Library & Information Science

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)



Meet Nicole Dalmer, PhD candidate in Library and Information Science

“A big part of my ability to thrive in the LIS program are the people -- from the staff, to the faculty, to the students.”

Supervisor: Pamela McKenzie

Describe your research.
I’m interested in understanding how aging in place policies impact the information-related work needed to care for an aging family member. I also study the development of more responsive public library services for aging populations.

Where is “home” for you?
Edmonton, Alberta.

Where’s your favourite place on campus?
I have a few spots I like to study. In the summer, I love the atrium in the North Campus Building – it’s quiet and the space boasts large windows that overlook green space. During the busier months of the year, I’ll be in the Graduate Resource Centre, my faculty’s library/resource centre.

What’s your favourite book?
This is a tough question. I’ve more recently enjoyed Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón, Spot of Bother by Mark Haddon and the series of non-fiction/popular science books written by Mary Roach (particularly Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers).

Have you worked as a TA or RA?
I’ve had the privilege of working as both a TA and RA. TA work has been helpful in preparation for future teaching positions – learning how to mark assignments effectively, how to develop lectures that balance theoretical and practical content and how to engage with students. As an RA, I’ve learned about grant writing, ethics proposals and the more “nitty-gritty” side of research in academia.

Program Websites


Program Contact

Shelley Long (slong@uwo.ca)
Graduate Programs Assistant

Faculty of Information and Media Studies

Western University
FIMS and Nursing Building, Room 2020
London, Ontario N6A 5B7

t. 519-661-4017
f. 519-661-3506

The program is designed to offer students a great degree of flexibility to take advantage of the broad and dynamic range of faculty research that contributes to the evolution of the discipline and the development of information professions, and that strives to find solutions for the emerging information society.


The Own Your Future doctoral professional development program will help you become a career-ready graduate with the skills necessary to excel in your studies and achieve your future goals. By participating in the program, you will assess your own strengths and opportunities for growth, choose what skills you want to enhance during your time at Western, and learn how to articulate the skills you gained in your degree to optimize your future career opportunities. To learn more, visit www.uwo.ca/ownyourfuture.

Program Length

  • 12 Terms (Full-time study)
  • 18 Terms (Part-time study)

Program Design

  • Full-time or part-time study
  • Thesis-based

Funding Information

Applicants are encouraged to apply for the following scholarships (if eligible):

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fee schedules (per term) are posted on the Office of the Registrar's website at http://www.registrar.uwo.ca/student_finances/fees_refunds/fee_schedules.html

Graduate Student Affordability Calculator

Use this helpful tool to estimate how much money you will need to pay for your tuition, fees, housing, food, and other necessities for a 12-month (three term) academic year.

Admission Requirements

PhD Applicants with an MLIS degree

  • Four-year Honors undergraduate degree or equivalent
  • ALA-accredited Master in Library and Information Science degree
  • Minimum 78% average for the last degree

PhD Applicants without an MLIS degree

  • Four-year Honors undergraduate degree or equivalent
  • Master's degree in another field
  • Minimum 78% average for the last degree

English Language Proficiency

Applicants whose first language is not English must furnish evidence of their proficiency in the use of the English language:

Application Deadline

  • January 15