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The University of Iowa
University of Iowa
Graduate College

School of Library and Information Science

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What is Library and Information Science?

Library and Information Science (LIS) is an interdisciplinary field of study that centers on the documentation that records our stories, memory, history, and knowledge. LIS professionals serve as custodians of printed materials, records, photographs, audiovisual materials, and ephemera, in both analog and digital form. Librarians and other information professionals collect, organize, preserve, and provide access to these materials and are the stewards of the knowledge that they contain. We connect people to the resources that they need to understand their histories, communities, and the world around them. We advocate for free and open access to these resources and train folks to use these materials to better themselves and society as life-long learners. 

LIS professionals work in public libraries, school libraries, college and university libraries, corporate libraries, law libraries, medical libraries, special collections, historical societies, community archives, museums and galleries, non-profits, corporations, or anywhere that there is a need to collect, organize, and access documents and information resources.

A Master’s of Library and Information Science is required for professionals working in the LIS fields. Our program allows you to design a degree program that is tailored to your professional goals. For more information on our curriculum and courses, please go to our prospective students page.

The University of Iowa
University of Iowa

School of Library and Information Science

Graduate College

School of Library and Information Science
125 W Washington St, Suite 3087
Iowa City, IA 52242

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