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.

This course explores the development and implementation of open educational resources (OER) in educational settings and the various perspectives on the role of online resources in contemporary teaching and learning. Topics include types and access to OER, copyright, licensing, and quality. Students will gain experience locating, evaluating, collecting, arranging, and disseminating content resources available as OER to support learning and teaching. 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 within Europe, North America, and beyond. Topics include an overview of the development of communication technologies from early history through current events, an analysis of the relationship between books and society, and discussion of the intersection of communication technologies (including books) and information institutions such as libraries. Students will demonstrate a historical and cultural understanding of both technologies and institutions through guided readings and discussions, as well as through completing weekly writing assignments or a final research project focused on the future of books and the library.

This course provides an introduction to the principles and practice of preservation Topics include an emphasis on the management of preservation activities, physical and intellectual preservation of records and media, and preservation history. Students will gain an understanding of the kinds of materials and treatments, techniques and technologies, and digitization and digital records used in preservation. Issues of storage, security, and disaster prevention and response will also be addressed.

This course discusses the role of diverse community archives in relation to historical, sociological, technological, and cultural aspects of community archiving. Topics include an overview of the purpose and goals of community-centered archives and archival practices; an analysis of sociocultural factors involved in archiving such as power, privilege, and ownership; and surveys of diverse archiving approaches, technologies, and methods. Students will demonstrate both theoretical and practical knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing community archives through completing diverse readings, ongoing reflective discussions, a profile of an existing community archive, a review of an archiving toolkit, and a final project proposal for a community archive.

This course introduces students to theoretical and applied research design, methodologies, and evaluation of research in library and information science (LIS). Topics include research ethics, quantitative & qualitative research methodologies, and the development of research proposals. Students will review existing LIS research to evaluate and assess the potential value of literature and research findings through critical analysis.

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.

This course introduces the principles, practices, and emerging challenges of web archiving in a rapidly evolving digital environment. Topics include web crawling technologies and emerging tools for dynamic and decentralized content capture; collection development and metadata strategies; AI-assisted curation and summarization; ethical, legal, and policy frameworks; trust, authenticity, and security in archival practices; and the societal impacts of preserving web ecosystems, including social media and algorithmically generated content. Students will design and implement a web archiving project, experiment with contemporary crawling and analysis tools, and develop critical perspectives on the future of web preservation.

This course explores literature and materials for children and young adolescents. Topics include the history of children’s literature, strategies for supporting diverse learners, using materials in multiple formats, introducing and using literature with children. Students will select, evaluate, discuss, and use literature and related materials.

This course explores literature and media for young adults (ages 12 - 18). Current trends and research in teens' social, physical and cultural development, teen interests and needs, and multiple literacies are examined. Other topics include the history of young adult literature, strategies for promoting reading for information, pleasure and lifelong learning, supporting diverse learners, and using materials in multiple formats. Students will select, evaluate, discuss, and use young adult literature and related materials.

This course surveys trends and selection tools in literature and reading for adult library patrons. The course will include the exploration and evaluation of popular fiction and non-fiction genres in various formats across life stages in adulthood. Students will gain knowledge in performing reader’s advisory and the development of 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 examines the importance and practical creation of library services and programming for children from birth to age 5. Topics includes a foundational examination of childhood development, program planning and development, and program evaluation. Students will examine appropriate program evaluation techniques and develop strategies for creating on-going and one-time programs developmentally appropriate for young children considering community collaborations, budget and funding, management and leadership, advocacy, and marketing.

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.

This course explores online and in-person literacy and research instruction in the library and information contexts. Topics include information literacy models, standards, and theories. Students will gain practical experience 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.

This course will explore planning, evaluating, and administering programs and services designed to meet the needs and interests of individuals and groups in libraries and their communities. Topics include program design, needs assessments, serving different populations, partnerships, marketing, budgeting, and more. Students will gain practical experience through a series of scaffolded assignments, discussions, and proposals.

This course addresses the needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual plus (LGBTQIA+) community served by public libraries. 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. Topics include censorship, classification, collection development, advocacy, and outreach. Students will complete evaluations, analyses, and discussions related to these topics and the LGBTQIA+ community in public library spaces.

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.

This course explores the theories, structures and practices that underpin modern information retrieval systems. Students will examine both foundational and emerging approaches to organizing and accessing information in digital environments. Topics include database structures for information retrieval, query formulation and optimization, academic and commercial search platforms, and the impact of artificial intelligence and machine learning on information search and discovery. Students will develop practical skills in analyzing user information needs, constructing complex search queries, evaluating outcomes, and supporting users through instruction and reference services while utilizing real world databases and digital search tools.

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.

This course examines the principles and practices of assessment and evaluation within library and information science through historical, theoretical and practical lenses. Topics include foundational and contemporary evaluation theories, standards of practice, data collection methods and the alignment of assessment strategies with the institutional goals and user needs. 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.

Trauma-Informed Librarianship is crafted to equip students with both the theoretical foundations and practical skills necessary for effectively serving diverse populations affected by trauma. Students will build capacity to analyze library practices and develop trauma informed responses. Students will leverage these skills to establish a library environment that is welcoming, supportive, and inclusive for everyone.

This course will explore leadership as a theoretical discipline as well as practical skills needed to effectively lead an organization. Topics include, budget, strategic planning, human resources, advocacy, programming and procurement. Students will work in leadership teams to create library plans, develop and evaluate budgets and services, communicate with stakeholders, and promote library development with employees and the community at large.

The course will address systems, technology and trends in cataloging and metadata environments. 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.

This course will explore the essential role of academic libraries within colleges and universities, emphasizing their contributions to teaching, learning, and research. Topics include the historical development of academic libraries, organizational structures, core services, emerging trends, and the future of the profession. Students will gain a thorough understanding of the academic library environment, engage in critical professional discourse, and develop well-informed, forward-looking perspectives on the evolving roles and responsibilities of academic librarians.

This course explores a wide variety of topics in public librarianship through guest speakers, student-led discussion boards, and extensive reading. Topics include the historical background of public libraries in the United States, their role in the community; current trends and future directions, as well as exposure to different roles in public libraries. Students will describe the role of public libraries in U.S. history and in current society; understand the organizational structure and governance of public libraries; identify and describe broad issues and current trends in public libraries; and critically evaluate roles, responsibilities, and expectations for public librarians.

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. Students will examine professional structures, documents, emerging frameworks and social actions as they relate to specific topics of social justice relevant to the library field.

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.