Master of Information
Halifax Regional Municipality, Canada
Master degree
DURATION
20 months
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
Dalhousie's Master of Information Program is a degree that can take you anywhere, and explores the intersections between people, information and technology.
Information managers help extract value from the data, information and knowledge that is all around us to drive evidence-based decision making, support information seeking in everyday life, and create engaged and informed citizens. They play a dynamic role, consulting with their communities, developing and curating data, and managing information resources and services. Our program strives to equip students with the skills and knowledge you needed to thrive in such a landscape.
Understanding the diverse interests of our students, the program supports a range of professional communities including librarians, archivists, information managers, information architects, data managers and user design experts.
The Master of Information prorgam welcomes students from all undergraduate backgrounds and does not require applicants to have professional experience.
A foundational program at its core, it helps student pivot into or accelerate their careers in the field of information management.
Entrance Awards & Scholarships (no application required)
Incoming students with a GPA of 3.7 or higher, who have submitted a complete MI application by the March 1 deadline (4 p.m. AST) and are full-time students are automatically considered for these awards/scholarships. Award amounts vary annually.
Alumni Scholarship (approx $2000)
The Alumni Scholarship is sponsored by our Associated Alumni. The Alumni Scholarship is competitive and is awarded to an incoming full-time MI student who has achieved high academic standing, and demonstrated an interest in the profession, and/or experience working or volunteering in the field, through his/her admission essay.
FGS Scholarship (approx $5000)
The Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) provides a limited number of scholarships for students pursuing a degree program on a full-time basis. FGS Scholarships are competitive and are awarded to incoming, full-time MI students on the basis of academic merit.
Shirley B. Elliott Bursary (approx $1000)
Shirley Burnham Elliott's mother was the first professionally qualified librarian in Nova Scotia. Following in her mother’s footsteps, Ms Elliott obtained her library science degree from Simmons College (Boston) in 1940. In 1954 Shirley became Nova Scotia’s Legislative Librarian and, during the following 28 years, transformed that library and its services into a modern research library. In 1985 Shirley was awarded an honourary Doctor of Laws degree from Dalhousie; in 2003 she was awarded the Order of Nova Scotia. The Shirley B. Elliott Scholarship is competitive and, is awarded to an incoming full-time MI student on the basis of academic merit.
New Brunswick Award (approx $900)
The New Brunswick Award was created to support students, from New Brunswick, who are pursuing the MI or combined degree at Dalhousie University. The New Brunswick Award is competitive and is awarded to an incoming full-time MI student on the basis of academic merit.
A New Brunswick (NB) student is defined as an individual who declares a NB address on their application. Such an applicant will be an individual who was born in NB, or is a resident of NB, and/or completed high school or a university degree in NB.
Entrance Awards & Scholarships (application required)
Award amounts vary annually.
NSLA Diversifying Libraries Award (approx $1,000)
The Diversifying Libraries Award was launched in 2021 to align with Nova Scotia Library Association’s commitment to action toward racial justice. In offering the scholarship, we hope to contribute to the diversification of the library field within Nova Scotia through supporting access and success of students who are Black, Indigenous, or People of Colour.
The Diversifying Libraries Award provides one incoming student in the Master of Information program at Dalhousie University or the Library and Information Technology at Nova Scotia Community College with:
- an entrance scholarship, amount to be determined annually (minimum, $500; in 2021, the amount is $1000)
- an award certificate
- one-year NSLA membership
one-year NSLA conference registration
Criteria: The sole awarding criteria for the Diversifying Libraries Award will be self-identification as an incoming student who is Indigenous, Black or a Person of Colour, with priority given to Mi’kmaq and African Nova Scotian students.
How to apply: If you self-identify as Indigenous, Black, or a Person of Colour and have been accepted into the Master of Information program at Dalhousie or the Library and Information Technology program at NSCC, you can apply. Applicants must submit their letter of program acceptance and a 500-word statement articulating why you want to be a part of the library community
Deadline: June 30th
Recipient will be notified by August 1 and the award will be presented to the applicant upon proof of registration.
For more information about the Diversifying Libraries Award, please visit our school website
Marie DeYoung Bursary ($5,000)
Marie DeYoung (MLIS '80) was a dedicated library professional who had a passion for mentoring and inspiring students and new graduates. Recognized with numerous awards over her career, Marie had a life-long commitment to volunteering on behalf of the profession, including our alumni association. Many librarians and library technicians benefited from her wide range of senior level experience in government, college, and university libraries. Much of her career was rooted in the Maritimes but her influence was nationwide and beyond through her exemplary association leadership. This bursary was created to honour her memory by providing an annual bursary to one (or more) students entering the Master of Information (MI) program.
Eligibility
- One incoming MI student (possibly more than one, depending on interest/available funds).
- Must demonstrate financial need.
- First preference will be for a student from the Atlantic provinces.
Application
Submit a one-page statement of interest (max 500 words) to the school email. Statement must address the eligibility criteria above. No financial statements are required
Deadline
- June 1st
Promise Scholar Program
Background: The Scholar Program was launched in 2021. We developed it to align with Dalhousie’s commitment to admit, engage, support and graduate a more diverse student body, with attention to enhancing access and success of historically underrepresented students and especially Black and Indigenous Students.
Promise Scholar program for Black and Indigenous students: The Promise Scholar program for a student in the Master of Information (MI) program provides students with a $1,000 scholarship.
Our promise to support your potential: In addition to financial support, our advisors will provide academic and career support, including assistance in finding paid work during the program should you choose and career mentors to support your long-term career aspirations.
Criteria: The sole awarding criteria for the Promise Scholar will be an Indigenous or Black Canadian student, with priority given to Mi’kmaq and African Nova Scotian students.
How to apply: If you self-identify as Indigenous or African Canadian, you can apply. Applicants must submit a 500 word statement articulating the importance of diversity and inclusion in information management.
Deadline:
- May 1st
For more information about the Scholar Program, please contact our school.
Student Assistantship (approx $1900)
Student Assistants provide administrative and research support to one or more DIS faculty or staff members, up to a maximum of 60 hours per year (30 hours fall term/30 hours winter term). Normally 3-4 Student Assistants are hired each year, depending on the funding available.
Staff will send a call for applications in July or August annually. Applicants must be an incoming student in the Master of Information (MI) program in good academic standing. Full-time or part-time students are eligible.
In Program Awards
Some awards require application. Refer to specific in-program awards for detail.
AMSI Bursary (two awards of approx $2500 each)
Application required.
Funded by AMSI, this bursary aims to provide assistance to incoming and returning MI students with good academic standing and proven financial need.
Eligibility
- One incoming MI student
- One returning MI student
- Must be registered for fall and winter courses by August 15
- In good academic standing
- Proven financial need (determined by completing the Bursary Application
Application
- Complete Bursary Application; attach all relevant documents
- Submit documents to the school email evaluation. Incomplete application packages will not be evaluated.
- DO NOT send apps to the Program Director or Program Manager. Applicant identities must be kept anonymous from those choosing the recipient(s).
Deadline
- August 15th
Dalhousie-Horrocks National Leadership Scholarship (approx $2,000)
No application required.
The Dalhousie-Horrocks National Leadership Scholarship provides support to incoming or returning graduate students who demonstrate leadership potential in information management, specifically in libraries. The award will be presented at the annual Dalhousie-Horrocks National Leadership Lecture.
Eligibility
- Must be an incoming or returning MI student
- Must have an A-minus average (3.7 GPA)
- Must be registered for fall and winter courses by May 1
- Must show leadership potential in the field of information management in libraries
Obligations
Attend the Dalhousie-Horrocks National Leadership Lecture.
About Norman Horrocks
Dr. Norman Horrocks OC, PhD, FCLIP (1927-2010) began his career in libraries in Manchester England from 1945-1953, interrupted by three years in the British Army’s Intelligence Corps. He then worked in Cyprus, Western Australia, and Pittsburgh, PA before joining Dalhousie in 1971.
He became Director of the School of Library and Information Studies (now the MI Program in the Faculty of Management) and was later Dean of the Faculty of Management. He left Halifax in 1986 to become Editorial Vice President of Scarecrow Press in Metuchen, NJ, where he also was an adjunct professor at Rutgers University, until he returned to Nova Scotia in 1995.
In 2006 Norman was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in recognition of his lifetime devotion to library and information science.
Lana MacLean Graduate Bursary ($5,000)
Application required.
This award is funded by a bequest of the Estate of Lana MacLean. The purpose of the bursary is to support students who identify as first in family graduate students.
Eligibility
Must be a registered Master of Information (MI) student and:
- Demonstrate financial need
- Self-identify as being the first in family to attend graduate school.
- Preference will be given to a student who self-identifies as African Nova Scotian.
Application
Submit a one-page statement of interest (max 500 words) to the school email . Statement must address the eligibility criteria above. No financial statements are required.
Deadline
- Dec 1st
Stephanie Downs Memorial Award (approx. $2000)
Application required.
Created in memory of Stephanie Downs (MLIS 2006). Stephanie demonstrated exemplary qualities for information professionals, notably: critical leadership abilities; superlative interpersonal skills; a strong interest in international perspectives; and a deep commitment to service.
Eligibility
- Must be registered for fall and winter courses by May 1
- Must be a part-time or full-time returning MI student
- In good academic standing
- Must have a demonstrated commitment to leadership and to student life in the MI program
- Must have volunteered or studied in an international environment outside his/her home country
Application
Submit (Word documents) to the school email .
- A current CV or resume
- A one-page statement of interest in the Stephanie Downs Memorial Award
Deadline
- May 1st
Obligations
The award recipient will:
- Meet with the Program Director and Program Manager in August to discuss responsibilities associated with this award.
- Consult with: a) the Faculty of Management’s International Student & Alumni Specialist to obtain the context with FOM, and b) the International Student Support Team at Dal’s International Centre.
- Develop a strategy to support international MI students during the upcoming academic year.
- Connect with international MI students during the first week of school in September; remain in contact with these students throughout the academic year.
- Meet monthly with the Program Director and Program Manager to advise on issues that may arise during the academic year, and provide regular updates.
Objective
The Stephanie Downs Memorial Award recipient will act as a point of contact within the MI student body for international MI students. The purpose is to assist these students as they navigate Dalhousie University, and point them in the direction of appropriate student resources.
Conference Travel Award
Application required.
Alberta Letts Conference Travel Award
Past Provincial Librarian, and Past President of CLA (1957/1958), Alberta Letts was a strong supporter of the foundation of the School and was very engaged during its early years. After her untimely death in 1973, Dalhousie University recognized Ms Letts’ contribution by establishing the Alberta Letts Conference Travel Award to enable MI student travel for conference participation.
Eligibility
Open to MI students (full-time or part-time, returning and graduating) whose paper or poster has been accepted for presentation at a conference.
Award
Support for conference travel: A maximum of two student awards of $500 each will be awarded twice a year.
Application Procedure
To be considered for this award, applicants must submit the following to the school email by the deadline(s) below:
- Evidence that their proposal has been accepted by the conference
- A 200-250 word statement providing detail about their conference attendance, what form their participation will take and why they should receive the Alberta Letts Conference Travel Award
Deadline(s)
- April 1st
- November 1st
Recipients will be asked to provide a 250-word recap of their conference experience, to be shared through Faculty of Management online channels (website, possibly social media).
Convocation Awards
No application required. Determined by MI Awards & Scholarships Committee.
APLA Award
This prize, funded by the Atlantic Provinces Library Association (APLA), is awarded to the graduating student who, in the opinion of faculty, shows the most professional promise.
Beta Phi Mu Nominations
Beta Phi Mu is the International Library and Information Studies Honor Society established to recognize and encourage scholastic achievement among library and information studies students. Candidates are nominated from the graduating classes of ALA accredited degree programs, and must have Grade Point Averages over 3.75. Nominations may not total more than 25% of the class.
CNSA Award
This prize is awarded by the Council of Nova Scotia Archives (CNSA) to a graduating student who shows the most promise and interest in the archival profession, both in and outisde the classroom.
Director's Award
This prize is awarded to the graduating student (in the MI and MIM programs) with the highest academic achievement.
Information Technology Leadership Award
Awarded to the graduating student who has demonstrated leadership, agility and creativity connecting people to information through technology.
J. Clement Harrison International Award
Two prizes are awarded annually to worthy international members of the graduating class, or to any other graduating students who have demonstrated a strong interest in, and commitment to, librarianship and information studies outside North America. If only one (or no) suitable candidates apply one (or no) award will be given.
J. Clement Harrison contributed to library education in England, the United States, Wales, Canada, Jamaica, and Ghana. He came to DIS (then School of Library Service) in 1971, serving first as director and later as professor until his retirement in 1978.
Louis Vagianos Medal
The Louis Vagianos Medal, named for the first director of SIM, is awarded to a graduating student who combines the capacity for blending originality with practical thinking and the courage to seek solutions to professional problems outside the mainstream.
NSLA/MI Graduate Award
This prize is awarded by the Nova Scotia Library Association (NSLA) to a graduating student with a high GPA and a demonstrated interest in Public Library work.
MI Leadership Award
The Leadership award is given to a graduating student for significant service to the program and Department. This student has had a high level of involvement in the program's student, continuing education, and/or public relations activities.
MI/MIM Research Award
This prize is awarded to the graduating student (in the MI and MIM programs) who has demonstrated significant success in research. The award is open to all students, not only those who complete theses.
ISSA Outstanding Service Award
The Outstanding Service Award is presented to a graduating student who has made outstanding contributions to student life by giving time to extra-curricular activities, helping others with technology, making thoughtful contributions in the classroom, and by demonstrating an ability to be a team player.
Graduating students are nominated by their peers. Although we encourage nominations for students who did not serve on the ISSA Executive, all graduating students are eligible.
External Awards & Scholarships
Application required. See specific award/scholarship for criteria.
| Name of Award/Scholarship | Awarding Body | Description | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faculty of Graduate Studies Funding Opportunities | Various | We recommend regularly reviewing this page for funding opportunities offered through the Dalhousie Faculty of Graduate Studies. Take note of application due dates and plan ahead! | various |
| A.S. Mowat Prize | Dalhousie University | To perpetuate the memory of Alexander S. Mowat who, as O.E. Smith Professor of Education, served for thirty years (1939-1969) as chairman of the Department of Education at Dalhousie University, and to commemorate Professor Mowat's contribution to education in Nova Scotia. | $1,500 CDN |
| Abdul Majid Bader Graduate Scholarship | Dalhousie University | First preference will be given to Iranian students who are residents of Iran. Second preference will be given to other international students. Applicants with first class standing in their undergraduate program who are intending to pursue studies in any discipline in which Dalhousie offers graduate degrees are welcome to apply once they have been admitted into a program. Applications may also be submitted by departments for eligible students who have been accepted into a graduate program. The scholarship is renewable, subject to an annual progress review (scholarship-class standing required). The award can be held for a maximum of 24 months of full-time study. | $40,000 CDN |
| Graduate Thesis Student Conference Travel Grant | Dalhousie University | Conference travel grants can be awarded to full time graduate students in Master's or Doctoral thesis program only. In order to be eligible, students must present a poster or paper based on the results of their graduate thesis research at a national or international scholarly meeting or conference. | $500 CDN |
| Linda Marie Gillingwater Rainsberry Graduate Student Scholarship and Bursary | Dalhousie University | Preference will be given to single mothers whose area of study is in the Faculty of Arts and Social Science and whose research incorporates a social justice analysis. Preference given to a students whose research is on women's studies. Bursary option: The recipients must have demonstrated financial need. | $1,500 CDN |
| African Nova Scotian Graduate Scholarship | Dalhousie University | Awarded annually to an African Nova Scotian who has either recently started or is planning to pursue graduate studies at Dalhousie. The objective of these scholarships is to reduce systematic barriers and increase representation of African Nova Scotians in the university's wide diversity of graduate programs and in advanced professional occupations. The graduate program may be at the master's or doctoral level, and may include professional, course-based or thesis-based programs. | $15,000 CDN |
| Indigenous Graduate Scholarship | Dalhousie University | Awarded annually to an Indigenous student who has either recently started or is planning to pursue graduate studies at Dalhousie. The objective of these scholarships is to reduce systematic barriers and increase representation of Indigenous scholars in the university's wide diversity of graduate programs and in advanced professional occupations. The graduate program may be at the master's or doctoral level, and may include professional, course-based or thesis-based programs. | $15,000 CDN |
| NS Graduate Scholarship | Dalhousie University | Open to research graduates at Nova Scotia universities for innovative work aligned with or advancing Nova Scotia priorities (see application form). The objectives of this award are to attract and retain top-quality research graduates, as well as to encourage exploration, discovery, and innovation. Note that only students in thesis-based programs are eligible for the Nova Scotia Graduate Scholarship. | $10,000 CDN |
| Phi Kappa Pi Joe Ghiz Memorial Award | Dalhousie University | Awarded to a student studying at the Masters or Doctoral level, in any discipline at Dalhousie University. The student must have a first-class standing (GPA 3.7/4.3) or higher in the last two years of previous study (graduate and/or undergraduate) and demonstrate both community involvement and university life involvement. | $750 CDN |
| Alice L. Haltom Educational Fund Scholarship | Alice L. Haltom Educational Fund | To increase and disseminate knowledge in information and records management. | $1,000 USD |
| Diversity Scholarship | Music Library Association | To recruit students from historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups into music librarianship by providing support for master’s-level LIS/MI education. | $3,000 USD |
| Kaleidoscope Program | Association of Research Libraries | The goal of the ARL Kaleidoscope Program is to attract Master of Information (MI) students from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups to careers in research libraries and archives. The Kaleidoscope Program includes a stipend of up to $10,000, leadership and career development training, a site visit to an ARL member library, financial support for skills development, and a formal mentorship program. | Up to 10,000 |
| Awards, Grants & Scholarships | American Library Association (ALA) |
| varies |
| Bermudian Scholarships | BermudaScholarships.com | Awarded to a Bermudian student commencing or pursuing a postgraduate degree at an approved university abroad. | varies |
| Carin Alma E. Somers Scholarship | Atlantic Provinces Library Association (APLA) | To assist a Canadian citizen who is an Atlantic Provinces resident needing financial assistance to undertake or complete the academic requirements leading to a Master of Information degree. | $1,000 CDN |
| CFUW Dr. Alice E. Wilson Awards | Canadian Federation of University Women | Awarded to mature students returning to graduate studies in any field after at least three years. | $5,000 CDN |
| ChLA Hannah Beiter Graduate Student Research Grants | Children's Literature Association | Support for research that may be related to the dissertation or master's thesis. | $500-$1,500 CDN |
| Eileen Wallace Research Fellowship in Children's Literature | UNB Children's Literature Collection Committee | Applicant must show evidence of scholarly knowledge in the field of children's literature, use UNB's Children's Literature Collection in the course of the research and acknowledge both the fellowship and the collection in any subsequent publication. | $5,000 CDN |
| Fritz Schwartz Serials Education Scholarship | NASIG | To advance the profession by providing an aspiring library student who has prior experience with managing information resources the opportunity to enhance their educational opportunities. | $3,000 USD |
| Graduate Education Scholarships | ARMA International Educational Foundation (AIEF) | Funding for candidates intent on achieving a Masters or PhD degree with a focus on records and information management disciplines. | $3,000 USD |
| Helen Ferris Award | Prince Albert Public Library |
| $2,000 CDN |
| Library & Information Studies Graduate Student Grant | Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL) | To support librarians and current LIS students actively conducting research in academic librarianship with the intent to publish the results. To promote research in the field of academic librarianship by and/or about Canadians. | $1,000 CDN |
| Lucille M. Wert Student Scholarship | American Chemical Society, Division of Chemical Information (CINF) | Designed to help persons with an interest in the fields of Chemistry and Information to pursue graduate study in Library, Information, or Computer Science. | $1,500 USD |
| Margaret Williams Trust Fund Award | Memorial University Library | Established to promote the development of librarianship in Newfoundland and Labrador. Funds are awarded on a competitive basis to applicants seeking funding for library‐related projects or assistance in pursuing graduate studies in librarianship, archival studies, or teacher librarianship. | Up to $1,500 CDN |
| Marion Sherman Bursary for Children's Librarians | Wapiti Regional Library | To promote librarianship in the province of Saskatchewan. | $750 CDN |
| MLA Scholarship | Medical Library Association | Grants a scholarship to a student who is enrolled in or entering an American Library Association–accredited library school. | $5,000 USD (max) |
| MLA Scholarship for Underrepresented Students | Medical Library Association | Grants a scholarship to an underrepresented student who is enrolled in or entering an American Library Association–accredited library school. | $5,000 USD (max) |
| RBC Aboriginal Student Awards Program | Royal Bank of Canada | The RBC Aboriginal Student Awards Program was launched in 1992 to assist Aboriginal students to complete post-secondary education, and provide an opportunity for RBC to strengthen its relationship with the Aboriginal community. Selected students are awarded up to $5,000 each academic year for two to four years to use towards tuition, textbooks, supplies and living expenses. | up to $10,000 CDN/year |
| Price McIntosh Bursary | Library & Archives Canada (LAC) | This bursary provides financial support to Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities who wish to pursue studies in fields related to libraries and archives. The Price McIntosh Bursary is bequest from the McIntosh and Price family of Montréal. | $5,000 CDN for up to 3 years |
| Sarah Rebecca Reed Scholarship | Beta Phi Mu | For beginning IM studies at an ALA accredited school. | $2,250 USD |
| Student Scholarship | Association of Jewish Libraries | Awards an annual scholarship to a promising student with a history of participating in Judaic studies or libraries, accepted into or attending an accredited graduate school of library and information science. This scholarship is merit-based rather than needs-based. | $1,000 USD |
| Virginia Mathews Memorial Scholarship | American Indian Library Association (AILA) | To provide tuition to an American Indian individual who lives and works in the American Indian community, and who is enrolled, or has been accepted and will enroll, in a master’s degree program at a university with a library and/or information sciences program accredited by the American Library Association. | $4,000 USD |
| Wolfgang M. Freitag Internship Award | Art Libraries Society of North America (ARLIS/NA) | To support a 150-hour internship in an art or architecture related setting such as a library, archive, or visual resources collection. | $3,000 USD |
| BRASS Student Travel Award | Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) | Given to a student enrolled in an ALA accredited master’s degree program to fund travel to and attendance at the ALA Annual Conference and a one-year membership in the Business Reference and Services Section (BRASS) of RUSA. | $1,250 USD |
| CALA Scholarships | Chinese American Librarians Association | Open to full-time students of Chinese heritage who are currently enrolled in an ALA-accredited master's or doctoral program of library and information science at an institution of higher education in North America. | varies |
Our Master of Information (MI) degree is versatile, giving students the knowledge and skills to work in many sectors and organizations. The curriculum responds to the ever-changing, broad-based nature of the information management field.
Core Competencies
As students move through the program, their learning will be anchored by a number of core competencies:
- Adaptation
- Collaboration
- Leadership
- Commitment to EDIAD
- Communication
- Digital and Technological Literacy
- Evidence Based Practices
- Leadership
- Learning
- Management
- User Centre Design
Plan of Study
There area number of core courses and required and elective courses that studnets must take as they move through the program. Please review the outlined plan of study below to understand what this may look like over the course of your MI degree.
| Required courses | |
|---|---|
| INFO 0590.00 | Practicum (non-credit) |
| INFO 5500 | Information in Society |
| INFO 5515 | Organization of Information |
| INFO 5520 | Research Methods |
| INFO 5530 | Information Sources, Services & Retrieval |
| INFO 5570 | Organizational Management & Strategy |
| Advanced technology requirement (choose two from the options below): | |
| INFO 5590 | Information Management Systems |
| INFO 6270 | Introduction to Data Science |
| INFO 6513 | Business Analytics & Data Visualization |
| INFO 6540 | Data Management |
| INFO 6550 | Bibliometrics & Scholarly Communication |
| INFO 6620 | Web Design & Architecture |
| INFO 6681 | Geospatial Information Management |
| INFO 6840 | Content Management Systems |
| One EDIAD elective course | |
| Six other MI electives |
NOTES:
- Not all courses are offered every year. It is the student's responsibility to ensure they plan their schedule accordingly.
- View MI course descriptions and syllabi.
- INFO 5570: To be taken in the final year of the MI degree.
- Students may take electives outside SIM
Certificates
Dalhousie's Master of Information Program also offers certificates for students wanting a more specialized experience by allowing them to concentrate their studies.
Each certificate requires completion of three Elective Courses (9 Credits). During their degree, MI students can choose to complete up to two Certificates. The electives within the Certificates will count toward both the Certificate and the Degree.
Please note: If an elective course is included in one Certificate, it cannot be counted towards another. The only exceptions are INFO 6500 (Community Led Services) and INFO 6370 (Records Management).
Visit our Courses Offered Page for full details on each course, including syllabi. If you have questions, please contact khumes@dal.ca.
Librarianship Certificate
Recognizes the particular knowledge, behaviours, skills, competencies and attitudes considered critical to success within the Library sector. Explores the theories, principles, and practices of modern librarianship. The foundations of modern librarianship rest on essential core values that reflect the history and ongoing developments in the practice.
This certificate prepares students with the application of standards, and bibliographic classification systems, while examining trends and future directions of relevant theories of learning and a consideration of how these approaches may be effectively managed for to engage communities. This certificate is reflective of a range of library settings including academic libraries, public libraries and special libraries.
Certificate Requirements:
In order to satisfy the requirements of this certificate, students must complete 3 of the following 6 courses:
- INFO 6320 Legal Literature and Librarianship*
- INFO 6330 Cataloguing and Classification
- INFO 6500 Community-Led Services
- INFO 6560 Information Resources Management
- INFO 6750 Health Sciences Literature and Information Sources*
- INFO 6810 Managing Information Literacy Instruction
*INFO 6320 & INFO 6750 are currently on hiatus. Students can choose either INFO 6320 "Legal Literature and Librarianship" or INFO 6750 "Health Sciences Literature and Information Sources" to count towards the certificate, not both
Librarianship: Youth and Children's Services Certificate
Recognizes the particular knowledge, behaviours, skills, competencies and attitudes considered critical to becoming a Youth Or Children’s Librarian. Research indicates the vital role libraries play in the intellectual and social development of children. The Youth and Children’s Services Certificate focuses on understanding the range of tools, processes and resources necessary to meet the ongoing needs of children and youth within modern libraries.
The courses are designed to allow students to explore the key foundations of providing information based services to children and youth, including understanding the role of pleasure reading, and reading practices, as well as fostering an interest in technology.
Certificate Requirements:
In order to satisfy the requirements of this certificate, students must complete 3 of the following 4 courses:
- INFO 6070 Reading and Reading Practices
- INFO 6250 Services and Resources for Young Adults
- INFO 6450 Services and Resources for Children
- INFO 6500 Community-Led Services
Archives Certificate
Recognizes the particular knowledge, behaviours, skills, competencies and attitudes considered critical to working in an Archival setting. The goal of the certificate is to provide students with the foundations of knowledge regarding modern archival work, focussing on a Canadian context.
The suite of courses within the Certificate are designed to build from a basic to a more advanced understanding of the archives practice, as well as the core tools for description and to manage collections which range from print, to audio visual, and digital. Students will develop an understanding of the relevant standards and guidelines within archival science.
Certificate Requirements:
- INFO 6800 Archives
- INFO 6860 Archives II
Plus 1 of the following 2 courses:
- INFO 6370 Records Management
- INFO 6840 Content Management Systems (on hiatus)
User-Centre Designed Certificate
Recognizes the particular knowledge, behaviours, skills, competencies and attitudes considered critical to becoming a User-Centred Design Specialist. The goal of the certificate is to provide students with the foundations of knowledge regarding a human centred designing approach to services and tools.
As organizations embrace digital platforms there is a growing need for skills related to the understanding the behaviour of users, and how to use this to information design. The suite of courses within the Certificate is designed to meet this need, and to develop within students an awareness of the principles of human centred design, based on an in-depth understanding of how humans interact and work with information, and best principles.
Certificate Requirements:
In order to satisfy the requirements of this certificate, student must complete the following 3 courses:
- INFO 6630 User Experience
- INFO 6620 Web Design & Architecture
- INFO 6682 Human Information Interaction
Information and Management Policy Certificate
Recognizes the particular knowledge, behaviours, skills, competencies and attitudes considered critical to working in a broad range of Information Management and Information Policy contexts. The goal of the certificate is to provide students with the foundations of knowledge regarding the foundation of information management within a range of workplaces, as well as the key policy and legislative frameworks required to ensure privacy and security.
Managing information, data and knowledge has become central to all organizations. The suite of courses within this Certificate is designed to develop the knowledge, skills and guiding principles to professionally manage information and data as corporate assets.
Certificate Requirements:
- INFO 6370 Records Management
Plus 2 of the following 4 courses:
- INFO 6090 Culture of Privacy (on hiatus)
- INFO 6100 Information in Public Policy and Decision Making
- INFO 6610 Information Policy
- INFO 6400 Knowledge Management
Data Management Certificate
Recognizes the particular knowledge, behaviours, skills, competencies and attitudes essential to working with data in a range of contexts, and using a variety of tools. The goal of the certificate is to provide students with the foundations of data management, as they relate to a number of different context, types of data, as well as expose students to modern data analysis and visualization tools.
Skills related to data, including data literacy and management have become core to knowledge work, and this Certificate allows student to demonstrate their fluency with data.
Certificate Requirements:
In order to satisfy the requirements of this certificate, student must complete 3 of the following 4 courses:
- INFO 6270 Introduction to Data Science
- INFO 6513 Business Analytics and Data Visualization
- INFO 6681 Geospatial Information Management
- INFO 6290 Managing Research Data
Rated number #275 in the world, learn more about Dalhousie University's QS Ranking.
Small Program, Big Impact
The MI is more than a program; it's a community. Our small class sizes, accessible professors, and location in one of the world's friendliest cities ensure you have all the support you need to succeed.
Joint Degree Options
Recognizing the breadth of the information landscape, we offer joint degree options with our MI Degree to offer students a dual lends on their learning and the opportunity to earn two degrees in a shorter amount of time than it would to do both seperately.
You can view Dalhousie's Graduate Academic Calendar for 2024-2025 which offers more course information below.
Job Titles Held by MI Graduates:
There are many exciting careers awaiting you as a future MI or combined degree graduate. Whether you choose a traditional or non-traditional career, you will discover that your MI knowledge and skills are readily transferable.
- Research and Project Officer
- Knowledge Management Consultant
- Senior Content & Licensing Officer
- Manager, eServices
- Community Engagement Manager
- Electronic Resources & Assessment Librarian
We encourage you to read our Alumni Profiles to see what some of our past students are doing now.
Flexibility
The MI Program’s flexibility allows students to do coursework or plan a research path (complete a thesis, explore through a reading course), and take electives within the department or elsewhere.
Advising
Faculty maintain generous office hours giving you the opportunity to get to know your professors and, in turn, allow them to get to know you. Each student is assigned an academic advisor to guide you through your studies and toward your career goals. Contact the MI Program Team for further information.