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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

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

I believe the study of information has never been more critical. Our experiences during three years of a pandemic have shown everyone the importance of curating and preserving trust-worthy sources of information about, for example, public health trends and the effectiveness of vaccines and other interventions.

In just the first few months of 2023 we have also seen how dramatic advances in Artificial Intelligence have transformed how we deal with information and are changing the way we live, work, and interact. While these advancements bring immense potential for good, they also raise ethical concerns because of the threat that they pose to spreading disinformation and the erosion of trust in democratic institutions.

At our school, we recognize the need for a comprehensive understanding of the social and technological aspects of information such as the principles of digital record keeping, organizational semiotics, and the transformative power of data analysis in digital humanities. We aim to teach our students a broad variety of skills and knowledge including an understanding of the intricate relationships between libraries and their communities, the nuances of cultural memory and representation as well as many aspects of scholarly communications such as bibliometrics, Altmetrics, and Open Access.

Joining ÉSIS means immersing yourself in a rich, vibrant and diverse bilingual academic community. Together, we help you develop the skills to fulfill your career ambitions as a public or academic librarian, manager of digital information services, archivist, information architect or knowledge manager.

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

Book a meeting with the Director
André Vellino, Director
André Vellino, Director

Meet ÉSIS professors

View their profiles

Accredited by the American Library Association (ALA)

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

Our ALA Accreditation
Logo American Library Association (ALA) Accredited

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.