About the Program

The Pitt Partners Program, sponsored by the faculty of the Library and Information Science Program, provides Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) students the opportunity to pursue their education while gaining related work experience in Pittsburgh-area libraries, archives, cultural and other types of institutions. The LIS Program partners with these institutions to benefit students. The institution provides students with work experience, and the LIS Program provides students partial tuition scholarships. The institution benefits from the student work and the LIS Program benefits by attracting quality students who want a work/study opportunity.

The Partners Program supports full-time MLIS students attending classes on-campus (see Student Policies and Guidelines) with partial tuition scholarships for three terms based on the number of hours a student works per week. The majority of placements are made for the fall term. In addition to the scholarship, the student may receive an hourly wage/stipend from the Partner institution. Some placements provide only the tuition scholarship and no additional funding. A student working 10 hours per week receives a 3-credit tuition scholarship each term while 20 hours of employment per week earns a 6-credit tuition scholarship. If there is an associated hourly wage/stipend, this is determined and paid directly by the Partner institution and may vary by position/institution.

To apply for the Partners Program, prospective students must complete both the Student Application Form which will require the submission of a resume and career objective statement along with an LIS financial aid application. The Partners Program is the primary means of financial assistance within the MLIS Program. For special scholarships and grant-funded student assistantships, please consult the Library and Information Science website.

As part of the Partners application, students note area of specialization and special skills. This information, along with previous work experience and area of interest facilitates the match process.  However, there are no guarantees that every student who applies for the Program will be placed or that placement will match specialization. Skills and backgrounds requested by the Partner determine which applicants are the best fit for a specific placement.  Students should view all experience in the field as valuable in achieving their career goals.

The Pitt Partners application and the LIS financial aid application deadline are both January 15 for fall term placement. An LIS financial aid form must also be submitted.

This is an excellent learning opportunity…one that will enhance your resume!

Partners Testimonials

• "The Partners students in the Health Sciences Library System (HSLS) work in reference and technical services at Falk Library and in a hospital setting at the Moulis Library at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. These students are supplementing their academic experience with practical skills while enhancing the role of HSLS as a teaching library. Having become a Partner in the Program early in its inception, HSLS continues to offer excellent opportunities for students, particularly those interested in medical librarianship."

Nancy Tannery, MLS
Associate Director for User Services
Health Sciences Library System
Univ of Pittsburgh