Wayne State LIS Program Becomes Autonomous School
Norman Oder -- Library Journal, 12/11/2008
- Huge enrollment growth
- New concentrations and degrees a contributing factor
- Top-rated program without doctoral degree
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Citing growth in enrollment and the richness of offerings at the Library and Information Science Program at Wayne State University, Detroit, the university’s Board of Governors has approved the creation of a School of Library and Information Science, to open Spring/Summer 2009. Its home is the Kresge library (pictured).
The LIS Program has grown from 125 students in 1987 to nearly 600 graduate students now enrolled. “
Enrollment growth was an important factor but it’s not the only one,” director Stephen T. Bajjaly told LJ. “On campus, it’s our overall size and complexity (including the number of concentrations, degrees and certificate programs we offer) when compared to other Schools.”
He noted that the program has more students than the Nursing school and nearly as many as the Engineering school—and awards the fourth-highest number of master’s degrees.
Growth coming
Bajjaly said that Wayne State has the highest rank among LIS programs that lack a doctoral component. “The discipline is anticipated to grow and develop new areas; the program will do so also,” he added. “We currently offer five distinct degree and certificate programs and ten concentrations. New programs and areas under development are urban librarianship, fine arts and museum librarianship, and advanced library administration.”
The increased prominence and stature, both on campus and in the LIS discipline, Bajjaly predicted, “should have a positive effect on fundraising (and recruitment).” While there are no current plans to offer an undergraduate program, it’s not out of the question, he said.
The Dean of University Libraries and the Library and Information Science Program, Dr. Sandra Yee, will continue to serve as dean of the new School.
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