Executive MLIS Program
Why an Executive MLIS Program?
The San José Executive Master of Library & Information Science (MLIS) program, the first in the world, began in August 2005. Each year a new cohort begins.
It may be the program designed with you in mind.
- Many library leaders in the nation, and beyond, do not hold the MLIS degree yet are successful librarians and leaders in their various professional and geographic communities.
- These librarians choose not to pursue the MLIS in its present form for a variety of reasons: full–time residency requirements; perceived relevancy; lock–step curriculum sequencing regardless of background; heterogeneous student composition regardless of experience; course content; course scheduling; etc.
- Examples include directors of public libraries, branch librarians, senior supervisors of library staff, special librarians in the for–profit and not–for–profit sectors, teacher–librarians, library technicians with university degrees, information specialists and knowledge managers in the corporate sector; second tier senior management in major libraries (e.g., directors of human resources, information technology, marketing) for whom the lack of an MLIS is both a glass ceiling (not able to move up) and glass wall (not able to move laterally).
The San José Solution
- Develop a specialized track within the accredited MLIS degree program, coordinated and taught by academics and professional faculty who are recognized for their expertise in organizational leadership
- Modify curriculum delivery to accommodate this specialized group
- Enhance admissions to accommodate this specialized group
- Establish cohort groups for the Executive MLIS program stream
Characteristics Needed to be an Executive MLIS Student
The typical student in the Executive MLIS program has been working for more than three years in a library management position such as branch manager, deputy director, coordinator, head of marketing, or information technology specialist.
All courses are required and focus on the management aspects of different areas of competence. A student in the Executive MLIS program should have career aspirations that revolve around management and leadership with increasing levels of responsibility.
As the program is delivered through team–based problem–solving, relevant management experience and aspirations are critical to success.
Our Objectives
- To design a program stream within the accredited MLIS degree to educate experienced library managers and other leaders without the MLIS degree
- To attract experienced supervisors, managers and leaders who do not hold the MLIS degree
- To develop an international profile for SJSU as a leader in the executive education of senior staff
The School maintains the right to move students from the Executive MLIS track and place them in the general or specialized track that best suits the student's goals and the School's objectives.
Program Coordination
Joe Matthews
Coordinator of the Executive MLIS Program and Lecturer
Joe Matthews has an MBA from University of California, Irvine.
Matthews has taught library information systems, strategic planning, and evaluation of library services. As an independent consultant, he has assisted numerous libraries and local governments in a wide variety of projects including:
- Developing a Library Balanced Scorecard
- Assessing the value and performance of services offered in libraries
- Preparing strategic plans
- Developing performance measures for libraries
- Preparing long range plans for a consortium of libraries
- Preparing information technology plans
- Assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of information technology departments in libraries and local governments
- Selecting and implementing automated library information systems.
He has written a number of books including: Strategic Planning and Management for Library Managers, Measuring for Results: The Dimension of Public Library Effectiveness, The Bottom Line: Determining and Communicating the Value of the Special Library and Library Information Systems: From Library Automation to Distributed Information Access Solutions.
Feel free to contact him via the e–mail form Joe Matthews.
Tuition
Executive MLIS students will be classified as Special Session students and will select the "off–campus" option on the CSU Mentor online application form. Fees for Executive MLIS courses through Special Session are $599 per unit, or $25,757 for the degree.
Application Information
Applications are accepted through April for a July start. International students must apply at least one month before this deadline to allow extra time for processing. See information about the application process.
Not a United States citizen or a United States permanent resident?
You are not required to obtain an F1 student visa. You will only be entering the United States once each year and staying for a period of no longer than three weeks each time. As a result you are regarded as a visitor coming to take a course and not as an international student taking up residency in the United States.
Program Guidelines
- Classes are small — typically fewer than 25.
- Students are placed in learning teams for the duration of the program.
- The program meets all of the criteria for the ALA–accredited MLIS program.
- Course content is consistent with existing course objectives but adapted to the needs of the specific group, e.g., greater emphasis on management of functions, leadership and decision–making.
Housing
Arrangements have been made for housing at reasonable prices for students. Accommodation is available in single and shared suites, including breakfast and all amenities. Each provides easy access to campus. See more information.
Required Courses
Further information?
Contact Joe Matthews
E–mail form: Joe Matthews
One Washington Square - San José, California USA, 95192-0029
Phone: 408-924-2490
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