Home > About Us > FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I go about choosing a Master's Program in Library & Information Studies?
We encourage prospective students to take a look at the American Library Association Guidelines for Choosing a Master's Program.  Be sure to contact the Queens College GSLIS Graduate Advisor if you have questions not answered in this FAQ or in the web page.

How many credits are required for completion of the Masters program at the Queens College Graduate School of Library and Information Studies?
Thirty-six credits are required for completion of the MLS degree.

Who can I ask to write the recommendations needed for my admission into the Graduate School of
Library and Information Studies? 
You may contact professors you have had in college or graduate school, employers- past or present, those individuals in charge of houses of worship (e.g. minister, pastor, priest or rabbi, etc.) which you may attend.

Is an interview required for admission into the Graduate School of Library and Information Studies?
A group interview is required as part of the admissions process. After submission of your application, you will receive a letter from the School offering you a choice of dates and inviting you to attend a group interview in which you will have an opportunity to receive information and ask questions about the program.

Must I have computer expertise in order to apply to the Graduate School of Library and Information Studies?
Prior computer experience is helpful but not required for admission into the School. It is expected that immediately following admission, prior to the commencement of taking courses, that students will learn a word processing program such as WordPerfect 6.0, Microsoft Word, etc. It should be noted that the School's lab supports WordPerfect 6.0. It is expected that papers and submitted assignments at the School will be word processed.

Is the GRE exam required for admission into the Queens College Graduate School of Library and Information Studies? 
A GRE exam may be required for admission into the School if your cumulative index in your undergraduate courses is between 2.5 and 2.99.

Are internships required for the award of the MLS degree at the Queens College Graduate School of Library and Information Studies?
An internship is only required for the Library Media Specialist specialization.. It is recommended as an important experience for public, academic and special librarianship.

Is it necessary to work in a library while attending library school? 
While it is advantageous to have as much library experience as possible, it is not necessary to work in a library while attending library school.

During what hours during the Fall and Spring semesters are courses offered a the Queens College Graduate School of Library and Information Studies?
Courses are offered Monday through Thursday, meeting once a week from 4:00-6:00 PM or 6:40-8:40 PM. If a course has an associated lab, it may have additional meeting hours following the class session.

What is the average number of courses registered for by students enrolled in the Queens College Graduate School of Library and Information Studies?
The program at the School is rigorous. Most part-time students who are registered take one to two courses per semester. However, students whose work schedule will support additional hours of study, may take additional courses. Full time students generally register for at least four courses per semester.

Does the Queens College Graduate School of Library and Information Studies offer courses on
any other sites? 
From time to time the School offers courses in Manhattan (e.g. The New York School of Medicine offers
"Preservation and Conservation of Library Materials"). The State University at Stony Brook has a cooperative program with the Queens College Graduate School of Library and Information Studies and offers several core courses. These courses may then be transferred into the Queens College program, provided they are no more than five years old and that the student achieves a B or better as a grade in the course.

How many summer sessions does the Queens College Graduate School of Library and Information
Studies have?
The School has two summer sessions. The first session usually begins in the first week of June and ends at the last week of June. The second session usually begins in early July and ends during the second week of August.

Are intersession courses available? 
At this time there are no intercession courses available.

Am I required to complete a research project at the School if I have previously written a Masters Thesis as part of previous Masters program?
You may write a letter requesting an exemption from GSLIS 709 ("Research in Library & Information Studies"), produce a student copy of your transcript showing evidence of having taken a research course and submit a copy of your Master Thesis (which will be returned to you) to the Graduate Advisor.

How many courses may I take in summer school?
You may take up to two courses at the School during summer session.

How do I qualify to become a certified Library Media Specialist through the Program at the Queens College Graduate School of Library and Information Studies?

You will need to follow the course of study outlined in the graduate bulletin that is specific to your incoming credentials. If you already are a certified teacher, the course of study is 36 credits. If you are not yet certified, the course of study is 45 credits. All courses for both options are specified and required with the exception of one elective. Library Media Specialist students also have a number of additional requirements to fulfill. Contact the Coordinator of the GSLIS Library Media Specialist Program for complete information. Upon completion of all GSLIS requirements, Library Media Specialist students must pass NYS CST#74 in order to be granted teacher certification in this area by NYS.

Where on the Queens College campus are computer labs for students located? 
Computer labs are located in the GSLIS Rosenthal Library, Room 240; Powdermaker Hall, Room 210; Kiely Hall, Room 226;  and in the I-Building on the second floor. Check the Computer Labs page for the current schedule.

What resources are available to assist GSLIS students in need of employment?
Job descriptions are posted to the GSLISJOBLIST listserv and are posted on the School's bulletin board facing Rosenthal classroom 257. They are also listed in a loose leaf notebook on file in the Library Office of the Graduate School of Library and Information Studies.

What is the protocol for requesting employment recommendations from faculty members? 
Contact faculty members to find out whether or not they are able to write a recommendation for you. Inform faculty of what will most likely be needed should the employer contact the faculty member.

Where do I get a permit for parking on campus? How much does it cost?
For information on parking permits, contact the Public Safety/Security Office at 718-997-4443.