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Mission and Objectives

The mission of the Palmer School is to empower information professionals through education, research and achievement.

The following are the Palmer School program goals:

At the end of the MSLIS program, the Palmer School Graduates will:

1. Reflect the principles, ethics and philosophy of the profession while serving their patrons, institutions and communities
2. Utilize a broad range of systems and technologies to manage and deliver information;
3. Deliver user-centered services and cost-effective programs tailored to the needs of increasingly diverse populations;
4. Staff, manage and lead libraries and information centers of all types;
5. Contribute to the profession through service, research and advocacy.

The student learning objectives (SLOs) of the Palmer School support the Program Goals:

I.  In achieving Goal I, students will:

1. explain and apply the ethics, history, values, philosophy and principles of the library and information science professions;
2. analyze and apply legal, social, economic, technological,  and global policies and trends affecting libraries and information organizations and the profession;
3. explain, compare and contrast different types of collections, libraries and information centers; and
4. use effective communication skills applicable for specific audiences and user groups.

In achieving Goal II, students will:

1. use professional standards to organize, manage,  preserve, evaluate and deliver information resources in a variety of formats; 
2. explain and apply systems for organizing and structuring information and knowledge, such as cataloging, classification and other metadata formation standards;
3. search, retrieve and synthesize information from a variety of systems and sources; and
4. evaluate information systems and technologies based on functionality, usability, cost, and quality;
5. build information systems and/or records used in such systems.

In achieving Goal III, students will;

1. be able to evaluate, select, create, and use information resources, services and programs to meet the needs of diverse user groups, including underserved populations;
2. develop and deliver information programs designed to meet the needs of specific users and communities;
3. integrate technology, including emerging technologies, into  operational services, as well as instruction and outreach programs;
4. use a variety of technologies to deliver resources and services in accordance with legal, ethical and professional standards; and
5. possess basic competencies required for instructional programs development in formation environments.

In achieving Goal IV, students will:

1. put theory into practice interning in a library, archives, school, museum or other type of information organization;
2. explain and apply management principles, processes and practices including those relating to innovation and strategic planning as well as  human resources, financial, and operational functions of a library or other type of information organization;
3. explain and use principles of leadership; and
4. explain and meet certification and/or licensure requirements for specialized areas of the profession.          

In achieving Goal V, students will:

1. demonstrate an understanding of the importance of service to and advocacy on behalf of libraries and the profession; continuing professional development; and research in the field; 
2. demonstrate an understanding of the importance of qualitative and quantitative research methods.
3. explain and assess the value of research;
4. evaluate, conduct and apply research in library and information science and related fields.