The Book Studies and Library and Information Science Studies program (BLIS) enables students to earn a master's degree in library and information science and a certificate in book studies. The program requires admission to both the School of Library and Information Science and the Center for the Book certificate program. Admission deadline is February 1st for the following fall.

The joint MA/Certificate offers multiple pathways into professional engagement with artifacts, such as rare and artist books, available in archives and libraries. Students select courses that enable them to gain skills and knowledge in areas of service such as conservation, cataloging, instruction, and outreach. The combined program is a 51 semester hour degree. Students must take at least 27 hours of SLIS courses and 15 hours of book arts, studies, and technologies courses. The remaining 9 hours may be taken in either SLIS or the UICB, or from another unit (provided these remaining credit hours meet the approval of their SLIS advisor).