Welcome to the MSLS and MSIS dual-degree program page. Here you will find information for Duke medical students interested in pursuing a masters degree in library science or information science at the UNC School of Information and Library Science (SILS).
Financial assistance is available through UNC SILS in the form of scholarships, loans, or paid internships.
Note: Duke and UNC are applying for an extension of a grant that would cover tuition for fall 2008. However, the final award of this grant will not be made until June 2008. Students interested in the MSIS or MSLS degrees are encouraged to apply for finanicial aid through UNC SILS. The school recommends that students apply for the program by January 1st for fullest consideration for financial aid.
If you are interested in the program or need additional information please contact: Pat Thibodeau, Associate Dean, Duke Medical Center Library, at thibo001@mc.duke.edu,660-1150, or Peggy Schaeffer, Project Coordinator, at peggy.schaeffer@unc.edu, 660-1197, before: January 7, 2008!
Selection for this program may be competitive if 3 or more students apply.
Information on Schools and Admissions
Admissions Information – Deadline April 15 2008
UNC-CH SILS Admission Process
- Master of Science in Library Science
- Master of Science in Information Science
- Dual Degree in Medicine
UNC Graduate School Admission Process
Duke School of Medicine
Why Consider an MSLS or MSIS?
You will learn about and understand:
- The skills and knowledge needed to provide input into the design and implementation of computer systems, new electronic resources, and clinical information systems
- How information systems, databases and other resources are designed, developed, and implemented
- The elements that are needed to create a new biomedical resource
- Information seeking behaviors and the human factors in system design
- The dynamic world of libraries and how today's libraries deliver high quality information resources and services
- The challenges and concerns of operating a medical library and information service
As part of the program, you will also be able to:
- Pursue a project that relates to how clinicians and researchers use information in general or within the Duke setting
- Work with faculty at Duke and UNC who are experts in library and information services and systems
- Participate in a relevant field experience 10 hours per week
Future Roles for Medical Information Specialists
What are the future roles for medical information specialists?
- Changing and creating the library of the future through virtual collections and services
- Developing and delivering innovative and responsive information services to clinicians and researchers
- Creating new information resources
- Assisting in the design and implementation of clinical information systems and tools
- Working with Web-based tools and technologies
- Developing, evaluating and implementing emerging technologies
- Influencing institutional and public policies and standards
- Working in a collaborative environment with subject and technology experts
A number of physician information specialists have shared their thoughts on career opportunities.
Career Paths?
There are number of possible career pathways for individuals with a dual-degree in MSIS or MLIS as well as being a physician. As a subject expert with an understanding of information resources and technologies, you may be able to play a number of roles in a variety of settings. Below are a few of the numerous possibilities that are available and new job opportunities are emerging every day.
- Change agent in biomedical libraries and health care settings
- Creator of Websites and resources
- Developer of new information products and services
- Knowledge manager in a pharmaceutical research firm
- Information specialist on a clinical or research team
- Administrator with oversight of the library or IT functions
- Member of IT and network teams
- Business entrepreneur in software or hardware
- Indexer of biomedical resources
- Biomedical expert in data mining
- IT expert in a group practice
- Leader in a public agency concerned with national information standards and policies
- Participant in the formation of institutional information and IT policies
- Consultant with commercial firms developing information systems and tools
- Faculty members in a library school or informatics program
Application and Degree Requirements
Students interested in the program should contact Peggy Schaeffer, Project Coordinator (660-1197, peggy.schaeffer@unc.edu) or Pat Thibodeau, Associate Dean for Library Services and Archives, (660-1100; thibo001@mc.duke.edu) for more information about the program and the financial support available. If you are interested in this program you should contact Peggy or Pat by January 7.
Students must apply to and be accepted to the UNC CH Graduate School and School of Information and Library Science. Applications must be submitted by April 15, 2008..
The track is limited to two students per year and if more than two apply, the final candidates will be selected by Duke faculty through a competitive process.
Students must also meet all requirements of both schools including a master's paper or project for UNC SILS and a thesis for the Duke third-year requirement. Other Duke third-year requirements must also be met throughout the program including:
- Selection of a Duke mentor
- Attendance of third-year kick-off in September
- Completion of Research Ethics I – 6 required IRB modules
- Completion of Statistical modules or a waiver of the requirement
- Submission of two-page research proposal in the fall before the end of the program
- Completion of Research Ethics II – completion of Q&A sheet regarding IRB approval of research
- Documented IRB approval if needed
- 34-weeks of continuity clinic before the end of the degree program
- Presentation at AOA day
- Submission of a thesis according to Duke requirements
- Completion of all required evaluations
Please visit the School of Medicine's 3rd year Website for more information about the requirements and the various deadlines.
If you are interested in the program or need additional information please contact:
Pat Thibodeau, Associate Dean, Duke Medical Center Library – thibo001@mc.duke.edu, 660-1150
Robert James, Associate Director of Public Services, Duke Medical Center Library – james066@mc.duke.edu, 660-1157
Peggy Schaeffer, Project Coordinator, UNC SILS and Duke Medical Center Library – peggy.schaeffer@unc.edu, 660-1197
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Questions? (919) 919-660-1150
thibo001@mc.duke.edu
DUMC 3702 Durham, NC 27710 USA
http://www.mclibrary.duke.edu/about/dualdegree Last modified: 8-26-2008 © 2008 Duke University Medical Center Library |