Navigating Your Path to Librarianship: A Guide to the University of Michigan's MLIS Options and Michigan Library Science Landscape
For those in or near Michigan considering a career as a librarian, the state offers excellent opportunities for pursuing a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree. Michigan is home to several library science programs, including those at the University of Michigan. While there are no bachelor's or doctoral programs in Library Science currently offered in Michigan, the available MLIS programs provide a solid foundation for a career in the field. This article explores the MLIS options available at the University of Michigan and provides a broader overview of the library science landscape in Michigan.
Master of Science in Information at the University of Michigan
The University of Michigan's School of Information (UMSI) offers a Master of Science in Information (MSI) program, which prepares information professionals to develop data-driven solutions and purposeful technology. It is important to note that this program is broader than a traditional MLIS program, as its focus extends beyond solely library-related topics. However, it can be customized to fit the needs of aspiring library professionals.
MSI Program Structure and Requirements
The MSI degree program requires 48 credits of graduate-level coursework, with at least 39 credits from School of Information courses. Most students complete the program in two years, though part-time options are available over three to four years. The curriculum is structured around core courses, pathway-specific courses, selective requirements, and electives.
Core Courses
During the first semester of the MSI program, students take the following core courses:
- SI 500: Problem-Solving with People, Information, and Technology
- SI 506: Programming I
Pathways
Students choose one of four pathways to focus their curriculum:
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- Big Data Analytics
- Libraries, Archives, and Knowledge Environments in Society
- UX Research and Design
- User-Centered Agile Development
Mastery Course
The mastery course (SI 699) is the culminating experience for the MSI degree. This project-based course requires a high level of independence and allows students to synthesize and apply what they have learned throughout the program. In the second year of the program, students may complete either a mastery course in Librarianship and Archival Practice or a Master's thesis.
Selective Requirements
Students choose selective requirement courses from a list relevant to their chosen pathway. These UMSI courses complement and allow for further exploration in the chosen area of study.
Electives
Nine credits of graduate courses can be taken as electives, including courses from other U-M schools and colleges or UMSI internship courses, to complete the MSI degree. UMSI internship courses can provide up to nine credits for approved internships.
Additional Considerations for the MSI Program
It's important to note that degree requirements may vary by cohort. Current MSI students should refer to the MSI Academic Advising Resource site for their cohort's specific degree requirements, course planning sheets, and other helpful tips.
Admissions at UM-Dearborn as a Degree-Seeking or Non-Degree-Seeking Student
The University of Michigan-Dearborn Office of Graduate Studies coordinates the application process for all programs in the College of Engineering and Computer Science (CECS). Students already enrolled in a graduate degree program at UM-Dearborn may declare a Graduate Certificate to supplement their primary field of study or area of expertise. Students may also pursue a graduate certificate as a non-degree seeking student.
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Transfer Credits and Readmission
Doctoral programs do not accept transfer credits. However, students without a master's degree may transfer credits to the master's program, following the conditions outlined in the Transfer Credit Policy. Students previously enrolled in a graduate program may seek readmission by completing the Application for Graduate Readmission form.
Bachelor of Science in Information
The University of Michigan also offers a Bachelor of Science in Information (BSI) program, which requires a total of 120 U-M credits, with 54 credits from courses offered by the School of Information.
BSI Degree Requirements
The BSI degree includes a set of core courses required of all BSI students and an individual pathway in Information Analysis or User Experience Design. Students also choose elective courses to round out their academic experience. All UMSI courses must be taken for a letter grade, achieving a C- or higher, with the exception of SI 210, SI 300, and SI 390.
Prerequisite Courses
Applicants are required to complete the following prerequisite courses with a grade of C- or higher before entering the BSI program:
- SI 101: Introduction to Programming with Python (4 credits). Equivalent courses EECS 183 and ENGR 101 will fulfill this requirement, though SI 101 is strongly preferred.
- SI 261: Introduction to Statistics with Applications (3 credits, counts as upper-level credit)
- SI 300: Career and Internship Studio: Design Your Success (1 credit)
- SI 310: Introduction to Information Ethics (3 credits)
Pathways of Study
The BSI program offers two pathways: Information Analysis and User Experience Design. Students are required to complete one pathway.
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Information Analysis Pathway
The Information Analysis pathway teaches students to identify and ask questions that matter to stakeholders, gather essential data to answer these questions, find answers grounded in empirical evidence, and present those answers in a convincing way.
Information Analysis students take the following courses:
- SI 315: Models of Social Information Processing (4 credits)
- SI 305: Introduction to Information Analysis (3 credits)
- SI 345: Data Manipulation (4 credits)
- SI 385: Data Exploration (3 credits, fall only)
- SI 425: Introduction to User Modeling (3 credits, fall only)
Capstone sequence:
- SI 485: Information Analysis Capstone 1 (2 credits, fall only)
- SI 495: Information Analysis Capstone II (4 credits, winter only)
Selective prerequisites:
- SI 325: Mathematics for Information Analysis (3 credits, fall only)
- SI 303: Introduction to Qualitative Methods/Research (3 credits)
Advanced selectives:
- SI 405: Applied Generative AI (4 credits)
- SI 465: Applied Machine Learning (4 credits)
- SI 403: Advanced Qualitative Methods/Research (4 credits)
- SI 413: Advanced Quantitative Methods/Research (4 credits)
User Experience (UX) Design Pathway
The User Experience Design pathway teaches students to design, build, and evaluate compelling interactive systems.
Electives
The BSI program is designed to provide flexibility for selecting additional courses that interest students. Any courses outside of the pathway requirements can be selected, including courses from another curricular pathway, to round out the 54 required UMSI credits.
Minors and Dual Degrees
The School of Information recognizes most minors offered by the University of Michigan. Students who wish to pursue two degrees, one from the School of Information and the second from a different college at U-M, should plan to meet with both academic advisors. UMSI currently has dual degrees approved with the College of Literature, Science and the Arts; the Ross School of Business; the College of Engineering; the School of Music, Theatre & Dance; the School of Kinesiology; and the Penny W.
Other MLIS Programs in Michigan
Currently, there are two universities in Michigan that offer ALA-accredited library science programs: the University of Michigan and Wayne State University. Wayne State University's MLIS degree prepares professionals for leadership roles in libraries and other information organizations. Wayne State University also offers joint degree programs and a program that is entirely available online and accredited by the ALA. This program satisfies any state licensure requirements set by the state and other needs in different states.
Program Concentrations at Wayne State University
Wayne State University offers several program concentrations for its MLIS degree:
- Archival Administration: Focuses on training librarians to use traditional and new technologies to maintain the integrity and accessibility of archival collections.
- Children & Youth Services: Prepares professionals to provide effective, engaging, and educational library services to children and youth patrons and their caregivers.
- Community Outreach & Engagement: Centers on extending library services to communities by actively engaging with them, identifying their unique needs, and organizing programs and events.
- Data Analytics & Information Systems: Focuses on managing and organizing data, using several tools for data analysis and presentation of results, and working with information systems and data management.
- Digital Content Management & Preservation: Encompasses various concepts beyond preservation, including project management, digitization initiatives, technological implementations, and collaborative efforts.
- Leadership & Management: Focuses on effective leadership and management skills, which are crucial for libraries and other information institutions.
- Reference & Information Services: Centers around helping individuals access and use information effectively.
- School Library Media: Prepares future K-12 school librarians for success in school library environments.
- Technical Services: Focuses on the acquiring, organizing, and preserving of all kinds of library materials.
Admission Requirements and Program Duration
Admission into a graduate program that offers a Master's degree requires the completion of a Bachelor's degree. With limited enrollment, applicants should demonstrate high academic competency, such as a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Typically, a student can earn their MLIS within two to three years.
Job Opportunities and Salary Expectations in Michigan
Detroit is the largest area in the state of Michigan that provides librarian job opportunities. The city of Detroit is the largest location in the state of Michigan and offers many positions across public and school libraries. Institutions to consider feature the University of Michiganâs Dearborn or Ann Arbor campus. Like many other states in the region where Michigan is located, there are an above-average amount of librarian positions. There are at least 3,850 positions recognized through the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The median annual wage for librarians and media specialists in Michigan is approximately $67,620, making it slightly higher than the national average. Various factors, including location, institution type, and local cost-of-living adjustments, influence this average. Some of the higher figures are located in the Lansing-East Lansing metropolitan area, averaging at $63,740 annually. The state average for librarians and media collections specialists are lower than the national mean average. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, these salary figures are estimated at $53,310 annually. Among the top 10 percent of earners, salary estimates are at $$79,920 annually. These higher numbers consider various positions in K-12 schools, universities, and local government.
The employment of librarians is expected to grow by 2% between 2024 and 2034.
Licensure and Certification in Michigan
Like many other states, public and academic libraries in Michigan do not require their librarians to seek specific licensure or certification requirements. Typically, they do want applicants to hold a completed MLIS degree (typically from an ALA-accredited university, though this isnât always the case). While academic and public service librarians may have less strict job requirements or expectations to meet prior to applying, the Michigan State Library does offer a professional certification librarians can apply for upon completion of an MLIS program. In many library systems and institutions, having the certification can boost pay.
To become a licensed librarian in the state of Michigan, professionals must have at least a Bachelor of Arts or Science from a regionally accredited school. Alternatively, a Masterâs degree in library science from an ALA-accredited program is also accepted. Certification is available at different levels depending on education and prior professional history. These levels go in reverse order, as Level 4 requires a high school diploma, completion of an entry-level workshop session, and one year of full-time employment.
Michigan Library Association
The Michigan Library Association (MLA) is the oldest and biggest professional library association in Michigan. It offers support for a wide range of library types, including public, academic, K-12 school, and special libraries. The MLA has been established for well over a century and has connected over 1,400 individual members. Over 300 libraries across the state of Michigan are connected to the association. Its main mission is to advance the education and improve resources in all libraries. Members must adhere to library values with a positive impact in the community and providing free access to information. They must believe in continuous learning throughout their life and be accepting of latest innovations and ideas to improve distribution and policy.
Other Library Organizations in Michigan
- The Library of Michigan Foundation
- The Michigan Association for Media in Education (MAME): Designed for K-12 school library media specialists and school librarians.
- The Lakeland Library Cooperative (LLC): A statewide network of regional library cooperatives that support resource sharing, training, and connections across the various libraries of Michigan.
Financial Aid Opportunities
Various scholarships and financial aid options are available to students enrolled in library science programs in Michigan. These are available to students enrolled in Wayne State Universityâs MLIS program. These are available to students enrolled in the University of Michiganâs MLIS program. This opportunity is open to MLA members. This scholarship awards up to $4,500 per semester for MLIS students.
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