 The Special Library
LIS 658 Archival Management
LIS 681 Rare Books, Manuscripts, and Special Collections
LIS 683 Archival Preservation, Curation and Access

Cataloging

LIS 641 Cataloging and Classification
LIS 643 Metadata

Children & Youth Services

LIS 617 Materials for Children
LIS 618 Materials for Adolescents
LIS 619 Storytelling
LIS 635 Introduction to Technology Resources
LIS 625 Electronic Resources for Youth
LIS 663 Library Services for Young People
LIS 664 Reading and Literacy in the Library
LIS 674 Seminar: Issues of the Virtual Community
LIS 634 Libraries and MakerSpaces

Digital Collections

LIS 631 Emerging Technologies
LIS 644 Digital Libraries
LIS 643 Metadata

Information Organization

LIS 631 Emerging Technologies
LIS 644 Digital Libraries
LIS 643 Metadata

Information Organization

LIS 641 Cataloging and Classification
LIS 642 Seminar in Indexing and Abstracting
LIS 643 Metadata
LIS 644 Digital Libraries

Public Library Certification

Click here to access this link from the State Library

Required by State Library Certification:
LIS 610 Collection Management
OR LIS 617 Materials for Children & LIS 618 Materials for Adolescents

Other good electives courses for public library service include:
LIS 655 Public Libraries
LIS 631 Emerging Technological Trends in Information Access
LIS 635 Introduction to Technology Resources
LIS 636 Website Production
LIS 661 Library and Information Science Research
LIS 662 Information Services to Diverse Client Groups
LIS 663 Library Services for Young People
LIS 665 Information Literacy
LIS 667 Information Services for Adults
LIS 668 Community Informatics
LIS 672 Instructional Design

** You can take either LIS 610 or LIS 617 with LIS 618 
A combination of collections and resources**

Reference Librarianship

LIS 623 Principles of Database Information Retrieval
LIS 628 Science and Technology Information Sources
LIS 674 Seminar: Issues in the Virtual Community
LIS 682 Seminar: Advanced Information Sources and Services

School Libraries

Required by DPI:
LIS 617 Materials for Children
LIS 618 Materials for Adolescents
LIS 635 Introduction to Technology Resources
LIS 653 The School Library
LIS 654 School Library Media Specialist and the Curriculum
LIS 693 Capstone Practicum

Recommended Electives:
LIS 619 Storytelling
LIS 625 Electronic Resources for Youth
LIS 663 Library Services for Young People
LIS 664 Reading and Literacy in the Library
LIS 674 Seminar: Issues of the Virtual Community
LIS 634 Libraries and MakerSpaces
LIS 688 Seminar: Legal Ethical Issues in School LIbraries

M.L.I.S. — General Program Capstone

MLIS students complete the capstone during their final semester. The experience includes applied work—such as a field experience or approved project—and a professional portfolio demonstrating achievement of program learning outcomes.

Students already working in a library may have the option to complete a project‑based experience rather than a traditional placement.

Key features

  • Applied, real‑world experience
  • Professional portfolio
  • Alignment with MLIS program learning outcomes (PLOs)
  • Customizable based on career goals

Plan ahead: Your interests may evolve during the program, and that’s expected. Save everything! Advisors will help you align your capstone with your goals as you progress.

🔗 MLIS Capstone details and forms

After Graduating with your master’s in library science

Graduates of the public librarianship concentration are well prepared for roles such as:  

  • Youth or adult services librarian
  • Community engagement librarian
  • Library director
  • Branch manager
  • Outreach coordinator
  • Many additional roles in public librarianship

Check out our ILRS Jobs Board to see current job announcements.

More Information About the MASTER’S IN LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE — Public Librarianship Concentration

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Program Details

Degree Type: Master's

College/School: School of Education

Program Type: Majors & Concentrations

Class Type: Online

Catalog Name: Library and Information Science, M.L.I.S., Public Librarianship Concentration

Contact Us

headshot of Noah Lenstra

Dr. Noah Lenstra
njlenstr@uncg.edu