DEPARTMENT OF LIBRARY SCIENCE

LIBRARY SCIENCE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

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LS 530    Collection Development. 
Introduces principles of selection of library materials and procedures involved in building collections for all types of libraries, archives, and information centers.  Includes latest technological developments, research theories and site-based applications.  Required for certification and MLS.
LS 532    Organization of Collections I.
Introduces the principles of descriptive cataloging, classification, and subject analysis using the latest editions of the Anglo-American Cataloging Rules, the Dewey Decimal Classification, and Library of Congress subject headings.  Focuses on broad-based use of the MARC format.  Provides an overview of various types of bibliographic control, technical services in libraries and processing centers, and commercial and shared cataloging utilities.  Required for certification and MLS.
LS 534    Information Services and Resources I.
Introduces skills, techniques, and philosophy of the reference process, with emphasis on the interview and strategies. Examines and discusses basic reference tools using specific evaluative criteria. Analyzes library systems, networks, automated databases, latest trends and research in the field of reference. Covers online commercial databases, the Internet, and laser optical disc searching techniques. Required for certification and MLS.
LS 537    School Library Administration.
Discusses planning, organizing, policymaking, staffing, budgeting, facilities planning, decision-making, and services. Emphasizes the study of standards, trends, services, research, and evaluation of the library. Prerequisites: LS 530, 532, 534. Required for certification and MLS.
LS 560    Literature for Children.
Acquaints students with the selection, critical analysis, and historical development of literature for children.  Emphasis is placed on selecting recreational and informational materials for children reflecting our multicultural society; identifying techniques, activities, and strategies that motivate children to read and respond to literature; and developing critical abilities for evaluating literature for children. Required for certification and MLS.
LS 561    Current Trends in Materials for Children and Young Adults. 
Introduces recent trends in materials for children and young adults, with emphasis on multicultural understanding. Elective. Prerequisites: LS 560, 570 and 585.
LS 564    Information Services and Resources II.
Introduces the study of reference materials and services on a specialized level and modes of searching, including online and laser optical techniques. Develops expertise in solving reference problems through role playing, case studies, etc.  Analyzes the latest trends and research in reference methods and technology, e.g., the Internet and networking. Covers grantsmanship and proposal writing as instruments in securing funding for information resources. Elective. Prerequisites: LS 530, 534, 560, 570.
LS 566    Library Internship.
Provides supervised practice in a school library; incorporates seminars, conferences, journal, and evaluation. Required for certification and MLS. Prerequisites: LS 530, 532, 534, 537, 560, 570, and 585.
LS 567    Research Design and Methodology.
Introduces the study of research methods, project designs, and data-gathering instruments pertinent to libraries. Applies research techniques to issues related to school libraries. Emphasizes the production of a research or grant proposal. Required for MLS. Prerequisite: LS 570.
LS 568    Library Services and Programs for Children and Young Adults.
Presents programming of children and young adult services, including promotional activities, storytelling, book talks, reading guidance, library skills and instruction, innovative projects, and informal library use. Studies trends and evaluation of research in the area. Elective. Prerequisite: LS 560, 570 and 585.
LS 570    Instructional Design and Library Media Production.
Introduces the design and development of curriculum that utilizes the systematic approach to instruction. Emphasizes explicitly stated objectives, appropriate teaching strategies, and production of materials to facilitate achievement of goals using the latest in instructional technologies, including multimedia. Required for certification and MLS.
LS 575    Directed Individual Study in Library Science.
Features independent research based on a submitted research proposal. Elective. Prerequisite: Requires approval of Department Chair, LS 560 and 570.
LS 580    Master's Seminar.
Features the in-depth study of specialized subjects; may be repeated as topics vary.  Examples of topics: Study Abroad, and Art Seminar. Prerequisites: Appropriate required courses and approval of the Department Chair.
LS 585    Literature for Young Adults.
Acquaints students with the selection, critical analysis and historical developments of literature for young adults. Emphasis is placed on selecting recreational and informational materials for young adults that reflect our multicultural society; identifying techniques, activities and strategies that motivate young adults to read and respond to literature; and developing critical abilities for evaluating literature for young adults. Required for certification and MLS. Prerequisites: LS 560 and 570.
LS 591    Internet for School Librarians.
Introduces the Internet and telecommunications for school librarians. Some of the topics covered include evaluation of Internet resources, various search tools, and a variety of communication tools. Explores ethical issues related to the responsible use information technology, and a wide variety of curriculum connections. Required for certification and MLS. Prerequisite: LS 570.
LS 593    The Historical Development of Literature for Children.
Examines the historical development of a separate literature for children. Traces the history from the earliest books for children to current trends and issues in the field. Elective. Prerequisite: LS 560 and 570.
LS 596    Computer Science Applications to Librarianship.
Examines the history and status of automated library services, including the international standards, hardware, and commercial software available to support cataloging, circulation, online catalogs, reference services, and administrative tasks. Required for MLS. Prerequisite: LS 570.

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