University of Western Ontario: Faculty of Information and Media Studies

By Janette White

Notable Events

1966	School of Library and Information Science established at the University of Western Ontario. Andrew D. Osborn appointed Dean.
1967	MLS program begins in September with 40 full-time and 20 part-time students.
1968	MLS degree conferred on 32 graduates at October Convocation.
1969	MLS program accredited by American Library Association.
1970	Retirement of Dr. Osborn. Appointment of William J. Cameron as Dean.
1973	PhD program introduced.
1976	Reaccreditation of MLS program.
1977	MLS extension program commences in Ottawa.
1978	PhD conferred on first graduate of program, Michael Shepherd.
1979	Institution of Co-op (Work/Study) program.
1982	SLIS moves to permanent quarters in Elborn College.
1983	Re-accreditation of MLS program.
1984	Dr. Jean Tague appointed Dean.
1985	Designation of degree changed to Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS).
1990	Reaccreditation of MLIS program.
1993	Name of School changed to Graduate School of Library and Information Science (GSLIS).
1994	Proposal for merger of MA Journalism and MLIS and LIS PhD programs presented to University's Task Force on Strategic Planning.
1996/97	Merger of graduate programs in Journalism and Library and Information Science to form Faculty of Information and Media Studies (FIMS) in transition.
1997	MLIS program reaccredited.
1998	Dr. Manjunath Pendakur appointed Dean of FIMS. LIS program moves to Middlesex College.
1999	Dr. Gloria Leckie of LIS program appointed Associate Dean.
2000	Appointment of Dr. Catherine Ross, Acting Dean on Resignation of Dr Pendakur.
2002	Catherine Ross appointed Dean of FIMS.
2004	Scheduled visit of ALA Accreditation Team and move of FIMS to North Campus Building.

Deans

1966-1970	Andrew D. Osborn, BA, AMLS, PhD
1970-1984	William J. Cameron, BA, MA, PhD
1984-1996	Jean M. Tague (later Jean Tague-Sutcliffe) BA, BLS, PhD
1996-1998	Catherine L. Ross, Acting, BA, MA, MLS, PhD
1998-2000	Manjunath Pendakur, BA, MA, PhD
2000-2001	Catherine L. Ross, Acting
2002-	Catherine L. Ross