Simmons University School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) is excited to announce the relocation of its SLIS West program — a part-time master of science in Library and Information Science degree program in Western Massachusetts — from Mount Holyoke College to the campus of Greenfield Community College (GCC), as of Fall 2024.
Approximately 75 students study out of the SLIS West campus every year. According to a recent article in Inside Higher Ed, young adults in rural areas face challenges accessing and completing higher education, including “transportation, food and housing insecurity, and access to health care and high-speed internet, along with paying for and applying for college.”
SLIS West is dedicated to overcoming those barriers. “The strategic focus of SLIS is to provide an avenue for students in rural communities to continue from undergraduate to graduate education. At SLIS West, we will also increase experiential learning for future librarians, archivists, and information professionals on the GCC campus, locally, and regionally,” says SLIS Dean Dr. Sanda Erdelez.
Greenfield Community College President, Dr. Michelle Schutt shares the excitement. “GCC is ecstatic to be hosting Franklin County’s only graduate program. This is just another example of the elevating power of education within our community.”
“This is a positive move and we are excited about new opportunities ahead,” says Eric Poulin, Assistant Professor of Practice and Coordinator of the SLIS West program, which has operated from the Mount Holyoke College (MHC) campus for 22 years. “We are grateful for all that MHC has done to support us during that time,” says Poulin, “but the time is right for a move. We applaud the free community college initiative in Massachusetts and hope that more of the next generation of world-class information professionals can get their start at places like GCC.”
SLIS West is looking into potential fellowship and internship opportunities for students at the GCC library, and the Greenfield Public Library. Currently, four Simmons SLIS alumnae/i work at the GCC library, including Library Director Liza Harrington ’10MS. The local Greenfield Public Library is helmed by Director Ann Bognolo ’15MS.
Located in Greenfield, Massachusetts, Greenfield Community College is accessible off of major highways (route 91 and Route 2) making it conveniently accessible for students and SLIS faculty. The Greenfield area, located in the beautiful Pioneer Valley, provides many recreational opportunities and affordable housing for students
Simmons University School of Library and Information Science is the nationally ranked #1 program in archives and preservation and the top-ranked overall master's program in library and information science. It currently enrolls more than 700 students who attend online and in-person courses in Boston or SLIS West.
Learn more about the SLIS West program at an upcoming SLIS West Information Session.