Information Management at Dalhousie

Management of information is a central factor of organizational, educational, research and personal life in the 21st century. To reflect this, the School of Information Management has become the new name of the School of Library and Information Studies effective May 9. The School is an integral part of the multidisciplinary Faculty of Management. The new name reflects and promotes the breadth of the education and research conducted by members of the School, and emphasizes that the School recruits and educates graduates for a wide array of information management positions.

The School is home to one of seven accredited programmes in Canada for Library and Information Studies Masters degrees. The Dalhousie Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS) programme will continue to graduate adaptable and flexible professionals. "The integration of the Master of Library and Information Studies programme into the Information Management model adds breadth and opportunities for those graduating from such a programme," explains Terri Tomchyshyn (Dal class of '81), Librarian/Manager at the Department of National Defense. Stephen Abram, President of the Canadian Library Association, affirms that "around the world librarians are embracing and leading the change in their profession. Librarians are involved in all aspects of the Internet revolution, managing the transition of many enterprises and governments to address the strategic implications of new technologies. The [new] name is wholly appropriate to reflect and represent the changes at the Dalhousie School and in our profession."

"This is a particularly exciting time for all of us," explains the School's Director, Fiona Black. "Our growth and development in information management complements our continued strong commitment to the values of librarianship, through our MLIS programme. Interdisciplinary connections in information management will enrich the MLIS programme through such electives as public relations and advocacy, geographic information systems, public policy development, management informatics and others."

In addition to its flagship accredited programme, the School will work with sister Schools in the Faculty of Management on the existing Bachelor of Management programme and a proposed Masters in Management programme. All schools in the Faculty will move into the new Kenneth C. Rowe Management Building in the Fall of 2005.

Media inquiries, contact: John MacDonald, Faculty of Management, tel. 902.494.2542, john.j.macdonald@dal.ca