U.S. News and World Report named the School of Library and Information Science at Kent State University to its 2009 list of best graduate schools.

The magazine analyzed more than 12,000 graduate programs before developing its coveted roster. Specialties were also rated by discipline including digital librarianship, archives and preservation and services for children and youth. 

The School of Library and Information Science earned the 13th spot in the annual rankings for its children’s and young adults program. In addition, it is listed in the 20th position as a school among all schools accredited by the American Library Association.

Rankings are based on surveys completed by program deans, directors and senior faculty members of each program. Specialty rankings are based solely on the nominations of programs by respondents.

"This is the first time that a School of Library and Information Science specialtyprogram has been ranked on a U.S. News and World Report list,” says Carolyn Brodie, Ph.D., interim director of the School of Library and Information Science. “There is no doubt that this national recognition can be directly attributed to the dedication that the school, our faculty, alumni and current students have for the importance of high quality library services for young people."

Over the last two decades, the School of Library and Information Science children's and young adult library programs have grown tremendously with more than a quarter of its graduate students now specializing in these areas. 

The School of Library and Information Science Children's and Youth Librarianship program features award-winning, nationally known faculty members, a unique teaching facility in the Reinberger Children's Library Center and the renowned one-of-a-kind 23,000 volume Marantz Picturebook Collection. The school also offers  specialized continuing education workshops and co-sponsors the Virginia Hamilton Conference on Multicultural Literature for Youth.  Federal, state and private grants for the combined School of Library and Information Science youth programs have totaled more than $6 million dollars in the form of scholarships, continuing education, research and facilities. 

For more information about School of Library and Information Science, contact Brodie at 330-672-2782.