Courses completed for the duration of Fall 2007 through Spring 2010
      and listed by order of semesters taken

LI 801-Information Transfer and the Knowledge Society 

      An introduction to information agencies and professions, this course examines philosophical and ethical underpinnings, roles and societal contexts, and current topics of interest in the global information society.   Students explore the role of information in society, change as reflected in paradigm shifts, the theory and processes of information transfer, and the characteristics of information professionals and professional practices.

LI 810-Research and Inquiry in Library and Information Science

     Introduction to research methods and their applications in Library and Informaiton Science. Theoretical principles and practical procedures for planning, designing, conducting, analyzing, and evaluating research using both qualitative and quantitative methods are introduced. Students also learn to be better consumers and critics of published research literature.

LI 803-Information Transfer and the Knowledge Society

    This course examines the significance, context, and dynamics of the information transfer process.  Various models and frameworks for understanding are presented and examined.  The consequences for libraries and information centers are also examined.

LI 804-Theory of Organization of Information

     This course provides an introduction to the individual, social, and institutional perspectives by which we organize information. It examines 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. Acknowledged or not, at the center of what librarians and libraries do is the idea of classification. Further, if we are to begin to link (in strong analytic and pragmatic ways) knowledge, representation and information systems, it will be necessary to move beyond a common sense approach to classification. This class then is an introduction to the individual, social, and institutional theoretical perspectives by which we organize information and the problems posed for institutions and society. This course includes an examination of standard organizational tools, as well as a discussion of usage of particular tools, such as Dewey Decimal Classification System, Library of Congress Classification and Subject Headings, AC Headings for Children's Materials, MARC records, metadata, and others. This course will include some Blackboard discussions and review of materials, as assigned by instructor throughout the
semester period.

LI 814-Cataloging & Classification of Materials in Libraries and Information Agencies 


     This course is meant to provide an introduction to the theories, terms, concepts, and tools used to describe and organize information in libraries.  Topics covered will include: bibliographic description, choice of entry, subject analysis, and the Dewey Decimal classification system.  In addition, this class will include basic training in creating MARC (Machine-Readable Cataloging) records.

LI 802-Theoretical Foundations of Service Diagnosis & Customization 

     An approach to diagnosis and customization of information services which seeks to apply cognitive and psychological theories. Understanding individual personality, learning styles, communication styles, and characteristics of human information use will serve as a framework for the subsequent creation and development of individualized, user-centered services.

LI 811-Assessing Information Needs and Evaluating Information Services 

     Introduction to the tools of community analysis, information needs assessment, and research methodologies for the purpose of analyzing, designing, implementing or modifying, and evaluating library and information systems and services.

LI 806-Global Information Infrastructure

     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.

LI 813-
Print and Electronic Information Sources and Services

     The course provides an 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. 

LI 815-Information Technology for Library and Information Professionals 

     
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.

LI 805-Organization Theories for Administering Information Agencies 

     Explains how people who work in or administer information agencies use organization theories and models to see, understand, and shape the processes of the organization and the products and services it provides. Explores how the components of an organization--the people, techniques of work, structure, goals and values, and management--work together and influence the political, social and cultural environments in which the agency functions.  This course explores ways of thinking about organizations that can be applied to the challenging tasks involved in administering information agencies.

LI 870-
Practicum

     The practicum is planned as a supervised field experience and should afford students an opportunity to apply theories and techniques learned in the classroom to the exigencies of actual practice. In order to provide the best experience and to meet the needs of the student and the host organization, it is essential that those directly involved work together to design the practicum.
     Toward this end, the student is required to articulate objectives for learning and seek a site supervisor who, together with the SLIM advisor, will share the supervision of the student’s learning experience. The professional site supervisor will partner with the SLIM advisor to assist the student in designing an experience that will help the student accomplish the goals and objectives identified as relevant and valuable.

LI 809-Introduction to Archives

     This course provides the student with an overview of the archivist's profession, including a thorough overview of the seven domains of archival practice (as defined in the Academy of Certified Archivists' Role Delineation statement), professional guiding principles, essential concepts and vocabulary.

LI 842-
Indexing and Abstracting

    This course explores the means by which information can be represented by indexes. Students will have the opportunity to construct indexes that meet client information retrieval needs.
 
LI 880-
Capstone

     This course is the final component of the Master of Library Science (MLS) comprehensive assessment process. It should be the last course that an MLS student undertakes. Assessment activities provide opportunities for students to reflect, assess, and illustrate the knowledge, skills, and professional values learned during their MLS program. It is especially critical that
students use this opportunity to demonstrate mastery of all MLS Program Outcomes and Professional Values. 

     During the course, each student creates individual assessment portfolios that address the extent to which the goals of the MLS program curriculum were met. Students must successfully complete and pass this course before becoming a candidate for graduation.