LIBS - Library Science

Students require a comprehensive understanding of information literacy so they can become effective users of ideas and information and guide others in activities of knowledge use and creation. This course will provide an introduction to the process and methods of retrieving information using digital literacies. Students will learn to identify an information need, then locate, evaluate, and use appropriate resources while embedding the dispositions of academic integrity and ethical use. Topics include use of collaborative tools for development of information, including social media. The content focuses on implementing effective digital information literacy strategies situated in various content areas with the intent that these strategies can be incorporated into future professional and instructional practices.

This course builds on current research and practice to strengthen candidates’ conceptual understanding of design-based STEM pedagogy. Through participation in activities and discussions, students will review concepts embedded within design-based, problem-based, project-based, and inquiry instruction and learning. This course will explore a synthesized overview of trends affecting STEM education and investigate makerspaces and making activities to support inquiry-driven, community engagement in information settings. Students will gain hands-on experience with digital and physical making toolkits and design maker experiences within library spaces.

This course develops skills in preparing, evaluating, and presenting instructional materials and the use of those materials to promote higher-level thinking and enhance the learning environment. It includes elements of design, multimedia materials, and development of in-service activities. Students will participate in sandbox activities to incorporate hands-on practice of media production and dissemination.

Students will gain experience locating, evaluating, collecting, arranging, and disseminating content resources available as open educational resources to support learning and teaching. Issues surrounding open educational resources including copyright, licensing, access, and quality will be addressed. A primary focus will be on developing digital textbooks that may include websites, databases, current awareness experts, and digital field trips to support the delivery of instruction.

This course provides a social, cultural, and historical perspective on libraries and librarianship. Topics include the purpose, functions, and processes of library and information sciences, including the history and development of libraries, different types of libraries and information agencies, and key issues in the field to include intellectual freedom, ethics, and evolving library technologies. Students will explore different libraries and information agencies, as well as legal, ethical, and economic policies, advocacy trends and positions. They will engage in discussions, research projects, and practical assignments to develop professional skills and gain a deeper understanding of the principles that guide modern information professionals as well as of the challenges faced in library settings.

This course provides a historical perspective on books and libraries as social and cultural objects and spaces. Surveys the history of communication technologies from early history through current events and from stone tablets to electronic formats.

An introduction to the principles and practice of preservation with an emphasis on the management of preservation activities. Includes physical and intellectual preservation of records and media and the history, kinds of materials and treatments, techniques and technologies, and digitization and digital records. Issues of storage, security, and disaster prevention and response will also be addressed.

All communities create historical records, and recent decades have brought a growing critical awareness of how existing social hierarchies influence the creation and maintenance of historical archives. Community archive projects locate the power to preserve and shape history, heritage, and memory in communities themselves. Through readings, discussion, and analysis, this course will introduce students to a range of issues relating to grassroots community archives, archives of community organizations, and what happens when larger institutions partner with communities and community organizations to create and maintain archives.

This course will introduce students to theoretical and applied research design, methodologies, and evaluation of research in library and information science (LIS). The course will include a review of existing research, allowing students to evaluate and assess the potential value of literature and research findings through critical analysis. Basic qualitative and quantitative research protocols will be learned through this class.

Introduces the major theories and basic concepts of ethics. Historical and contemporary professional frameworks and positions will be analyzed in ethical contexts. Students will apply ethical principles to dilemmas and decision making in the information and library profession.

This course explores action research in a school library. Students will examine the value and characteristics of educational action research and apply these ideas toward the development of an action research project. Topics include the evaluation of published action research projects, community-based assessment, data collection and analysis, and the design and development of a project conducted in a school library setting.

An interdisciplinary introduction to web archiving fundamentals including web crawling, collection development and summarization including planning, analyzing, and sharing collections. Includes a review of ethical and legal issues, trustworthiness, preservation, security, and cultural impact of web archiving.

Students examine, evaluate, discuss, and use literature and related materials for children and young adolescents and explore strategies for introducing and using literature with children.

An exploration of the selection of literature and media for young adults (ages 12 - 18). Includes current trends and research in teens' social, physical and cultural development, teen interests and needs, and multiple literacies. Focus is on multiple formats, diverse learners, and strategies to promote reading for information, pleasure and lifelong learning.

Survey of trends and selection tools in literature and reading for adult library patrons including popular fiction and non-fiction genres in multiple formats and across life stages in adulthood. Strategies will include reader’s advisory, book clubs, and other programming to meet the diverse needs and interests of adult readers.

This course explores the use, selection and evaluation of literature and media that use sequential art to tell stories in a visual format: comics, webcomics, graphic novels, and more. The course will include the history of the sequential art format; an exploration of reading through a variety of graphics, text and media; and a survey of current and historical titles for all ages. Students will explore resources for selecting and evaluating materials in graphic format as well as specific applications for graphic materials in classrooms and libraries.

This course introduces narrative structure and technique using a variety of different media. It explores storytelling for the purpose of informing, entertaining and/or educating in an information setting. Storytelling strategies help students gain communication skills and practice. Students will explore the and demonstrate the use of storytelling for a variety of age groups, from preschool through adults, and for special audiences.

This course introduces current and future information professionals to user-centered design in library and information studies. Students learn how to conduct research with users, gather users' requirements, and develop intuitive, user-friendly interfaces (e.g., software, mobile applications). Theories and techniques for engaging users and designing user-centered interfaces are learned and applied.

Students will develop expertise in the delivery of in-person and online information literacy and research instruction in library and information contexts through an exploration of various information literacy models, standards, and theories. Students will gain practical experience in planning, implementing, and assessing library instruction and digital learning objects through a variety of delivery methods.

This course draws on research-based theory of pedagogical best practice to discuss, model, and apply practical teaching strategies and methods in the context of a school library. Topics include strategies to implement effective classroom management in the library learning environment, engage library learners and assess their performance, and build collaborative relationships with teaching peers. Students will complete 20 hours of observation in a school library and reflect on these experiences, create a personal teaching philosophy, respond to learner behaviors in a library setting, create assessments for student learning, develop and teach a lesson for k-12 learners, and deliver a PD session for teaching peers.

An overview of the planning, evaluation, and administration of programs and services designed to meet the needs and interests of individuals and groups in libraries and other information spaces.

The populations served by public libraries are varied and diverse, and they require resources that will address these diverse needs. Budgetary and political concerns, among other things, often restrict the ability of libraries to fulfill the needs of 'invisible populations,' or groups whose minority status is not readily or visually apparent, such as the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual plus (LGBTQIA+) community. This course is designed to bring particular issues the LGBTQIA+ community may have in relation to public libraries to the forefront and provide students with the tools to address these issues in the field.

Examines the concepts and issues related to the lifecycle of recorded knowledge and information including emerging technologies and addresses the fundamentals of planning, selecting, analyzing, managing, and developing collections and technology resources for diverse communities. Topics include the philosophy, principals, and methodologies of collection development in a variety of library and information settings. Emphasis is placed on understanding the library environment and selection and acquisition of materials, inclusive of print and non-print items. Students will gain knowledge and experiences with needs assessment, planning, analyzing, and managing collections of print, digital, and technological tools. Students will also develop a targeted plan to address identified needs including a budget and presentation to stakeholders.

This course provides a focused internship experience that supports developing the knowledge, skills, and understanding required to participate in the day-to-day operations of a library or information setting. Central to the purpose of the internship is the valuable learning experiences interns gain in an authentic setting. Topics include self-assessment and exploration of information careers in a library or information environment. Interns also gain proficiency in the identification, analysis, and resolution of issues using data-driven problem-solving techniques. They gain insights into the operation of information work places, their professional goals, and how these goals can be achieved. Interns progressively develop skills through an experiential approach documented through formative and summative evaluations, as well as in the final Impact Project. Students taking this course for school library endorsement may have additional requirements/prerequisites.

This course provides a focused internship experience that supports the planning, development, and instruction of PK-12 learner projects in a school library setting. Central to the purpose of the internship is the valuable learning experiences interns gain in an authentic setting. Topics include self-assessment and exploration of information careers in a K-12 school environment. Interns also gain proficiency in the identification, analysis, and resolution of issues using data-driven problem-solving techniques. They gain insights into the operation of information work places, their professional goals, and how these goals can be achieved. Interns progressively develop skills through an experiential approach documented through formative and summative evaluations well as in the final Impact Project. This course is for students who are already licensed teachers or who are seeking initial licensure in school librarianship.

This course will explore the critical issues and established best practices of library management and leadership. Topics include communication, core values, strategic planning, organizational culture, human resources, assessment, fundraising, and advocacy. Students will develop the skills necessary to plan, establish, and operate a modern library at the building level.

This course focuses on library services and the curriculum of the school. Content includes techniques for curriculum design and development, information skills instruction, instructional partnerships, advocacy, assessment of learners and the library, and implementation of integrated library instruction. Students will explore the National School Library Standards and situate these within the context of learners and learning, develop collaborative instruction, and deliver a unit of instruction within a K-12 school library setting.

This course focuses on the fundamental and uniform principles of information resource description and availability. Topics include cataloging, processing, organizing and accessing of materials. Students will develop the ability to apply and adapt the principles of classifying and cataloging and will understand how these fundamental skills fit into the broader area of technical processing and how they support the principles of services in libraries and other information environments. They will engage in discussions and practical assignments to develop applicable professional skills and prepare them for basic material organization or advanced cataloging courses.

Students will explore database structures, search algorithms, indexing principles, and user interfaces for information search and retrieval. Current issues in the evaluation, acquisitions and management of databases and other information resources will be addressed. Includes advanced strategies for effective information search and educating and assisting users in search techniques and evaluation.

This course provides thought-provoking background and practical suggestions for engaging with a diverse population. Participants explore their own assumptions about race, class, and culture and learn strategies for creating environments and an open dialog that are culturally inviting to all.

Students will explore assessment and evaluation related to library and information contexts with particular attention to historical and current theories and values, relevant standards, and current initiatives and measures. Students will design an evaluation of a current library service or resource that is connected to library goals and objectives with a presentation to effectively communicate data to various stakeholders.

Reviews the advanced knowledge and competencies required for the senior administration level of all types of libraries and library systems. Competencies include budgeting and analysis, project management, human resources, and the development of library reporting and advocacy materials.

Cataloging and metadata principles introduced in LIBS 677 are further developed and applied in this course. Students will apply principles of bibliographic description, subject analysis, and classification to a variety of formats including multimedia, serials, and online resources. The course will address systems, technology and trends in cataloging and metadata environments.

Academic libraries are dynamic organizations, working to meet the needs of their users and stakeholders while supporting parent higher education institutions. This course examines the functions of the academic library within the higher education environment. A wide variety of topics are covered in this survey of the field, including a focus on the historical background, current trends, and future directions in academic librarianship.

Students will gain an understanding of public libraries in the United States and their role within their communities. Topics covered include a historical background of public libraries, overviews of current trends, and future directions in public libraries. This course also explores public services, the roles and expectations of public librarianship as a career.

An introduction to the nature of archives and special collections. The course explores the history of special collections, archives, records, and cultural memory. Aspects of the profession including ethics, values, financial and legal responsibilities are included. Students will be introduced to the basic knowledge, tools, methods and practices associated with archival work.

In this seminar course, students will explore current social justice issues through an activist framework. Historical and contemporary frameworks, positions and initiatives related to the library profession will be considered. The course will examine professional structures, documents, emerging frameworks and social actions as they relate to specific topics of social justice.

This course provides opportunities for graduate students to explore current topics, trends and issues related to libraries and information studies.

This course is an independent study of special topics in Library Science.

This course is a pass/fail course for master's students in their final semester. It may be taken to fulfill the registration requirement necessary for graduation. All master's students are required to be registered for at least one graduate credit hour in the semester of their graduation.