History

• 2019
  • A new two-year Bachelor of Information degree is introduced for students who have already completed two years of undergraduate study
  • The Human-Centered Data Science concentration is added to the MI program

• 2013
  • The Faculty adds two new concentrations: Culture and Technology and Knowledge Management Media Design (subsequently redesigned and renamed User Experience Design)

• 2009
  • The ALA-accredited Master of Information (MI) degree replaces the Master of Information Studies (MISt) degree
  • The new MI program offers five concentrations: Archives and Records Management, Critical Information Studies, Information Systems and Design, Knowledge Management and Information Management, and Library and Information Science

• 2006
  • The Faculty of Information Studies (FIS) becomes the Faculty of Information. The name change reflects its closer alignment with the iSchool movement
  • The Department of Museum Studies joins the Faculty of Information Studies
  • The Master of Museum Studies degree program becomes a program administered by the Faculty of Information Studies
• 2005
  • The Faculty of Information Studies joins the iSchool movement (now iSchools organization), becoming its first Canadian member
• 2004
  • Professor and Dean Brian Cantwell Smith publishes a new academic plan for the Faculty, entitled Stepping Up: Information Practice in the 21st Century

• 1995–1996
  • The ALA-accredited Master of Information Studies (MISt) degree is introduced, replacing the Master of Library Science (MLS) and Master of Information Science (MIS) degrees

• 1994
  • The Faculty of Library and Information Studies (FLIS) becomes the Faculty of Information Studies (FIS)
• 1993
  • The archives specialization is introduced into the MLS program

• 1988-1989
  • A separate Master of Information Science (MIS) degree is launched. New faculty members are appointed to teach in the new program

• 1982
  • The Faculty of Library Science (FLS) becomes the Faculty of Library and Information Studies (FLIS)
  • New computing facilities and curriculum changes reflect this name change

• 1979
  • FLS joins other university departments in the Working Group on Information Technology and Society
  • FLS hosts the Symposium on Information Technology and the Toronto/Waterloo Cooperative on Information Technology

• 1974
  • The first library science PhD degree in Canada is awarded to Claire England
  • The ALA re-accredits the Master of Library Science program
• 1973
  • FLS offers the first formal continuing education courses in Library Science in the country
• 1972
  • The School of Library Science attains Faculty status, and becomes the Faculty of Library Science (FLS)
• 1971
  • The School of Library Science moves to new facilities at 140 St. George Street
  • The School offers the first Doctor of Philosophy in Library Science program in Canada
• 1970
  • The one-year Bachelor of Library Science (BLS) program is discontinued
  • A new, two-year Master of Library Science (MLS) program is offered

• 1968
  • Students receive formal representation on the School Council

• 1965
  • The library school severs ties with the Ontario College of Education and is renamed the School of Library Science
  • The School of Library Science moves to 167 College Street and 256 McCaul Street
  • The one-year Master’s program is expanded to four terms
  • The Library Science Master’s degree becomes a standard requirement for becoming a professional librarian
• 1962
  • The library school receives its own Council and representation on the University Senate

• 1954
  • The diploma program is withdrawn

• 1951
  • A total of 659 BLS degrees have been awarded by the end of this year
  • The first Master’s degree in librarianship in Canada is awarded by the University of Toronto to Esther Jacobsen
• 1950
  • The school introduces a second-year, ALA-accredited Master’s program

• 1937
  • The BLS program receives American Library Association (ALA) accreditation

• 1936
  • 289 students from across Canada have completed the diploma program to date
  • The University of Toronto introduces the Bachelor of Library Science (BLS) degree
  • The Diploma in Librarianship program continues for those with only high school qualifications

• 1929
  • 31 graduate diplomas are awarded
  • The graduating class of 1928-1929 found the Alumni Association
• 1928
  • The University of Toronto establishes Ontario’s first formal library school with a full-year academic program in Library Science
  • The library school is located at the Ontario College of Education, at Bloor and Spadina
  • Graduates receive a Diploma in Librarianship from the school, and a Librarian’s Certificate from the Government of Ontario’s Department of Education

• 2016-2023 Wendy Duff
• 2009-2015 Seamus Ross
• 2003-2008 Brian Cantwell Smith
• 1995-2003 Lynne Howarth
• 1990-1995 Adele Fasick
• 1984-1990 Ann Schabas
• 1979-1984 Katherine Packer
• 1972-1979 Frances Halpenny
• 1972 Brian Land

• 1964-1972 Brian Land
• 1951-1964 Bertha Bassam
• 1928-1951 Winifred G. Barnstead

Some Sources

• Bassam, B. (1978). The Faculty of Library Science, University of Toronto, and its predecessors,1911-1972. Toronto: Faculty of Library Science.
• Henderson, D. (2004). University of Toronto. Faculty of Information Studies. ELAN: Ex Libris Association Newsletter (Special issue, Summer 2004): 8–13.