University of Iowa

What you'll study

The programme delivers a broad foundation in library and information science alongside specialist coursework in administration and management. Core topics cover the principles of librarianship, information organisation and retrieval, cataloguing and metadata, reference and user services, collection development, and information ethics.

• Management and administration: budgeting and finance for libraries, leadership, strategic planning, human resources and policy development.
• Technical skills: digital libraries, metadata standards, information systems, discovery technologies and data management.
• Collections and services: acquisition and preservation, archival description, special collections care, children and young adult services, and community engagement.
• Research and professional practice: research methods in information science, assessment and evaluation, plus a practicum, internship or capstone project that places theory into applied settings.

The programme is credit-based and typically offers flexible delivery modes, including on-campus and online course options, with full-time and part-time enrolment pathways. Elective choices allow students to tailor their study toward academic librarianship, public libraries, archives and records management, or information organisation and technology.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold an accredited bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Admissions typically consider your academic transcripts, a personal statement outlining professional goals and fit with the programme, a current résumé or CV, and letters of recommendation that address your potential for graduate study and professional practice.

• Relevant work or volunteer experience in libraries, archives or information services strengthens an application.
• Some background in research, information technology or writing is advantageous; specific prerequisite courses may be recommended on an individual basis.
• International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through an accepted test or prior study in English, in line with university policy.
• The programme does not routinely require a graduate entrance exam; check the School of Library and Information Science admissions guidance for any programme-specific requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of professional roles across the information sector. Typical career destinations include:

• Public, academic, school and special librarian positions (reference, youth services, collection development, subject liaison).
• Library management and director roles responsible for budgeting, staffing and strategic planning.
• Archivist and records manager positions in cultural heritage institutions, government agencies and corporate archives.
• Digital curator, metadata specialist, data manager or systems librarian roles supporting digital collections and discovery services.
• Knowledge management, information governance and research data support roles in corporations, non-profits and research organisations.

Practicum and internship components, along with career services at the university, help students build professional networks and practical experience that employers value.

Why study at University of Iowa

The University of Iowa’s library and information programmes are delivered by a school with strong ties to the university’s research libraries and special collections, offering students direct access to diverse collections and real-world learning opportunities. The faculty combine teaching with active research in areas such as digital libraries, archives, community and youth services, and information policy.

• Hands-on learning: practicum and internship placements with the University Libraries, regional public libraries and cultural institutions provide applied experience.
• Research and resources: access to extensive archival holdings, special collections and digital infrastructure supports coursework and independent projects.
• Professional connections: partnerships with regional and national library organisations, plus a strong alumni network, assist with mentoring and employment opportunities.
• Flexible study options: a mix of on-campus and distance-learning courses accommodates working professionals and students from outside the region.

Overall, the programme balances practical skill development, administrative training and subject specialisation to prepare graduates for leadership and specialised roles across the information professions.