iSchool at Illinois ranked number one

U.S. News & World Report has once again named the iSchool at Illinois the top graduate school for library and information studies, based on national rankings of accredited master’s degree programs. The iSchool has held the top spot since 1996.

“Our School is pleased to be acknowledged once again for the excellence of our MS degree in library and information science [MS/LIS], which has been at the forefront of innovation for years. We look forward to continued success, expanding our course offerings and curriculum to provide the best possible education for students in a rapidly evolving field,” said Dean Allen Renear.

The iSchool’s ongoing commitment to its MS/LIS includes the recent appointment of a program director, Nicole A. Cooke, to provide leadership in areas such as curriculum development, recruitment, academic advising, and career services. Cooke is distinguished by her work in diversity and social justice in librarianship, receiving the 2017 American Library Association (ALA) Achievement in Library Diversity Research Award as well as the 2016 ALA Equality Award.

In addition to retaining the top position, the iSchool also ranked highly in a number of specialty groups. These include a first-place ranking in Digital Librarianship as well as Services for Children and Youth, and a third-place ranking in School Library Media. The School also placed in the top ten for Archives and Preservation, Health Librarianship, and Information Systems.

The U.S. News rankings are based on the results of a 2016 peer assessment survey sent to deans, directors, and senior faculty in 51 programs accredited by the American Library Association. The last ranking for graduate programs in library and information studies occurred in 2013.

Congratulations to faculty, staff, students, and alumni for their contributions in making the iSchool a national leader among schools of information. For the full list of rankings, visit the U.S. News & World Report website.

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