Updated April 2, 2009

[There are other FAQ pages, on other topics entirely. You can see those by clicking on the FAQ tag at the bottom of this page.]

• Must all master's and non-degree students begin with IRLS 504, Foundations of Library & Information Services?
• What if I already have an advanced degree in library science or another discipline and I just want to take an IRLS course?
• What about parking on the UA campus?
• Are there scholarship opportunities at SIRLS?
• What are SIRLS’ program fees?
• What are the Program Fees for Spring 2009?
• How can I find out information about taking courses through continuing education as a non-degree student?
• What else do I need to know about the Master's/Specialist Plan of Study (POS) ?

Must all master's and non-degree students begin with IRLS504, Foundations of Library & Information Services?

---Yes, all master's and non-degree students, even CONTINUING EDUCATION students, begin with IRLS 504. Students take IRLS 504 as their sole course in Winter session, Summer I, or Summer II and then take a full-time or part-time load in the following semester. The course introduces students to SIRLS and graduate study, to the library and information professions, to the foundational concepts needed for success in the program, and also to each other. During the on-campus component of the course, SIRLS students work together and get to know each other in a face-to-face environment, so when they meet online, they are encountering colleagues and friends.

The course involves:
1) several weeks of reading and independent study at a location chosen by the student;
2) seven days of face-to-face instruction on the UA campus in Tucson ( 8am to 8pm);
3) an electronic project due about one week later.

What if I already have an advanced degree in library science or another discipline and I just want to take an IRLS course?

--- You will need to apply to the Graduate College as a Continuing Education student ($25). Let us know when that application has been submitted so that we may access it online. Also, fill out a Continuing Education SIRLS’ application and mail/FAX the form to SIRLS. It will be reviewed and you will be notified of the outcome.

What about parking on the UA campus?

---Students, staff, faculty and visitors are responsible for their own parking arrangements. More information is available at Parking & Transportation.

Are there scholarship opportunities at SIRLS?

---Yes, SIRLS has many opportunities for financial aid. SIRLS offers both graduate assistantships and scholarships for course tuition. No aid is offered specifically for books or living expenses. All students are expected to pay program fees.

What are SIRLS’ program fees?

--- SIRLS was told in January 2003 to become more financially self-sustaining. SIRLS submitted a new business plan that included a program fee proposal. The reality is that program fees must be collected for SIRLS to survive. Not only must we impose the program fee but it must be large enough to bring substantial revenues into the school. The increased revenue provided by the program fees will be used to hire faculty, increase financial aid, and begin to institutionalize Knowledge River, update technology in the school, and improve student services. The overall outcome will be to strengthen the quality of the SIRLS program and your education.

How much are the Program Fees?

--- As of Spring 2009, $500 per course for in-state. $1200 per course for out-of-state. Fees and tuition amounts are subject to change.

Bursar information

How can I find out information about taking courses through continuing education as a non-degree student?

---Visit the Continuing Education page for information.

What do I need to know about the Master's/Specialist Plan of Study (POS) ?

---Visit the Submitting the Plan of Study page for additional information.

--- What is the Plan of Study?

The Master's/Specialist Plan of Study is essentially a contract between the student, the department, and the Graduate College specifying which courses the student will take to fulfill the requirements of the master's or specialist degree. A master's or specialist student will not be able to graduate without a Plan of Study that is approved by the department and Graduate College.

--- When should I file my Plan of Study?

SIRLS recommends that students submit their Plan of Study in the semester in which they complete 18 credits. The POS also provides the Graduate College with the expected graduation date so that the student may be included in the appropriate commencement program.

--- How do I enter Winter classes on the POS?

The Winter session is a part of the Spring semester at UA. You simply list a Winter class as a Spring class.

--- Common Errors

• Approval of POS: The student is responsible to either meet with the designated advisor, or to email the advisor with a list of courses listed on the POS. The email with the adviser's approval should be forwarded to Polly Lindeman Mitchell (plmitch@email.arizona.edu) to be kept in the student file.


• Missing signatures: The POS must have an original signature from the student. The SIRLS staff will gather the other required signatures and send the POS to the Degree Certification office in the Graduate College.


• Missing personal information: Be sure to list the correct degree (MA) sought and major (Information Resources and Library Science). Be sure you have listed your correct Student ID number, which in most cases is different from your Social Security number, as well as your full address with city and zip code. Please use your UA email address.


• Incorrect number of units: Be sure your POS lists thirty-six (36) units.


• Time Violation: Graduate College policy states that master's students have 6 years to complete the degree from the date of the earliest coursework being used toward the degree (i.e. the coursework on the POS). If the coursework on the Plan of Study violates this policy, the POS will not be approved.


• Excess units take outside of SIRLS: No more than six (6) credits on the POS may be in courses taken outside of SIRLS. If a student transfers six (6) approved credits into SIRLS, they will be unable to apply independent studies towards their MA.

• The transfer policy changed December 2008. SIRLS students can apply up to six transfer credits taken within six years of the completion of their SIRLS master's degree in which a letter grade of A or B was earned from another ALA-accredited library and information science program, with the approval of the student's advisor. Transfer credits cannot be used to take the place of any of the four core courses. This policy applies to all students. Please note: courses taken at the University of Arizona are not transfer courses; they are out-of-department courses and must also be approved by the student's advisor before they can be applied to the degree. The Evaluation of Transfer Credit form and two (2) official transcripts (sealed envelopes) must be submitted to SIRLS, care of Polly Lindeman Mitchell. Students must gain approval for the acceptance of the six transfer credits from their adviser and forward the approval email to the SIRLS Program Coordinator.

--- What if my approved coursework changes?

A student whose POS has been approved by the department and the Graduate College may need to make changes to the coursework, with the approval of the department, as he or she proceeds through the degree program. Changes to an approved POS must be submitted to SIRLS with the Completion of Degree Requirements form submitted when the student finishes the degree program. The POS must still be in compliance with all pertinent Graduate College policies after the changes are made, or the degree auditor will not accept the changes.

--- What if I change my graduation date?

If you change your graduation date, you should submit a new POS to the SIRLS office. The POS is kept in the Graduate College website and is easily accessible by logging in with a Student Number and PIN.