School of Information and Library Sciences

About the school

The University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill - School of Information and Library Sciences started to provide its first course in library education in 1904, but it was not 1931 that the School of Library Sciences was established. Recognising the rising value of information applications and management studies, the faculty agreed in 1987 to alter the curriculum and rename the school to the UNC School of Information and Library Science (SILS).

The School of Information and Library Sciences (SILS) of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill provides education and research opportunities in information and library science. SILS is well-known for its extensive programmes that educate students for employment in various information-related fields, including librarianship, information management, data science, and user experience design.

Where is the school located?

The School of Information and Library Sciences is situated at 216 Lenoir Drive, 100 Manning Hall, Chapel Hill town, in the state of North Carolina.

Life at School of Information and Library Sciences

Life at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's School of Information and Library Sciences (SILS) can be exciting and rewarding, with diverse academic, social, and professional opportunities. SILS promotes an interactive and supportive environment. The professors at SILS are frequently approachable and committed to assisting students in excelling. They are accessible for academic counselling, research mentoring, and discussing your career goals.

Guest lecturers, workshops, and seminars are often held at the school to introduce you to industry trends, new technology, and real-world applications of information and library sciences. The centrally located campus of UNC-Chapel Hill in North Carolina's Research Triangle area allows access to a thriving innovation and research sector. Students can attend conferences and events and network with people in the sector.

Additional benefits of studying at School of Information and Library Sciences

Studying at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's School of Information and Library Sciences (SILS) can provide a variety of academic and professional benefits. Here are some of the additional advantages of pursuing a degree at SILS:

Internships: SILS frequently interacts with corporate business hosts and other organisations to provide internships. This allows students to obtain practical experience, develop their resume, and network within the business.

Access to Resources: You can get access to large research databases, archives, and library holdings as a student. These sites can enhance students' studies and give useful information for assignments and research work.

Flexible Study/Work Environments: Students can work part-time in several spaces, including classic libraries, academic institutions, firms, non-profit organisations, and remote settings.

Global Influence: Information and library sciences have a significant global effect, and the skills you learn at SILS are adaptable to other countries. This can lead to prospects of working with other communities and institutions worldwide.

Admissions criteria

The specific admission requirements for the School of Information and Library Sciences (SILS) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill might vary based on the programme you are interested in. However, here is a list of general admission requirements that the students must fulfil:

Bachelor’s Degree: The applicant must have completed a four-year U.S. bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or its international equivalent

GPA Requirements: A minimum GPA of 3.0 or Grade B in the undergraduate course

Application Form: Applicants need to fill out an online application form

Transcripts: Applicants must submit one unofficial transcript from each university attended with the application form. The applicant must submit the official transcript if they are offered admission

Letters of Recommendation: Three letters of recommendation are required depending on the program a student opts for at SILS

Resume: An updated resume demonstrating work experience and any other internship experience

Statement of Purpose: A 1-2 page statement that should talk about your educational background, experience, and intention to choose the desired programme

Test Scores: Certain programmes at the college may have a valid GMAT or GRE score. The requirement and the minimum score vary depending on the programme

English Proficiency Test: International students must submit a language test score to certify their English proficiency. It is crucial to meet the minimum required score to be eligible:

Minimum Score needed in internet-based TOEFL: 90

Minimum Overall Band Score needed on the IELTS: 7.0

It is important to note that certain programmes may require a higher score. Moreover, students from certain countries are exempted from taking the English proficiency test. Applicants must check the school’s website for information.

It is important to research the specific admission standards thoroughly and rules for the programme applicants are interested in, as they might differ between programmes and change yearly. Applicants must check the website for the latest information.

Job placements

The University Career Services (UCS) at SILS strives to provide different career options and industries while helping them develop relevant skills and connect with employers and alumni. The students have access to the University Career Services, which offers all the career assistance the students need. Through this portal, the students can engage with employers and get application reviews, career coaching, and job search assistance for jobs and internships.

The University Career Services (UCS) also organises career fairs yearly. The UCS also has a job management portal known as the Handshake. It allows students to schedule 1:1 career coaching appointments, participate in on-campus recruiting, know about career fairs and workshops, and get employer contact information. The UCS also has a tool named Forage, an online platform to access virtual experience programmes. Besides this, the UCS also offers micro-internships via the Parker Dewey Micro-Internship platform to provide hands-on experience. All these opportunities make the students ready to become world leaders.