Indiana University Bloomington

What you'll study

The programme blends foundation modules in librarianship with specialist coursework in administration and technology. Typical topics include information organisation and metadata, catalogue and classification systems, reference and user services, collection development and preservation, and archival principles. Management-focused modules cover strategic planning, budgeting, human resources, leadership in libraries, and policy development. Students also study digital librarianship, digital preservation, systems and technologies for libraries, and legal and ethical issues in information practice.

Instruction normally combines seminars, hands-on labs and supervised fieldwork. Many students complete a practicum or internship in a public, academic or special library and a capstone project or research paper that applies theory to a real-world problem. Elective options allow study in areas such as cataloguing and metadata, records management, children’s and youth services, school librarianship, and user experience design for information systems.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree. Typical supporting application materials include academic transcripts, a personal statement detailing career goals and relevant experience, a current CV or résumé, and references. Some applicants bring prior work or volunteer experience in libraries, archives or information services, which strengthens an application but is not always required.

For applicants whose first language is not English, evidence of English language proficiency is required in line with university policy. The programme may offer full-time and part-time study options; domestic and international applicants should review specific enrolment pathways and any additional requirements for practicum placements.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of roles across public, academic, school and special libraries as well as cultural heritage organisations and information-driven enterprises. Common career paths include public librarian, academic librarian or subject librarian, school librarian, archivist, records manager, metadata specialist, digital preservationist, systems or electronic resources librarian, and library director or manager.

The managerial and administrative emphasis also prepares graduates for roles in knowledge management, information governance, museum and cultural heritage administration, and user experience roles within organisations that require expertise in organising and providing access to information.

Why study at Indiana University Bloomington

Indiana University Bloomington has a long tradition of education and research in library and information science and offers direct access to a large, research-intensive library system and diverse practicum sites. Students benefit from faculty with expertise across cataloguing and metadata, archives and preservation, digital librarianship, and library leadership, and from collaborations with campus museums, archives and research centres.

The campus setting provides opportunities for applied learning through on-site placements and partnerships with libraries across the state and region. Additionally, IU’s alumni network and professional connections support internship placements and career development for graduates pursuing leadership roles in libraries and information organisations.