Course Descriptions

3700 Topics in LIS (1 to 4 credits): This flexible library and information science course will provide students with the opportunity to explore issues of current importance in the field. Topics and credit hours will vary and will address subjects such as emerging technologies, new methodologies, knowledge management, standards and practices, and social and economic trends in the profession.
3800 Educ and Info Technologies (3 credits): Introduction to information technologies for personal, scholarly, and professional use. Provides extensive hands-on experience in the efficient and effective use of personal and networked computers and operating systems, introduces networks and networking concepts, and provides an overview of generic and specialized software applications. Focus will be on the use of information in educational settings. (This course may be used as a "boot camp" for new LIS students who feel unsure of technology applications).
3991 Independent Study (1 to 10 credits)
3992 Directed Study (1 to 10 credits)
4000 Fndtns Libry, Arch, & Info Sci (4 credits): An overview of the theoretical and conceptual foundations of library, archival, and information sciences and an introduction to the information professions, including principles, values, professional organizations, publications, current and future challenges.
4010 Organization of Information (4 credits): This course introduces basic concepts in the theoretical, practical, and technological aspects of information organization. It provides an overview of the methodologies for organizing and representing information resources in the library, archives, and museum settings.
4011 Info Access and Retrieval (3 credits): Using systems for information discovery, access, and retrieval requires an understanding of characteristics of information storage media (books, videos, floppy disks, hard disks, CD-ROM, etc.), information transmission (digital and analog), and query logic. It also requires understanding the various systems for organizing types of information, including textual information, numeric, geographic, and image files. The current and existing technologies and software aiding information access and retrieval will be explored in this course. Students will experience and discuss searching systems for all types of information files stored in various media and accessed by the use of both analog and digital telecommunications systems. (Prerequisites: LIS 4010).
4015 User and Access Services (4 credits): Overview of human information processing and user services in the changing information environment and different communities of practice. This course introduces the concepts of user information needs, seeking, and processing as a foundation for understanding users and designing user-centered information services. The course examines both traditional reference and current/emerging information services in different settings and populations. Course also introduces the concepts of information literacy, user education, and assessment of information services.
4020 Prof Principles & Ethical Iss (3 credits): This course introduces students to writings and theories on professional ethics, values and principles of concern to information specialists and information service providers. It will challenge students to think creatively and critically in their application of ethics concepts in social, organizational, historical, and contemporary contexts. The course will briefly address the relationships between professional ethics and the laws, including copyright, intellectual freedom, first amendment rights, and confidentiality. Emphasis is placed on developing an understanding of the importance of values, professional ethics, and socially responsible behavior in the professional setting.
4030 The Information Environment (3 credits): This course provides an overview of the historical and contemporary generation, production, management, dissemination, and use of information. Examines the role of society, current issues in the information industries, economics of information production and services, the impact of technologies, and national information policies.
4040 Mgmt of Info Organizations (4 credits): An introduction to current theory and practice of management in information organizations through the study of organizations, communications, decision making, planning, leadership, human resources and budgeting. Prerequisite: LIS 4000 or instructor approval.
4050 Library and Info Technologies (4 credits): A foundation course on the applications of information and communications technology in libraries and information agencies. Integrated library systems and the acquisition, evaluation, and implementation of library automation solutions, including electronic resource management systems are explored. The course further introduces database design, Internet technology, web services, cloud computing, computer networks, telecommunications, and computer security. Hardware, software, and other productivity tools and utilities from organizations such as OCLC, Amazon, and Google are discussed.
4060 Reference (3 credits): Information resources include a number of different kinds of reference materials in a wide variety of formats. These include guidebooks, encyclopedias and dictionaries, indexes and abstracts, handbooks, bibliographies, biographical finding tools and biographies, data sets and much more. Many of these resources are available on-line, as well as in print and other digital formats. This course will help students identify and evaluate the most likely resources for information queries in particular settings. It will also provide the opportunity to find answers to real research questions. The course will cover the primary resources for the broad disciplines of business, humanities, sciences, social sciences and government publications in print and electronic formats. Class exercises will reflect the multidisciplinary and multicultural interests and characteristics of library users. (Prerequisites: none; Recommended: LIS 4000, LIS 4011).
4070 Cataloging & Classification (3 credits): Theory and practice of bibliographic control including the study of representative cataloging using Anglo American Cataloging Rules, 2d ed., rev. with amendments and Library of Congress Rule Interpretations, machine-based representation using the USMARC formats and other standards, and subject analysis and classification using Library of Congress Subject Headings, Dewey Decimal Classification, and Library of Congress Classification, with principle focus on monographs, major media, sound recordings, and serials. (Prerequisite: LIS 4010).
4100 Library & Info Technologies (3 credits): Introduction to major applications of technology in libraries and information centers, including the role of MARC records and other standards in integrated online library systems, library catalogs and Web sites, digital libraries and shared/distributed collections. Issues affecting the design, implementation and evaluation of library technologies in practice, including vendor review and customization. No assumptions are made about the prior level of expertise of students in programming or database design. (Prerequisites: LIS 4011 or consent of instructor)
4101 Information Science (3 credits): Survey of historical and contemporary concepts and issues in information retrieval, including text, images and audio/video content. Theory and practice of how knowledge is represented, structured and retrieved in information systems past, present and future. (Prerequisites: LIS 4000, LIS 4010, LIS 4011)
4102 User-Centered Design (3 credits): Principles and strategies of the design of information systems that address the needs and preferences of users in a fundamental way. Engaging users in the process of iterative design, from needs assessment to testing and evaluation. (Prerequisites: LIS 4000, LIS 4010, LIS 4011)
4110 Teaching & Learning with Tech (3 credits): A foundation course about the science of effective teaching and the role of technology and media to enhance learning outcomes. This course engages students with skills and knowledge required to incorporate effective media and technology to support the teaching and learning activity. The course primarily explores a wide-range of appropriate educational media and technology that facilitate preparation, presentation, and delivery of content. Most importantly, tools and educational technologies that promote best practices in both classroom interaction and expanding the learningscape outside the classroom are explored. Theories, principles, and strategies supported by the science of learning to improve the learning outcome are discussed.
4200 Information in Organizations (3 credits): In order to make an effective contribution in the corporate environment, the information professional requires knowledge about organizations: types, structure, functions, and levels of operation, decision-making processes, and flow of information throughout the organization. To supply corporate information needs, an understanding of needs analysis and of information technologies that support the provision of information is required. Information professionals require an understanding of the basic features, use, effect, and management of information systems in organizations, types of systems for all levels of the organizations, the flow of information through the levels of the organization, and the integration of systems.
4203 Competitive Intelligence (3 credits): In today?s corporate environment, knowledge about competitors is critical for organizational survival. This course explores the need for competitive strategies and systems. The processes and systems are discussed in the various contexts: product-oriented, customer-oriented, financial, and behavioral. The trends, research, role of the information professional, and methodologies are related to the global environment of business and the change in focus from internal to external information orientation. The use of Internet and web-based strategies and the negative side of competitive intelligence are discussed.
4204 Legal Issues in Info. Org. (3 credits): This course introduces students to the law as it affects libraries and information organizations. Topics covered include personnel/employment matters, copyright, creative commons licenses, contracts and licensing agreements, digital rights management, privacy concerns, and malpractice issues.
4206 Web Content Management (3 credits): This course will include instruction in web page creation, selection, and evaluation of web content as well as web site management. Selection of web page content will be discussed in the context of organizational knowledge management and competitive intelligence needs. Differences in information needs for provision of public information and competitive intelligence on Internet pages versus the organizational information needs of Intranets in knowledge management will be explored. This course also will address human-computer interface design to allow web page designers to create effective web pages according to established principles of design.
4240 Knowledge Management (3 credits): In the current corporate environment, knowledge, not information, is described as the greatest asset to an institution, and emphasis is placed on the value of systems and methods to preserve intellectual capital. The information professional can contribute traditional skills of organization and dissemination of information, and also must develop abilities to assess needs in the process of selecting and preparing information that will be synthesized into organizational knowledge. Knowledge management requires capturing tacit knowledge of the organization and combining it with explicit knowledge using information technologies such as Intranets, groupware, expert systems, and intelligent agents.
4301 Information Seeking Behaviors (3 credits): This course explores various models of information-seeking behavior, and how information delivery systems can be designed to meet the needs of users in a variety of information agencies and settings. It examines assessment and evaluation tools used to judge information system effectiveness. (Prerequisite: LIS 4000 or instructor approval).
4321 Collection Management (3 credits): Topics addressed in this course include collection development and access policies, selection methods and practices, collection assessment, preservation and conservation, de-selection, treatment of rare material, manuscripts and archives, U.S. government publications, non-book and digital formats management, juvenile, and other special materials.
4326 Research Methods in LIS (3 credits): Students will participate in library-based social science research problems on selected topics. Evaluation of the research in the library and information science discipline will be emphasized.
4330 Library Instruction (3 credits): This course provides an introduction to the principles of library instruction and information literacy including a historical overview of their place within the profession. Emphasis is on instruction within an academic setting, but students will learn important educational theories that can be applied to a variety of settings. ACRL and AASL standards will be examined as well as types of instruction, instructional design, collaboration with faculty, various competencies, assessment, and lifelong learning. The class has a strong emphasis on public speaking, communication skills, and the practical application of educational theory.
4350 Adult Materials & Services (3 credits): This course provides the student with an opportunity to explore readers? advisory service from a customer?s perspective. Students study the reader?s advisory literature and examine all types of genre fiction. Lecture, readings and class discussion will focus on specific genres and authors within them. Students will also be required to read in all the genres.
4361 Internet Reference & Research (3 credits): This course, designed for providing reference services with the Internet as the primary tool, will examine the technologies and protocols that make up the Internet, uncover strengths and weaknesses of search engines, and give instruction on mining the Internet for research information. Special topics will include locating statistical information, citation verification, and evaluation of content, citing Internet sources, integrating the Internet with traditional reference service, and publishing on the Internet. (Prerequisites: LIS 4010; Recommended: LIS 4011).
4362 Govt Publication Resources (2 credits): The U.S. government is the world?s most prolific publisher, both for tangible and electronic formats. This class will cover the origin, nature, and scope of federal publications and issues related to management, organization, access, and reference services in a federal depository library. Technical/managerial aspects will cover acquisitions, organization, maintenance, bibliographic control, and technical processing. The reference component will cover congressional, presidential, executive branch, and judicial publications in all formats, together with their finding aids.
4373 Business Resources (2 credits): This course provides the student with an opportunity to explore information resources in business and economics. It is a companion course to Reference (LIS 4060). Lecture, readings, class discussion, and exercises will address all formats of materials including print, non-print, electronic, and web resources.
4374 Legal Reference & Resources (3 credits): This course provides students with an opportunity to explore the unique challenges that reference services pose in a legal environment. Lecture, readings, and class discussions as well as practical experience allow students to synthesize course content. Prerequisite: LIS 4060.
4375 Science & Technology Resources (2 credits): This course provides the student with an opportunity to explore information resources in science and technology materials. It is a companion course to Reference (LIS 4060). Lecture, readings, class discussions, and exercises will address all formats of materials including print, non-print, electronic, and web resources.
4377 Arts & Humanities Resources (2 credits): This course provides the student with an opportunity to explore information resources in arts and humanities materials. It is a companion course to Reference (LIS 4060). Lecture, readings, class discussions, and exercises will address all formats of materials including print, non-print, electronic, and web resources.
4379 Social Sciences Resources (2 credits): This course provides the student with an opportunity to explore information resources in social sciences. It is a companion course to Reference (LIS 4060). Lecture, readings, class discussions, and exercises will address all formats of materials including print, non-print, electronic, and web resources.
4401 Descriptive Cataloging (3 credits): This course provides an overview of the principles and skills for descriptive cataloging of print, non-print, and electronic materials using the Anglo-American Cataloging Rules, 2d ed., rev. (2002 Ed.). Focuses on the eight MARC formats and challenges of bibliographic database building and maintenance. Prerequisites: LIS 4010 and LIS 4070.
4402 Subject Cataloging (3 credits): Provides an overview of the principles and skills needed for subject cataloging (classification and verbal) of print, non-print, and electronic materials using the Anglo American Cataloging Rules, 2d ed., rev. (2002 Ed.). Focuses on the eight MARC formats and the challenges of bibliographic database building and maintenance. (Prerequisites: LIS 4000, LIS 4010, and LIS 4400).
4403 Classification Schemes (3 credits): Provides an overview of the principles and advanced skills needed for enumerative, faceted, analytic-synthetic classification schemes for print, non-print, and electronic materials. Focuses on the challenges of tools, and national and international data exchange standards for classification schemes. Presents the general principles, structure, and format of the Library of Congress, Dewey Decimal, Superintendent of Documents, and National Library of Medicine classification schemes. (Prerequisites: LIS 4000, LIS 4010, LIS 4070)
4404 Metadata Architectures (3 credits): Provides an overview of the principles and theories of metadata development in the digital environment. Focuses on the design and application of metadata schemas for distinct domains and information communities, issues in metadata interoperability, vocabulary control, quality control and evaluation. Examines international standards, activities and projects. (Prerequisites: LIS 4000, LIS 4010, LIS 4070 or LIS 4800 or LIS 4801)
4405 Authority Control (3 credits): Provides an overview of the principles and theories of authority control in the digital environment. Focuses on the design and application of authority records for distinct domains and information communities, issues in metadata interoperability, vocabulary control, quality control and evaluation. Examines international standards, activities and projects. (Prerequisites: LIS 4000, LIS 4010, LIS 4070)
4500 Cartographic Information Mgmt (3 credits): This course provides a working familiarity with the various methods of organizing and locating cartographic information, training interpretation of information presented in the cartographic format, knowledge of the wide range of thematic (subject) information published in the cartographic format, and a working familiarity with collection development for, and acquisition of, maps and accompanying material. (Prerequisite: LIS 4010)
4510 Children's Materials & Service (3 credits): This course is designed to prepare librarians to work with children (ages birth to 12 years) in school and public libraries. Topics covered include children?s development, reading interests and needs, materials selection, collection development (including print and non-print materials), discussions of specific genres, reading motivation skills, designing a children?s area, and developing various programming ideas. Students will read/view/listen to and evaluate a wide variety of materials for and about this age group, prepare and present booktalks and stories, become familiar with review sources, and design a one-year plan for youth services in a school or public library.
4511 Storytelling (1 credits): This course teaches librarians the skills, techniques, and procedures for developing and implementing a storytelling Program for children, young adults, or adults. The history of storytelling, its place in the school or public library, and in our culture as a whole, will be included. Students will read a wide variety of stories, learn techniques to adapt them for various settings and groups, demonstrate their ability to tell stories and to develop storytelling programs for two different age groups.
4520 YA Materials and Services (3 credits): This course prepares librarians to work with young adults (ages 12-18) in school and public libraries. Topics covered include young adult development, reading interests and needs, materials selection, collection development (including print and non-print materials), and discussions of specific genres, reading motivation skills, designing a YA area, programming, and intellectual freedom issues. Participants will read/view/listen to and evaluate a wide variety of materials for and about this age group, prepare and present booktalks, become familiar with review sources, and design a one-year plan for a YA department in a small school or public library.
4530 Advanced Literature & Literacy (3 credits): This course defines aspects of literacy with an emphasis on the application of research to practice in promoting information literacy and literature appreciation based on information literacy standard for K-12 education. Other types of literacy such as visual, media, computer, network, and basic literacy will be addressed briefly. Attention will be given to instructional design and collaboration in the areas of reading, instruction, and literacy. Techniques for enhancing reading interest and pleasure will be addressed including book talking, book walking, storytelling and readers? theater.
4540 School Library Administration (3 credits): This course will investigate organizational theory, behavior, and change. When students understand management theories, they will focus on the planning, organizing, staffing, budgeting, leadership, and advocacy issues found within the school library and other information organizations.
4610 Alternative Careers-Librarians (3 credits): This course will explore the many different types of jobs and careers open to individuals with library-type skills. It will cover both traditional library jobs, for example, law libriarianship, archivist work, corporate librarianship, school librianship, and records management, as well as non-traditional career choices such as information brokerage, publishing, and information advising.
4620 Grantwriting & Fundraising (3 credits): This course provides a focused overview of grant writing and fund development for educators and librarians. Examines development reference tools (paper, electronic, and online), websites, structuring and writing the funding request, community collaboration and partnerships, project budgeting, management, evaluation, sustainability, and reporting activities. Students will be encouraged to collaborate in the design of projects and programs for which grant funds can be solicited or fund raising events can be sponsored.
4630 Multicultural Issues Libraries (3 credits): This course offers an introduction to multicultural/diverse/special groups and the application of interdisciplinary concepts of diversity. The focus is directed toward the planning, development and delivery of library and information provision services in a multicultural society. Other topics include the delivery of cultural and communication traits and their role in library service planning; the role and importance of developing a mission statement, vision and long range service plan to meet the needs of specialized populations, and the development of a conceptual framework for the evaluation of library services for multicultural/diverse/special groups. Prerequisites: LIS 4000 and LIS 4030.
4700 Topics in LIS (1 to 5 credits): This flexible library and information science course will provide students with the opportunity to explore issues of current importance in the field. Topics and credit hours will vary and will address subjects such as emerging technologies, new methodologies, specific reader services, standards and practices, and social and economic trends in the profession. (Prerequisite courses may be recommended or required as determined by the content of the specified course).
4750 Legal Research I (3 credits): Law librarians require a special set of research skills to be effective. This course introduces students to legal materials generated by the Executive/Administrative, Legislative, and Judicial branches of the U.S. government. Students develop research strategies for answering legal questions using primary and secondary resources and learn to relate the various sources of authority to the structure of the U.S. government. Emphasis is placed on print materials ad learning foundational research strategies.
4751 Legal Research II (3 credits): Building upon the foundations developed in Legal Research I, this course introduces students to advanced research strategies and specialized materials. Students are given complex legal issues to research using a variety of online and print resources. Focus is placed upon developing efficient and cost-effective research techniques and strategies. Prerequisite: LIS 4750
4756 Legal Database Research (3 credits): This course introduces students to legal databases. Student examine various databases in detail to uncover the strengths and weaknesses of search functions, evaluate content, accuracy and completeness, and determine which databases meet different needs. Both fee-based and free databases are explored in depth. Prerequisite: LIS 4011
4800 Intro Archives & Records Mgmt (3 credits): This course provides an introduction to the objectives and methods of the archival and records management professions including an overview of terminology, issues, and common practices. The systematic control of records throughout their life cycle from creation through processing, distribution, organization, retrieval and archival disposition will be covered. (Prerequisites: LIS 4000, LIS 4010; or instructor permission).
4801 Archival Appraisal (3 credits): Archival appraisal is the most critical function of an archivist's work. Determining continuing value affects all other archival functions, and impacts individual, organizational, and societal memory. The purposes of this course are to introduce students to the basic theories, principles, techniques, and methods that archivists use for identifying and selecting information or evidence with continuing or enduring value and to enable students to compare and contrast archival appraisal to related activities in other fields. (Prerequisite: LIS 4800)
4802 Archival Arrangement & Dsecrip (3 credits): This course looks at the theory and practice of archival arrangement and description and the methods and means for providing intellectual access to the content of archival materials. (Prerequisites: LIS 4010 and LIS 4800 or permission of instructor)
4803 Preservation and Conservation (3 credits): An overview that includes the historical foundations of library and archival preservation, contemporary challenges and issues, and current preventative and response practices. The course covers: the origin and development of professional preservation and conservation practice - including ethics and principles, aspects of the history of books and printing that are relevant to material deterioration and treatment or reformatting options, environmental monitoring and control, disaster preparedness and response, collection management strategies, reformatting practices of non-book formats, and repair and conservation treatment of collection materials. (Prerequisite: LIS 4800 or approval of instructor)
4804 Digital Objects & Collections (3 credits): This course is designed to be an exploration of the intersection of library and archival traditions and the world of interoperable digital libraries. It will examine the existing and developing methodologies for creating, managing, preserving, and creating access to electronic records and digital objects. Topics covered include content creation standards and best practices, metadata, interoperability, sustainability, scalability of management systems, and concepts related to designing access tools and delivery systems. While not a technical course, discussion of technology and its application to digital library practices will be a major theme. (Prerequisite: LIS 4010)
4805 Advanced Records Management (3 credits): This course covers the establishment of information maintenance plans, evaluations and audits of records and information management Programs, the records and information survey, retention policies and legal requirements, and techniques for integrating automation to records and information management. (Prerequisites: LIS 4800 or instructor permission)
4840 Archives Administration (3 credits): Organizational theory, behavior, and change form the foundation of this course. Planning, organizing, staffing, budgeting, leadership, and advocacy issues will be addressed in the context of archives. (Prerequisites: LIS 4800, LIS 4020, or concurrently registered, or instructor permission)
4901 Capstone Course (4 credits): Students in this course will design and complete a project to demonstrate the ability to integrate and synthesize their master?s course work and apply their knowledge to a topic. The class meets with an instructor regularly over the nine-week summer quarter. The instructor monitors and guides the students to ensure that they complete the phases of the project in accordance with the proposed timeline and goals. Evaluation will be based on individual performance, with respect to the quality and professionalism of the research, the management of the project, and analytical and writing skills. (Prerequisite: Minimum of 45 quarter hours of graduate LIS course work completed, including all core courses; a proposal approved by the academic advisor; faculty permission)
4910 Practicum Experience (4 credits): This course is designed to supplement the classroom experience by giving students practical experience working in a library or information agency. Various options are available to students depending on their areas of interest and specialization. Opportunities for experience include fields of medicine, law, art, public, and academic libraries. It is the student?s responsibility to select a practicum site and a field supervisor, who must be approved by LIS faculty. One hundred hours of service over a 10-week quarter are required. The student, faculty, and field supervisor will determine specific requirements for the final paper or report. Students must notify the LIS academic advisor one quarter before enrolling in the Practicum Experience. (Prerequisite: Completion of a minimum of 38 quarter hours of graduate LIS coursework, including all core courses)
4911 Elementary School Practicum (2 credits): This course is designed to provide elementary school practical experience for teacher-librarians by working a minimum of 80 hours in an elementary school library. (Prerequisites: Students must have completed most of the required coursework for the degree before enrolling in the Practicum)
4912 Secondary School Practicum (2 credits): This course is designed to provide secondary school practical experience for teacher-librarians by working a minimum of 80 hours in middle or high school library. (Prerequisites: Students must have completed most of the required coursework for the degree before enrolling in the Practicum)
4920 Service Learning in LIS (1 to 4 credits): This course is designed to supplement the classroom experience by giving students an opportunity to participate in a service learning project. Students will propose an independent study component highlighting the learning aspects of the project. The experience should provide practical work in a library or information agency. Various options are available to students depending on their areas of interest and specialization. Opportunities for experience include many areas related to the information needs of an underserved population. It is the student?s responsibility to select a site and a field supervisor. The student, faculty coordinator, and field supervisor will work together to establish the goals and objectives of the experience. A minimum of 40 hours of service is required for two quarter hours of credit.
4991 MA Independent Study (1 to 10 credits): Independent study projects allow students more in-depth investigation of the many facets of library and information science. Students must work with an approved faculty advisor and submit a proposal outlining the objectives, scope, outcomes, and evaluation criteria. The faculty advisor and the department director must approve proposals. (Prerequisites: Completion of a minimum of 30 quarter hours of graduate LIS coursework, including all core courses and a minimum GPA of 3.0)
4992 Directed Study (1 to 10 credits)
4995 Research M. A. Thesis (1 to 10 credits)
4XXX LIS Transfer (1 to 10 credits)

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