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College of Information

Connecting people, information and technology for good

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Why Maryland Information

The College of Information (INFO) has a long and proud history of innovation in research and education since its founding in 1965. Over the decades, INFO has continued to be a leader in the information evolution and its potential to address present and future grand challenges. 

Visionary faculty and researchers at INFO are fostering access to information, improving information interfaces, expanding how information is used and shaping local and global information policy. In areas such as accessible technology, human-computer interaction, artificial intelligence/machine learning, data science, cybersecurity, library and archival sciences, social media, information education and more, our researchers’ discoveries are empowering individuals and communities.

Today, INFO’s degree programs are ranked top in the nation. Our Bachelor of Science in Information Science, introduced in 2016, has been one of the fastest growing undergraduate programs in the university’s history, and it is now the second largest undergraduate program on campus. At INFO, we believe a fundamental part of learning is doing. All INFO students, undergraduate and graduate, have the opportunity to participate in hands-on learning with partner organizations through field study and capstone projects.

The college occupies a rare space at the university, collaborating with nearly every unit on campus to produce novel multidisciplinary approaches across research, outreach and education. This unique combination of perspectives fuels innovation and the ability to create real-world change. With 50+ research projects, 3000 faculty, staff and students, over 200 information institutions and industry partners, and more than 10,000 alumni from around the globe, we are revolutionizing the face of how information and technology is leveraged for good.

Our Momentum

#3

master of library and information science in the united states

U.S. News & World Report

#2

master of science in human-computer interaction in the united states

College Rank

2,800+

students from more than 60 different countries

Why now

The information revolution is here, and INFO is leading the way. From labs to libraries, we are combining principles of information science with cutting-edge technology to define the future of information. INFO is committed to harnessing information and technology for good.

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At INFO, we are passionate about using information and technology to break down barriers and create exciting new possibilities. I am so proud of our students, so excited by the college's research, and fortunate to have the opportunity to see every day how INFO is leveraging information to empower individuals, communities and organizations. I hope you join us in that mission.

Douglas W. Oard

Interim Dean, College of Information

Breaking Down Barriers and Creating Exciting New Possibilities

The world of information has never been more valuable. From ensuring that all are able to access information and technology, to digital literacy, to developing new solutions to some of the world’s greatest challenges. We ask you to join INFO in shaping this future together by investing in information science student scholarships and opportunities, resources to attract top faculty and cutting-edge research. 

A group of students engaging with one another while sitting around a circular table. One is wearing a backward hat and gesturing with his left hand as the other listen to what he is saying.

INFO students are tomorrow’s thought leaders and changemakers across information science fields critical to the future of our economy, democracy and society. Please join us in breaking down financial barriers that prevent students from pursuing or completing their degrees. Your contributions will help us to reach our goal of providing 50 full-ride undergraduate scholarships.

Open Doors Through Scholarships

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The ground floor of the Hornbake Library, known as the INFO Commons, is at the heart of INFO’s thriving student culture with study and gathering spaces. New planned additions to the Commons include design studios, a makerspace and labs for gaming, accessibility innovation, AR/VR and Internet-of-Things technologies—creating a vibrant hands-on teaching and learning environment. Your contributions will help INFO to shape the future of immersive learning experiences in higher education. Naming opportunities are also available.

Create Immersive Learning Experiences

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The iConsultancy connects INFO students with public and private sector partners to solve real-world information challenges. These organizations benefit from fresh perspectives while INFO students gain unparalleled, hands-on learning experiences. The iConsultancy aims to provide this opportunity to every INFO undergraduate and graduate student through field study and capstone projects. Your contributions will help the iConsultancy to expand outreach and engagement to meet the needs of the growing INFO student body.

Support Student-Industry Partnerships

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INFO’s Center for Archival Futures (CAFe) promotes the care and use of digital collections and data over time, ensuring that today’s knowledge and cultural heritage remain accessible to future generations. By combining technical expertise with a commitment to social impact, CAFe is redefining how we safeguard and activate digital archives in a rapidly evolving information landscape. CAFe collaborates with Indigenous nations, local organizations, and cultural groups to co-design archival projects that prioritize community needs and knowledge sovereignty. Your contributions will help to fuel CAFe’s research and cross-institutional collaboration.

Fuel the Future of Archival Science

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A named chair is one of the highest honors a university can bestow on a faculty member. By creating a permanent source of support for a distinguished scholar, named chairs ensure that the institution can recruit, retain and recognize leaders at the forefront of their fields. INFO seeks chairs in information science specializations such as library innovation, accessibility, information ethics, information design and human-computer interaction. Your contributions will support INFO’s ability to attract the world’s top faculty and continued leadership in information research and education.

Establish a Faculty Named Chair

Leaders & Champions

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Faisal Quader fosters future information and technology innovators through internships and scholarships

Fostering Tomorrow’s Tech Leaders

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Nancy Balz and husband David Balz create scholarship fund to empower lifelong learning in library studies

Championing Returning Students

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John Eubank IV supports scholarships that fuel education at the intersection of technology and information

Advocating for STEM Education Opportunities

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The legacy of Gloria Davidson continues to have a lasting impact on library systems and student opportunities

Living with Purpose