Master of Library Science - Curriculum

Outline:
Theory Courses: 15 hours required (LI801, LI802, LI804, LI805, LI806)
Tools courses: 9 hours required (LI 810, LI 813, LI 815)
Elective courses: 11 hours based on student needs and goals and in consultation with a student advisor.
Capstone Course: 1 hour required (LI 880)

TOTAL COURSEWORK: 36 hours

LI 513 Information Technology Skills (1 credit hour)
This course is a hands-on approach to skill building in the use of information technologies and the application of these skills to personal and work-related tasks. This course strengthens your skills in the core applications that are often used by professionals. The applications covered in this course are: (1) word processing, (2) spreadsheet, (3) database management, and (4) presentation management. This is a prerequisite course for the MLS program and does not count toward the 42 hours required for the MLS degree.

Theory Courses

Recommended Course Sequencing: Enrollment should begin with theory courses, LI 801-LI 806. We strongly recommend that four of the first six courses taken be theory courses. The expectation is that all the appropriate theory courses will be completed before application courses are taken. Further information will be available at orientation.

LI 801 - Information Transfer and the Knowledge Society (3 credit hours)
This course presents theories, models, and strategies of knowledge creation. Topics include dissemination, organization, diffusion, utilization, preservation, destruction, and their significance to the information transfer cycle. The information transfer cycle is examined in its relationship to paradigmatic change, societal shift, and their context. Ethical decision making in the information society is included. (Required of all new MLS students during their first semester.)

LI 802 - Theoretical Foundations of Service: Diagnosis and Customization (3 credit hours)
Introduction to customized information services and the diagnosis, prescription, and treatment of information needs. Understanding relevant cognitive, psychological, educational, and social theories and characteristics of human information behavior serves as a framework for the subsequent creation and development of individualized, user-centered services. REQUIRED COURSE. Prerequiste course: LI 801 or concurrent enrollment.

LI 804 - Theory of Organization of Information (3 credit hours)
This course provides an introduction to the individual, social, and institutional perspectives of organizing information. Students examine the assumptions, practices and issues of commonly used classification systems in all types of environments, with an emphasis on the practices of cataloging and indexing. REQUIRED COURSE. Prerequiste courses: LI 801, LI 802, or concurrent enrollment.

LI 805 - Organization Theories for Administering Information Agencies (3 credit hours)
Overview of the political, social, and cultural environments in which organizations function. The components of an organization, including people, goals and values, techniques of work, social and physical structure, technologies, culture, and management, are explored in the context of the challenging tasks involved in administering libraries and information agencies. REQUIRED COURSE. Prerequiste courses: LI 801, LI 802, LI 804, or concurrent enrollment.

LI 806 - Global Information Infrastructure (3 credit hours)
The course reviews the concepts, principles and models of information infrastructures. Students analyze the essential elements of an information infrastructure and the role of political, cultural, socio-economic, and technological factors in the development of national, regional and global information infrastructure models. Issues related to the roles of government and non-governmental organizations as well as local, national and international organizations are explored in an information transfer context. REQUIRED COURSE. Prerequiste courses: LI 801, LI 802, LI 804, LI 805, or concurrent enrollment.

LI 807 - Foundations of Information and Knowledge Management (3 credit hours)
Introduction to organizational culture and terminology and to the role of information in society and in private enterprise. Also investigates information search patterns, diagnosis of information needs, and customization of information packages to meet individual and group needs in organizations. Provides an overview of the information transfer cycle, including creation, dissemination, organization, diffusion, utilization, and preservation.

LI 808 Introduction to Legal Information Management: Theory and Practice (3 credit hours)
The course addresses concerns focusing on preservation, collection development, long term access to digital legal information, and authentication of official digital legal information. An overview of public policy issues and current trends is included. Students discuss roles for law librarians, both administrative and non-administrative.

LI 809 - Introduction to Archives (3 credit hours)
Introduction to the world of archives and manuscripts, regardless of form, and to the archival profession. The functions of selection, appraisal, acquisition, arrangement and description, reference services and access, preservation and protection, outreach, advocacy, promotion, management, and professional ethical and legal responsibilities are explored and applied.

Tools Courses

LI 810 - Research and Inquiry in Library and Information Science (3 credit hours)
Introduction to research methods and their applications in Library and Information Science. Theoretical principles and practical procedures for planning, designing, conducting, analyzing, and evaluating research using both qualitative and quantitative methods are introduced. Students learn to be better consumers and critics of published research literature. REQUIRED COURSE. Prerequiste course: LI 801.

LI 811 - Assessing Information Needs and Evaluating Information Services (3 credit hours)
Survey and utilization of the tools, resources, and research methodologies for the purpose of analyzing, designing, implementing or modifying, and evaluating library and information systems and services. Students learn about community analysis, needs assessment, and other tools of analysis and assessment. Prerequisite course: LI 810.

LI 813 - Print and Electronic Information Sources and Services (3 credit hours)
Introduction to a wide variety of print and electronic reference sources and current issues in the provision of reference services. Students learn effective ways to select information retrieval tools and resources, develop search strategies, and evaluate search results. Evaluation of print and electronic sources is also addressed. REQUIRED COURSE. Prerequiste courses: LI 801 & LI 802.

LI 814 - Cataloging and Classification of Materials in Libraries and Information Agencies (2 credit hours)
Introduction to the theories, terms, concepts, and tools used to describe and organize information in libraries. Topics covered include: bibliographic description, choice of entry, subject analysis, and the Dewey Decimal classification system. In addition, this class includes basic training in creating MARC (MAchine-Readable Cataloging) records.

LI 815 Information Technology for Library and Information Professionals (3 credit hours)
Basic information technology concepts and skills necessary for library and information professionals are introduced. The course covers the fundamentals of personal computer (hardware and software), file management, networking, and databases, as well as introduces Internet and Web concepts, tools, applications, and other emerging information technologies. Social aspects of information technology are also examined. REQUIRED COURSE. Prerequiste course: LI 801.

LI 816 Legal Research (3 credit hours)
Introduction to the sources of the law; study of legal research methods and their application to problem solving and writing problems by means of law finding and legal writing exercises. Prerequisite course: LI 813.

LI 818 Arrangement and Description (2 credit hours)
Students are introduced to the theories, terms, concepts, principles, and methods of arrangement and description of documents and materials in archives. The history and evaluation of arrangement and description, finding aids, Websites for archives, and the practical and administrative issues of arrangement and description are addressed. Prerequisite course: LI 809.

LI 819 - Advance Retrieval and Repackaging Information (3 credit hours)
Introduction to advanced online information retrieval strategies and the design and creation of information products in a variety of formats. Applies theories of information transfer, user study, and information services in information practice. Provides opportunities for the experience of information retrieval and the development of repackaging projects. Prerequisite: LI 813.

Applications Courses

LI 820 - International Information Policy (2 credit hours)
The course examines trans-border data flow, international intellectual property rights and reforms in a global era, challenges of technological change, privacy, data protection, standards, information industry export policy, and frameworks for information policy partnerships. Prerequisite courses: LI 801 and LI 806.

LI 823 - International Information Transfer (2 credit hours)
The course reviews concepts, techniques, and problems in the study of international information transfer. It builds on introductory courses, particularly in exploring the cultural traits that affect the generation, presentation, transfer, and use of information in different cultural settings. It also addresses issues in cross-cultural transactions and attendant national and international information policies. Prerequisite courses: LI 801 and LI 806.

LI 827 Preservation Strategies (3 credit hours)
Introduction to the strategies, techniques, processes, and applications involved in the preservation of library materials. Students learn about the history of the production of library materials, along with the causes of physical and chemical deterioration; the accepted approaches to conservation, and preventive measures such as environmental control, proper handling of materials, and approaches to disaster preparedness and response.

LI 831 - Information Resources and Programs for Children (3 credit hours)
An advanced reference class that explores the recreational, cultural, informational, and educational needs of 21st century children. Students apply knowledge of child development theories to the design of reader’s advisory services, literature-based library programs, and literacy activities for youngsters from pre-school through age 11. Emphasis is given to the selection of resources in all media formats to reflect awareness of, and sensitivity to, the social and cultural needs of all children. Prerequisite: LI 802 & LI 813.

LI 832 - Information Resources and Services for Young Adults (3 credit hours)
An advanced reference course that surveys information resources and programs for young adults aged 11-18. Students apply their knowledge of developmental theory and the informational, recreational, social, educational, and research needs of upper elementary, middle school, and high school students in selecting resources and designing services in public and school library settings. Prerequisite: LI 802 & LI 813.

LI 833 - Information Transfer and Under-served Populations (2 credit hours)
Overview of the design and implementation of library/information services and outreach based on respect for all segments of society. Special emphasis is placed on ethics, especially with regard to inclusion and equity of access to information by groups who have traditionally been underserved by mainstream library and information services. Prerequisite: LI 810 & LI 811.

LI 834 - Information Transfer in Information Centers (3 credit hours)
A review of information sources in all formats that are widely used by information centers. The transfer of the knowledge of organizational information into viable and successful information services is emphasized.

LI 835 - Information Transfer in Disciplines (2 credit hours)
Introduction to the design and implementation of library and information services for the academic disciplines of the humanities, sciences, and social sciences within educational and research institutions. Special emphasis is placed on understanding the components of the academic libraries that serve the information needs of higher education communities.

LI 836 - Information Transfer and the Legal Profession (2 credit hours)
An exploration of the information transfer cycle as it applies to the context of law librarianship and the informational needs of lawyers. Examined in this course are the means for information creation, production, dissemination, organization, diffusion, and utilization within the legal community. Also studied are the information needs, resources, and ethics of the legal profession.

LI 837 - Teaching in the Information Professions (2 credit hours)
Overview of the theories and models of instructional design, learning pedagogy, and assessment associated with teaching in the information professions. Case studies of a variety of instructional situations for face-to-face and online distance learning are covered. Prerequisite: LI 802.

LI 838 - Information Transfer and Government Resources (2 credit hours)
Study of government patterns at the international, national, and state levels for creating, producing, disseminating, organizing, diffusing, and utilizing information. Examples of government information resources are examined.

LI 839 - History of Libraries and the Information Professions (2 credit hours)
Historical approach to the study of libraries, librarianship, and the information professions from antiquity to the 21st century. This course emphasizes the history of Western library and information professions in the context of international developments and examines the evolution of libraries, archives, and information and documentation centers as antecedents of today’s information agencies.

LI 840 - Structure and Organization of Information Technology (2 credit hours)
Overview of technology applications, software and Web-based applications that aim to facilitate collaboration and sharing between users. Applications such as podcasting, aggregators, blogs, wikis and other social networking resources are covered. TCP/IP networking protocols and Website evaluations are also covered. Prerequisite: LI 815.

LI 841 - Advanced Retrieval and Repackaging (3 credit hours)
This course addresses the theoretical basis as well as provides opportunities for students to develop projects for the retrieval and repackaging of information in a wide variety of information agencies. Students are introduced to strategies for searching various electronically-accessible databases, Internet search engines, and directories. Prerequisite: LI 813.

LI 842 - Indexing and Abstracting (2 credit hours)
Exploration of the means by which information can be represented by indexes and abstracts. Students construct indexes and abstracts that meet client information retrieval needs. This course introduces the principles, concepts, and basic processes of indexing and abstracting.

LI 843 - Web Design and Development (3 credit hours)
Introduction to the basic principles, processes, and technologies of Website design and construction. Covers HTML programming, cascading style sheets, JavaScript, and other Web design tools. Examines the issues of Web usability, accessibility, and Web standard compliance. Students create Websites for real-world clients. Prerequisite: LI 815.

LI 844 - Database Design & Solutions for Libraries & Information Organizations (2 credit hours)
Introduction to the fundamentals of database design and creation as well as database model development. The focus is on database applications in organizing and retrieving information for various clients and addresses such information management issues as repackaging, customization, and the delivery of services. Prerequisite: LI 815.

LI 845 - Models of Collection Development for Visual Information (2 credit hours)
The course examines the application of cinematic and visual literacy frameworks for the enhancement of the moving image collection and services in multiple library settings.

LI 846 - Networking for Libraries and Information Agencies (2 credit hours)
Overview of computer networking, specifically focusing on the TCP/IP protocol that forms the foundation of the public Internet. Students learn basic networking terms and a theoretical model of networking. The course prepares students to plan, implement, and evaluate computer networks for strategic organizational purposes in library and information agencies. Prerequisite: LI 815.

LI 848 - Issues in Preservation, Access, and Digitization (2 credit hours)
Examination of issues related to access, digitization, and preservation of information, focusing on the impact of technology on these processes. Issues examined include future accessibility, authorship, authority, ethics, legitimacy, authenticity, management, preservation, and control. Students examine strategies for managing these issues in a dynamic and competitive information environment. Prerequisite: LI 827.

LI 849 - Records and Information Management (2 credit hours)
Records management is the process of creating and maintaining the records - i.e., the corporate and cultural memory - of an organization. In this class, students learn about the field and the concepts and principles of records and information management. Students learn about creating and maintaining records in various physical formats, such as electronic formats, and about the life cycle of records, from creation through maintenance to final disposition. Students also learn about developing effective policies, systems, and practices regarding these records.

LI 850 - Management of Information Agencies (2 credit hours)
Exploration of the managerial skills that are necessary in different types of libraries and information agencies. Students learn about the classic four areas of management: planning, organizing, leading, and controlling, the factors that affect the context in which libraries and information agencies operate. Prerequisite LI 805

LI 851 - Managing the School Library Media Center (3 credit hrs)
Explores management techniques related to organizing and circulating library materials as well as staffing, budgeting, and day-to-day operations of the school library, and addresses issues relevant to strategic planning, goal setting, and program design. Special emphasis is given the school librarian's role as instructional leader, collaborative planner, and team teacher. Prerequisites LI 801, LI 802, and LI 804.

LI 852 - Information Brokering (2 credit hours)
The purpose of the information brokering course is to acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, and tools to deliver timely, focused, synthesized, and compressed information packages to busy individuals for decision making.

LI 853 - Technology Institutions, Policies, and Operations (2 credit hours)
Examines the landscape of technology, its relationship to organizations, and the implications of their interaction for management of an organization within a technological age of digital networked technology.

LI 855 - Collection Development and Management(3 credit hours)
Examination of the principles, policies, and procedures associated with evaluating, selecting, and acquiring print, nonprint, digital, and multimedia materials and resources. Students also learn about developing, organizing, and managing these collections in libraries, archives, special collections, museums, and similar institutions, paying attention to ethical, philosophical, social, and political contexts in which these collections exist. Students have opportunities for practical applications, using specific methodologies and diverse approaches. Prerequisite: LI 805.

LI 860 - Current Issues in Global Information Infrastructure (1 or 2 credit hours)
LI 861 - Current Issues in Information Transfer (1 or 2 credit hours)
LI 862 - Current Issues in Technology (1 or 2 credit hours)
LI 863 - Current Issues in Management of Information Agencies (1 or 2 credit hours)
LI 864 - Current Issues in Legal Information Management (2 credit hours)

LI 865 - Independent Study (1 or 2 credit hours)
The independent study project or paper must give explicit evidence of intellectual involvement on the part of the student. A high level of critical thinking (analysis, synthesis, evaluation) is to be demonstrated.

LI 866 Introduction to Copyright and Licensing (3 credit hours)
An exploration of the historical, legal, ethical, and practical aspects of copyright and licensing law and practices from a library perspective. Students have the opportunity to practice applying these principles to library issues.

LI 870 - Practicum (3 credit hours)
Supervised, advanced professional experience in a library or information center. Students engage in professional activities; apply theories, principles, and skills learned in professional courses; and discuss problems and relevant topics associated with professional practice. Consent of instructor is required.

LI 871 - Information Management Practicum (3 credit hours)
This practicum provides students with supervised, advanced professional work experience in a library or information agency providing information services to a corporate clientele. This work experience is intended to build student competence in addressing real world issues related to information agencies and information management. Students enrolled will also take part in a seminar. Consent of instructor is required.

LI 872 Legal Information Practicum (3-6 credit hours)
This practicum provides students with supervised, advanced professional work experience in a library or information agency providing legal information services. This work experience is intended to build student competence in addressing real world issues related to legal information agencies and legal information management. Students enrolled will also take part in a seminar. Consent of instructor is required.

LI 873 Archives Studies Practicum (3-6 credit hours)
Students gain practical and professional work experience in a supervised setting. Students must follow the guidelines set forth in the Archives Studies Certificate (ASC) Practicum Handbook. Consent of instructor is required.

Capstone Experiences

LI 880 - Capstone Course: Assessing the MLS Experience (1 credit hour)
This course will give students the opportunity to reflect on their growth and development over the course of their MLS experience. This should be the last course taken. In the course students will analyze the artifacts collected in their assessment portfolio, discuss them with their colleagues, and write a reflective essay addressing the extent to which they have demonstrated and met the goals of the MLS curriculum.

LI 890 - Advance Research Strategies(3 credit hours)
Building on LI 810, this course focuses on comparing and contrasting the philosophical foundation and research strategies of studies that use qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method approaches to investigate problems in LIS. It focuses on evaluating methodological tools and approaches to investigating research questions and evaluating LIS research studies. Prerequisite: LI 810.

LI 899 - Thesis (1- 4 credit hours)
Intensive investigation of a problem in the library and information professions, under the direction of a faculty committee.