The LIS Specialization

A massive research institution like the University of Michigan, needs a state-of-the-art library system to support it. For this reason, students in the LIS specialization are able to take advantage of the plethora of educational and vocational opportunities that abound on-campus. Many MSI students work part-time in the University of Michigan library system.

With the LIS program housed within the iSchool, rest assured that you will leave with a solid and multidisciplinary degree from an ALA accredited institution. Moreover, you can supplement the LIS-coursework with innovative classes on cutting edge technologies, learn about usability, and develop your programming skills.

You can connect with other library-minded individuals through involvement in the following student organizations:

• Special Libraries Association- provides information on libraries with special collections such as law libraries and corporate libraries
• American Library Association- offers professional development opportunities

Many LIS graduates are employed in the southeastern Michigan area. I actually met a LIS grad currently working as a librarian at a local Ann Arbor middle school last term, when I volunteered for the Hour of Code event she’d organized there. However, a number of graduates also receive employment across the nation. Companies hiring LIS-track graduates include the New York Public Library, CNN, and the National Library of Medicine.

Likewise graduates have gone on to land job titles such as Systems Librarian, Database Manager, Information Analyst, Not Your Grandma’s Librarian, and more!

Wherever they go and whatever their titles, these SI grads continue the legacy of using information to better society. You can join the movement to improve humanity… one library at a time.

Q&A with a Tailored Student

Meet First-Year MSI Student: Licheng

Admitted As: Social Computing

Switched To: IAR/HCI

Is Now: Tailored

Why did you decide to tailor?

“Because I was trying to do User Research and there’s not an established specialization for that. HCI is a great foundation… but the problem, for me, is there is a lot of prerequisites and compulsory courses you have to take. Some of them are really useful, but I [have] a sociology background so there’s a lot of things I already know and I don’t want to take it again.”

What is the process to become tailored?

“Being tailored is actually quite easy… from the administrative process. But you do need to speak with a faculty to make sure tailor fits for you. I spoke with Kentaro. We explored my interests together and he offered me some courses. We realized that I want to do both quantitative and qualitative, which is not offered within SI. So I have to go beyond SI for some courses.”

Which departments are you taking these courses from?

“Some from sociology and psychology, some from data science, one from Ross [school of business], one from stats.”

Were they difficult to get into?

“Not that hard. Just make sure to show up in the first day. That’s how professors usually determine if you are interested in the class or not.”

So how did you choose Kentaro to speak to about tailoring?

“At orientation there are some professors presenting. Also I was at the campus visit last March where another 5-6 faculty members were talking about their research. I got to know many, but not all of them. I also searched on their websites. Kentaro is really smart. I believe if he was an SI student he would be tailored too. Because he was a Computer Science PHD and then now he’s doing interviews. There was a strong motivation for him to go beyond his disciplinary training, which is exactly what I am looking for. He seemed to be a perfect fit so I approached him."

Do you find it harder to connect with people in different specializations?

“It’s a common expectation. People think people group themselves into specialization and that’s how you get to know people. From my experience that’s actually not the case. It’s about classes. I actually feel more advantaged in terms of getting to know people because I’m taking classes from different specializations."

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?

“For the first semester, I was exploring the city and trying out restaurants. But now I’ve gotten tired of it. Because I was expecting a lot of Asian restaurants but it turned out to be not many here. So I have to go beyond… to Ypsilanti. [But] this semester I’ve been focused on finding an internship. ...I’ve been attending [on-campus] workshops outside of SI.”

Any parting words?
“Feel free to explore! The good thing is if you don’t feel satisfied with the tailor specialization, you can switch back.”

The IAR Specialization

It’s that time of year here at UMSI where first-years and second-years alike are on the prowl for paid work, whether that be in the form of an internship or a full-time job. I’ve had a number of employers ask, “So information… analysis and, uh, retrieval… what exactly is that?” And maybe you feel the same way.

I- and my buddies in the IAR track- like to think of our specialty as Data Science and ourselves as budding Data Scientists. Not sure what a Data Scientist is? Well it’s ONLY the sexiest job of the 21st century! Sorry HCI-ers.

So why UMSI for IAR? Well first, the type of work you apply your programming skills to is quite interesting including personalizing news content, examining social movements, and search engines. Don’t have much programming experience? Don’t worry! UMSI is really dedicated to getting everyone up to speed because it recognizes that each cohort represents a wide range of disciplines and expertise. Prior to this school-year, I had NO programming experience. I diligently reviewed the material sent during the summer to waive out of SI502 (Networked Computing) and apprehensively took my seat the first day of class in SI506 (Programming I). I had a negative experience with a programming class in my undergrad, and wasn’t sure if I’d be able to handle the course. Well, it ended up being one of my favorite courses! The teaching team really broke down programming concepts into easily digestible pieces and were very supportive (we had a Facebook group through which we could ask questions and numerous office hours).

Another great thing about the IAR specialization here at UMSI is that 6 cognate credits are built into the program. This is advantageous since a data scientist's skill-set is comprised of three main components:

Source: datasciencecentral.com

Through cognates you have the opportunity to explore coursework in an area of interest (i.e. develop substantive expertise) such as education, finance, healthcare, etc. and/or increase your statistics knowledge (through courses in the Statistics department or the College of Engineering).

Lastly, because IAR is one of the cozier specializations here at UMSI, there is a lot of peer bonding and mutual support. For example, through the Student Organization for Data Analytics (SODA) [formerly SOIAR], we support skill development in one another.

The HCI Specialization

Many of you have dreams of becoming User Experience Researchers & Designers. You have plans of joining the bustling Human Computer Interaction (HCI) specialization here at the University of Michigan.

By choosing UMSI you will enter into a league of talented and driven colleagues and professors who create amazing work.  

Learn more about HCI at SI:

QuikOrder, a UX project conducted by UMSI students as part of the Design Clinic Innovator Award Competition, is an example of the caliber of work produced by students. QuikOrder focused on improving the online ordering system used by Pizza Hut and took first place winning a grand prize of $5,000.

One amazing faculty member doing work in HCI is Paul Resnick (with whom I had the pleasure of taking a class on introductory Python programming in the fall term). In fact, Professor Resnick was recently elected to the prestigious CHI Academy!!

Some of his research projects include:

• Software that helps journalists identify rumors on Twitter
• Investigating if accountability through social media can increase commitment to health goals

Additionally many of your colleagues will go on to obtain great positions at top companies. Learn more about grad Nikki Roda who works as an Interaction Designer at Goldman Sachs:

[Pro Tip: A great thing about UMSI is that you can remain part of the listserv post-graduation. Many people use this listerv to send job postings.]

Resources for Navigating the Application Process

Applying to grad school is a big decision and as a current student, I remember how overwhelming the process can be.  If you’re feeling the same way I felt two years ago, go ahead and take a deep breath because I am here to help! I have a compiled a list of resources to help you navigate the UMSI application process. 

First of all, take advantage of the wealth of information on the UMSI website.  There you will find information on different areas of interest within the MSI program, courses offered, career outcomes, funding, and more.  Also, if you are still wondering if an MSI degree is the right fit for you, I would encourage you to check out these pages on what an MSI entails and why you should consider earning one.  Also, don’t forget that the MSI program in general is very flexible and allows you to tailor your degree program to explore your specific interests.  Check out the tailored MSI option if you think your goals/interests would be better met that way.

I would also recommend registering with us to receive e-mails about upcoming events and other important news. We can even connect you with one of UMSI’s information mentors who would be glad to speak to their experience as a current student.

And don’t forget about one of the other great resources mentioned previously on our blog- our prospective student Facebook group where you can connect with current students, staff, and other prospective students.

Of course, after reading the specialization descriptions, checking out the available classes, & scoping out their faculty lineup, I was ready to start my application to UMSI.  And just like most of you, the first thing I wanted to know was what materials I would need to submit in order for my application to be complete.  Well, UMSI’s website has another checklist for you- the MSI application requirements page. Refer to this page to make sure you have crafted not only a great application, but also a complete one.

Also, be sure to keep up-to-date with this blog.  In the coming weeks, we will have posts from current students on topics like funding your degree, asking for letters of recommendation, and writing your personal statement.

If you have any questions, feel free to send us an email at umsi.admissions@umich.edu. We’re always happy to help!