Library Science, Public Libraries Concentration, MLS

Program Overview

The Public Libraries concentration (Library Science MLS) teaches students to analyze generally accepted theories and functions of public library service and relate them to a specific community and library system. Students also learn to identify significant cultural, political and social characteristics of communities and provide appropriate materials and services for specific clientele.

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Program Objectives

The objectives of the public library concentration are to educate students as librarians who have the ability to:

Analyze generally accepted theories and functions of public library service and relate them to a specific community and library system
Recognize the unique role of the public library in American communities
Recognize and understand social, governmental and economic forces that influence public libraries
Identify significant cultural, political and social characteristics of a community and provide appropriate materials and services for the specific clientele
Identify other community agencies and groups with which public librarians can cooperate
Recognize the different lifestyles of persons who reside in the community and consider means to stimulate them to seek library service
Recognize the support for public libraries from library professional associations, state libraries, trustees and friends groups
Exhibit imagination in developing innovative means of providing library service to the entire community

Admission Requirements

The requirements for all applicants are as follows:

Online graduate admission application
$50 non-refundable application fee
GPA/grades: Cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of at least 2.75 (“A”= 4.0) on all undergraduate work (exceptions to the 2.75 GPA requirement may be made for applicants with relevant professional experience)
Official transcripts: Official copies of transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (must be received in sealed university envelopes)
Letters of recommendation: At least two relevant professional or academic letters of recommendation (access forms through the online application; recommenders need to upload letters of recommendation)
Statement of purpose: This statement should be approximately 700–800 words (2–3 pages) long. Please discuss the following in the statement:
- How your personal, academic and work experiences have influenced you to apply for this program
- What your professional objectives are and how you want to arrive at them
- How you hope to contribute to positive change in the field, especially in light of the School’s mission “to prepare professionals to become leaders who can advance the library and information sciences in a diverse and global society"
Resume or curriculum vitae (CV): should include work experience related to the library and information professions, as well as other types of employment experience, and volunteer or community activities; should be less than 2 pages long
The GRE is not required (submitted scores are not considered)

Additional Requirements for International Applicants

Application Deadline Dates

U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents

Fall: July 1
Spring: November 1
Summer: April 1

International Applicants

Fall: April 1
Spring: September 1
Summer: no admission

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Graduate Contact Form

How to Apply

All individuals who would like to apply to an NC Central graduate program (except the law program) must apply using the correct online graduate admission application.

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