School of Information Resources and Library Science

Contact Information:
Susan Irwin
Program Manager, SIRLS
University of Arizona
1515 E First St.
Tucson, AZ 85719
520-621-3565

www.sir.arizona.edu

The School of Information Resources and Library Science (SIRLS) is a professional school focusing on the interchange between information and society. The School provides an evolving suite of research, educational, and applied programs addressing:
• the understanding of information use and access by individuals, the groups and organizations formed as a result of information issues, and the societies and cultures created as a result of information access and use.
•The education of students to become information professionals in a wide variety of information environments, including libraries, the corporate sector, and specialized agencies of all types.

SIRLS is also the home to Knowledge River, http://knowledgeriver.arizona.edu. Knowledge River provides specialized courses on information issues from Native American and Hispanic perspectives, financial assistance, and a supportive environment.

Duration
The program requires 36 semester hours of graduate coursework. Students may attend on a full or part-time basis. A full-time student can complete the program in four semesters.

Degree
Master of Arts in Information Resources and Library Science; accredited by the American Library Association

Equipment
SIRLS uses WebCT course software, listservs, course web sites, and email for the online courses. Students must have Internet access, a graphical web browser (Internet Explorer, Netscape), word processing, spreadsheet and web page design software.

FAQ
1. Is there a residency requirement? All students must fulfill a six (6) unit residence requirement prior to graduation. The School offers hybrid, pre-session, extensive summer programs, and winter session classes to assist in fulfilling this requirement.
2. How are the distance learning classes different from the on-campus courses? The only difference is the method of delivery. Our full-time faculty members, using the same syllabi as the on-campus courses, teach the distance learning classes.
3. What is the cost to attend? Tuition and fees total approximately $300 per credit hour for in-state students and $900 per credit hour for out-of-state student.
4. When is the application deadline? We admit students for Fall, Spring and Summer terms. The deadline for Fall or Summer admission is February 1 and for Spring admission the deadline is September 1.
5. What are the admission requirements? Admission consideration is based on:
• a written statement of introduction
• a minimum undergraduate average of 3.0
• 500 on each of the verbal and quantitative sections and 4.0 on the analytical section of the Graduate Record Examination; this requirement will be waived if the student already has a masters/doctorate/JD.
• two letters of recommendation
• a resume of work and educational experience