Earn library science credits in the United Kingdom while learning about historic and modern libraries, archives, and special collections on-site from distinguished librarians, archivists, and information specialists! We offer two terms—the January intersession in Dublin and the summer session in London!
Both options are filled with hands-on learning and visits to sites across the United Kingdom such as Oxford, The British Library, Trinity College Dublin, The Black Cultural Archives and more. In addition to participating in scheduled lectures and tours, students are encouraged to explore sites of interest on their own.
Note: This program includes extensive walking and taking stairs. There are also crowds in public transportation (buses and tube) and public attractions. The climate difference tends to affect allergies.
USM's British Studies Program
The British Studies Program, founded in 1976, is organized by Southern Miss offering nine to twelve different courses in various disciplines. Students will take one course and earn credit hours through lectures taught by British scholars, artists, business leaders, and government officials, and through field excursions to various locations in and around London. On British Studies, London will become the students' classroom as they experience their subject first-hand and conduct research supervised by their professor.
- LIS 480. Studies in Librarianship. 3 hrs. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Comparative studies of library and information-related institutions, bibliographic organization, models of service and professional practice in the United States and Great Britain.
- LIS 580ca. British Libraries, Archives, and Special Collections. 3 hrs. Comparative or historical studies of library and information institutions, collections, models of service, or professional practice in the United Kingdom.
- LIS 487/587ca. British Studies Research. 3 hours. Provides the opportunity for an in-depth research paper using the resources of metropolitan London and/or the United Kingdom.
- LIS TBD. Libraries and Archives in Dublin. 3 hours.
Libraries, Archives, & Museums in Dublin – Jan. 2027
This class offers an immersive experience of libraries, archives, and museums in Dublin, Ireland. Students will spend roughly 2 weeks exploring the wealth of collections and cultural institutions the city has to offer. Throughout their time in Dublin, students will participate in hands-on workshops, behind-the-scenes tours, and discussions with LIS professionals at institutions like the National Folklore Collection, Trinity College Dublin, Marsh's Library, and more.
Interested in attending the 2027 Dublin Program? Make an appointment or email the Office of Study Abroad at: LISabroad@usm.edu
Study Abroad Contact: Jessica Bunales, Assistant Director (Jessica.L.Bunales@usm.edu)
Faculty Contact: Dr. Kaeli Gretter (Kaeli.Gretter@usm.edu)
Libraries, Archives, & Museums in London – Summer 2027
This class offers an immersive experience of libraries, archives, and museums in London, England. Students will spend roughly 3 weeks exploring the wealth of collections and cultural institutions the city has to offer. From the Bodleian Library in Oxford to the British Museum in the heart of London, students will get an up-close and behind-the-scenes tour of renowned libraries and museums and learn from experienced British librarians and archivists about librarianship in one of the world's great capital cities.
Dates and more information forthcoming.
Libraries and Archives Abroad Student Commonplace Substacks & Articles
- Student's Commonplace Substack Posts
- "Crossing the Pond: MLIS Students Researching in the U.K." by Martha Attridge Bufton, Open Shelf, March 2016
- "A Study Abroad Adventure in London" by Taylor Atkinson and Jessica Dai, SLISisten Up, August 2014
- "Librarians in London" by Lauren Dodd, ALA Student Voice, Fall 2009
- "American Library Student Explores British Libraries" by Nicole Powell, International Leads, December 2009
January Intersession in Dublin
- Applications will open by May.
- Deadline to apply is September 26.
- Pre-Departure meetings held in October, November, and December.
- Depart for Dublin in January!
Summer in London
- Applications will open by late October.
- Deadline to apply is February 15.
- Pre-Departure meetings held in February, March, and April.
- Depart for London in the summer!
All students who are U.S. citizens must have a valid passport. Non-U.S. citizens are responsible for obtaining any additional documents required for entry into the U.K. Contact the nearest U.K. consulate for information.
Registration is handled through the Southern Miss Office of Study Abroad so questions about course registration or fees should be directed to them (phone: 601-266-4344, email: studyabroad@usm.edu).
Questions about required assignments, academic credit, or grades should be directed to the course faculty.
Visit or apply at the British Studies Program at Southern Miss to find out more about studying abroad and the application process.
Students who are accepted for participation in the British Studies Program may apply for financial aid if they meet federal requirements for a Guaranteed Student Loan.
Southern Miss students requiring financial aid should contact the British Studies Program Office before requesting a summer study-abroad financial aid application from the university's Financial Aid Office.
Summer Pell Grants, faculty/staff dependent scholarships, faculty/staff tuition waivers, and graduate assistantships are also accepted. Students are advised to begin the financial aid process well in advance of these deadlines.
Non-Southern Miss students should apply for financial aid through the school in which they are currently enrolled and seeking a degree. Financial aid agreements between Southern Miss and other schools are available if requested. If more information is needed, contact the Southern Miss Office of Study Abroad at (601) 266-4344.