LIBRARY SCIENCE Courses
LIBS 110G. Information Literacy for the Digital Age. 3 Credits.
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.
LIBS 602. Production of Instructional Materials. 3 Credits.
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. Includes elements of design, multimedia materials, and development of in-service activities. Hands-on practice in media production and dissemination.
LIBS 603. Online Resources for Teaching. 3 Credits.
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.
LIBS 605. Selection and Utilization of Non-Book Media. 3 Credits.
Emphasizes selection, purchase and utilization of non-book materials (e.g., periodicals, computers, CD-ROM, DVD, LANs, wireless networks, PDAs, e-books, retrieval systems, video conferencing, DL, online services, telecommunications, presentation systems). Included are staff development, systems management, information policies, networks, and the impact of professional associations on non-book resources. Prerequisites: LIBS 675.
LIBS 608. Foundations in Library and Information Science. 3 Credits.
This course provides social, cultural, and historical perspectives on libraries and librarianship. The purpose, functions, and processes of information and library science are explored. Current types of libraries and information agencies are explored including certification and licensure for various specialties. Legal, ethical, advocacy, and economic policies, trends, and positions are addressed.
LIBS 612. Research Methods in Library and Information Science. 3 Credits.
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 in the LIS field and the development of a research proposal through a qualitative, quantitative or action research design. Action research will be conducted at the student’s workplace. The basic research protocols will be learned through this class.
LIBS 642. Children’s Literature Across the Curriculum, PK-8. 3 Credits.
Students examine, evaluate, discuss, and use literature and related nonprint materials for children and young adolescents and explore strategies for using trade books across the curriculum and for introducing children to literature. Materials for adolescents and adults with limited reading abilities are also covered. Prerequisites: graduate standing.
LIBS 644. Literature and Media for Young Adults. 3 Credits.
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. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
LIBS 655. Methods and Strategies for the School Library. 1-3 Credits.
Participants will draw from research-based theory of pedagogical best practice to discuss, model and apply practical applications to content topics. Content focuses on strategies to implement effective classroom management for the library learning environment, engage library learners and assess their performance, and build collaborative relationships that integrates library and content instruction into practice.
LIBS 658. Knowledge Resources: Planning, Selecting & Managing Collections. 3 Credits.
Examines the concepts and issues related to the lifecycle of recorded knowledge and information including emerging technologies. Addresses fundamentals of planning, selecting, analyzing, managing, and developing collections and technology resources for diverse communities.
LIBS 668. Internship in School Libraries. 1-9 Credits.
Students will work in a school library, participating fully in the administrative tasks, and collaborate with teachers to prepare instructional literacy lessons and teach lessons. Course is for students who are already licensed teachers or who are seeking initial licensure. Prerequisites: LIBS 602, LIBS 605, LIBS 642, LIBS 675, LIBS 676, LIBS 677, LIBS 678, LIBS 679.
LIBS 669. Practicum in School Libraries. 3-9 Credits.
Course can be repeated an unlimited number of times. Students will work in a school library, participating fully in the administrative tasks, collaborate with teachers to prepare instructional literacy lessons, and teach lessons. Course is for students who are already licensed teachers or who are seeking initial licensure. Prerequisites: LIBS 602, LIBS 605, LIBS 642, LIBS 675, LIBS 676, LIBS 677, LIBS 678, and LIBS 679.
LIBS 674. Management and Leadership in Library and Information Studies. 3 Credits.
An examination of the critical issues concerning the leadership and management of a library. Students will explore the issues involved in building library programs to include considerations of physical space, budgetary decisions, and personnel.
LIBS 675. Administration, Management, and Evaluation of Libraries. 3 Credits.
Entry-level course dealing with the planning, organization, and management of the school library media center. Includes professionalism and ethics in librarianship, facilities planning to impact student learning, and management of human resources. Prerequisites: graduate standing.
LIBS 676. Library Media Services and the Curriculum. 3 Credits.
Emphasis is on library services/ programs and the curriculum of the school. Includes techniques for curriculum design and development, information skills instruction, instructional partnerships, advocacy, implementation of an integrated library-media instructional program and public relations programs. Prerequisites: graduate standing and LIBS 675.
LIBS 677. Technical Services in Libraries. 3 Credits.
Describes the fundamentals of description, cataloging, processing, organizing, and accessing of materials. This includes on-line circulation systems, descriptive cataloging using AACR2R and MARC, Dewey Decimal Classification, and Sears Subject Headings. Also discusses bibliographic networks and utilities in technical services and the relationship of technical services procedures to the overall mission of the SLMC. Prerequisites: graduate standing.
LIBS 678. Selection, Evaluation and Utilization of Materials NK-12. 4 Credits.
Emphasis is on reading and evaluating current materials for children and young adults, researching reading/viewing/ listening preferences, analyzing studies dealing with literature/media, and selecting materials. Also includes collection analysis and development. Prerequisites: graduate standing, LIBS 642, and LIBS 675.
LIBS 679. Theory and Management of Reference and Information Retrieval. 3 Credits.
Students evaluate, select, and use reference sources; explore strategies for teaching reference skills across the curriculum; use curriculum information to evaluate reference collections and prepare bibliographies; and explore issues related to reference services. Utilizes print as well as existing and emerging technologies. Prerequisites: graduate standing and LIBS 675.
LIBS 697. Independent Study in Library Science. 1-3 Credits.
This course is an independent study of special topics in Library Science. Prerequisites: Instructor approval required.
LIBS 998. Master’s Graduate Credit. 1 Credit.
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.