An introduction to the library and information science field, its history, and future directions. The focus is on the history, concepts, and technological development of the discipline. Students will gain familiarity with library and information theory, the discipline and sub-disciplines within the information sciences, and ethical practices and standards.
An introduction to the functions of library management and its underlying theoretical concepts. This course provides an overview of the history of management, an introduction to management theory and functions, including planning, leading, organizing, staffing, controlling, budgeting, human resource issues, and an understanding of management as a system involving all staff.
Principles and processes for building and maintaining library and information center collections. Identification, evaluation, selection, acquisition, and preservation of materials in all formats will be emphasized. The contexts of all types of libraries, needs of diverse patrons, and legal and ethical issues will be considered.
An introduction to the conceptual and theoretical frameworks for organizing and retrieving information, including organizational systems objectives, structures, formats, standards, and vocabularies; choice and form of access points; authority control; subject access; the impact of new technologies; and the information life cycle.
A study of the American public library and its place in contemporary communities. Topics include standards, planning, evaluation, governance, funding, and advocacy.
Based upon theoretical and pragmatic aspects of community building through libraries in areas such as social services, social learning/media, civic engagement, cultural enrichment, and the creative spirit.
Marketing techniques and their applications in all types of libraries. Planning, research, goal-setting, relationship marketing, and marketing with technology are considered. Development of marketing plans and tools is included.
Study of the theories, principles, and practices of cataloging and classification, including resource description, Library Congress of Subject Headings (LCSH), related thesauri, RDA Registry, and classification theory; and application of classification schemes including Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC), Library of Congress Classification (LCC), and other systems.
Theory and techniques of designing Web sites for effective information delivery. Study of organization, labeling, navigation, and indexing systems included.
An introduction to leadership theory, principles, and practices. The course provides an overview of the relationship between leadership theory and the effective practice of leadership as well as an understanding of the competencies required of effective leaders in today’s libraries and information organizations.
An introduction to concepts and processes in reference and information science and to fundamental information sources and services provided by libraries and information organizations. An overview of the reference function includes the history and future of reference service, question negotiation, information needs analysis, effective research strategies, evaluation of information sources in various formats, and ethics of information services.
An introduction to the various approaches to social science research and research methods. Students will perform small-scale research projects and develop skills in the research uses of libraries and the needs of library patrons.
Taken during the final semester of study. Required for partial fulfillment of the requirements for the MLIS degree. Emphasis will be on synthesis of knowledge, honing writing and presentation skills, and creating a professional development plan.