About a year ago this time in August 2014, the University of Maryland College of Information Studies’ iSchool and the Information Policy & Access Center (iPAC) launched the Re-Envisioning the MLS initiative. The initiative was intended as part of a three-year process to explore and evaluate what a future Master of Library Science degree (or its variants) should be and how to prepare information professionals for their careers. This evaluation is being conducted in the context of a changing landscape in information science, technology, users, communities, and economic climate—factors that shape what library needs may look like in the future and what the MLS degree and coursework should focus on down the road.

Some of the drivers that the evaluation identifies as potentially affecting the field include:

• The federal government – lack of funding, staff reductions and budget cuts
• State and local governments – agencies closed, lack of funding
• Current and future job markets – lack of jobs, downsizing, budget cuts
• Other venues that provide information services

In response to the changes that libraries and information professionals are facing, the initiative is seeking answers to the following questions:

• What is the value of an MLS degree?
• What does the future MLS degree look like?
• What should the future MLS degree look like?
• What are the competencies, attitudes, and abilities that future library and information professionals need?
• What distinguishes the Maryland iSchool’s MLS Program from other MLS programs?
• What distinguishes the Maryland iSchool’s MLS Program graduates from other MLS program graduates?

The evaluation addresses key findings in the following categories:

• Shift in focus to people and communities
• Main core values remain essential
• Competencies for future information professionals
• MLS may not be relevant/necessary in all cases
• Issues related to access for all
• Social innovation and change
• Working with data and engaging in assessment.
• Knowing and leveraging the community
• Learning/Learning sciences, education, and youth
• Digital assets and archival thinking

The “Competencies for Future Information Professionals” findings were particularly useful in defining the future scope of MLS programs. According to the evaluation, in the future an MLS program should at a minimum provide its graduates with the following competencies through coursework, application, and practice:

• Ability to lead and manage projects and people
• Ability to facilitate learning and education either through direct instruction or other interactions
• Ability to work with and train others to use a variety of technologies.
• Marketing and advocacy skills.
• Strong desire to work with the public in general and a wide range of service populations in particular.
• Problem-solving and the ability to think and adapt instantaneously
• Knowledge of the principles and applications of fundraising, budgeting, and policy-making skills
• Documentation and assessment of programs

Whatever changes are to come for library and information professionals, it’s clear that libraries remain a valuable asset to communities, even if some adapting is needed to keep up with the times. For more information, check out the full text of the report.

Written by: Barbara Maxwell and Tina Teree Baker

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