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School of Information Studies

Information is one of the most valuable assets in today’s organizations. The School of Information Studies offers innovative and interdisciplinary graduate programs that prepare you for a rewarding career as an information professional.

Welcome

André Vellino, Director

Welcome to the University of Ottawa's School of Information Studies (ÉSIS)!

I believe the study of information has never been more critical. Organizations be they governmental, non-governmental, or private enterprises, are increasingly reliant on the access to and the management of quality, reliable information. The demand for skilled information professionals has never been higher: it is essential for our society to have a information professionals who are not only capable of identifying, navigating, and managing sources of information but also proficient in the use of powerful new technologies such as large language models (LLMs) and semantic search engines.

Recent advances in Artificial Intelligence have dramatically transformed how we deal with information, altering the way we live, work, and interact. While these innovations offer immense potential for positive impact, they also bring ethical challenges, such as the spread of disinformation and the erosion of trust in democratic institutions.

At our school, we recognize the need for a comprehensive understanding of both the social and technological aspects of information. Our curriculum covers a broad array of skills and knowledge, including digital record keeping, data curation, and the transformative power of data analysis in digital humanities. We explore the complex relationships between libraries and their communities, the nuances of cultural memory and representation, and various facets of scholarly communication such as bibliometrics and Open Access.

Joining ÉSIS means immersing yourself in a vibrant and diverse bilingual academic community. We are committed to helping you develop the expertise needed to achieve your career ambitions, whether as a librarian, manager of digital information services, archivist, information architect, or knowledge manager. At ÉSIS, you will find opportunities to build your skills, develop a research agenda, and put your knowledge into practice.

Would you like to find out more? Book a virtual appointment with the Director of the program!

Meet ÉSIS professors

View their profiles

Accredited by the American Library Association (ALA)

Logo American Library Association (ALA) Accredited

ALA accreditation guarantees that our master's program meets the highest standards of quality, innovation, and value in Library and Information Studies education.

Contact us

School of Information Studies

Desmarais Building, 11th Floor
55 Laurier Ave. East
Ottawa, ON, Canada
K1N 6N5
Campus Map

Tel.: 613-562-5130
[email protected]

Office Hours

Monday to Friday
From 8:45 a.m. to 12 p.m.
From 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
(June to August: closed at 4 p.m.)

Academic assistants

Undergraduate studies
Simard Hall, room 128
613-562-5134 
[email protected]

Graduate studies 
Desmarais Hall, 8th floor
613 562-5800 ext. 5439
[email protected]  

Indigenous Affirmation

We pay respect to the Algonquin people, who are the traditional guardians of this land. We acknowledge their longstanding relationship with this territory, which remains unceded. 

We pay respect to all Indigenous people in this region, from all nations across Canada, who call Ottawa home. 

We acknowledge the traditional knowledge keepers, both young and old. And we honour their courageous leaders: past, present, and future. 

Learn more about the Indigenous Affirmation.