March 7, 2008
Kent State University School of Library and Information Science Columbus program relocates to the State Library of Ohio
The State Library of Ohio and Kent State University School of Library and Information Science are pleased to announce the relocation of the Kent State University School of Library and Information Science Columbus program to the State Library of Ohio. The relocation is a historical event as it will be first Library Science School within a state library since Melvil Dewey’s School of Library Economy at the State Library of New York opened in 1889. Classes are scheduled to begin this summer in the newly renovated 6,100 square foot space featuring state of the art classroom facilities, conference and meeting areas, offices, and a technology laboratory.
The State Library has a strong history of collaboration with Kent State including use of classroom and videoconference space and internship opportunities for students. “We look forward to an enhanced and mutually beneficial partnership with Kent State University. It’s possible that students will have an opportunity to participate in innovative and leading edge projects that we are undertaking here at the State Library including digitization projects and open source solutions," said State Librarian Jo Budler.
The Kent State University's Columbus program is moving from The Ohio State University and currently has over 150 students enrolled in the Masters in Library and Information Science (M.L.I.S.) degree program at the Columbus location. “The school’s relocation to the State Library offers immense opportunities for our students and faculty,” said Richard Rubin, director, Kent State University School of Library and Information Science. “The collaborative possibilities for library education and service should have a very positive impact on library service in the central Ohio region.”
In the past ten years alone 590 students have graduated with an M.L.I.S. from Kent State at the Ohio State University site. With three full-time faculty members, support and administrative staff, and more than 25 part-time adjunct instructors from all areas of professional librarianship, Kent State’s School of Library and Information Science degree program in Columbus provides access to an M.L.I.S. degree for students in the central region of Ohio. As the only American Library Association (ALA) accredited masters program in Ohio, library paraprofessionals and students new to the profession rely on Kent State University to provide a high quality, professional education.
Kent State University’s School of Library and Information Science is the largest single master’s program at the university. With over 600 students the school is ranked nationally by a U.S. News and World Report survey as 19th in the country. Classes are offered at the Kent campus, in Columbus, and at varying distance learning sites throughout the state.
For more information about the State Library of Ohio contact Marsha McDevitt-Stredney at 614-644-6875.
For more information about Kent State University School of Library and Information Science contact Ruth Smith, Public Relations Coordinator at 330-672-0003.