• When does the MLS program at Shady Grove start?
• Which classes will be offered in fall semester and when will they meet?
• Who will teach the classes?
• What type of MLS program will it be?
• Will the program be ALA-accredited?
• Will I be able to complete all of the MLS degree requirements at Shady Grove?
• What if I am interested in something other than information services for children and young adults – special libraries, for example?
• Can I take courses at both Shady Grove and College Park?
• Will all of the courses meet in the evening?
• Where is the Shady Grove campus?
• Will there be good library and technology resources for students to use?
• What about student services for MLS students at Shady Grove?
• How do I apply for admission to Shady Grove?

When does the MLS program at Shady Grove start?

Classes will begin in Fall semester 2008; the first week of classes is the first week in September.

Which classes will be offered in fall semester and when will they meet?

The tentative schedule is as follows:
LBSC 647 Young Adult Literature and Services on Tuesday evening
LBSC 650 Information Access and Services on Thursday evening.
We will have a firm schedule with full details in June. Classes will be contingent on adequate enrollment.

Who will teach the classes?

The classes will be taught by regular faculty of the iSchool and adjunct faculty who teach at College Park or who are carefully selected to teach at Shady Grove.  All faculty will be expected to teach at both locations according to program needs.

What type of MLS program will it be?

The MLS program offered at Shady Grove will be the same program that is offered at College part, but the focus will be on information services for children and young adults both in the school library media environment and in the public library.  Look at the iSchool’s website (www.ischool.umd.edu) for more information about the program requirements, courses offered, and faculty.

Will the program be ALA-accredited?

Yes, it will.  The Shady Grove program will have the same high quality that the program at College Park has.

Will I be able to complete all of the MLS degree requirements at Shady Grove?

All of the courses required for the school library media specialization and for a concentration in children’s and young adult services in the public library will be offered at Shady Grove.  Two or more courses will be offered each semester and in the summer.  While course offerings will be contingent upon enrollment, we expect that a student will be able to complete the degree in three years or less by attending classes offered at Shady Grove.

What if I am interested in something other than information services for children and young adults – special libraries, for example?

You have two options.  First, you can enroll in the MLS program at College Park where the College will continue to offer its full range of options for the MLS program.  The second option is to enroll at Shady Grove for the core courses, the required management course, and any relevant electives.  You would complete the rest of the degree program at College Park.

Can I take courses at both Shady Grove and College Park?

Yes, you can.  Keep in mind, however, that students who apply for Shady Grove will have priority in registering for courses offered there and that students who apply for College Park will have priority in registering for courses offered at College Park.  We expect that some students will take courses in both locations.

Will all of the courses meet in the evening?

Classes will be evening or weekend classes during fall and spring semesters; summer classes will be day or evening.  There will be online courses, as well.

Where is the Shady Grove campus?

The Universities at Shady Grove is located at 9630 Gudelsky Drive, Rockville, MD 20850 near the intersection of Shady Grove Road and Darnestown Road.  It is easy to get to from the Beltway and I-270.  From I-270, take either Exit 6B Darnestown or Exit 8 Shady Grove Road West.  More specific directions are available at www.shadygrove.umd.edu.  For Metro riders, there is a direct bus route (Ride-On 43) from the Shady Grove station on the Red line.

Will there be good library and technology resources for students to use?

Yes, there will be.  Students taking classes at Shady Grove will be admitted to the University of Maryland College Park.  They will have full access to the electronic resources offered by the University Libraries and to resources in McKeldin Library and branch libraries on campus.  For convenience, they probably will prefer to use the library at Shady Grove.  The library and information science collection at Shady Grove will grow as the program develops.  The excellent professional library of Montgomery County Public Schools will become part of the library at Shady Grove during 2008.  The information technology in the classrooms and on campus at Shady Grove is excellent.  The campus is fully wireless.

What about student services for MLS students at Shady Grove?

Students will have two ways to obtain student services.  A program coordinator and advisor will have office hours that are convenient for students taking classes at Shady Grove.  Students will have access to services from the iSchool’s Student Services Office at College Park by email, telephone, and in person.

How do I apply for admission to Shady Grove?

Admissions requirements and the application process are the same as those for College Park, except that the normal application deadlines for the MLS program do not apply.  Go to the iSchool’s website, www.ischool.umd.edu, for full information.  We are accepting applications now.