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SLIM Course Descriptions

Approved April 2011 LI 513: Technology Skills for Graduate Students (1 credit hour) Technological literacy is essential to the information management professions and it is, therefore, also an essential part of the School of Library and Information Management's (SLIM's) curriculum. Students will develop the level of technical competence needed to progress through the program. LI 717: SLIM GTA Seminar (1 credit hour) Will provide an introductory level of instruction on topics that are relevant for Graduate Teaching Assistants work at SLIM and for future assignments in the information profession. This course is a requirement for all Graduate Teaching Assistants employed by SLIM. LI 755: Special Topics (1-3 credit hours) Intensive study of a current topic relating to library and information profession. May be taken by seniors. LI 801: Foundations of Library and Information Science (3 credit hours) An introduction to information agencies and professions, this course examines the philosophical and ethical underpinnings, roles and societal contexts, and current issues of 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. (Required) Recommended for all new MLS students in their first semester. LI 802: Theoretical Foundations of Service: Diagnosis and Customization (3 credit hours) Introduction to customized information services and the diagnosis, prescription, and treatment of information needs. Understanding relevant cognitive, psychological, educational, and social theories and characteristics of human information behavior serves as a framework for the subsequent creation and development of individualized, user-centered services. (Required) Prerequisite: LI 801 or concurrent enrollment. LI 804: Organization of Information (3 credit hours) This course provides an introduction to the individual, social, and institutional perspectives of organizing information. Students examine 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. (Required) Prerequisite: LI 801 or concurrent enrollment. LI 805: Leadership and Administration of Information Organizations (3 credit hours) Overview of the political, social, and cultural environments in which organizations function. The components of an organization, including people, goals and values,
SLIM MLS and Doctoral Curricula Approved April 2011 Revised 06/23/2011

techniques of work, social and physical structure, technologies, culture, and management, are explored in the context of the challenging tasks involved in administering libraries and information agencies. (Required) Prerequisite: LI 801 or concurrent enrollment. LI 806: Global Information Infrastructure (3 credit hours) 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. Prerequisite: LI 801 or concurrent enrollment. LI 809: Introduction to Archives (3 credit hours) Introduction to the world of archives and manuscripts, regardless of form, and to the archival profession. The functions of selection, appraisal, acquisition, arrangement and description, reference services and access, preservation and protection, outreach, advocacy, promotion, management, and professional ethical and legal responsibilities are explored and applied. LI 810: Research in Library and Information Science (3 credit hours) Introduction to research methods and their applications in Library and Information Science. Theoretical principles and practical procedures for planning, designing, conducting, analyzing, and evaluating research using both qualitative and quantitative methods are introduced. (Required) Prerequisite: LI 801. LI 811: Community Needs Analysis (3 credit hours) Survey and utilization of the tools, resources, and research methodologies for the purpose of analyzing, designing, implementing or modifying, and evaluating library and information systems and services. Students learn about community analysis, needs assessment, and other tools of analysis and assessment. Recommend: LI 810. LI 813: Reference and User Services (3 credit hours) 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. (Required) Prerequisite: LI 801 & LI 802. LI 814: Cataloging and Classification (2 credit hours) Introduction to the theories, terms, concepts, and tools used to describe and organize information in libraries. Topics covered include: bibliographic description, choice of entry, subject analysis, and the Dewey Decimal classification system. In addition, this class includes basic training in creating MARC (MAchine-Readable Cataloging) records. Recommend: LI 804.

SLIM MLS and Doctoral Curricula Approved April 2011

Revised 06/23/2011

LI 815: Information Technology (3 credit hours) 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. (Required) LI 816: Legal Information Research and Retrieval (3 credit hours) Introduction to the sources of the law; study of legal research methods and their application to problem solving and writing problems by means of law finding and legal writing exercises. Prerequisite: LI 813. LI 818: Archival Arrangement and Description (3 credit hours) Students are introduced to the theories, terms, concepts, principles, and methods of arrangement and description of documents and materials in archives. The history and evaluation of arrangement and description, finding aids, websites for archives, and the practical and administrative issues of arrangement and description are addressed. Recommend: LI 809. LI 819: Information Retrieval and Customization (3 credit hours) Introduction to advanced online information retrieval strategies and the design and creation of information products in a variety of formats. Applies theories of information transfer, user study, and information services in information practice. Prerequisite: LI 813. LI 827: Preservation Strategies (3 credit hours) Introduction to the strategies, techniques, processes, and applications involved in the preservation of library materials. Students learn about the history of the production of library materials, along with the causes of physical and chemical deterioration; the accepted approaches to conservation, and preventive measures such as environmental control, proper handling of materials, and approaches to disaster preparedness and response. LI829: Resources and Services for Early Learners (2 credit hours) Explores resources and services for early learners and their families. Students apply their knowledge of child development and language acquisition theory to the design of services and the acquisition of appropriate materials to encourage early literacy. Storytelling and the use of music and puppetry to foster language and literacy development are also examined. LI 831: Resources and Services for Children (3 credit hours) Explores the recreational, cultural, informational, and educational needs of 21st century children. Students apply knowledge of child development theories to the design of readers advisory services, literature-based library programs, and literacy activities for youngsters from pre-school through age 11. Emphasis is given to the selection of

SLIM MLS and Doctoral Curricula Approved April 2011

Revised 06/23/2011

resources in all media formats to reflect awareness of, and sensitivity to, the social and cultural needs of all children. Recommend: LI 802 & LI 813. LI 832: Resources and Services for Young Adults (3 credit hours) Surveys information resources and programs for young adults aged 11-18. Students apply their knowledge of developmental theory and the informational, recreational, social, educational, and research needs of upper elementary, middle school, and high school students in selecting resources and designing services in public and school library settings. Recommend: LI 802 & LI 813. LI 833: Resources and Services for Diverse Populations (3 credit hours) Overview of information transfer and the design and implementation of library/information services for all segments of society. Special emphasis is placed on ethics and equity of access to information. Recommend: LI 810 & LI 811. LI 834: Information Transfer in Information Centers (3 credit hours) A review of information sources in all formats that are widely used by information centers. The transfer of the knowledge of organizational information into viable and successful information services is emphasized. LI 835: Information Services for Academic Libraries (2 credit hours) Introduction to the design and implementation of library and information services for the academic disciplines of the humanities, sciences, and social sciences within educational and research institutions. Special emphasis is placed on understanding the components of the academic libraries that serve the information needs of higher education communities. LI 837: Teaching in the Information Professions (2 credit hours) Overview of the theories and models of instructional design, learning pedagogy, and assessment associated with teaching in the information professions. Case studies of a variety of instructional situations for face-to-face and online distance learning are covered. Recommend: LI 802. LI 838: Government Resources (2 credit hours) Study of government patterns at the international, national, and state levels for creating, producing, disseminating, organizing, diffusing, and utilizing information. Examples of government information resources are examined. LI 839: History of Libraries (2 credit hours) Historical approach to the study of libraries, librarianship, and the information professions from antiquity to the 21st century. This course emphasizes the history of Western library and information professions in the context of international developments and examines the evolution of libraries, archives, and information and documentation centers as antecedents of todays information agencies.

SLIM MLS and Doctoral Curricula Approved April 2011

Revised 06/23/2011

LI 840: Structure and Organization of Information Technology (2 credit hours) Overview of technology applications, software and Web-based applications that aim to facilitate collaboration and sharing between users. Applications such as podcasting, aggregators, blogs, wikis and other social networking resources are covered. TCP/IP networking protocols and Website evaluations are also covered. LI 842: Indexing and Abstracting (2 credit hours) Exploration of the means by which information can be represented by indexes and abstracts. Students construct indexes and abstracts that meet client information retrieval needs. This course introduces the principles, concepts, and basic processes of indexing and abstracting. LI 843: Web Design and Development (3 credit hours) Introduction to the basic principles, processes, and technologies of Website design and construction. Covers HTML programming, cascading style sheets, JavaScript, and other Web design tools. Examines the issues of Web usability, accessibility, and Web standard compliance. Students create Websites for real-world clients. LI 844: Database Design (2 credit hours) Introduction to the fundamentals of database design and creation as well as database model development. The focus is on database applications in organizing and retrieving information for various clients and addresses such information management issues as repackaging, customization, and the delivery of services. LI 846: Computer Networking for Libraries and Information Organizations (2 credit hours) Overview of computer networking, specifically focusing on the TCP/IP protocol that forms the foundation of the public Internet. Students learn basic networking terms and a theoretical model of networking. The course prepares students to plan, implement, and evaluate computer networks for strategic organizational purposes in library and information agencies. LI 848: Issues in Preservation, Access, and Digitization (2 credit hours) Examination of issues related to access, digitization, and preservation of information, focusing on the impact of technology on these processes. Issues examined include future accessibility, authorship, authority, ethics, legitimacy, authenticity, management, preservation, and control. Students examine strategies for managing these issues in a dynamic and competitive information environment. LI 849: Records and Information Management (2 credit hours) Records management is the process of creating and maintaining the records - i.e., the corporate and cultural memory - of an organization. In this class, students learn about the field and the concepts and principles of records and information management. LI 850: Management of Information Agencies (2 credit hours) Exploration of the managerial skills that are necessary in different types of libraries and information agencies. Students learn about the classic four areas of management:
SLIM MLS and Doctoral Curricula Approved April 2011 Revised 06/23/2011

planning, organizing, leading, and controlling, the factors that affect the context in which libraries and information agencies operate. Prerequisite: LI 805 LI 851: Managing the School Library Media Center (3 credit hours) Explores management techniques related to organizing and circulating library materials as well as staffing, budgeting, and day-to-day operations of the school library, and addresses issues relevant to strategic planning, goal setting, and program design. Special emphasis is given the school librarian's role as instructional leader, collaborative planner, and team teacher. Prerequisites: LI 801, LI 802, and LI 804 LI 853: Technology Institutions, Policies and Operations (2 credit hours) The course provides an overview regarding technical standards, user services, and user education for technological learning organizations and their consequences for institutional policy making. LI 855: Collection Development and Management (3 credit hours) Examination of the principles, policies, and procedures associated with evaluating, selecting, and acquiring print, nonprint, digital, and multimedia materials and resources. Students also learn 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 have opportunities for practical applications, using specific methodologies and diverse approaches. (Required) LI 860: Current Issues in Global Information Infrastructure (1-3 credit hours) A special topics seminar designed to allow students to explore timely issues arising from the dynamics of global interactions of information technology, government policies, structure of knowledge, and the international marketplace. LI 861: Current Issues in Information Transfer (1-3 credit hours) The course focuses on selected topics of current significance in the information transfer model. Elements in the model include creation, dissemination, organization, diffusion, utilization, preservation, and destruction of information. LI 862: Current Issues in Technology (1-3 credit hours) The course focuses on selected topics of current significance within the context of information technology. Issues in hardware, software and thoughtware in the context of information studies will be analyzed. The dynamic relationship among computers, video, telecommunication, mass storage devices, and audio will be explored. LI 863: Current Issues in Management of Information Organizations (1-3 credit hours) A series of special topic seminars to be 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 draws on the students' synthesis and application of knowledge in the areas of information transfer; psychology of information use, behavioral and communication theory, global
SLIM MLS and Doctoral Curricula Approved April 2011 Revised 06/23/2011

information infrastructure, information technology; sociology of information, organization of information, and organization theory and management application. LI 865: Independent Study (1-2 credit hours) (Prerequisites: LI 811, LI 812, LI 813, or permission of instructor) Individual study of an issue in library and information management or information systems design, under the direction of a faculty member. LI 866: Introduction to Copyright and Licensing (3 credit hours) An exploration of the historical, legal, ethical, and practical aspects of copyright and licensing law and practices from a library perspective. Students have the opportunity to practice applying these principles to library issues. LI 870: Practicum (1-3 credit hours) Supervised, advanced professional experience in a library or information center. Students engage in professional activities; apply theories, principles, and skills learned in professional courses; and discuss problems and relevant topics associated with professional practice. Consent of instructor. LI 873: Archives Studies Certificate Practicum (3-6 credit hours) Students gain practical and professional work experience in a supervised setting. Students must follow the guidelines set forth in the Archives Studies Certificate (ASC) Practicum Handbook. Consent of instructor. LI 876: School Library Media Elementary Practicum (1 credit hour) School library media specialist practicum is a supervised field experience. It is designed to apply theories and techniques learned in the School of Library and Information Management (SLIM), Master of Library Science (MLS) degree program to the school setting. Reading, study, and learning activities in addition to the in-school hours are expected of practicum students. The school library media elementary practicum (preK-6) requires a minimum of 40 hours in an approved elementary school library. Grading for the practicum is awarded on a Pass/No Credit basis, and is awarded by the SLIM faculty supervisor. Consent of instructor. LI 877: School Library Media Secondary Practicum (2 credit hours) School library media specialist practicum is a supervised field experience. It is designed to apply theories and techniques learned in the School of Library and Information Management (SLIM), Master of Library Science (MLS) degree program to the school setting. Reading, study, and learning activities in addition to the in-school hours are expected of practicum students. The school library media secondary practicum (7-12) requires a minimum of 40 hours in an approved secondary school library and a completed electronic practicum notebook, which includes both elementary and secondary policy, management, and instructional materials. Grading for the practicum is awarded on a Pass/No Credit basis, and is awarded by the SLIM faculty supervisor. Consent of instructor.

SLIM MLS and Doctoral Curricula Approved April 2011

Revised 06/23/2011

LI 878: School Library Media Internship Seminar Part I (2 credit hours) Must have a Kansas provisional school library media specialist license. The Internship is designed to engage post-graduate students who are employed in school library media specialist careers. Particular emphasis will be placed on the intern's individual situation. Learning activities will focus on goal setting, collection analysis, and curriculum development. In particular, interns will consider the alignment of curriculum to program standards, the implementation of an information skills agenda based on a variety of instructional models. Community analysis and library management techniques will also be addressed. Learning activities in the course will contribute to the fulfillment of state requirements related to Standard 8. LI 879: School Library Media Internship Seminar Part II (2 credit hours) Must hold a Kansas provisional school library media specialist license. The Internship is designed to engage post-graduate students who are employed in school library media specialist careers. Particular emphasis will be placed on the interns individual situation. Learning activities will focus on curriculum alignment with assessed content, school library media, and technology standards; models for teaching information literacy skills, community analysis and programming, and library management techniques. In particular, interns will consider the budget and acquisition needs of the school; professional development. Learning activities in the course will contribute to the fulfillment of state requirements related to Standard 8. LI 880: Capstone Course: Assessing the MLS Experience (1 credit hour) This course will give students the opportunity to reflect on their growth and development over the course of their MLS experience. This should be the last course that students take. In the course, students will analyze the artifacts collected in their assessment portfolio, discuss them with their colleagues, and write a reflective essay addressing the extent to which they demonstrate they met the goals of the MLS curriculum. (Required) LI 890: Advanced Research Strategies (3 credit hours) Building on LI 810, this course focuses on comparing and contrasting the philosophical foundation and research strategies of studies that use qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method approaches to investigate problems in LIS. It focuses on evaluating methodological tools and approaches to investigating research questions and evaluating LIS research studies. Recommend: LI 810. LI 891: Seminar in Information Transfer (3 credit hours) An examination of the theoretical constructs, concepts, research and practices of the transmission and processing of symbolic, verbal, and/or recorded messages for the creation, diffusion, and utilization of knowledge in society. Recommend: LI 801 and LI 810. LI 892: Seminar in Information Psychology (3 credit hours) An exploration of theories, models, and insights into information seeking and information use offered by cognitive psychology, behavioral psychology, social psychology and psychoanalytic theory. The course is organized around a series of

SLIM MLS and Doctoral Curricula Approved April 2011

Revised 06/23/2011

seminal readings in LIS; weekend activities involve lecture and discussion of central themes and articles. Recommend: LI 802. LI 893: Seminar in Administrative Theory (3 credit hours) Examines a series of theories, models, and concepts that provide insight into the management of organizations, the people and tasks of an organization, and work, activities, and processes in an organization. Students analyze the literature critically, gain competence in the topics, and engage in in-depth seminar discussions. Recommend: LI 805. LI 894: Seminar in Organization of Information (3 credit hours) A further examination of theories, models, and aspects of organization of information, including those that provide an understanding of knowledge organization systems, the representation and organization of information in digital forms, and effective methods of information access and retrieval. The course is organized around advanced readings. Recommend: LI 804. LI 899: Thesis (1-4 credit hours) Intensive investigation of a problem in the library and information professions, under the direction of a faculty committee. Recommend: LI 813 and permission of dean. LI 900: Introduction to Doctoral Studies (1 credit hour) An introduction to the SLIM doctoral program, to doctoral work, and to the culture of the researcher. LI 903: Research Philosophy (3 credit hours) Examines various constructs of science in society. Emphasis is placed on identifying assumptions about human nature, defining a researchers view of the social world, and identifying basic paradigms that serve as a foundation for inquiry. LI 904: Research Strategies: Quantitative Methods and Theory (3 credit hours) This advanced course is designed for doctoral students to undertake the advanced exploration of quantitative research methodologies and statistics that the researcher might choose for various research experiences, including work on the dissertation. Rules, procedures, statistics and general research protocols are stressed as a part of the researchers tasks. The goal is for the students to master that statistical and methodological tools necessary to conduct independent scholarly research. LI 905: Research Strategies: Qualitative Methods and Theory (3 credit hours) This course is intended to advance PhD students competence in qualitative research. The course will work through issues related to interpreting, utilizing, and (especially) the conduct of qualitative research. As such, the course will have for LIS students pragmatic (improve critical skill) and analytic (advance the notion of problem) yield.

SLIM MLS and Doctoral Curricula Approved April 2011

Revised 06/23/2011

LI 940: Teaching and Learning in Organizations (3 credit hours) This course will focus on graduate learning/teaching, curriculum development, methods, the roles of the faculty member in the university and in the profession, as well as the structure of educational institutions for adults. LI 946: Directed Readings (1-3 credit hours) Directed readings in preparation for the qualifying exam. Students may enroll three times in this course. LI 947: Dissertation Proposal (3 credit hours) Covers all aspects of dissertation proposal development, including problem statement and research questions, literature review and conceptual framework, design logic and procedures, ethical issues and IRB approval, and pilot study and write up. Students develop the skills of developing, presenting, and evaluating research proposals. Prerequisite: LI 890. LI 949: Continuous Enrollment (1 credit hour) The student will work with a faculty member who will supervise his or her progress through a particular part of the doctoral program, which will take faculty time and use university resources. Faculty will directs and assist students with appropriate areas of research and reading. LI 950: Dissertation (3-15 credit hours) Students must complete at least 15 hours of dissertation credit and enroll in at least three credits each semester until the dissertation is completed or until eight years after admission to the doctoral program has expired. Dissertations are expected to contribute new knowledge to the field through quality research. Dissertations will be supervised by a committee of at least three qualified members of the graduate faculty, one of whom must be from outside the School of Library and Information Management and may be from a different university. Upon completion of the dissertation, all students will defend their research during an oral examination conducted and evaluated by the dissertation committee and open to the public. Prerequisite: LI 947.

SLIM MLS and Doctoral Curricula Approved April 2011

Revised 06/23/2011

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