For immediate release RELEASE Montreal, December 2, 1996 NEW Ph.D. IN INFORMATION SCIENCE The Ecole de bibliotheconomie et des sciences de l'information (EBSI) of the Universite de Montreal announces its new Ph.D. in Information Science program, as of September 1997. This program is under the responsibility of the Faculte des etudes superieures (FES) of the Universite de Montreal. The only French-language Ph.D. in Information Science, the program will aim at preparing students for research in information science, and at contributing to the development of information science and its knowledge base. The Ph.D. program offers two areas of specialization: 1) information transfer; 2) information systems and resources. Information science studies the properties of information, the forces that govern the flow of information, and the processes of managing information in order to maximize its access and use. Information science consists of the body of knowledge concerning the creation, evaluation, analysis, organization, storage, dissemination, transformation and use of recorded information and knowledge in any form. Information science is at the crossroads of many disciplines, including: library science, archival science, communications, computer science, linguistics, semiotics, cognitive sciences and management. How is information created, recorded, preserved, stored? How is information organized, analyzed, represented, modeled for fast, easy retrieval? How do information needs occur? How can searching for information be modeled, optimized? These are but a few examples of fundamental issues of interest to information science. Of course, because of the complex and intangible nature of information, such problems are very rarely solved definitively. Nevertheless, societal evolution and technological progress constantly raise new research questions. Because of this, information science is, at present, one of the richest and most fertile research areas even though it is a relatively new field. To be eligible for the program, candidates must have a master's degree in library and information science or the equivalent. Candidates will be selected on the basis of the following criteria and requirements: excellence of their academic record; aptitude for research; preliminary research proposal; appropriate computer skills; appropriate statistical knowledge; excellent knowledge of the French language; good knowledge of the English language; three (3) letters of reference (preferably from former professors). An interview with the School's Doctoral committee is required. In the case of foreign students, this interview can be done by teleconference. Doctoral students are required to complete 90 credit hours (18 credit hours of courses and 72 credit hours of research). The minimum residency requirement is 6 semesters (including three (3) consecutive semesters). Maximum length allowed to complete the program is 15 semesters (full-time) or 18 semesters (half-time). Students' academic achievements will be recorded in their "doctoral portfolio" and should include, in addition to formal for-credit activities, the following realizations: publications in scientific and professional journals, teaching experience and assistantships, research assistantships, participation in a research grant application, presentation of papers at conferences and professional meetings. The School will admit up to five (5) new students each year into the Ph.D. program. Yours truly, The director, Gilles Deschatelets For additional information and an application package, please contact: Diane Mayer Assistante a la gestion des dossiers des etudiants EBSI, Universite de Montreal C.P. 6128, succursale Centre-ville Montreal (Quebec) H3C 3J7 Canada Tel.: +1 514 343 6044 Fax: +1 514 343 5753 e-mail : [log in to unmask] Or visit our Web site at: http://tornade.ere.umontreal.ca/~carmellu/ebsi The deadline for applications for the fall 1997 semester is March 28, 1997. --------------------------------------------------------------