LIS 406 - Organization
and Management of School Library Media Centers (formerly Organization
and Management of School Library/Media/Technology Centers) (3 semester
hours)
Philosophy of school library/media center programs (preK-12) and its
contribution to the overall aims of education. Planning, equipping, and administering
the library/media center, with emphasis on technology and program development.
Consideration of the library/media program at local and system-wide levels,
including differentiated staffing and budgeting patterns. Course methodology
includes readings, discussion, field contacts, group activities, and written
work.
LIS 408 - User
Instruction (formerly Bibliographic Instruction and Methods) (3
semester hours)
This course offers an overview of user instruction, including needs assessment,
planning, educational strategies, and evaluation of programs in all types of
libraries. Critical evaluation of concepts of information literacy, learning
theories, and the goals of user instruction. Application of best practices principles
in development of user instruction program modules for either oral presentation
or online tutorials. Readings, discussion, guest lectures, oral presentations,
and a term project. Prerequisites:
12 semester hours.
LIS 409 - Literature
of the Social Sciences (3 semester hours)
Overview of social science information, environment, structure of resources,
and users. Emphasis upon navigating through an increasingly interdisciplinary
and cross-disciplinary body of knowledge. Discussion will include the
evolution of the various disciplines, organization of inquiry, and role
of research methodologies. Techniques used to evaluate social science
information are covered. Typically includes guest speakers and field
trips. Prerequisite: LIS 407.
LIS 413 - Literature
of the Humanities (3 semester hours)
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the numerous types of
standard and current works, reference materials, bibliographic sources, and
Web portals in the humanities. In addition, the course emphasizes various approaches
to searching for information and to the bibliographic structure of disciplines.
Students will evaluate sources, search for information, and investigate topics
in the humanities. Prerequisite: LIS 407.
LIS 414 - Organization
and Management of Corporate Libraries (3 semester hours)
This course examines the history, types of libraries, staffing,
development, and future of company libraries in the United States.
Specific attention will be given to examples of highly successful models
as well as those corporate information centers which have encountered
problems. Recent research on the value of information professionals
and the perceived value of corporate libraries will be examined in
detail. Methodologies to evaluate the company library will be discussed.
Comparative data on corporate libraries in the U.S., Europe, and Japan
will be included in this course.
LIS 416 - Organization
of Non print Materials (3 semester hours)
Practical and theoretical study of cataloging procedures for non print
materials, i.e., sound recordings, motion pictures, video recordings,
graphics, computer files, three-dimensional representations, and kits.
Standard descriptive cataloging, subject analysis, and MARC coding
as well as nonstandard alternatives are studied and explored. Library
policies and procedures for bibliographic control for these materials
are developed. Readings, discussion, written exercises, and a term
project. Prerequisite: LIS 415.
LIS 417 - Advanced Cataloging
and Classification (3 semester hours)
An in-depth analysis of the practical and theoretical aspects of the
descriptive cataloging of books, serials, rare books, maps, and music scores.
Study of the application of the major classification systems, including the
Library of Congress and the Dewey Decimal Classification, as well as the major
systems of subject analysis. Readings, discussions, and oral and written exercises. Prerequisite:
LIS 415.
LIS 418 - Technical
Services (3 semester hours)
Organization, administration, and functions of technical services,
including selection, acquisition, and processing of all types of material,
as well as preservation of library material. The impact of automation on technical
services. Commercial services and cooperative projects, such as networks affecting
technical services operations. Course includes field trips, guest lectures,
and individual projects.
LIS 419 - Subject Analysis (3
semester hours)
Design, evaluation, and improvement of systems providing subject access to information
resources. Indexing, classification and taxonomy, indexing language development,
abstracting, algorithmic approaches. Subject organization and retrieval in a
range of information systems and settings, including Web sites, subject gateways,
and digital libraries. Practical exercises, individual or group projects, in-class
presentations. Prerequisites: LIS
407 and LIS 415.
LIS 420 - Modern Publishing
and Librarianship (3 semester hours)
The publishing industry and its relation to the library profession.
History and modern processes of publication including: editing, design, selection,
typography, composition, printing processes, illustrations, binding, marketing,
methods of distribution, and sales outlets. Organization and current issues
of the publishing industry; problems in the acquisition of materials; various
aspects of copyright; and specialized publishing. Role and future of print
in relation to other communication media. Course includes field trips, guest
lectures, media presentations, and individual research papers.
Please note: this course is one of several still under
review by the faculty. Please be aware that the course content may
be changed or, in some cases, the course may not be offered again.
LIS 421 - Social Informatics
(formerly Computers in Society (Social Informatics)) (3 semester
hours)
Social Informatics refers to the body of research and study that examines social
aspects of computerization -- including the roles of information technology
in social and organizational change and the ways that the social organization
of information technologies are influenced by social forces and social practices.
This graduate seminar is for students interested in the influence of information
technology in the human context, including cultural heritage, professional concerns,
and social inequities. The course introduces some of the key concepts of
social informatics and situates them into the view of varied perspectives including
readers, librarians, computer professionals, authors, educators, publishers,
editors, and the institutions that support them.
LIS 424 - The Film in
Communication (3 semester hours)
Film as a major medium for information, communication, education, social
research, and artistic expression. Course topics include: evolution of film
form; acquiring the basic vocabulary for film criticism and reviewing; building
the film collection; the genres of film, including fiction, documentary, propaganda,
personal vision, short features, and animation. Additional topics covered are
the film archivist as historian; responsibilities of the film archivist and
film librarian; criteria for awards at professional conferences; survey of
film literatures; and methods of selection and utilization for a variety of
institutional contexts. Emphasis on viewing films for critical analysis.
LIS 426 - Curriculum Frameworks and
Instructional Strategies for Library Teachers (3 semester hours)
This course provides an in-depth
examination of the organization, structure, and content of the Massachusetts
Curriculum Frameworks. Students will identify those aspects of these standards
and frameworks that link to student achievement through library based learning,
instruction and activities. Emphasis will be on the planning, organization,
and implementation of library-based instructional activities; the use of library
instructional techniques to implement frameworks, content and skills, and
library-teacher classroom collaboration. Cross-disciplinary
learning, discovery-based learning, differentiating instruction, and literacy
and research skills will be key topics.
LIS 427 - Issues in Information Policy
(formerly National Information Policy) (3 semester hours)
This course covers a wide range of issues associated with government, national
and international, of importance to various stakeholder and interest groups.
The course, which is intended for information managers, focuses mostly on national
governments, and it specifically examines basic information policies and, to
some extent, those of international organizations; the policy formulation and
review process; the political economy of information; information management
in the context of life cycle management; and especially intersections and differences
between and among stakeholders and interest groups.
Prerequisite: LIS 407
LIS 428 - U.S.
Government as Publisher (formerly United States
Government Information Policies, Resources, and Services) (3
semester hours)
Within an information policy context, the course examines the life cycle of
government information, with particular emphasis on public access issues, the
evolution from distribution to dissemination, and the emergence of e-government--a
multi-faceted concept. Students learn to navigate through a rich body of current
and historical literature.
LIS 430 - Business Information
Sources and Services (3 semester hours)
A survey of print and electronic information sources as well as coverage of
basic business concepts is provided. It will include sources basic to business,
finance, trade, company and industry reference and be both national and international
in scope. The objective will be to familiarize students with source material
including government sources and statistics, industry and trade literature,
used for business research. Attention will also be paid to the information
needs of business people and researchers as well as the issues and concerns
associated with business information gathering and research. Prerequisite:
LIS 407.
LIS 431 -
Instructional Strategies for Effective Teaching and Learning in the School Library
Media Center
(formerly The Design,
Production, and Presentation of Instructional Materials) (3 semester
hours)
This course provides an in-depth look at the pedagogy of teaching and learning,
including an analysis of the research base that informs the use of specific instructional
strategies as it relates to pedagogy. It is structured to enable the future library
teacher to understand his/her role and responsibilities as a teacher and instructional
partner with the classroom teachers with whom they will work. Students will be exposed to
preparation of presentations utilizing computer technology and presentation software,
distance learning technology and copyright.
LIS 433 - Oral History
(3 semester hours)
This course is in four components: 1] studying the ethics and responsible practice
of oral history; 2] studying the mechanics of analog and digital recording;
3] developing a project to document a life, event, occupation, family, institution
or experience; 4] archiving, providing access and preserving analog and digital
recordings. The class will make use of films, field trips and guest lecturers.
All projects must secure the approval of the Simmons College Internal Review
Board.
LIS 434 - Medical Librarianship (3
semester hours)
Basic concepts and trends in the organization and management of the medical
library. Selection, organization, and utilization of print and electronic
medical literature and information. Emphasis on the institutional and environmental
information needs of medical education, research, and practice in which the
health sciences librarian works. Utilization of the online databases
and controlled vocabularies from the National Library of Medicine and experience
in the navigation, identification, and evaluation of Internet-based medical
and health information resources. Current and future trends in health
sciences librarianship .
LIS 435 - Music Librarianship (3
semester hours)
Scope, types, and functions of music libraries; their physical and
intellectual organization and administration. Included are principles
and techniques of selection, acquisition, classification, cataloging,
binding, storage, and dissemination of music materials; principles,
techniques, and materials of music reference and research; music publishing
and recording, including listening facilities; and philosophy and functions
of the music librarian. Music-reading ability and substantial music
literature background required. Prerequisite: LIS 415.
LIS 437 - Legal Information
Sources (3 semester hours)
Study of legal information; origins, organization, dissemination, and
use of legal media, as well as techniques of basic legal research. Prerequisite:
LIS 407.
LIS
438 - Introduction to Archival Methods and Services (3 semester hours)
Fundamentals of a wide range of archival activities including
appraisal, acquisitions, arrangement, description, reference, and access.
Overview of history and terminology of the profession. Discussion of
the types and varieties of archival repositories and the value of historical
records beyond traditional research use. Course includes a required
60-hour internship completed in an archives or manuscript repository. Required
course for Archives Management Concentration.
LIS 439 - Preservation
Management in Libraries and Archives (3 semester hours)
This course covers the fundamentals of planning and managing programs of prevention
and remedial treatment for the preservation of information resources in libraries
and archives. The study of the nature of all types of materials and the
factors contributing to their deterioration serves as background. Preservation
planning topics, such as environmental control and light, security, risk management,
fire prevention, housekeeping and storage, general collections maintenance and
testing methods, are covered. Additional topics include: emergency
planning in the areas of preparedness, mitigation and response; selection of
materials for basic repair, conservation or reformatting; budgeting for preservation
activities; preservation training for staff and users; digital preservation;
and cooperative programs. Course includes readings, guest lectures, media
presentations, field trips, demonstrations, and individual projects. Team
taught with members of the Northeast Document Conservation Center staff.
LIS 440 - Archival
Access and Use (formerly Administration of Archives and Manuscript
Collections) (3
semester hours)
Explores access to and use of archives and manuscript collections within the
framework of archival description and representation. How archives are described
and the surrogates that are used to represent them profoundly impact their access
and use and are central to the archives profession. Students will explore various
types of archival use including exhibits (physical and virtual) in addition
to the creation of surrogates for primary sources and will gain a theoretical
and practical understanding of EAD (Encoded Archival Description) as well as
other emerging metadata standards. Course includes a sixty-hour internship project
completed in an archives-related setting. Required course for Archives Management
Concentration. Prerequisite: LIS
415 and LIS 438
LIS 446 - Art Documentation
(3 semester hours)
Generation, management, and dissemination of art information in art libraries,
visual collections, and museums. Examination of art historical methodology and
impact of new technologies of research; challenges of developing collections
with unique format materials; developments in technologies and their impacts
on art libraries; developments in cooperative programs to establish standards
for cataloging, organizing and disseminating visual materials; interrelatedness
of automated documentation projects in libraries, archives, visual collections,
and museums. Course requires class discussion, reading and written assignments,
an individual or group project and in-class presentation.
LIS 450 - Organization
and Management of Public Libraries (3 semester hours)
Examines the principles and techniques of planning and delivering public library
services to individuals and communities. Emphasis on preparation of a community
profile and development of service goals and objectives, with attention to library
relationships with other community agencies. Examination of the governance and
service structure of metropolitan and town libraries with consideration of political,
fiscal and societal trends affecting them. Analysis of the library needs
of specific groups and the means of implementing particular programs and services.
LIS 451 - Academic Libraries
(3 semester hours)
Survey of the development, current state, and future directions of college and
university libraries. The focus will be on broad issues within a context that
connects academic libraries, and their infrastructure, with their parent institutions.
Such issues include managing change, scholarly communication, publishing, information
technology, advocacy, evaluation and assessment, planning, budgeting, and higher
education. Prerequisite:
LIS 407.
LIS 452 (Evaluation
of Information Services) is no longer offered (as of 3/05).
Students
interested in this course are reminded that the course LIS 403 (formerly
Library and Information Services: The Role of Research) has been
redesigned and is now LIS
403 - Evaluation of Information Services, a required
course.
LIS 453 - Collection
Development and Management (3 semester hours)
Activities through which library collections are systematically developed
and managed are explored, especially the formulation and implementation
of written collection development policies. Other specific topics include
identification of user needs; collection evaluation; fund allocation
among competing departments, subjects, and/or media; selection methods;
intellectual freedom; storage alternatives; and cooperative collection
development. Course includes readings, guest lectures, and a term project
in which a collection development policy for a real information agency
is prepared. Prerequisites:
LIS 407 and LIS 415 or the permission of the instructor.
LIS 454 - Digital
Information Services and Providers (formerly Online Information Services) (3
semester hours)
Provides a survey of the use and management of commercial electronic
resources. The course will focus on search strategies and logics as
applied to online databases in bibliographic, full-text, numeric, and
directory formats. Focuses on management considerations such as client
relationships, collection development, equipment purchasing, and the
management of public access services. Trends in electronic publishing
both in multimedia CD-ROM and the World Wide Web are explored. Instructional
methods include lecture, online demonstrations, hands-on training,
and guest speakers. Prerequisite: LIS 407
LIS 455 - Applied Information
Systems Design (3 semester hours)
Applied information systems design is the continuation of Systems Analysis
and Design. In this course, students review the range of information systems
used in many information environments and will build a complete information
system based on the analysis in the other course or another project of their
own choosing. The course goes into much greater depth about the technical and
implementation issues, types of commercial information systems, technical white
papers, SQL, client-server architecture, applied human-computer interaction. Students
should have intermediate-level experience in at least one of the following: Java,
Perl, PHP, SQL, JavaScript, ASP, JSP, C++, Macromedia Flash, ActionScript, or
GIS and be proficient in at least one of the following: Mac OSX, WindowsXP,
Unix or Linux. Code samples are provided in Java and demonstrated as servlets
or applets, or asp applications, on the class's web server running Apache Tomcat,
MySQL, with perl and php modules. Prerequisite: LIS 488.
LIS 456 - Managing
Records in Electronic Environments (formerly Records Management)
(3 semester hours)
Records Management is an essential component of archival practice. This course
covers the principles, standard, procedures, and technologies utilized in modern
recordkeeping and information resources management. Topics include appraisal,
scheduling and disposition, systems theory, functional analysis, systems design
and electronic records management and policy. Course includes a required 60-hour
internship in a records management setting. Required course for Archives
Management Concentration. Prerequisite:
LIS 415 (LIS 438 is recommended as a pre-requisite for archives concentrators)
LIS 457 - Digital Publishing (formerly
World Wide Web and Electronic Publishing) (3 semester hours)
Whether delivered on the Internet or in print, publishing is now produced in
digital formats. One of the most significant effects of the digitization of
publishing is that the concept of who is a publisher has significant expanded.
Many institutions, particularly libraries, archives, and museums, find themselves
assuming the role of publisher. Moreover, in addition these institutions also
deliver and manage the digital content they acquire from publishers. This course
demonstrates how this content are constructed and from both traditional and
nontraditional publisher perspectives, such as institutional repositories. The
overall goal is to present the "big picture" view of the digital publishing
process from conceptualization to final product. This course will introduce
students to the core and evolving technologies of digital publishing and the
software applications used to create them. Please note: the new content in
this course incorporates the former LIS 520Y -- Introduction to Information Design
as well as the content from the former iteration of the course. Prerequisite: LIS
488
LIS 458 - Database Management
(3 semester hours)
Principles and practices of database management and database design. Discussion
and practice cover database application lifecycle, data modeling, relational
database design, SQL queries, reports and other interfaces to database data,
and documentation. Lectures also cover Web databases, XML, multimedia databases,
and ethical and privacy issues associated with database systems. Individual
and group projects. Prerequisites: LIS 488 and Technology Orientation Requirement
(TOR).
LIS 459 (Desktop CD-ROM Publishing)
is no longer offered (as of 10/04)
LIS 460 - Technology
and the School Library Media Center (formerly Emerging
Technologies and the Library/Media Center) (3 semester hours)
This course will prepare the library media specialist for integrating
emerging technologies successfully within the work environment. Topics will
include resources for curriculum development, such as multimedia programs,
CD-ROMs, and the Internet and other online services, as well as automated library
systems. There will be an opportunity for hands-on learning, and for discussion
of issues arising from technology implementation. In-service education, with
the role of the library media specialist as an active resource person and a
leader in technology implementation, will be emphasized throughout the course. Prerequisites:
LIS 407 and Technology Orientation Requirement.
LIS 461 - Multimedia
Technology for Information Management (3 semester hours)
This course examines first the definition and role of multimedia as an information
channel and then considers the application of multimedia in different environments.
In this course we examine data modeling for multimedia applications, production,
and web-based distribution. Students will develop a multimedia product, touching
on all stages of product development, from needs assessment, storyboarding,
resource library ("information architecture") to using authoring software, such
as Macromedia Flash, or dynamic web applications. There are no programming skills
or other technical requirements, other than successful completion of the IT
Core Class. Prerequisites: LIS 488 and Technology Orientation Requirement.
LIS 462 - Digital Libraries
(3 semester hours)
Digital libraries are regulated collections of distributed networked resources
made accessible to users, usually through a transparent and standardized interface.
This course will examine publicly and privately funded digital library projects
in the US and internationally, and will explore evolving definitions and visions,
as well as issues such as preservation and intellectual property. Through hands-on
investigation, students will also become familiar with the components of digital
libraries, and with digital library research. Assignments will include (but
are not limited to) papers and presentations. Prerequisites:
LIS 415 and LIS 488
LIS 465 - Knowledge Management (formerly
Management of Knowledge in Large Organizations) (3 semester hours)
This course introduces information professionals to the basics underlying the
KM function--the organization and dissemination of the information that an organization
already owns. Seventy-five percent of the course will address KM from a management
perspective and the remainder will introduce the document management issues
that the elective courses listed below will further develop. Various aspects
of managing KM will be covered such as its link to organizational strategy,
costs, benefits, standards, and professionals' roles. Also, operational components
will be introduced, including taxonomies, thesauri, indexes, and the retrieval
of textual information. Case studies are included.
LIS 468 (Communications
Media and the Information Professions) is no longer offered (as
of 3/04)
LIS 470 - Visual Communication (formerly
History of Visual Communication) (3 semester hours)
Intensive study and analysis, through illustrated lectures, of visual forms
of information and communication. Upon a foundation of the history of
graphic forms of communication, semiotics, philosophy, and media analysis, students
study the basics of theory and iconographic languages to understand visual information
resources in society in general and specifically in libraries, archives, and
emerging visually-rich environments. Topics may include visual literacy,
rare books, prints and printmaking, typography, photography, posters, ephemera,
propaganda, digital images, exhibit construction, and other topics driven by
student interests. The readings and activities from a foundation of (a)
graphic/visual knowledge, (b) theory, (c) history, and (d) application in LIS.
Students will be able to pursue media studies, human-computer interaction, information
architecture and related topics with greater understanding.
LIS 471 - Photographic
Archives and Visual Information (3 semester hours)
Photographs as visual information. Problems of meaning, context, and definition.
Responsibilities of the photo archivist. History of major types of photographic
artifacts and development of photographic genres. Characteristics of 19th century
processes. Special problems of subject access and remote access. Utilization
by scholars, visual researchers, and communication industries. Onsite examination
of management practices in a variety of institutions. Guest specialists include,
when possible, visitors from special libraries, historical societies, major
archives, museums, and picture agencies. Prerequisite:
LIS 415
LIS 475 - Organizational/Information
Ethics (3 semester hours)
The course will examine the ethical implications of decisions made
within various organizational contexts regarding issues such as property
ownership, strategy formulation, the utilization of computer technology,
employee relations, accountability, conflicts of interest, as well
as other topics relevant to today's managers. Participants will examine
the ethical implications of cases at the individual, organizational,
and societal levels. The course will assist professionals to clarify
and apply their own moral standards and ethical norms, beliefs, and
values to unfamiliar, complex situations in which the appropriate
application of these values may not be obvious. The course makes
no effort to dictate what is "right," "proper," and "just";
that is left to the individual's own moral standards of behavior
and ethical systems of belief.
LIS 479 - Professional
and Scholarly Writing (3 semester hours)
Analyzes different type of documents librarians are expected to write
and use in the course of their professional careers, including job
descriptions, memoranda, letters, reports, proposals, etc., and both
popular and scholarly papers. Identifies the elements of professional
and scholarly writing and provides practice in writing selected documents,
with editorial feedback. Acquaints students with the use of computers
in writing. Lectures, in-class writing practice and critique, and individual
class projects. Please note: this course is one of several
still under review by the faculty. Please be aware that the course
content may be changed or, in some cases, the course may not be offered
again.
LIS 480 (Program Design in Services
for Children and Adolescents) is no longer offered (as of 11/03).
LIS 481 - Children's
Literature and Media Collections (3 semester hours)
This course considers critical evaluation and selection of materials for children
in public libraries and schools. Examination of the characteristics of major
genres of children's books and non-print formats. Emphasis on evaluation of
collections and the development of collection policies and procedures. Attention
to the learning needs of children and to the impact of popular media, societal
and teaching trends, and contemporary information technology.
LIS 482 - Library Programs
and Services to Children (3 semester hours)
This course examines trends and techniques in planning and delivering public
library services to children and their families. Attention is paid to
the learning needs and recreational interests of children through the various
stages of childhood. Students have opportunities for observation and
practice of storytelling and other program techniques. Emphasis on planning,
developing, funding, publicizing and evaluation of services and programs.
LIS 483 - Young Adult Literature
(formerly Libraries, Contemporary Society, and the Adolescent) (3
semester hours)
This course explores the social and psychological needs and attitudes of adolescents
and the literature created especially for this demographic. This class
emphasizes the evaluation, selection and oral presentation of books and non-print
materials for young people between the ages of 12 and 18. Special attention
is paid to the developmental tasks of this age group with an eye towards literary
recommendation. Topics of discussion include the literacy practices of
young adults, popular literature for teen readers, and the use of specialized
selection materials to develop collections in school and public libraries. Please
note: some of the content formerly included in this course has been moved to
the new course, Library Programs and Services
for Young Adults (this course has not yet been assigned a number) .
LIS 484 - Literature
of Science and Technology (3 semester hours)
The structure and properties of the literature of science and technology
as they relate to information generation, dissemination, and use. Major reference
sources and bibliographic tools encountered in scientific information work,
including exposure to machine-readable sources. Collection development, scientific
communication patterns, bibliographic instruction, and other topics related
to scientific technical information handling. Practical assignments in scientific
and technical reference, and individual projects. Prerequisite: LIS 407.
LIS 485 - Management
of Information Technology (3 semester hours)
This course is designed for students who expect to become, work closely with
or supervise experts in information technology. IT management concepts are identified
and discussed; including security, working with programmers, R&D, teams,
project management, outsourcing, IT outcomes assessment, and change management.
The course reviews and analyzes the selection criteria for integrated library
systems. It distinguishes and discusses operational activities, such as help
desk support, and research or change activities, such as software development
or enterprise system implementation. It investigates the implications of technology
obsolescence and innovation in the library setting, including evaluation, implementation,
and measures of success. The course requires an understanding of networking
and internet protocols and introduces the following skill sets for IT management: Visio, MS
Project, and the administration of an enterprise open source system.
Prerequisite: LIS 488.
LIS 486 - Systems Analysis
in Information Services (3 semester hours)
From a foundation of systems theory, the software- and systems-development life
cycle, intergroup communication, Systems Analysis & Design considers all
aspects of the analysis of information systems documentation (needs analysis,
feasibility study) and improved systems design (logical and physical design
(e.g., technical needs; input and output requirements [forms, screens, reports, &c],
networking, pseudocoding, UML and object-data models, SQL, evaluation and documentation). The
course also covers management, personnel, and resource issues of project management,
such as "build-or-buy" analysis & communicating with user groups. By
casting libraries as small enterprises, students work with a specific library
information systems project, such as a digital library project, to construct
a professional-grade project analysis, in the form of a project portfolio, and
present their analysis to the class. Prerequisite: LIS 488
LIS 487 (Optical Technologies and
Information Management) is no longer offered (as of 10/04).
LIS 488 - Technology for Information Professionals (formerly Telecommunications
and Computer Networks in Libraries) (3 semester hours)
The description for LIS 488 can be found with the other core courses
by choosing "M.S. Core Courses" in the drop box above or at http://www.simmons.edu/gslis/academics/courses/ms.shtml.
LIS 489 (Automated
Services and Systems for Library/Media Operations) is no longer offered
(as of 10/04)
LIS 490 - International
and Comparative Librarianship (3 semester hours)
Comparison of American and foreign library systems in terms of national
differences in philosophy, objectives, and services. Evaluation and
comparison of collection policies, technical processes, public services,
professional training, management, and facilities. Selected in-depth
area studies. International cooperation and major projects in the information
fields; contributions of international organizations. Guest lectures,
presentations, and individual research projects.
LIS 492 - Contemporary
Management Theory (3 semester hours)
Critical review of the works of the major contributors to contemporary
management thought. Focus on basic theories of effective management,
with emphasis on creating a greater awareness of one's behavior and
its impact on others, and the basic elements needed for working with
others in organizations. Topics include leadership, motivation, needs,
attitudes, perception, influence, and interpersonal relations. Includes
lectures, discussions, exercises, simulations, and applications of
course contents to class members' real-life situations. Prerequisite:
12 semester hours
LIS [number TBA] - Literacy and Services to Underserved
Populations: Issues and Responses (formerly offered as the two-credit course, Literacy:
The Issue and the Library's Response) (3 semester hours)
This course provides an overview of the social, economic, and political
impact of adult functional illiteracy in the United States; it discusses the
issue at both the federal and state level with implications for library involvement
at the community level. Emphasis will be placed on the analysis of the literacy
needs of a community and at the development and implementation of programs to
meet that need. It will introduce advocacy, training, budgeting, staff recruitment,
student assessment and instruction, publicity and program evaluation of both
traditional and innovative library-based literacy/ESOL programs; it will suggest
approaches to serve traditionally underrepresented communities by exploring how
to improve equity of access to those populations.
LIS [number TBA] - Information Sources for Children (formerly
offered as a two-credit course) (3 semester hours)
This course introduces criteria and professional tools for evaluating and
selecting nonfiction books, reference materials, periodicals, nonprint materials,
and electronic resources to serve the varied needs and interests of children
in public libraries and school library/media centers. Considers changing forms
of material and aspects of how content is influenced by format. Examines the
usefulness of library catalogs and other access tools in guiding children to
appropriate information. Attention is given to theories of critical thinking
and information literacy to expand understanding of children as users of information.
LIS [number TBA] - Preservation Technologies
(formerly offered as a two-credit course) (3 semester hours)
This course in preservation management deals with the understanding of the various
technologies available to assist in the preservation of information resources.
It explores the benefits and problems of the various technologies and provides
a solid basis for a library or archive to select one or more of the technologies
as part of a preservation plan for its general collections. The topics
include paper splitting; mass deacidification; reformatting technologies such
as microfilming, preservation facsimile copying, photoduplication, and digitization;
digitization of text, image, audio and video; digital repositories; environmental
controls; and fire suppression and detection.
LIS [number TBA] - Establishing
Archives and Manuscript Programs (formerly offered as a two-credit course)
(3 semester hours)
Developing a knowledge base that encompasses a variety of competencies
around sustaining an archives is vital for archivists who often work in small
one or two person repositories or may face the challenges of establishing new
repositories. This course will analyze the requirements of such small or emerging
programs and focus on the ways to develop strategic plans, locate and pursue
sources of funding, market and design outreach, understand the physical and
intellectual resources of an archival facility; and sustain program growth.
The class will also examine these issues within the context of different types
of archives (i.e. government, academic, historical societies). Prerequisite:
LIS 438
LIS [number TBA] - Collection Maintenance (formerly
offered as the two-credit course, Basic Materials Repair) (3
semester hours)
This course in preservation management deals with the planning, implementation,
and management of an effective collections maintenance program, including an
effective repair program for a small/medium general collection. Topics include
developing criteria for the selection of items in need of repair, binding,
or replacement; learning the proper repair and housing techniques for bound
and unbound materials in order to be able to administer an in-house repair
program; selecting and processing materials for remote storage facilities;
the cost factors involved in developing a collections maintenance program for
general collections; and selecting and managing staff, space, equipment, and
supplies for such a program. Prerequisite: LIS 439
LIS [number TBA] - Appraisal
of Archives and Manuscripts (formerly offered as a two-credit course) (3
semester hours)
Developing a knowledge base that encompasses a variety of competencies around
sustaining an archives is vital for archivists who often work in small one or
two person repositories or may face the challenges of establishing new repositories.
This course will analyze the requirements of such small or emerging programs
and focus on the ways to develop strategic plans, locate and pursue sources
of funding, market and design outreach, understand the physical and intellectual
resources of an archival facility; and sustain program growth. The class will
also examine these issues within the context of different types of archives
(i.e. government, academic, historical societies).
Prerequisite: LIS 438
LIS [number TBA] - Storytelling (formerly offered
as a two-credit course) (3 semester hours)
This course examines cultural origins and contemporary practices
of oral storytelling. It explores the psychological and social value of stories
and practical and ethical issues in selecting, adapting, and presenting story
materials. Students observe and practice storytelling and develop a personal
repertoire of stories. Readings, class discussion and exercises, and course assignments
will acquaint them with a wide variety of story types, skills of story presentation,
and the development of story programs.
LIS [number TBA] - Archives, History,
and Collective Memory (formerly offered as a two-credit course) (3 semester
hours)
This is a bridge course between Archives and History that explores the relationship
between historical events, the creation and maintenance of archival records,
and the construction of collective memory. It analyzes the role of archives
and records in the process of documenting and remembering (or forgetting) history.
Focusing on twentieth century events, it considers such archival issues as repatriation,
records destruction, contested history, and memory construction. These issues
are presented within the context of various types of records such as genealogical
records, oral records, and records of material culture (artifacts) in addition
to traditional print materials. Required for Dual Degree Archives/History
students. Prerequisite: LIS 438 for Archives Concentrators and dual degree students
LIS [number TBA] - Fiscal Management of
Library and Information Systems (formerly offered as a two-credit course)
(3 semester hours)
An overview of budget management for libraries, information-related institutions, and projects.
Understanding, planning, developing, justifying, and presenting budgets, are issues discussed
relative to money management tools and techniques. Alternate revenue sources, including the
establishment and growth of foundations and endowments, as well as investments, audits, and
risk management, are also explored.
LIS [number TBA] -
Information Entrepreneurship (formerly offered as a two-credit
course) (3 semester hours)
Intended for students considering nontraditional information careers such as
(but not limited to) development of information-related products, management
of fee-based library services, establishment of information-related entrepreneurship,
etc. Emphasis on planning, marketing, and financial management.
LIS [number TBA] - Library Architecture
and Design (formerly offered as a two-credit course) (3
semester hours)
The course covers both principles and practice of all stages of library space
planning from justifying a new building/renovation to post occupancy evaluation.
Students will learn in a variety of formats including lectures, visiting libraries
individually and as a class, readings, class discussion, and evaluation of architectural
drawings. Practical experience in developing a space plan including organization
and distribution of services, building philosophy, building conditions, space
requirements, work flow, furniture, and equipment. Impact of new and emerging
information technologies on library space planning. Other topics include moving
libraries, Americans with Disabilities Act, budgets, funding for library buildings,
and evolution of libraries and how buildings have changed to meet new needs.
LIS [number TBA] -
Marketing the Library (3 semester
hours)
What is marketing and how is it applied to
libraries? Should a library utilize advertising, public relations, publicity,
promotion, and advocacy in nits approach to its customers? Market research, planning,
presentations, communication, implementation and evaluation techniques are primary
topics in this analysis and advancement of user needs.
LIS 495 - Apprenticeship (preK-12)
- (2 - 3 semester hours)
This is an educational field-based experience at the preK-12 grade level for
students needing a field experience as certification requirement. Students will
have the opportunity to practice school library skills and methods under the
direction of a college supervisor and supervising practitioner. A minimum of
400 clock hours will be arranged. Registration is made by arrangement with the
Director of the SLT program. Pre-requisite: LIS 495 is a capstone experience
which is completed after all pre-practicum (course) work has been completed.
For students who are graduating in a given semester, he/she may concurrently
take remaining course work and an apprenticeship.
LIS 498 - Practicum
(preK-8) (formerly preK-12) (2 - 3 semester hours)
This is an educational field-based experience at the preK-8 grade level for
students needing a practicum as certification requirement. Students will have
the opportunity to practice school library skills and methods under the direction
of a college supervisor and supervising practitioner. A minimum of 100 clock
hours will be arranged. Registration is made by arrangement with the Director
of the SLT program.
Pre-requisite: LIS 498 is a capstone experience which is completed after all
pre-practicum (course) work has been completed. For students who are graduating
in a given semester, he/she may concurrently take remaining course work and
a practicum.
LIS 499 - Practicum (7 - 12)
(2 - 3 semester hours)
This is an educational field-based experience at the 7-12 grade level for
students needing a practicum as certification requirement. Students will have
the opportunity to practice school library skills and methods under the direction
of a college supervisor and supervising practitioner. A minimum of 100 clock
hours will be arranged. Registration is made by arrangement with the Director
of the SLT program. Pre-requisite:
LIS 499 is a capstone experience which is completed after all pre-practicum
(course) work has been completed. For students who are graduating in a given
semester, he/she may concurrently take remaining course work and a practicum.
LIS 500 -
Independent Study (2 - 3 semester hours)
The independent study program provides an opportunity
for the student with a distinguished academic record, who has achieved degree
candidacy, to pursue an individual topic related to his/her own interests for
use in a substantial paper or project. A faculty member guides and advises the
student in conferences, reviews preliminary drafts, and assigns the final grade.
Academic credit is dependent upon substantial accomplishment at a distinguished
level of quality. Members of the faculty actively encourage publication of those
completed seminar studies that represent useful contributions to professional
literature. The study proposal must be initiated by the student at least eight
weeks before the semester in which it is to be undertaken. The student bears
responsibility for formulating the study, approaching an appropriate faculty
member, securing his/her consent to act as a sponsor, and submitting a full written
statement outlining the study to that sponsor at least four weeks before the
semester opens. Approval of the Assistant Dean of the Graduate School of Library
and Information Science must be secured at least ten days before the semester
begins. Detailed instructions and Independent Study proposal forms are available
from the Admissions Office. Please note: this course is one of several
still under review by the faculty. Please be aware that the course content may
be changed.
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