Create Your Story at The School of Library and Information Studies
At SLIS, we’re developing creative and critical thinkers to lead the way in the fields of library and information. Our award-winning faculty, world-renowned online education program and MFA program in Book Arts have distinguished us as leaders in the field. Ranked in the top 27 programs of our kind in U.S. News, and praised for our initiatives in diversity and inclusion, the University of Alabama School of Library and Information Studies is setting the standard for library and information studies across the U.S. and around the world.
Whether you’re looking to study on campus or earn your degree online, we’re excited to welcome you to the SLIS network.
Unique Opportunities at UA SLIS
EBSCO Scholars Program: Archival students learn the fundamentals of digitizing audio-visual content and prepare it for ingest into the American Archive of Public Broadcasting (AAPB).
SJ4A Scholarship Program: Training of Community-Embedded Social Justice Archivists (SJ4A) : Archival Studies Social Justice Master’s Scholarship Program funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services’ Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program.
Crimson Review of Children’s and Young Adult Literature: Students enrolled in youth courses often have the opportunity to evaluate new children’s and young adult books and publish their reviews.
Book Bonanza for the Black Belt: Dr. Naidoo donates brand new books to school libraries in the Black Belt region of the state via the program he created in 2009.
Student Organizations: The School of Library and Information Studies encourages students to get involved outside of the classroom.
Our Programs
Choose from one of three master’s program options or the College of Communication and Information Sciences’ interdisciplinary doctoral program.
MFA - Book Arts
UA’s Book Arts program is one of the premier programs in the nation and offered exclusively on our Tuscaloosa campus. You will study the craft and art of printing, publishing, bookbinding, papermaking and the history of the book.
MLIS - Campus
The Master of Library and Information Studies at UA is the only ALA-accredited program in the state of Alabama. Choose your specialization or certificate program and study alongside nationally recognized faculty on our Tuscaloosa campus.
MLIS - Online
The online Master of Library and Information Studies degree is custom designed for busy, motivated professionals. We offer a fully online, synchronous program.
Doctoral Program
SLIS participates in the C&IS college-wide interdisciplinary Ph.D. program, administered by the Office of Graduate Studies. We are especially pleased to announce two new Ph.D. concentrations, one in Social Justice and Inclusion Advocacy and another in Book and Publishing Studies. Students with background or interest in Library and Information Science who want to learn more about either of these concentrations can contact our faculty advisors. For Social Justice and Inclusion Advocacy, please contact Professor Bharat Mehra (bmehra@ua.edu). For Book and Publishing Studies, contact Professor Jeff Weddle (jweddle@ua.edu).
For more information about the C&IS doctoral program, click here.
If you have any questions about our masters programs, please contact Ms. Joi Mahand, SLIS Assistant Director of Academic Programs.
Financial Assistance
The School of Library and Information Studies is committed to helping qualified and deserving students finance their graduate education. We offer a number of graduate assistantships and scholarships and provide you with the resources necessary to pursue funding from outside sources. Be sure to take a look at the scholarships offered by the College of Continuing Studies if you plan to pursue your graduate education online.
Student Life
The University of Alabama campus is located on the banks of the Black Warrior River in the growing town of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Tuscaloosa’s vibrant downtown area offers a multitude of entertainment options, unique restaurants, historic architecture and well-maintained green space. The Tuscaloosa Amphitheater, completed in 2011, attracts local, national and international names in music and serves as a gathering place for community events and holiday celebrations. The University of Alabama Graduate School provides resources and support for the 5,000+ graduate students learning on UA’s campus and through online education programs.
What makes SLIS stand out?
“I first considered UA SLIS because I was impressed by the quality of their graduates. Now I know why. The MLIS program is committed to creating leaders to meet the needs of libraries and information users. I have received a world-class education at UA SLIS.–Ron Schwertfeger
Thank you for providing a program that is timely and applicable to the current needs of library and information science professionals. I am forever grateful for your support.-Cheryl Hawkins, MLIS Graduate May 23