About

Join a legacy 65+ years in the making

The Department of Information and Library Science (ILS) is located within the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering at Indiana University Bloomington, and our history spans more than six decades.

Since our inception in 1951, we’ve remained steadfast in our commitment to producing the world’s top librarians and information professionals.

Whether your interest is in rare books or data science, archives or digital libraries, information architecture or information visualization, your ILS degree will prepare you to use information systems, information services, and technology to create a stronger, smarter tomorrow.

Apply to ILS

Review our application requirements and learn how to apply online.

Discover our research

Learn about the wide-ranging research interests of our students and faculty.

Accredited and world-renowned

Our programs are accredited by the American Library Association (ALA), and consistently rank in the U.S. News & World Report top ten. We are also an active member of the iSchools Project.

To date, we’ve graduated more than 8,000 students, many of whom have gone on to influence top organizations like the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian, and Google.

A one-of-a-kind student experience

As a student of ILS, you’ll learn to work through a socio-technical lens to determine how people, information, and technologies are joined within social, cultural, and organizational contexts.

You’ll take dynamic courses and participate in interdisciplinary research collaborations. You’ll have access to one of the largest library systems in the nation, in addition to dozens of on-campus collections, archives, and museums (including the Lilly Library, which houses more than a million rare books and manuscripts, and the Kinsey Institute, the premier institute on human sexuality and relationships).

When you graduate, you’ll be prepared for any number of fulfilling careers in academia, industry, government, and the nonprofit sector.

A headshot of John.

The work I do for the Lilly not only gives me hands-on experience with special collections materials, but it gives me a better understanding of the back-end of librarianship.

John Henry, M.L.S., Rare Books and Manuscripts Specializiation

Our commitment to excellence, innovation, and diversity

Each year we assess our programs to ensure that they’re rooted in excellence and innovation, and designed to prepare ILS graduates for careers characterized by ethical practice, professional values, analytical skills, critical thinking, and leadership.

Our diverse community, in which faculty, students, and staff represent a range of cultures, nationalities, races, and social backgrounds, will always remain inclusive, respectful, and free from discrimination, as described in the IU Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct.

Services for international students

International students are an important part of the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering. Here are resources just for you.

Learn more about ILS