Possible Courses

From the current list at http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/classes/coursedesc.htm, I think these sound interesting.



REQUIRED (19 units minimum; some courses may be repeated in different concentrations):

LIBR 203: Online Social Networking: Technology and Tools
This course introduces students to a variety of new and emerging technologies used in today's online environment. It covers various social networking platforms, content and learning management tools, web conferencing, immersive environments, and other trends in social computing. Must be completed within first 4 weeks of the semester.

LIBR 200. Information and Society
Explores the complex and interrelated historical, social, economic, cultural, political, and technological influences that shape information and society. Emphasis is on the various roles and responsibilities of information organizations and the values and ethics of information professionals.

LIBR 202. Information Retrieval
Principles of information retrieval and their application to information systems and services. Emphasizing models of user information seeking behavior, human information processing and their relationship to retrieval models in information systems.

LIBR 204. Information Organizations and Management
Identifying distinguishing characteristics, culture and relationships of information organizations. Emphasizes theories examining the interaction between human beings and the organizations in which they work.

LIBR 285. Research Methods in Library and Information Science
Covers fundamental principles, processes, values and roles of research for professional application in information organizations. Students will become critical consumers of research products and learn the basic skills of evaluating, planning, designing, executing, and applying research. In addition to a general research methods class, which examines a variety of research methodologies, SLIS offers a number of applied or specialized sections of LIBR 285 for students to choose from (e.g., Historical research, School Library Media Programs and Services Evaluation, Reference Evaluation, Youth Program Evaluation, Action Research, Evaluating Services)

Students must complete either an e-Portfolio or a thesis.

LIBR 289. Advanced Topics in Library and Information Science
Advanced independent creation of an electronic portfolio demonstrating mastery of all student learning outcomes (core competencies) for the MLIS degree. Must be completed in final or next-to-final semester.
OR
LIBR 299. Thesis
Approved thesis proposal and consent of a faculty advisor required.

ELECTIVES:

LIBR 220. Resources and Information Services in Professions and Disciplines
Examination of the nature of resources for, and services to, professions and disciplines including methods of communication, characteristics of users, and current methods of meeting research needs in libraries and information centers. (Examples: Legal Resources, Business Resources, Maps and Geographic Information Systems, Film and Media Collections, Digital Humanities, GLBT services, services for older adults, Latino patrons, African American patrons, Asian-American patrons, Native American patrons.)

LIBR 232. Issues in Public Libraries
Investigation of current issues that impact the functioning of the public library. Topics covered include issues related to social and political environments, clientele, services, collections, physical settings, financing and staffing, and future trends in the public library sector.

LIBR 233. School Library Media Centers
A seminar course designed to explore the role of the school library media teacher and the school library media program in the educational community. Emphasis will be on the creation of effective learning environments, involvement in the curriculum and teaching process, as well as philosophies of service and management.

LIBR 234. Intellectual Freedom Seminar
Focuses on current intellectual freedom issues and the centrality of intellectual freedom to librarianship.

LIBR 241. Automated Library Systems
Planning, implementation, and management of a library automation project. How to evaluate major library automation systems for purchase and negotiate the acquisition process. Survey of current trends, practices, and issues in the field.

LIBR 248. Beginning Cataloging and Classification
Theory and practice of bibliographic control including the study of representative cataloging using descriptive cataloging standards, machine-based representation using MARC format and other standards, subject analysis and classification using LCSH, Dewey, and LCC.

LIBR 250. Design and Implementation of Instructional Strategies for Information Professionals
The library as an integral part of teaching, learning, and training in different settings. Emphasis on collaborative design between librarians and teachers/professors that includes planning, teaching, and assessment of learning activities using the library's resources and technology.

LIBR 257. Records Management
An introduction to the theories, methodologies, and technologies used in managing institutional information and records. Topics include the history of records management, the records' life cycle, record inventory and analysis, classification and filing, retention scheduling, equipment, and more.

LIBR 260A. Programming and Services for Children
This course examines the importance of programming for children, including parent education programs, story hours, outreach techniques, services with schools, summer reading programs, and program series such as weekly or monthly programs on manga, knitting, book discussions, or homework help.

LIBR 261A. Programming and Services for Young Adults
An introduction to developmentally appropriate service with multicultural populations of teenagers in a variety of information settings, including current research and service philosophies; resource awareness, planning and management; information literacy; professionalism; cultural analyses; programming; service threats; and teen spaces.

LIBR 262A. Materials for Children Ages 0-4
Survey of children’s materials, including “toy” books, picture books, and various media and technology appropriate for this age group, and how they can meet developmental needs. Collection development tools and techniques for these materials will also be included.

LIBR 263. Materials for Children Ages 5-8
Survey of materials in a variety of formats including nonfiction, beginning chapter books, fictional genres, paperback series and electronic resources, and how they can help meet developmental needs. Collection development tools and techniques for this material will also be included.

LIBR 264. Materials for Tweens
Survey of materials in various formats including fiction, nonfiction, movies, CDs, computer games and other materials, and how they can meet the developmental needs of this age group. Collection development tools and techniques for this material will also be included.

LIBR 265. Materials for Young Adults
This course will allow students to take an in depth look at materials in a variety of formats for teens, including fiction, popular nonfiction, graphic novels, movies, computer games, websites, other media, and determine how they can meet developmental needs.

LIBR 267. Seminar in Services to Children and Young Adults
Seminar in planning, developing, and evaluating youth services in public libraries. Special needs of children and youth in the public library, liaison with schools, reference services, and collection planning will be featured.

LIBR 268. History of Youth Literature
The history of literature for children and teens from its earliest examples to today's current trends, including how childhood has changed over the years, the influence of culture on those changes, and on the materials created for children and teens.

LIBR 271A. Genres and Topics in Youth Literature
Various topics and genres in literature for children or teens will be examined in depth, such as graphic novels, poetry, fantasy, science fiction, publishing and writing trends, reading motivation techniques, literature in the classroom, and the art of picture books.

LIBR 275. Library Services for Racially and Ethnically Diverse Communities
Focuses on developing skills for planning, implementing and evaluating programs for addressing the information needs of racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities. Reviews the major national, state and local studies.

LIBR 280. History of Books and Libraries
This class examines the role of the book and the library in expressing and fostering culture throughout history. It traces the development of the book through its many stages--cuneiform fragments, illuminated manuscripts, printed books, and electronic journals-and explores how the creation, use, and storage of information are affected by social and technological change. The development of libraries and librarianship and how they have accommodated themselves to the changing form of the book will also be considered.

LIBR 282. Seminar in Library Management
Application of management theory to specific problems. Readings and discussions of the development of effective strategies for planning and implementing organizational change. Specific content of the course changes each time it is offered. (Examples: Organization Development for Change; Library Buildings, Public Library Management Issues; Issues in Library Leadership; Knowledge Management; Project Management; Leadership; and Financial Management.)

LIBR 286. Interpersonal Communication Skills for Librarians
Surveys the principles and practice of interpersonal communication; small group and peer relationships.

LIBR 292. Professional Experience: Projects
Single focus projects submitted by an individual or organization, supervised by a professional, and which can be completed in the time allocated, but where the student may not need to be on-site each day.

LIBR 294. Professional Experience: Internships
Experience in a selected public, academic, special library or other information-based organization.

LIBR 295. School Library Field Work
A supervised professional experience of school librarianship at the levels of both elementary and secondary (middle or high) schools. Emphasis is on observation and guided practice with a credentialed school librarian (library media teacher).