What We Do

Information rules our world. It’s the cornerstone of civics, the foundation of the sciences, the input and output of the global systems. Information also floods our world, with so much data from so many sources. What can be trusted? What do we use, and what do we discard? How do we organize and save what is valuable? And most importantly: How can information best benefit humanity? 

At the UNC School of Information and Library Science (SILS), we shape the future of information creation, access, use, and management. We turn data into information that connects communities and fuels research. We steward information assets that are core to the world’s knowledge and culture. Our leadership in digital curation, information interaction, health informatics, and librarianship drives how information affects society and the world. 

What is Information & Library Science?

Information and library science is about more than data sets and books. It focuses on people and their needs. We study the management of both digital and physical resources. Graduates of our programs work in a wide range of workplaces, from libraries and archives to industries such as health, energy, and finance. 

What are iSchools?

We belong to the iSchools organization, a group of over 100 information schools worldwide. Our purpose is to promote the information field. iSchools have different strengths and specializations, but they all focus on the connection between information, people, and technology. 

How is SILS making an impact?

We have a focus on informed leadership and excellence. We shape the future of information creation, access, use, management, and stewardship. We turn data into information that connects communities and fuels research. Our leadership in digital curation, health informatics, information interaction, and librarianship drives how information affects society and the world. 

What makes SILS different?

SILS is one of the top-ranked information schools in the nation. We value universal access, collaboration, intellectual freedom, self-directed learning, organization, and stewardship. Information is our focus and our passion. We will represent the human side of the digital revolution, ensuring that advances in technology also advance the public good. 

Our world-class faculty pride themselves on providing high-quality educational and research opportunities in a dynamic, interdisciplinary learning environment. We cultivate an academic environment that is open, representative, and equitable to all.