The School of Information Studies is preparing information professionals to lead in an increasingly digital world while advancing research that preserves history, strengthens communities, and expands access to information. Through nationally ranked programs, innovative scholarship, and transformative partnerships, SIS continues to make an impact across Louisiana and beyond.
Rural communities, public libraries, and institutions across Louisiana face growing gaps in trained information professionals. Nationally, the rapid growth of digital archives, AI tools, and data systems is widening the divide between what institutions need and who is available to serve them.
SIS offers the #1 ranked online MLIS program and the #1 ranked Archives program nationally, drawing students from across the country into flexible, rigorous preparation. Faculty-led research funded by NSF and IMLS is directly addressing rural library access, AI literacy, early learning, and the preservation of veteran history.
The numbers reflect a school with national reach.
1000+ graduate students enrolled in 2026, up from just 160 in 2000
#1 Online MLIS, Research.com 2024, 2025, & 2026
#1 Archives program, College Raptor
$2M+ Active research funding
Master's Degrees
Graduate Certificates
Undergraduate Minor
Online
Master's Program
Online
Graduate Certificate Programs
Online
Dual Degree Programs
Online
Graduate Students in 2026
- up from 160 in 2000
in Research Funding
Online MLIS Program
- Research.com, 2024–2026
Archives Program
- College Raptor
National Research Advances Early STEM Learning
Campana Leads NSF-Funded Project
Katie Campana is leading an $837,170 National Science Foundation project exploring how storytelling and play can help young children develop computational thinking and problem-solving skills, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
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Strengthening Rural Libraries Across Louisiana
Shiroma Receives IMLS Grant
Kristina Shiroma secured a $389,974 Institute of Museum and Library Services grant
to study rural libraries and build a statewide network focused on collaboration, advocacy,
and professional support for library professionals.
Preserving Veterans' Stories
Benoit Leads National Archival Initiative
Edward Benoit III received a National Leadership Grant to expand the Virtual Footlocker
Project, helping Vietnam-era veterans preserve personal records, document their experiences,
and protect important historical narratives.
Research Addressing Tomorrow's Challenges
Faculty Lead Innovation in AI, Literacy, and Community Impact
SIS faculty continue to secure competitive funding and national recognition for research focused on artificial intelligence, older adults, youth services, rural communities, archives, and information access; demonstrating the school's growing influence across the information professions.
As she retires after 35 years, Carol Barry leaves a remarkable legacy of leadership, program growth, and student success that helped transform the School of Information Studies into a nationally recognized leader in information education.
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Scholarship Celebrates Alma Dawson's Impact
A new scholarship is being established in honor of Alma Dawson to support future information professionals while recognizing her lasting contributions to librarianship, mentorship, diversity, and community engagement.
national & Global reach
SIS graduate student John Hughes is helping document NASA's Artemis II mission as a Film & Video Librarian at Johnson Space Center. His work preserving mission records demonstrates the critical role information professionals play in safeguarding history for future generations.