Dec 02, 2024  
2019-2020 University Bulletin 
    
2019-2020 University Bulletin [ARCHIVED BULLETIN]

Certificate in Digital Libraries


Digital libraries are commonly defined as “organizations that provide the resources, including the specialized staff to select, structure, offer intellectual access to, interpret, distribute, preserve the integrity of, and ensure the persistence over time of collections of digital works so that they are readily and economically available for use by a defined community or set of communities (Digital Library Federation).” The SOIS Certificate in Digital Libraries prepares students to be active participants in digital library programs in universities, public libraries, archives and other information organizations.

The SOIS Certificate in Digital Libraries provides:

  • A theoretical foundation of library fundamentals, including information environments, collection development, technology management and user services 
  • A practical foundation that equips librarians with the skills necessary to develop unique collections using standards, creative technologies and excellent design.

Additional Information


  • Certificates are offered for students currently pursuing a master’s of library and information science degree or returning scholars who want to add the specialization to a completed Dominican MLIS degree or its equivalent from an ALA-accredited graduate library program. Candidates work in collaboration with a faculty advisor to shape a plan of study.
  • Students who graduate with an MLIS lacking one or more courses towards a certificate can enroll in the course(s) any time within five years of graduating in order to add the certificate to the transcript. Students must enroll as a student-at-large (credit-bearing), not as an auditor (non-credit-bearing).
  • Students seeking two certificates may use courses that “count” toward more than one to fulfill requirements for both certificates. In other words, if a course is eligible for two certificates the student need only take it once, and may apply its credit toward both.
  • Students may also combine this certificate with other coursework toward the Master of Professional Studies .