About SLIS

The department was founded in 1929 within the College of Arts and Science by Jesse Lee Rader. The first degree programs offered were the Bachelor of Arts in Library Science, Master of Library Science, and the Master of Arts in Library Science. Both Master's programs were conferred accreditation by the American Library Association in 1956. The name was changed to the School of Library and Information Studies in 1990 to reflect the expanding role of the School in the information age. The School continues to offer the only ALA-accredited Library and Information Studies program in Oklahoma.

SLIS programs are designed for both traditional students and for working adults.

On-campus courses meet once per week during the early evening or in intensive weekend sessions. Interactive digital videoconferencing technology is used to link students and faculty in Norman and Tulsa.

Online course offerings use a variety of technology tools to provide a dynamic learning environment, including Canvas, Adobe ConnectPro, Podcasts, and course websites.

The University of Oklahoma’s Mission

The mission of the University of Oklahoma is to provide the best possible educational experience for our students through excellence in teaching, research and creative activity, and service to the state and society.

The College of Arts and Sciences’ Mission

As the intellectual core of the university, the College of Arts and Sciences supports the discovery and transmission of knowledge across a wide range of disciplines in the liberal arts and sciences to address the challenges of a changing global community. We prepare students for lives of professional accomplishment civic engagement, personal fulfillment and lifelong learning.

SLIS Vision 

SLIS leads in the information field by engaging in rigorous research, advancing educational excellence and making a significant impact on a culturally and technologically changing society.
(Revised 2016)

SLIS Mission 

The mission of the OU School of Library and Information Studies (SLIS) is to:

• Educate socially responsible, innovative leaders for the information society
• Advance interdisciplinary knowledge and design creative solutions to information problems
• Contribute to the public good by engaging diverse communities through teaching, research, and service

(Revised 2018)

SLIS' newest Strategic Plan identifies the following strategic directions:

• Support and Promote Excellence, Inclusion, and Innovation in Education for the Information Professions
• Become a Strong, Sustainable, and Inclusive Intellectual Center for Research, Practice, and Applications Involving the Organization and Uses of Knowledge, Information, and Data
• Expand Community Understanding and Engagement Through Impactful Informational Initiatives

(Approved by SLIS Faculty Vote on August 20, 2021)

Here is an overview of the 2021-2027 Strategic Plan.

The previous plan is here: SLIS Strategic Plan 2017-2021, with Action Plan updated September 2020.