School Library Media Licensure Curriculum

LI 512 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 and does not count toward the 27 hours required for school library media licensure.

Theory Courses

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 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 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 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 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 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.