Library and Information Science PhD

The PhD program in Library and Information Science (PhD/LIS) is composed of a cohesive and collaborative cohort of students who are mentored from enrollment through completion of the dissertation. This flexible PhD/LIS program is unique in its guided preparation in the three areas of research, teaching, and service.

During the program, students are able to research a variety of dissertation topics within library and information science as well as information professions. Students emerge from the program with a strong research record, solid teaching experience, a high professional activity standing, and a portfolio documenting their academic achievements and scholarly expertise in their areas of study. Students work with a faculty advisor to tailor the program to their interests and career goals.

Recent Doctoral Topics of Research Include:

• Envisioning the library’s role in scholarly communication in the year 2025 
• Tips, tools and tendencies: Toward a grant management theory 
• Evaluation of strategic plans in academic medical libraries 
• Leading from the middle of the organization: An examination of shared leadership in academic libraries 
• Strategic Priorities and Change in Academic Libraries 
• Diversity in graduate archival education programs
• Repurposing digital objects: Seven case studies across the publishing and information industries

Through a combination of required and elective courses, independent study, workshops, and guided experiences, the PhD focused on library and information science prepares students for lifelong activity in research, scholarship, teaching, and service. Students work closely with faculty as they progress through the degree, and are guided by faculty advisors and annual reviews of progress as evidenced by analytical papers and other course work, experience reports related to teaching and service activities, and self-reflective essays. The doctoral program is a small, strong program composed of students who form a cohesive and collaborative cohort, and who will be nurtured from enrollment through to completion of the dissertation.

Program Attributes

• The program provides guided preparation in the three areas of scholarship, teaching, and service.
• Students emerge from the degree with a record of publications, teaching experience, a professional activity record, and a portfolio.
• Simmons is small and personal, but at the same time has excellent bibliographical and technological resources and can draw on a robust local library and information community.
• There are rich opportunities for synergy between the doctoral and master's students. Collaborative research and group work enriches the learning experience and fosters a stimulating classroom environment. Doctoral students offer colloquia open to master's students, and mentoring opportunities are available.
• SLIS has an established reputation for producing leaders in professional service at local, national, and international levels. Interaction with the SLIS alumni community (and the New England LIS community) enriches the doctoral student experience.

Areas of Study

Doctoral studies can be conducted at various intersections of setting, audience, and activity. Some examples of study areas which build on strengths among our faculty include archives and preservation, reference, metadata, scholarly communication, information retrieval and visual information systems.

Student Learning Outcomes

A graduate of the Simmons SLIS PhD program:

• Demonstrates in-depth familiarity with scholarship in the field of library, archival, and information science;
• Articulates prominent theories in the field of library, archival, and information science;
• Identifies researchable problems and applies relevant research studies, research designs, and methodologies to tasks requiring problem solving and critical thinking;
• Analyzes and presents information, including research proposals and findings, clearly and accurately in a variety of formats;
• Conducts qualitative, quantitative or mixed method research studies by engaging in reflective inquiry, performing data collection and analysis, composing research reports, and producing publications and a dissertation;
• Engages in teaching activities, develops appropriate unit- or course-level student learning outcomes, and plans and implements learning experiences that assist students to achieve those outcomes; and
• Leads service activities for local, national, or international professional associations and communities.

Approved by SLIS Faculty on October 18, 2017.