Online Master of Science in Library and Information Science Curriculum
Curriculum Details
36 total credits required
Throughout this curriculum accredited by the American Library Association (ALA), you will expand your knowledge and apply technical skills by building your professional portfolio, which will be built to meet eight program goals aligned with the eight ALA core competencies.
The online program consists of 36 credits of library science courses, including:
- Core courses: 15 credit hours
- Elective courses: 21 credit hours
Students may choose from one of five specializations. Read the specific courses below or click on a specialization title to learn more:
The optional 12-credit Advanced Certificates in Management for Information Professionals and the Social Justice in the Information Professions may be completed as part of the online Master of Science in Library and Information Science program with no additional coursework.
Upon satisfactory completion (3.0 minimum on 4.0 grading scale) of the Records Management Specialization programs’ required core courses, the ICRM provides three distinct pathways for graduates to earn credit for Parts 1-5 towards its certification. Graduates must also meet ICRM requirements for one year of professional experience upon application for credit.
Pathway #1 for exam credit: Students take and pass courses required to obtain credit for Parts 2, 3, and 4 ONLY: LIS 310, LIS 312, and LIS 314 and Academic Service Learning or LIS 269 if needed to meet the 1-year requirement for professional experience. Upon applying to the ICRM to accept credit for Parts 2, 3, and 4 of the ICRM exam and accepting the CRA, they then have an unlimited amount of time to take and pass Parts 1, 4, and 6 to earn the CRM designation.
Pathway #2 for exam credit: Students take and pass all courses required to obtain credit for Parts 1-5 of the ICRM exam: LIS 310, LIS 311, LIS 312, LIS 314, LIS 203 and Academic Service Learning or LIS 269 if needed to meet the 1-year of required professional experience. Upon applying to the ICRM to request credit for Parts 1-5 of the ICRM exam and accepting the CRA, they then have an unlimited amount of time to take and pass Part 6 to earn the CRM designation.
Pathway #3 for exam credit: Students take and pass all courses required to obtain credit for Parts 1-5 of the ICRM exam: LIS 310, LIS 311, LIS 312, LIS 314, LIS 203 and Academic Service-Learning or LIS 269 if needed to meet the 1-year of professional experience. Upon applying to the ICRM to request credit for Parts 1-5 of the ICRM exam, the graduate foregoes accepting the CRA and prepares to take the Part 6 exam to earn the CRM designation.
Core Courses Credits
LIS 203 Information Organization
3
Theories, systems, and practices of information organization. Emphasis is on understanding the basic function of library catalogs, indexes, metadata, finding aids and internet search engines.
LIS 204 Introduction to Library & Information Science
3
Theories, systems, and practices of information organization. Emphasis is on understanding the basic function of library catalogs, indexes, metadata, finding aids and internet search engines.
LIS 205 Information Sources & Services
3
Scope, organization and evaluation of reference sources and services, with emphasis on information use and retrieval in a virtual environment and contemporary models of service delivery.
LIS 239 Research and Evaluation Methods
3
Social science research methods applicable to program evaluation and library and information science research; topics include research ethics, research design, literature reviews, data analysis, and reporting research to general and specialized users.
LIS 240 Management of Information Organizations
3
This course will prepare information professionals to work effectively at the individual and organizational level by learning and applying management theories, techniques, and practices in any type of information setting. The course focuses on those management skills and competencies that information professionals require for managing their organizations, including, but not limited to, planning, organizing, leading, influencing, budgeting, and implementing change.
Academic Librarianship Specialization (Choose 4) Credits
LIS 221 Planning and Delivering Information Literacy Programs
3
Theory and practice of user education with emphasis on developing information literacy programs. Standards, guidelines, instructional models, effective pedagogical techniques, collaboration, and assessment. Planning, delivering and evaluation of instruction.
LIS 230 Introduction to Digital Libraries
3
The contextual framework for digital libraries, including the creation, structure, access, and use of digital information. Analysis of digital library projects.
LIS 231 College & University Libraries
3
Academic library administration, planning, staffing, and evaluation. The history of higher education and the college library in the U.S. The impact of demographic and social changes on the provision of service.
LIS 238 Web Design for Libraries & Information Centers
3
An information architecture approach to the design of web sites for large enterprises. Topics include information content, organization, labeling, navigation, searching, usability, and accessibility.
LIS 260 Information Use and Users
3
Survey/seminar on how LIS practitioners and researchers seek to understand user information needs/behaviors. Emphasis on theories of user needs and information use. Populations include children, business managers, attorneys, scientists, and university students.
LIS 275 Cultural Competence for Information Professionals
3
This course prepares students to work effectively at the individual and organizational level by learning and applying cultural competence knowledge, skills, and practices required in a culturally diverse environment. It is designed to develop cultural competency in decision-making, problem solving, and creating inclusive programs and services. It explores cultural competence expectations in organizations at the management, and consumer service levels. This course emphasizes the practical applications of cultural competency and how cultural competency affects information organizations.
LIS 320 Fake News and Misinformation
3
This course emphasizes access to the authoritative information as a social justice issue and utilizes a social justice perspective to explore the evolution of fake news, misinformation, and conspiracy theories and their implications in contemporary society. Students will examine cognitive factors and emotional filters through which people process information. The course equips students with the necessary skills, strategies, and resources to address fake news, misinformation, and conspiracy theories, and their implications for public health, civic engagement, and overall well-being in an information society.
Archival Studies Specialization (Choose 4) Credits
LIS 238 Web Design for Libraries & Information Centers
3
An information architecture approach to the design of web sites for large enterprises. Topics include information content, organization, labeling, navigation, searching, usability, and accessibility.
LIS 249 Introduction to Archival Principles and Practices
3
Management of archives and manuscript repositories, including basic functions and skills required of an archivist or curator of manuscripts, as well as current issues and topics.
LIS 253 Oral History
3
Introduction to the theory and practice of oral history. Major topics include the ideological content of speech and storytelling, the role of class and ethnicity, the ethics of scholarly intrusion, and the use of technology.
LIS 257 Archival Representation
3
This course covers the history and principles of archival materials and examines the administrative decisions entailed in the management of an archival institution’s representation program.
LIS 302 Genealogical Sources & Services
3
Sources and services to assist patrons with genealogical research. Research methodology, conducting the reference interview, and the use and evaluation of print and electronic resources.
Public Librarianship Specialization (Choose 4) Credits
LIS 221 Planning and Delivering Information Literacy Programs
3
Theory and practice of user education with emphasis on developing information literacy programs. Standards, guidelines, instructional models, effective pedagogical techniques, collaboration, and assessment. Planning, delivering and evaluation of instruction.
LIS 222 Materials & Services to Diverse Populations
3
This online course is an exploration of the information needs, seeking, and use of library constituencies referred to collectively as “diverse populations”. Emphasis is on materials and services for diverse racial, ethnic, and linguistic groups, the aged, individuals with disabilities, and persons who cannot currently (or can no longer) read and/or write and/or access print or digitally-formatted information. This course covers needs assessment, resource evaluation, and program planning. This course will also discuss the “digital divide” and other barriers to information access. Other goals are to examine federal regulations and compliance issues, and to develop attitudes and techniques useful for information professionals to work effectively with diverse populations.
LIS 233 Public Libraries & Community Information Centers
3
The objectives, organization, and services of the contemporary public library, including the ways in which they serve diverse communities and reach underserved populations. Field trips may be required.
LIS 238 Web Design for Libraries & Information Centers
3
An information architecture approach to the design of web sites for large enterprises. Topics include information content, organization, labeling, navigation, searching, usability, and accessibility.
LIS 260 Information Use and Users
3
Survey/seminar on how LIS practitioners and researchers seek to understand user information needs/behaviors. Emphasis on theories of user needs and information use. Populations include children, business managers, attorneys, scientists, and university students.
LIS275 Cultural Competence for Information Professionals
3
This course prepares students to work effectively at the individual and organizational level by learning and applying cultural competence knowledge, skills, and practices required in a culturally diverse environment. It is designed to develop cultural competency in decision-making, problem solving, and creating inclusive programs and services. It explores cultural competence expectations in organizations at the management, and consumer service levels. This course emphasizes the practical applications of cultural competency and how cultural competency affects information organizations.
LIS 302 Genealogical Sources & Services
3
Sources and services to assist patrons with genealogical research. Research methodology, conducting the reference interview, and the use and evaluation of print and electronic resources.
LIS 320 Fake News and Misinformation
3
This course emphasizes access to the authoritative information as a social justice issue and utilizes a social justice perspective to explore the evolution of fake news, misinformation, and conspiracy theories and their implications in contemporary society. Students will examine cognitive factors and emotional filters through which people process information. The course equips students with the necessary skills, strategies, and resources to address fake news, misinformation, and conspiracy theories, and their implications for public health, civic engagement, and overall well-being in an information society.
Records Management Specialization Credits
LIS 203 Information Organization
3
Theories, systems, and practices of information organization. Emphasis is on understanding the basic function of library catalogs, indexes, metadata, finding aids and internet search engines.
LIS 310 Fundamentals of Data Curation
3
Data curation is the active, ongoing management of data throughout its life cycle from creation to archiving to deletion. Students learn the processes involved in data analysis, accessibility and reliable retrieval of data for research purposes.
LIS 311 Records & Information Management (RIM)
3
Students learn the management of information throughout its life cycle, from the time of creation or receipt to its eventual disposition.
LIS 314 Archival Appraisal and Management
3
Students will investigate the theories, techniques, and methods that archivists use to identify documents of enduring value for long-term preservation.
LIS 315 Data Preservation and Access
3
Course acquaints students with best practices in digital preservation. Students explore current issues library, archive, and museum professionals confront within relevant organizations.
Capstone Course, LIS 2699 or work experience
3
Capstone Course (meets ICRM requirement for 1 year of experience) may be in the form of academic-service learning, internship, work experience, or combination of all three demonstrating one year of experience.
Youth Services Specialization (Choose 4) Credits
LIS 121 Literature & Related Resources for Children
3
A survey of books and other materials for children, with emphasis on selection criteria, developing evaluation skills, familiarity with award-winning titles and book presentation. Requires fieldwork.
LIS 125 Library Materials & Services for Young Children
3
Materials and services for the young child (infant through preschool). Theories underlying services. Selection, analysis and presentation of books, and other appropriate materials. Requires fieldwork.
LIS 126 Literature & Related Resources for Young Adults
3
A survey of books and other materials for young adults, with emphasis on selection criteria, developing evaluation skills, familiarity with award-winning titles and book presentation. Requires fieldwork.
Library Services for Children & Young Adults
3
Serving children in the public library, with emphasis on user needs, storytelling and book talk skills, programming, information services, policies and guidelines, and maintaining collections. Requires fieldwork.
LIS 213 Popular Culture & the Young Adult
3
An exploration of contemporary, popular entertainment media oriented toward and accepted by adolescents, with emphasis on film, television, music, magazines, and the Internet.
LIS 261 Information Sources & Services for Children & Young Adults
3
Non-fiction and reference sources and services in school and public libraries as they relate to curriculum support and information literacy. Focus on the child as reference interview participant/learner.
Management for Information Professionals Certificate Credits
LIS 240 Management of Information Organizations
3
This course will prepare information professionals to work effectively at the individual and organizational level by learning and applying management theories, techniques, and practices in any type of information setting. The course focuses on those management skills and competencies that information professionals require for managing their organizations, including, but not limited to, planning, organizing, leading, influencing, budgeting, and implementing change.
LIS 262 Project Management in Information Organizations
3
This course provides students with an overview of project management and guides them through many of project management tools and skills required in information organizations.
LIS 263 Marketing and Advocacy in Information Organizations
3
This course prepares students to design, implement, and evaluate marketing, communications, and advocacy plans in order to improve service experiences of information users.
LIS 282 Knowledge Management
3
The process and practice of facilitating the operation, sharing, acquisition and application of knowledge in an organization; dissemination according to needs and preferences of stakeholders.
Social Justice in the Information Professions Certificate Credits
LIS 222 Materials & Services to Diverse Populations
3
This online course is an exploration of the information needs, seeking, and use of library constituencies referred to collectively as “diverse populations”. Emphasis is on materials and services for diverse racial, ethnic, and linguistic groups, the aged, individuals with disabilities, and persons who cannot currently (or can no longer) read and/or write and/or access print or digitally-formatted information. This course covers needs assessment, resource evaluation, and program planning. This course will also discuss the “digital divide” and other barriers to information access. Other goals are to examine federal regulations and compliance issues, and to develop attitudes and techniques useful for information professionals to work effectively with diverse populations.
LIS 275 Cultural Competence for Information Professionals
3
This course prepares students to work effectively at the individual and organizational level by learning and applying cultural competence knowledge, skills, and practices required in a culturally diverse environment. It is designed to develop cultural competency in decision-making, problem solving, and creating inclusive programs and services. It explores cultural competence expectations in organizations at the management, and consumer service levels. This course emphasizes the practical applications of cultural competency and how cultural competency affects information organizations.
LIS 283 Social Justice in the Information Professions
3
Through individual exploration and online group discussion, this online graduate seminar focuses on social justice trends in the information sciences and professions. Covered topics include social justice theory, the history and philosophy of human rights, social activism in librarianship, and the relationship between information access and human development. Particular emphasis is placed on examining policy and information services (i.e., reference, cataloging, collection development, access to materials, public access computing, user studies, and evaluation), for traditionally under-served populations, including the physically challenged, the poor, senior citizens, citizens of developing countries, ethnic, religious, sexual, and linguistic minorities, etc.
LIS 320 Fake News and Misinformation
3
This course emphasizes access to the authoritative information as a social justice issue and utilizes a social justice perspective to explore the evolution of fake news, misinformation, and conspiracy theories and their implications in contemporary society. Students will examine cognitive factors and emotional filters through which people process information. The course equips students with the necessary skills, strategies, and resources to address fake news, misinformation, and conspiracy theories, and their implications for public health, civic engagement, and overall well-being in an information society.
Additional Courses Credits
LIS 211 Collection Development
3
Philosophy and methods of managing collections in physical and virtual libraries, with emphasis on assessing and meeting information needs. May include service learning requirement.
LIS 283 Social Justice in the Information Professions
3
Through individual exploration and online group discussion, this online graduate seminar focuses on social justice trends in the information sciences and professions. Covered topics include social justice theory, the history and philosophy of human rights, social activism in librarianship, and the relationship between information access and human development. Particular emphasis is placed on examining policy and information services (i.e., reference, cataloging, collection development, access to materials, public access computing, user studies, and evaluation), for traditionally under-served populations, including the physically challenged, the poor, senior citizens, citizens of developing countries, ethnic, religious, sexual, and linguistic minorities, etc.
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