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Graduate Library and Information Science (LIS)

The minimum prerequisite for 50000-69999 level courses is graduate standing. The minimum prerequisite for courses 70000 and higher is doctoral standing. Additional prerequisites may apply and are listed in this catalog.

50693 Variable Title Workshop-Library and Information Science (1-3)
Maximum workshop credit accepted for M.L.I.S degree is 4  semester hours. Intensive examination of special topics of interest to practicing librarians. May be repeated. S/U grading.

60001/80001 Access to Information (3)
Examination of information access issues. Topics include discussion of information needs, use of information sources, and information access services. This course is not open to students in non-degree programs.

60002/80002 Organization of Information (3)

Introduction to the theory and practice of organizing information in various information environments. Familiarity with principles, standards, tools and current systems relating to organization of information. This course is not open to students in non-degree programs.

60003/80003 Information Technology for Library and Information Professionals (3)
Provides basic information technology concepts and skills necessary for library and information professionals. Topics include computer hardware and software basics; operating systems; file management; software installation and configuration; basic PC applications; information systems concepts, development, and evaluation; search skills; Internet and web concepts, tools, and applications; emerging technologies and tools. This course is not open to students in non-degree programs.

60199 Thesis I (2-6)
Thesis students must register for a total of 6 hours, 2 to 6 hours in a single semester, distributed over several semesters if desired. S/U grading; IP permissible. Prerequisite: special approval.

60299 Thesis II (2)
Thesis students must continue registration each semester until all degree requirements are met. S/U grading; IP permissible. Prerequisite: LIS 60199.

60600/80600 Foundations of Library and Information Science (3)

Social, philosophical and historical foundations; information technology and the library; types of libraries and services, national and internationally; professional issues, research, literature, associations, and education. This course is not open to students in non-degree programs.

60601/80601 Information Source and Reference Services (3)

Introduction to use and evaluation of basic sources of reference information, computerized and non-computerized; reference interview and question-negotiation techniques; administration of reference and information services. Prerequisite: LIS 60001.

60602/80602 Cataloging and Classification I (3)
Principles of cataloging with emphasis on Dewey Decimal and Library of Congress Classification systems, Library of Congress subject headings, online cataloging and administration. Prerequisite: LIS 60002. Special fee: $20 per semester (subject to change).

60603/80603 Cataloging and Classification II (3)
Theory and practice of providing description and access to library materials. Examples and assignments will be taken from all types of library materials, print and nonprint. Prerequisite: LIS 60002 and 60602. Special fee: $20 per semester (subject to change).\

60604/80604 Research Methods for Libraries and Information Centers (3)
Focuses on survey and qualitative research methods applicable to libraries and information centers. Explores research techniques, data analysis, proposal development, and ethical issues.

60607/80607 School Library Media Center (3)
Management of school library media centers K-12. Prerequisite: special approval.

60608/80608 The Public Library (3)
Analysis of the historical, sociopolitical, technological, fiscal and organizational factors affecting American public librarianship. Includes evaluation, planning, networking, funding, automation, buildings and censorship. Prerequisite: LIS 60600.

60609/80609 Marketing the Library (3)
Introduction to the theory and practice of marketing the library. Topics include the evaluation of customer needs, the marketing mix, merchandising, public relations, relationship marketing, and the design and development of a marketing plan for libraries.

60610/80610 Management of Libraries and Information Centers (3)

Identifies and discusses management functions of libraries and related organizations; includes planning and decision-making, human resource management, measurement and evaluation, fiscal and project management. This course is not open to students in non-degree programs.

60611/80611 Government Information Sources and Services (3)

Library treatment of U.S. government publications, with brief attention to municipal and state publications, and major documents of Great Britain, Canada and the United Nations. Will not include materials covered in LIS 60601. Prerequisite: LIS 60001.

60612/80612 Library Materials and Services for Adults (3)

Recent investigations of group and individual reading habits; advisory services in various types of libraries; library programs for adult education; projection of library materials toward community.

60613/80613 Information Needs, Seeking and Use (3)

Surveys theories related to people's interactions with information. The theories covered include information context and situation, information needs, information seeking, exploration of information sources, communication and collaboration in the information search process, information use, and other interactions among people, information, and information systems. Prerequisite: LIS 60001.

60614/80614 Selection and Acquisition of Library Materials (3)
Factors affecting selection in public, academic, school and special libraries (reading habits, censorship, publishing trends); community analysis, selection policies and process; selection sources; acquisitions.

60615/80615 The Academic Library (3)
Governance, administration and services of libraries in institutions of postsecondary education. Prerequisite: LIS 60600.

60616/80616 The Special Library (3)
The formation of special libraries. Libraries in special subject fields and in organizations: corporations, government agencies, hospitals, etc. Internal organization and administration, collection development and services. Prerequisite: LIS 60600.

60619/80619 Legal Information Sources and Services (3)
(Cross-listed with AS 53001/73001) Fundamentals of legal research methods and major sources of American legal literature in print and electronic formats as used in other disciplines. Students learn how to formulate a research plan based on legal analysis of issues using relevant, authoritative legal resources.


60620/80620 Health Information Resources (3)

Identifies print and electronic sources of health information with emphasis on electronic sources. Medical patient and consumer health information is presented. This course is designed for the health educator, librarian, nurse or other health care professional.

60621/80621 Social Sciences Information Sources and Services (3)

Content, bibliographic structure and communication patterns in the social sciences with emphasis on information sources and services in sociology, history, education, political science, anthropology, related disciplines. Prerequisite: LIS 60001.

60622/80622 Science/Technology Information Sources and Services (3)
Content, bibliographic structure and communication patterns in the sciences with emphasis on pure and applied fields, e.g., mathematics, biology, physics. Prerequisite: LIS 60001.

60623/80623 Business/Finance Information Sources and Services (3)
Historical development; applications to current business, labor, governmental, educational and sociological information needs; interpretation to executives and others; printed sources and databases. Prerequisite: LIS 60001.

60624/80624 Cataloging for School Library Media Centers (3)
Organization and administration of print and nonprint materials in school library media centers. Application of appropriate descriptive cataloging rules, subject headings and classification policies for children’s, young adult and educational materials K-12. Prerequisite: special approval.

60625/80625 Library Materials and Services for Very Young Children (3)

Selection and utilization of materials in relation to needs, abilities and interests of the very young child.

60626/80626 Library Services to Young Adults (3)
Selection and utilization of books and materials in relation to needs, abilities and interests of young adults.

60628/80628 Humanities Information Sources and Services (3)
Philosophy, literature, fine and performing arts. Prerequisite: LIS 60001.

60629/80629 Library Materials and Services for School-Age Children (3)

Selection and utilization of materials in relation to needs, abilities and interests of school-age children.

60630/80630 Reference Sources and Services for Youth (3)
Organization and administration of information sources and information services for children and young adults (K-12). Evaluation, selection and utilization of print and electronic sources.

60631/80631 Introduction to Digital Preservation (3)

Approaches for preserving and maintaining access to digitized and born-digital text, images, data and audiovisual information. Topics include longevity of digital media, selection for preservation, formats and strategies for preservation, preservation metadata, integrity and authenticity of digital materials, establishment and certification of trustworthy digital repositories, risk management, and policy development. Prerequisite: LIS 60002.

60632/80632 Technologies for Digital Preservation and Web Archiving (3)

Essential technologies for building and maintaining robust, trusted digital repositories. Emphasis is on providing orientation to technologies sufficient to allow students to work with network administrators, programmers, and other personnel involved in providing technical support to develop digital repositories for preservation and archiving functions. Prerequisites: LIS 60631 or 60638.

60633/80634 Digital Curation (3)

Management and preservation of digital objects and records throughout their life cycle. Emphasizes the use and reuse of scholarly data, business and government records, cultural heritage materials, and other digital objects to create resources supporting communities of practice in their work. Prerequisites: LIS 60631 or 60638.

60637/80637 Metadata Architectures and Implementation (3)
Principles and theories of metadata development in the digital environment. Main focus is given to the design and applications of metadata schemas for distinct domains and information communities, issues in metadata interoperability, vocabulary control, quality control and evaluation. Examination of international standards, activities and projects with the use of case study approach. Prerequisite: LIS 60002.

60638/80638 Digital Libraries (3)
Issues related to the development and maintenance of digital libraries, including technology, collection development and management, project management, digital preservation, user-centered design, public service, rights management, and funding.

60639/80639 Implementation of Digital Libraries (3)
Explores issues related to implementation of digital libraries and provides hands-on experience for students to build digital library prototypes (small-scale) with open source software. The major emphasis is on design and implementation of key DL functions, including building digital collections, defining and creating metadata, indexing, browsing and retrieval, customizing interface, implementing services, encoding and transforming for data exchange, and testing the usability and effectiveness. Prerequisite: LIS 60003.

60640/80640 Library Automations (3)
Analysis, design and selection of automated library systems. Considers system analysis and requirements, networking technologies, database management systems, multimedia and hypermedia, and client-serving computing. Also, proposals to vendors, contract negotiation, implementation, staffing,training, system maintenance and evaluation. Prerequisite: LIS 60002.

60641/80641 Information Storage and Retrieval Systems (3)

Fundamentals of information storage and retrieval systems: components, models, file structure, information representation, human-computer interaction, standards, protocols and evaluation of system performance. Design and evaluation of information storage and retrieval including contributions from artificial intelligence and cognitive research. Prerequisite: LIS 60002.

60642/80642 Implementation of Information Storage and Retrieval Systems (3)
Course has dual tracks: conceptual frameworks and basic technical skills. Covers all major aspects and latest advancements of an information retrieval system and their applications. Technical skills include Unix/Linux, PERL and CGI programming. Prerequisite: LIS 60002.

60643/80643 Online Information Systems (3)
Use of information technologies to search for and retrieve electronic information, primarily through the Internet. Analysis of database structures and electronic records; search principles and heuristics; database system producers; system interfaces; and evaluation of results. Prerequisite: LIS 60001.

60644/80644 Information Science (3)
Focal areas of information science: information retrieval systems, bibliometrics, citation analysis, systems analysis and evaluation, information technologies, information theory, information architecture, knowledge management and user experience.

60645/80645 Database Systems (3)
Characteristics and concepts of database systems; types of database models; conceptual database design and implementation; the relational database model and its application: key issues, principles and techniques; current database technologies.

60646/80646 User Interfaces for Information Retrieval Systems (3)

Hardware considerations and programming for the implementation of user interfaces of computerized information retrieval systems, primarily for Web interfaces but also for online public access catalogs and other networked, client-server systems. Interface analysis, evaluation and design; project design and implementation.

60647/80647 Network and Software Resources for Information Systems (3)
Study, use and evaluation of current and emerging information technologies; network and software resources for libraries and information centers, including network analysis and management, standards, protocols and client-server technologies; and techniques for accessing and evaluating such technologies and resources.

60648/80648 Electronic Publishing on the Web (3)
Students gain the knowledge and skills to participate professionally in current electronic publishing activities, especially Web publishing, and to contribute to future developments in an innovative, socially responsible way.

60649/80649 Indexing and Abstracting (3)
Principles and methods of manual and computerized indexing and abstracting applied to I&A databases, back-of-book indexes, Web site indexes and sitemaps. Techniques of constructing indexing languages using international standards. Theory and practice of index design for specific formats and subjects. Automation and I&A services in networked environments. Prerequisite: LIS 60002.

60650/80650 Information Policy (3)

Political, economic, cultural and legal issues regarding the production, distribution and use of information (print, electronic and Web). Policy-making process, standards and protocols, intellectual property, information economy, impact of computers on access and policy, privacy rights, transnational flow of information and the Internet and the World Wide Web. Prerequisite: LIS 60600.

60651/80651 Digital Image Processing and Collection Management (3)
This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamental concepts, terminology, techniques and applications of digital imaging as they relate to the development of digital image collections depicting works found in museum collections, archives, and special collections in libraries. Students will acquire knowledge and skills necessary to design, create, and manage digital images of text, graphics, slides, and reproductions of 3-D objects. They will also be introduced to the principles and issues that pertain to the creation and distribution of digital-image archives via image databases and the Web environment. Prerequisite: LIS 60002. Special fee: $30 (Subject to change).

60652/80652 Foundations and Administration of Archives (3)
Introduction to the knowledge domains (functions) of modern archival work, including acquisition, appraisal (selection), arrangement, description and access, preservation, reference, records management and outreach. Coverage also includes special media, such as the administration of electronic records, sound recordings and visual materials. A discussion of the role and work of archivists, historical foundations of archives, contemporary issues and conditions and professional needs and opportunities are also included.

60654/80654 Preservation Management (3)
Types and causes of deterioration of various kinds of materials, storage and preventive maintenance, preservation through photographic reproduction and microforms, restoration of rare materials.

60661/80661 Technical Services (3)
Principles, problems and current issues of acquiring, processing and preserving/conserving materials in libraries and information centers. Prerequisite: LIS 60002.

60665/80665 Rare Book Librarianship (3)
Study of the theory and practice of rare book librarianship through lectures, readings, discussion and practical exercises.

60666/80666 Ethical Concerns of Library and Information Professionals (3)
Analysis of ethical concerns of information professionals: codes of ethics, intellectual freedom, free access, privacy, confidentiality, computer issues and relations with management, clients and colleagues. Prerequisite: LIS 60600.

60670 Culminating Experience (3)
Under advisement of a faculty member, students will complete a project that serves as a culminating experience for the M.L.I.S. degree. The project may be a research paper, individual project or culminating practicum. S/U grading; IP permissible. Prerequisite: LIS 60001 and 60002 and 60003 and 60600 and  60610; and special approval. This course is not open to students in non-degree programs.

60691/80691 Seminar in Library Science (1-3)
Advanced research by small groups of students who are qualified to examine problems of certain special areas.

60692 Practicum—Libraries and Information Centers (2-3)
Supervised library or information center work experience of a professional nature of not less than 100 clock hours, directed readings and preparation of paper. May not be repeated. IP permissible. Prerequisite: special approval.

60693 Variable Title Workshop—Library and Information Science (1-3)

Intensive examination of special topics of interest to practicing librarians. May be repeated. Maximum workshop credit accepted for M.L.I.S. degree is 4 semester hours. S/U grading.

60694/80694 College Teaching of Library Science (2-3)

Staff training and experience in college teaching. Repeat registration permitted up to 10 hours. Maximum of 2 hours applicable toward master’s degree requirements (with dean’s approval). S/U grading; IP permissible. Prerequisite: special approval.

60695/80695 Special Problems in Library Science (1-10)
Individual research at high levels of specialization. Intended for persons in sixth-year program. Repeat registration permitted. IP permissible. Prerequisite: special approval.

60792 Internship in Library Supervision and Management (2-10)

Supervised library work experience of an advanced professional nature that concentrates on developing skills in supervision and management. Intended for persons in the sixth-year program. IP permissible. Prerequisite: special approval.

61095/81095 Selected Topics in Library Science (1-3)

Offered irregularly as resources and/or opportunities permit. Topics will be announced in the Schedule of Classes.

61096/81096  Individual Investigation (1-2)

Research or individual investigation for master’s-level graduate students. Maximum credit per registration: 2 hours. Maximum credit toward master’s degree: 4 hours. IP permissible. Prerequisite: special approval.