San José Executive MLIS program

Why an Executive MLIS Program?

The San José Executive Master of Library & Information Science (MLIS) program, the first (and still the only one in the world), began in August 2005. Each year in June a new cohort starts.

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 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.

San José State University

SCHOOL OF LIBRARY & INFORMATION SCIENCE