The Catholic University of America

About SLIS

Vision

SLIS transforms the role of libraries and information in society, globally and locally, through excellence in teaching, scholarship and service by engaging with the rich resources of our region and beyond for the betterment of humanity.

Mission

The School of Library and information Science (SLIS) provides professional education and supports lifelong learning in the tradition of The Catholic University of America. We produce innovative leaders with professional values informed by the CUA core values of reason, faith and service and the SLIS values of collaboration, community, innovation and excellence. Our education is characterized by a strong grounding in the theory and practice of the LIS field, engagement with the rich cultural and human resources of the Washington metropolitan area, and the creative use of information technology. SLIS is committed to applying the principles of library and information science towards the betterment of the individual, communities and society.

We Serve

  • Students, by providing excellent education in the theory and practice of LIS, instilling the SLIS and CUA core values of reason, faith and service, collaboration, community, innovation and excellence while preparing them for lifelong learning.
  • The university, by collaborating with other academic units to educate students in all disciplines about information literacy, IT competency and research skills.
  • The profession and the discipline, through interdisciplinary research and collaboration with practitioners in teaching and research.
  • Employers and society, by producing innovative leaders who have high professional ethics, excellent knowledge of the theory and practice of LIS and technical expertise.

We Achieve Our Mission By

  • Educating highly competent, ethical librarians and other information professionals.
  • Exploring and integrating innovative technology to enrich teaching, foster scholarship and advance professional practice.
  • Strengthening the school by engaging in ongoing dialog to anticipate the changing needs of individuals, the community and global society.
  • Advancing the frontiers of knowledge and practice in LIS.
  • Serving the field, the community, the region and the world.

SLIS Program Objectives

The SLIS MSLS program develops graduates who:

  • Are skilled in organizing, disseminating, managing and preserving information;
  • Are skilled in the use of information technologies and articulate the role of information technology in facilitating information management;
  • Demonstrate a commitment to the philosophy, principles and legal and ethical responsibilities of the field;
  • Are capable of serving information seekers in a global society;
  • Appreciate education and service as integral to the role of the information professional in society;
  • Interpret and apply research results from library and information science and related fields;
  • Articulate the economic, political, cultural and social importance of the information profession;
  • Are dedicated to professional growth, continuous learning and applying new knowledge to improve information systems and services to meet the needs of information users in society.

The SLIS Faculty have adopted a statement of Professional Competencies for Graduates of the Master's in Library Science Degree Program.