The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Library and Information Science (LIS) Program is marking 60 years of educating and shaping Hawaiʻi’s librarians, archivists and information specialists, celebrating its legacy and continued impact across the state and beyond. In recognition of this milestone, Gov. Josh Green proclaimed November 16–22 as UH Mānoa Library and Information Science Program Week.
“Reaching our 60th anniversary is a testament to the strength and dedication of our entire LIS ʻohana,” LIS Professor and Program Director Rich Gazan said. “Our graduates serve communities across Hawaiʻi and around the world, and their work reflects the values that guide our program. As we look to the future, we remain committed to preparing compassionate, skilled information professionals who uplift and support the people and places they serve.”
The anniversary week opened with a gathering in Hamilton Library, where current students connected with alumni spanning more than half a century. Attendees shared stories and photo slideshows chronicling the program’s evolution since the 1960s.
Preparing leaders locally, internationally
Established in 1965 under founding dean Ralph R. Shaw, the LIS Program has maintained continuous accreditation from the American Library Association for six decades. Since its inception, the program has graduated 1,841 students who now work across public, school, academic and special libraries, as well as museums and archives in Hawaiʻi, on the continent and internationally. Alumni make up roughly two-thirds of Hawaiʻi’s professional workforce of librarians, archivists and other information specialists.
Its mission centers on preparing leaders for a wide range of information environments through research, teaching and service, with a strong focus on Hawaiʻi and the Asia-Pacific region. The program emphasizes values that guide the state and university, and continues to adapt its curriculum to prepare graduates to serve communities with compassion, effectiveness and cultural understanding.
In the proclamation, Green “encourage[s] all residents to join in celebrating the 60th anniversary of the University of Hawaiʻi Mānoa’s Library and Information Science Program. Mahalo to the faculty, staff, students and graduates for all you have and continue to do to bring the guiding principles of aloha, ʻohana and kuleana to the people of Hawaiʻi.”
The LIS program is part of the School of Communication and Information within the UH Mānoa College of Social Sciences.
