History And Organization Of The School

In 1926, LSU began offering summer courses in library science, and in 1931 the Board of Supervisors established the Graduate School of Library Science. The name was changed to the School of Library & Information Science (SLIS) in 1981. Through 1958, the Bachelor of Science in Library Science degree was awarded to 725 students. The Master of Science program began in 1951, the Master of Library Science in 1973, and the Master of Library and Information Science in the fall of 1986. Through the spring of 2004, more than 3,000 students have received the master's degree. LSU's program of study in library and information science has been continuously accredited by the appropriate accrediting authority throughout its history. The Master of Library and Information Science degree program is currently accredited by the American Library Association.

The SLIS is administered by a dean. As an administrative unit, the school reports to the executive vice chancellor and provost. Students admitted to the SLIS are also admitted to the Graduate School. Therefore, the general policies, procedures, and objectives of both schools apply to those students who wish to study library and information science. Present and prospective students are responsible for a knowledge of Graduate School regulations.