The School of Communication, Information and Library Studies (SCILS) was created in 1982 with the merger of the Graduate School of Library and Information Science and the School of Communication Studies. The school offers three major programs: one in communication, one in information technology and informatics, and one in journalism and media studies. The focus of the three programs is on the nature and function of communication and information processes; the institutions and technologies central to the creation, dissemination, storage, and retrieval of information; and the impact of information, information technologies, media, and communication on individual, social, organizational, national, and international contexts.

SCILS has the following missions: to provide a high-quality, upper-division program of study for students wishing to pursue careers in communication, journalism and media studies, and the information professions; to provide leadership in theory and research in information systems, communication processes, media studies, information policy and management, and library studies; and to encourage partnerships with information professionals, industry, and community groups to facilitate the communication and effective use of information.