The first organized library science curriculum at Indiana University, a program for the preparation of school librarians, was offered by the School of Education in the summer of 1930. In 1938 this curriculum was expanded and made available in the regular school year as well as during the summer session.

In 1947 the Division of Library Science was established within the School of Education. A basic undergraduate curriculum in library science focused on the fundamental processes common to all types of libraries was offered as a minor within the four-year program leading to the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in the College of Arts and Sciences or to the Bachelor of Science in Education degree in the School of Education.

Graduate Education in Library and Information Science

A five-year program leading to the Master of Arts with a major in library science, granted by the Graduate School, was created in 1949, and a Ph.D. program in library and information science was established in 1964.

In 1966 the Trustees of Indiana University established the Graduate Library School, and the professional degree Master of Library Science (M.L.S.) replaced the Master of Arts degree. The Specialist degree program was added to the curriculum in 1978. In 1980 the name of the school was officially changed to School of Library and Information Science (SLIS). The addition of the Master of Information Science (M.I.S.) degree in 1995 reflects the school’s continuing commitment to preparing information professionals for a variety of fields.