Read on for important information for incoming MLIS students.
MLIS Program FAQs
| How many courses are in the MLIS program? |
| The MLIS program is a course-based, professional master’s program consisting of 5 core and 10 electives, for a total of 15 courses to complete. We highly recommend that you complete 5 core courses before taking electives as some of the electives have prerequisites. There is not a thesis requirement but if you are interested in pursuing original research after your first term you can consider an Individual Study and/or a Guided Research option. |
| What are the core courses? |
| LIS9001 – Perspectives on Library and Information Science LIS9002 – Information Organization, Curation and Access LIS9003 – Information Sources and Services LIS9004 – Research Methods LIS9005 – Managing and Working in Information Organizations |
| Are there restrictions on what 10 electives I can take? |
| The MLIS Program is a generalist program meaning that we do not offer specializations. Instead, we have Program Content Areas (PCAs) which are breadth requirements like those found in Undergraduate degrees. The PCAs ensure that you are prepared for wide variety of information industry careers. Students must take 1 elective from 4 of the 5 PCAs. A list of courses in each PCA found on the Intranet. Don’t worry about PCAs until your second term. Most MLIS students get their PCAs without actively trying! |
| Can I be exempted from any of the core courses? |
| If you have taken qualitative and quantitative research methods as part of a previous undergraduate or graduate degree in the past five years and passed those courses with a grade of B or higher, you may apply for an exemption for LIS 9004 Research Methods using the course exemption form on the Intranet. Many students with these credentials would rather take LIS 9004 especially if they are considering academic librarianship as it is an introduction to research within the field. Students who are joining the program with extensive experience in management may also apply for an exemption from LIS 9005 using the same form. A resume will be required. Students can only be exempted from one of the core courses and they will have to choose another elective to replace it. An exemption does not decrease the number of courses required in the program. |
| What is the Grading Scale? |
| 80% and above (A) 70-79% inclusive (B) 60-69% inclusive (C) < 60% fail (F) |
| What are the Progression/Graduation Requirements? |
| Overall average above 70% No more than one course in the “C” range (60-69%) No course below 60% *Pro Tip: Read the MLIS Guidelines to the Grade Range on the Intranet |
| How many courses should I take per term? |
| A full-time course load within the program is 3, 4, or 5 courses per term. Part-time is 1 or 2 courses per term. Some students complete the program in 12 months (5-5-5), most take more than 3 terms to complete. Co-op will extend your graduation a term or two (see co-op FAQs for details). Students have lots of different reasons for taking fewer courses per term, such as work or family responsibilities. Some prefer to take their time to synthesize their course information more fully. It’s up to you. The course fees are different depending on how many courses you register in: 3, 4 or 5 courses = full-time course fee 1 or 2 courses = part-time course fee Depending on your registration need, you can be part-time one term and full-time in the next. Our program is flexible that way.  *Pro Tip: Don’t forget that we do have a summer term! Once you start the program, it is expected that you will continue to register every term, (unless you apply for a Leave), or you will have to reapply. |
| What are the courses like in the program? |
| Course Requirements vary by instructor, but the most include grades for short papers, group work, presentations & class participation. There are very few textbooks required (most on reserve at the FIMS Grad Library). Many of the MLIS instructors use an OWL site for the organization of their courses. The instructors will email you when the OWL Brightspace course site is ready for you to view. Use your Western login and password to view the course sites: wts.uwo.ca/owl *Pro Tip: Read your course syllabus carefully! |
| What are the attendance requirements? |
| Participation in classes is an essential part of the learning experience. It is expected that you will attend class unless there is a serious (or chronic) illness, or family emergency. In cases where you would just be missing one class or require a minimal extension (a day or two), discuss with your instructor. If you will be missing multiple classes and require more than one extension, discuss with GSS Manager. Chronic lateness or missing a class without notice can result in a special assignment being given to verify coverage of course material. |
MLIS Registration FAQs
| When does registration open? |
| Registration for the MLIS program normally occurs one month before the start of the term. For instance, in Fall term registration opens the first week of August. In Winter term, the first week of December, and for Summer term, the first of April. |
| How do I switch from full-time to part-time (or part-time to full-time)? |
| When changing Course Load: Check the MLIS Program section of the Intranet for PT/FT/Co-op Status Changes. Reminder that tuition fees change by course load and all course load changes must be made through the GSS office. * 1 or 2 courses = part-time fees * Up to 5 courses = full-time = 1 flat fee |
| What are the deadlines to ADD/DROP/SWAP courses? |
| Add/Swap Deadline: End of first 7 days after start of term Drop Deadline #1: Last day of the first month in the term (end of Sep, Jan or May) – course will no longer appear on academic record/transcript Drop Deadline #2: Last day of second month in the term (end of Oct, Feb or June) – course will have “WDN” (withdrawn) recorded on the record/transcript Drop After Deadline #2: – course will have late penalty of “FAI” (fail) recorded on the record/transcript *Always read your email – reminders are sent! ProTip: Watch for emails from Cindy Morrison in the GSS office with term updates. |