Coursework

School of Library and Information Management Homepage

LI801A – LI802A – LI804A – LI805XR – LI806A – LI815XR – LI842XI – LI855XA – LI862XI – LI862XJ – LI863XI – LI880XB

LI801A Information Transfer and the Knowledge Society (Fall 2008)
This course presented theories, models, and strategies of knowledge creation. Topics included dissemination, organization, diffusion, utilization, preservation, destruction, and their significance to the information transfer cycle.

LI802A Theory Foundation of Service (Fall 2008)
This course covered 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.

 LI804A Theory of Organization of Info (Spring 2009)
This course provided an introduction to the individual, social, and institutional perspectives by which we organize information. It examined 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.

This course included 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.

LI805XR Leadership and Administration of Information Organizations (Fall 2011)
Organization design is as important to any library or information based organization’s success as the architectural blueprint is to the construction of a new building or remodeling of an old one – and the purpose of organization design is analogous to that of a blueprint. The goal of this course was to illustrate principles of design in class through discussion of “live cases”, so that students may then assess information organizations and apply these principles to their initial design or subsequent redesign.  An information organization that is well-designed functions better, just as a new library that is well-designed helps its staff work, communicate, and delivery services more effectively.

LI806A Global Information Infrastructure (Spring 2009)
The course reviewed the concepts, principles and models of information infrastructures. Students analyzed 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 were explored in an information transfer context.

LI815XR Information Technology (Fall 2010)
Basic information technology concepts and skills necessary for library and information professionals are introduced. The course covered the fundamental 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.

LI842XI Indexing and Abstracting (Spring 2011)
This course explored the means by which information can be represented by indexes. Students had the opportunity to construct indexes that meet client information retrieval needs. 

LI855XA Collection Development and Management (Spring 2012)
This course examined the principles, policies, and procedures associated with evaluating, selecting, and acquiring print, non-print, digital, and multimedia materials and resources. Students also learned about developing, organizing, and  managing these collections in libraries, archives, special collections, museums,  and similar institutions, paying attention to ethical, philosophical, social, and political contexts in which these collections exist. Students had opportunities for practical applications, using specific methodologies and diverse approaches.

LI862XI Current Issues in Technology (Fall 2010)
The course examined the fundamentals of information architecture (IA), primarily as it relates to web site creation and development. Topics included: navigation systems, labeling systems, searching systems, and organization schemas. The primary learning goal of the course was to provide students an opportunity to build their expertise in website information architecture.

LI862XJ Current Issues in Technology (Summer 2010)
This course took a hands on approach to learning about the challenges involved in creating an online digital collection.  Working in cross functional teams, the class created a digital collection together.  This process included the following steps: selection of theme, content, software platform and media; development of metadata schema; web site design; loading of collection content and metadata; development of marketing and financial sustainability plan.  The content of the digital collection was decided by the class. The emphasis of the course was on learning as we go and making mistakes. 

LI863XI Current Issues in Management of Information Organizations (Fall 2011)
A series of special topic seminars were taken as electives by students desiring to enhance their basic knowledge of management of people, information resources, services and systems in library and information agencies. Each of the seminars drew on the students’ synthesis and application of knowledge in the areas of information transfer; psychology of information use, behavioral and communication theory, global information infrastructure, information technology; sociology of information, organization of information, and organization theory and management application. 

LI880XB Capstone Course: Assessing the MLS Experience (Spring 2012)
This course gave students the opportunity to reflect on their growth and development over the course of their MLS experience. This is the final course. In the course, students analyzed the artifacts collected in their assessment portfolio, discuss them with their colleagues, and wrote a reflective essay addressing the extent to which they demonstrate they met the goals of the MLS curriculum.