Master’s Programs Re-Accreditation & Master’s Practicum Launches

Master’s Degree Programs Granted Continued ALA Accreditation

The UNC School of Information and Library Science (SILS)’s Master of Science in Library Science (MSLS) and Master of Science in Information Science (MSIS) degree programs were granted continued accreditation from the American Library Association (ALA) Committee on Accreditation (CoA) through 2029.

“To have support from the American Library Association through continued accreditation is an honor,” SILS Dean and Cary C. Boshamer Distinguished Professor Gary Marchionini said. “This reflects the commitment to excellence of the SILS faculty and staff who create learning experiences for our students that are innovative and rewarding, and to the overall quality of SILS programs that meet and exceed the expectations of the library and information science community.”

In February 2022, the ALA CoA virtually visited SILS to meet with faculty and staff to conduct a comprehensive review of current and future initiatives and programs at the school. SILS Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Brian Sturm led the review committee through the ALA’s visit.

“I’d like to thank Brian Sturm for his tireless dedication to preparing the required materials for our accreditation visit,” Marchionini said. “I look forward to continuing the exciting work being carried out by students and faculty through our graduate programs.”

Practicum Experience Option Included in Master’s Curriculum

In the Fall 2022 semester, SILS curriculum changes have been launched to include a practicum project option in addition to the traditional thesis option. The SILS Master’s Practicum Project is divided into two sequential semesters.

This semester, our students are participating in a practicum development course during which they identify their strengths and skills, form balanced teams based on their skills and interests, and learn best practices for effective collaboration. In the Spring, each student team will take on a practicum project where they can apply what they’ve learned and the skills they’ve developed to a real environment.

In August, Courtney Jordan-Steele started at SILS as the Practicum and Engagement Coordinator to help facilitate partnerships between students and practicum project sponsors - the organizations that host students and provide projects.

“This is an excellent opportunity for our master’s students to connect with community partners, called sponsors, and generate new ideas or develop solutions for real-world issues in a team-based environment,” Jordan-Steele said. “For many of our students, this experience is a chance to bring the expertise they have gained during their time with SILS to life.”

To learn more about the practicum project experience, visit

sils.unc.edu/programs/graduate/ msls/curriculum-practicum.

Interested in becoming a Practicum Project Sponsor?

If you or your organiation would like to sponsor a project for SILS Master’s students, please reach out to SILS Practicum and Engagement Coordinator Courtney Jordan-Steele via email at courtney-jordan-steele@unc.edu.