University of Toronto Faculty of Information Studies

The Faculty of Information (commonly abbreviated as FI) is part of the University of Toronto and devoted to the study of library and information science. It was originally founded as the Library School within the Ontario College of Education in 1928. In 1972 the name changed to the Faculty of Library Science, the Faculty of Library and Information Science in 1982 and then the Faculty of Information Studies in 1994. In 2008, it was renamed to the Faculty of Information, also identifying itself as "the I-School at Toronto."

The faculty has offered a variety of different degrees since its beginning:

* From 1928-1936, a one-year University Diploma.
* From 1936-1970, a one-year Bachelor of Library Science degree.
* From 1970-1995, a two-year Master of Library Science (MLS) degree.
* In 1971, a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph. D) program was established.
* In 1988, a Master of Information Science (MIS) degree was introduced.
* In 1995, the MLS and MIS were replaced with the Master of Information Studies (MISt) degree, which has three areas of specialization: archival studies, information systems, and library and information science.

The MISt degree is accredited by the American Library Association. Those pursuing this program have the option to participate in further specialized collobrative programs. One of the most noted of these is Colloborative Program in Book History and Print Culture, based at Massey College. In addition to this program, the Konowledge Media Design program is quite popular at FIS. In addition, there are five other colloborative programs that FIS students can undertake: Addiction Studies; Aging, Palliative and Supportive Care Across the Life Course; Centre for Environment; Knowledge Media Design; Sexual Diversity Studies; Women's Health; Women and Gender Studies.

Since 1969, the Faculty has provided graduate education in Museum Studies. As of 2007, Museum Studies is an independent program within the Humanities Division of the School of Graduate Studies at the University of Toronto. Most Master of Museum Studies classes are offered at the Claude T. Bissell Building. The program also requires students to complete a summer internship between the first and second years of study. In 2007, there were 21 museums, art galleries and other cultural institution where Museum Studies worked as interns including the Art Gallery of Ontario, the National Gallery of Art, the National Museum of Ireland and the Ontario Science Centre.

The faculty is in the Claude T. Bissell Building, north of and attached to Robarts Library. FIS has a library of its own, the Inforum, on the fourth and fifth floors of the building. There are over 100,000 items in its collection, including a special collection on subject analysis.

The current dean of FIS is Dr. Brian Cantwell Smith. Dr. Smith will be finishing his term as Dean in 2008. He will be succeeded by Professor Seamus Ross in January 2009. Professor Ross comes to Toronto from the University of Glasgow in Scotland where he is founding director of HATII and professor of humanities informatics and digital curation.

Student and Alumni Success

The students and graduates of FIS have enjoyed considerable career success. Between their first and second year of study, many FIS students take summer jobs with Library and Archives Canada, the Library of Parliament, the Library of the University of Toronto and other locations. Many of these summer positions are funded by special government programs such as the [http://jobs-emplois.gc.ca/srp-fswep-pfete/index_e.htm Federal Student Work Experience Program] , the [http://www.pch.gc.ca/ycw-jct/html/welcome_e.htm Young Canada Works] and various provincial programs.

According to the [http://www.fis.utoronto.ca/content/blogcategory/348/532 most recent salary survey] (2005) on the Faculty's website, the median salary of FIS graduates is approximately $49,000 per year. Of the 104 students who received the MISt degree in 2005, 33 responded to the survey. Given the considerable increase in the Faculty's enrollment (the 2007-2008 academic saw approximately two hundred students start their program that year), it is unclear if this change will affect employment.

External links

* [http://www.utoronto.ca The University of Toronto]
* [http://www.ischool.utoronto.ca The Faculty of Information]
* [http://www.ischool.utoronto.ca/content/blogcategory/280/347/ The Inforum]
* [http://exlibris.fis.utoronto.ca/History/Chron/Toronto/toronto.html A chronology of the faculty] by former director, Brian Land