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Information Studies

School of Information Studies

Location

Location

  • School of Information Studies
  • 3661 Peel Street
  • Montreal QC H3A 1X1
  • Canada
  • Telephone: 514-398-4204
  • Fax: 514-398-7193
  • Email: sis [at] mcgill.ca
  • Website: www.mcgill.ca/sis

About Information Studies

About the School of Information Studies

The School of Information Studies (SIS) is a dynamic teaching and research unit engaged in the education of information professionals and scholars. The School educates individuals who make a difference in the management and design of information resources, services, and systems, finding better ways to manage, organize, access, disseminate, use, and preserve information and recorded knowledge from a human-centred perspective. As the pioneer school of its kind in Canada, SIS has been offering programs at ²»Á¼Ñо¿Ëù since 1897, with continuous accreditation of professional programs by the American Library Association (ALA) since 1929.

The School offers programs at the graduate level, including a Master of Information Studies and Ph.D. in Information Studies. For more information about current program offerings, please visit the School's website at www.mcgill.ca/sis/programs.

Research at the School is conducted in the broad domain of human-information interaction (HII), which includes three research areas:

  • human-computer interaction;
  • information behaviour and services; and
  • information and knowledge management.

Research projects address such topics as data mining, digital curation, information classification, information preservation, knowledge management, multisensory information, and user experience.

For complete information about the School of Information Studies, please see the School's website at www.mcgill.ca/sis.

Master of Information Studies (M.I.St.); Information Studies (Non-Thesis) (48 credits)

The Master of Information Studies is a non-thesis program, designed to prepare graduates for the broad field of information studies. The program is comprised of a set of required courses and additional courses from areas of interest including: library studies, knowledge management, information and computer technologies, and archival studies, among others. The program provides the intellectual foundations for careers as information professionals; fosters competencies in managing information and knowledge resources; promotes the appropriate use of technology in meeting information needs; promotes research in information studies; advocates the ideal of equal access to information; encourages research in the field of library and information studies; and cultivates commitment to professional service for individuals, organization, and society. After completion of the degree, students may choose to pursue a career in a related field or continue on to further academic studies. The program may be completed full-time in two years or on a part-time basis to a maximum of five years.

Master of Information Studies (M.I.St.); Information Studies (Non-Thesis) — Project (48 credits)

The Master of Information Studies – Project is a non-thesis program with a major research project, designed to prepare graduates for the broad field of information studies. The program is comprised of a set of required courses, a research component, and additional courses from areas of interest including: library studies, knowledge management, information and computer technologies, and archival studies, among others. The program provides the intellectual foundations for careers as information professionals; fosters competencies in managing information and knowledge resources; promotes the appropriate use of technology in meeting information needs; advocates the ideal of equal access to information; encourages research in the field of library and information studies; and cultivates commitment to professional service for individuals, organization, and society. After completion of the degree, students may choose to pursue a career in a related field or continue on to further academic studies. The program may be completed full-time in two years or on a part-time basis within a maximum of five years.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Information Studies

The Ph.D. in Information Studies provides an opportunity for exceptional candidates to study interdisciplinary research topics at the doctoral level. The program offers a thorough grounding in both current theory and methods of research to ensure that students develop knowledge and critical awareness of relevant theories, principles, and methods in Information Studies and acquire the expertise to conduct and promote scholarly research in the context of information studies. The program begins with a set of common courses and proceeds to specialization through dissertation topics focused on areas of expertise that are supported by the research interests of current faculty members. Students develop scholarly and innovative expertise in human-information interaction (HII) in one of three research areas: human-computer interaction; information behaviour and services; and information and knowledge management.

The program prepares graduates for a wide range of settings in research, teaching, and senior administrative positions, in Quebec, Canada, and internationally; contributes to the development of knowledge and to teaching/learning in information studies; and builds national and international visibility of information studies from a research perspective.

Graduate Certificate in Digital Archives Management (15 credits)

The Graduate Certificate in Digital Archives Management program is designed to equip students and working professionals with specialized training to enrich their current portfolio or to prepare for work in the areas of digital archives, digital curation, and digital content management. Courses focus on principles and practices in archival studies, digital curation, strategies for digital preservation, and enterprise content management. The program may be completed within two academic terms (Fall/Winter) or to a maximum of three years. Both Fall and Winter entry to the program are offered.

Graduate Certificate in Information and Knowledge Management (15 credits)

The Graduate Certificate in Information and Knowledge Management program is designed to equip students and working professionals with specialized training to enrich their current portfolio or to prepare for work in the areas of information and knowledge management. Courses focus on the information behaviour of individuals, networks, and organizations; the nature of tacit and explicit knowledge services; and strategies for identifying, capturing, organizing, storing, sharing, and using knowledge. The program may be completed within two academic terms (Fall/Winter) or to a maximum of three years. Both Fall and Winter entry to the program are offered.

Graduate Certificate in Library and Information Studies (15 credits)

The Graduate Certificate in Library and Information Studies is a post-master's program designed to assist library and information professionals currently holding an American Library Association (ALA)-accredited (or equivalent) master's degree to update their qualifications for advanced responsibility. The program may be completed in one or two academic terms, or on a part-time basis to a maximum of five years.

Graduate Diploma in Library and Information Studies (30 credits)

The Graduate Diploma program provides professional librarians and information specialists currently holding an American Library Association (ALA)-accredited (or equivalent) master's degree with formal opportunities to update, specialize, and redirect their careers for advanced responsibility. For those considering admission into the doctoral program, it will provide an opportunity to further develop their research interests. The program may be completed in one calendar year, or on a part-time basis to a maximum of five years.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2015-2016 (last updated Jul. 29, 2015) (disclaimer)

Information Studies Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

Information Studies Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

Master of Information Studies (M.I.St.)

  1. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from a recognized university. Academic Standing of at least B, or second class – upper division, or a CGPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 is required. Courses in library and/or information studies taken before or as part of an undergraduate degree, or such courses taken in a school with a program not accredited by the American Library Association, cannot be accepted as credit toward the ²»Á¼Ñо¿Ëù M.I.St.
  2. Applicants to graduate studies whose mother tongue is not English, and who have not completed an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized foreign institution where English is the language of instruction or from a recognized Canadian institution (anglophone or francophone), must submit documented proof of competency in oral and written English prior to admission. Such proof normally comprises the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 100 on the Internet-based test (iBT; or 600 on the paper-based test [PBT]), with a written score of at least 25 and a reading, speaking, and listening score not less than 20, or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum overall band score of 7.5. Applicants whose mother tongue is not English may be asked to demonstrate English-language competency beyond the submission of the TOEFL or IELTS scores. For more information about proof of proficiency, refer to the ²»Á¼Ñо¿Ëù section of the School's website.
  3. Competency in the use of computers is expected. Applicants should have a thorough knowledge of the Windows operating system, particularly file management and word processing, and presentation software such as PowerPoint.

Ph.D. in Information Studies

  1. Applicants should normally have a master's degree in Library and Information Studies (or equivalent). Master's degrees in other fields will be considered in relation to the proposed research.

    An applicant with a master's degree in Library and Information Studies (or equivalent) will normally be admitted to Ph.D. 2.

    An applicant with a master's degree in another field may be considered for admission to Ph.D. 2, but may need to register for courses to upgrade background knowledge in library and information studies.

    An applicant who holds only a bachelor’s degree from ²»Á¼Ñо¿Ëù or an approved institution in Information Studies (or equivalent) in exceptional circumstances may be admitted to Ph.D. 1.

    A CGPA of at least 3.0 out of 4.0 at both the undergraduate and graduate levels is required.

  2. Applicants to graduate studies whose mother tongue is not English, and who have not completed an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized foreign institution where English is the language of instruction or from a recognized Canadian institution (anglophone or francophone), must submit documented proof of competency in oral and written English prior to admission. Such proof normally comprises the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 100 on the Internet-based test (iBT; or 600 on the paper-based test [PBT]), with a written score of at least 25 and a reading, speaking, and listening score not less than 20, or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum overall band score of 7.5. Applicants whose mother tongue is not English may be asked to demonstrate English-language competency beyond the submission of the TOEFL or IELTS scores. For more information about proof of proficiency, refer to the ²»Á¼Ñо¿Ëù section of the School's website.

Graduate Certificate in Digital Archives Management, Graduate Certificate in Information and Knowledge Management

  1. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from a recognized university. Academic Standing of at least B, or second class – upper division, or a CGPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 is required.
  2. Applicants to graduate studies whose mother tongue is not English, and who have not completed an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized foreign institution where English is the language of instruction or from a recognized Canadian institution (anglophone or francophone), must submit documented proof of competency in oral and written English prior to admission. Such proof normally comprises the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 100 on the Internet-based test (iBT; or 600 on the paper-based test [PBT]), with a written score of at least 25 and a reading, speaking, and listening score not less than 20, or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum overall band score of 7.5. Applicants whose mother tongue is not English may be asked to demonstrate English language competency beyond the submission of the TOEFL or IELTS scores. For more information about proof of proficiency, refer to the ²»Á¼Ñо¿Ëù section of the School's website.
  3. Competency in the use of computers is expected. Applicants should have a thorough knowledge of the Windows operating system, particularly file management and word processing, and presentation software such as PowerPoint.

Graduate Certificate in Library and Information Studies

  1. Applicants should have a master's degree in Library and Information Studies from a program accredited by the American Library Association (or equivalent). Candidates will normally have at least three years' professional experience following completion of their master's degree.
  2. Applicants to graduate studies whose mother tongue is not English, and who have not completed an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized foreign institution where English is the language of instruction or from a recognized Canadian institution (anglophone or francophone), must submit documented proof of competency in oral and written English prior to admission. Such proof normally comprises the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 100 on the Internet-based test (iBT; or 600 on the paper-based test [PBT]), with a written score of at least 25 and a reading, speaking, and listening score not less than 20, or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum overall band score of 7.5. Applicants whose mother tongue is not English may be asked to demonstrate English-language competency beyond the submission of the TOEFL or IELTS scores. For more information about proof of proficiency, refer the ²»Á¼Ñо¿Ëù section of the School's website.

Graduate Diploma in Library and Information Studies

  1. Applicants should have a master's degree in Library and Information Studies from a program accredited by the American Library Association (or equivalent). Admission of students with overseas degrees will be guided by equivalency standards of the A.L.A. Applicants will normally have at least three years' professional experience following completion of their master's degree.
  2. Applicants to graduate studies whose mother tongue is not English, and who have not completed an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized foreign institution where English is the language of instruction or from a recognized Canadian institution (anglophone or francophone), must submit documented proof of competency in oral and written English prior to admission. Such proof normally comprises the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 100 on the Internet-based test (iBT; or 600 on the paper-based test [PBT]) with a written score of at least 25 and a reading, speaking, and listening score not less than 20, or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum overall band score of 7.5. Applicants whose mother tongue is not English may be asked to demonstrate English-language competency beyond the submission of the TOEFL or IELTS scores. For more information about proof of proficiency, refer to the ²»Á¼Ñо¿Ëù section of the School's website.

Application Procedures

Application Procedures

Detailed graduate application procedures and ²»Á¼Ñо¿Ëù’s uApply online application form for graduate program candidates is available at www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/apply.

Additional Requirements

Additional Requirements

The items and clarifications below are additional requirements set by this department:

  • Two academic reference letters; if degree was awarded more than five years ago, two employer letters of recommendation instead of academic letters
  • Personal Statement
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Research Proposal – Ph.D. only

Ph.D. applicants are encouraged to review the Faculty and Research sections of the School's website to assist in identifying possible dissertation supervisors and to become familiar with the School's research areas before applying to the program. Questions can be addressed to the Ph.D. Program Director.

Application Deadlines

Application Deadlines

The application deadlines listed here are set by the School of Information Studies and may be revised at any time. Completed applications, including all supporting documentation (e.g., uploaded documents and references received from referees), are due by the appropriate deadline. Applicants must verify all deadlines and documentation requirements well in advance on the appropriate ²»Á¼Ñо¿Ëù departmental website; please consult the list at www.mcgill.ca/gps/contact/graduate-program.

All applicants who wish to be guaranteed consideration for scholarships (M.I.St. program only) must submit completed applications (see above) by March 1.

M.I.St. and Graduate Diploma
Canadian International Special/Exchange/Visiting
Fall: Apr. 1 Fall: March 15 Fall: Contact the School's Administrative & Student Affairs Coordinator
Winter: N/A Winter: N/A Winter: Contact the School's Administrative & Student Affairs Coordinator
Summer: N/A Summer: N/A Summer: Contact the School's Administrative & Student Affairs Coordinator
Ph.D.
Canadian International Special/Exchange/Visiting
Fall: Jan. 15 Fall: Jan. 15 Fall: Contact the School's Administrative & Student Affairs Coordinator
Winter: N/A Winter: N/A Winter: Contact the School's Administrative & Student Affairs Coordinator
Summer: N/A Summer: N/A Summer: Contact the School's Administrative & Student Affairs Coordinator
Graduate Certificates
Canadian International Special/Exchange/Visiting
Fall: Apr. 1 Fall: March 15 Fall: N/A
Winter: Nov. 1 Winter: Sept. 1 Winter: N/A
Summer: N/A Summer: N/A Summer: N/A

Admission to graduate studies is competitive; accordingly, late and/or incomplete application are considered only as time and space permit.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2015-2016 (last updated Jul. 14, 2015) (disclaimer)

Information Studies Faculty

Information Studies Faculty

Director
France Bouthillier
Professor
Colleen Cook; B.A., M.L.S.(Texas-Austin), M.A., Ph.D.(Texas A & M) (Trenholme Dean of Libraries, ²»Á¼Ñо¿Ëù)
Associate Professors
Joan Bartlett; B.Sc., M.L.S., Ph.D.(Tor.)
Jamshid Beheshti; B.A.(S. Fraser), M.L.S., Ph.D.(W. Ont.)
France Bouthillier; B.Ed.(UQAM), M.B.S.I.(Montr.), Ph.D.(Tor.)
Kimiz Dalkir; B.Sc., M.B.A.(McG.), Ph.D.(C'dia)
Benjamin Fung; B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.(S. Fraser)
Catherine Guastavino; B.Sc.(McG.), M.Sc.(Aix-Marseille), Ph.D.(Paris VI)
Elaine Ménard; B.A., M.A., M.S.I., Ph.D.(Montr.)
Eun Park; B.A.(Pusan), M.L.I.S.(Ill.), M.B.A.(Pitt.), Ph.D.(Calif.-LA)
Assistant Professors
M. Max Evans; B.S.(N. Ill.), M.I.St., Ph.D.(Tor.)
Ilja Frissen; M.A.(Maastricht), Ph.D.(Tilburg)
Charles-Antoine Julien; B.Eng., M.Sc.(Montr.), Ph.D.(McG.)
Karyn Moffatt; B.A.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.(Br. Col.)
Adjunct Professor
Joy Bennett; B.A., M.A.(C'dia), M.L.I.S.(McG.), Ph.D.(C'dia)
Associate Members
Gordon Burr; B.A., M.L.I.S.(McG.) (Senior Archivist, Records Management, ²»Á¼Ñо¿Ëù Archives)
Pierre Pluye; M.D.(Toulouse), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Montr.) (Family Medicine, ²»Á¼Ñо¿Ëù)
Richard Virr; B.A.(Tulane), M.A.(Qu.), Ph.D.(McG.) (Curator of Manuscripts, Rare Books and Special Collections Division, ²»Á¼Ñо¿Ëù Libraries)
Affiliate Members
Charles Cole; B.A., M.L.I.S.(McG.), Ph.D.(Sheff.)
Frances Groen; B.A., B.L.S.(Tor.), M.A.(Pitt.) (Trenholme Director Emerita of Libraries, ²»Á¼Ñо¿Ëù)
Part-Time Instructors
Adam Baron; B.Mus.(Acad.), B.Ed.(Windsor), M.L.I.S.(McG.)
Nathalie Belanger; LL.B., D.D.N.(Montr.), M.L.I.S.(McG.)
Edward Bilodeau; B.Sc., M.L.I.S.(McG.)
Nathalie Blanchard; B.A., B.F.A.(C'dia), M.L.I.S., Grad.Cert.L.I.S.(McG.)
Guillaume Boutard; B.Sc., M.Sc.(Paris VI), Ph.D.(McG.)
Heather Brydon; B.Ed.(Saint-Boniface), M.L.I.S.(McG.)
Catherine Jenner; B.A., LL.B., M.L.S.(Tor.), B.C.L.(Montr.)
Lidia Kruk; B.A.(C'dia), M.L.I.S.(McG.)
Geoffrey Little; B.A., M.L.I.S.(Tor.)
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2015-2016 (last updated Jul. 14, 2015) (disclaimer)

Master of Information Studies (M.I.St.); Information Studies (Non-Thesis) (48 credits)

The Master of Information Studies; Non-Thesis is a 48-credit program. The program is designed to prepare graduates for the broad field of information studies. It provides the intellectual foundations for careers as information professionals; fosters competencies in managing information and knowledge resources; advocates the ideal of equal access to information;...

For more information, see Master of Information Studies (M.I.St.); Information Studies (Non-Thesis) (48 credits).

Master of Information Studies (M.I.St.); Information Studies (Non-Thesis) — Project (48 credits)

The Master of Information Studies; Non-Thesis - Project is a 48-credit program, with a research project component of 18 credits. The program is designed to prepare graduates for the broad field of information studies. It provides the intellectual foundations for careers as information professionals; fosters competencies in managing information and knowledge...

For more information, see Master of Information Studies (M.I.St.); Information Studies (Non-Thesis) — Project (48 credits).

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Information Studies

The Ph.D. program provides an opportunity to study interdisciplinary research topics within the field of library and information studies at the doctoral level. Students develop scholarly and innovative expertise in one of the four research areas within information studies: a) information-seeking behaviour; b) human-computer interaction; c) information resources in...

For more information, see Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Information Studies.

Graduate Certificate in Digital Archives Management (15 credits)

This program is intended to prepare students to work in the area of digital archives. The graduate courses in the program will focus on principles of organization of information, practices in archival studies, and strategies for digital curation and enterprise content management. This in an entry-level, graduate program that may lead to another graduate certificate...

For more information, see Graduate Certificate in Digital Archives Management (15 credits).

Graduate Certificate in Information and Knowledge Management (15 credits)

This program is intended to prepare students to work as information and knowledge managers in a variety of sectors. The graduate courses in the program will focus on the information behavior of individuals, networks and organizations, and the nature of tacit and explicit knowledge services and strategies for identifying, capturing, organizing, storing, sharing, and...

For more information, see Graduate Certificate in Information and Knowledge Management (15 credits).

Graduate Certificate in Library and Information Studies (15 credits)

Graduate Diploma in Library and Information Studies (30 credits)

Faculty of Arts—2015-2016 (last updated Jul. 29, 2015) (disclaimer)
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