Department of Information Science
We teach the essential aspects of how people need, discover, use, organize, retrieve and store information. Rooted in traditional librarianship values like intellectual freedom and equitable access, we also embrace rapid changes in our field by incorporating new strategies, techniques and technologies.
“The Department of Information Science offers a modern-day curriculum that provides new students with the foundations of the field, along with the flexibility to craft a plan of study that meets their individual academic and professional goals.”
— Dan Albertson, PhD, Chair and Professor
Who We Become
Our programs develop the next generation of information professionals, preparing graduates for diverse career opportunities. Information science alums can be found in private and public sector jobs. School librarianship graduates go on to work in K-12 schools.
Available Funding
Thanks to scholarships, fellowships and other funding opportunities, a GSE education is closer than you think. On top of that, our tuition and fees are among the lowest and most competitive in the nation.
Proudly Accredited
The Department of Information Science offers programs accredited by the American Library Association.
Programs in Our Department
In addition to master’s programs in information and library science and school librarianship, and a PhD program in information science, we offer combined degrees with several departments to help you focus on specialties such as music, law, English and history. Our online programs provide students with better access and expanded learning opportunities.
The programs below are available fully online. Check program pages for additional requirements.
Research That Makes a Difference
Driven by our PhD program in information science, our faculty and students are carrying our tradition as a Research 1 institution to develop meaningful projects.
Neurodivergent students can run into barriers when navigating classes meant for neurotypical students. A National Science Foundation grant is helping UB investigators teach computer science faculty how to accommodate different student needs.
Nearly half of all college students are enrolled at community colleges—and a UB researcher is working to understand information literacy needs and experiences among faculty and students in those institutions.
How do librarians in different countries approach reference and information services? That’s the question Associate Prof. Amy VanScoy is hoping the find as she conducts research in Slovenia, South Africa and the United States.
Work Alongside Experts
Our faculty aren’t just innovative thought leaders and researchers; they are also skilled, caring, and committed educators. Faculty are experts in their fields and engaged in research that impacts and changes our communities. They bring their cutting-edge research and fresh perspectives into their teaching, enriching the learning experience.