Courses

Changes to the Curriculum
Summer Sessions
Course List

Changes to the Curriculum

Our curriculum constantly evolves to prepare students to meet the challenges of the information age. Approved curriculum changes may occur after the printing of this bulletin. Continue to check our Web site for details. Please direct questions to the SLIS Administrative Office.

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Summer Sessions

The School of Library and Information Science offers one of the largest selections of summer classes proportional to school enrollment. Offered primarily on the Bloomington campus, the two summer sessions are a six-week session from early May to mid-June and an eight-week session from mid-June to mid-August. It is possible for some students to complete a SLIS master's degree by attending only summer sessions over the period of five years allowed for degree completion. Students are cautioned, however, that not all courses are or will be available during summer sessions. For additional information consult the course schedules on our Web site.

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Courses

Note: The abbreviation "P" refers to the course prerequisite or prerequisites. Undergraduate courses are marked by the sign *.

L140* Information Resources and Student Research (1 cr.) Concepts of information, research processes, and techniques and skills for using information resources are examined. Resources explained include traditional print sources as well as those based on new technologies, such as computer databases and multimedia applications. Similar to L161 but has been designed for IUPUI students and programs incorporating technology and off-campus learning.

L150* Information Sources in Telecommunications (1 cr.) Designed specifically for undergraduates who are premajors or majors in telecommunications and who are required to complete a research project or term paper. Training in use of computerized database systems, as well as selection and use of advanced reference sources. Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.

L155* Information Resources in Journalism (1 cr.) P or concurrent: Journalism J200. Designed specifically for undergraduates who are premajors or majors in journalism. Introduction to information sources and services of the Main Library, Journalism Library, and other appropriate library collections. Training in use of computerized database systems, as well as selection and use of other advanced reference sources.

L161* Library Skills and Resources (1 cr.) Designed for undergraduates. Techniques and skills for researching term papers, speeches, and other library projects.

L401* Computer-Based Information Tools (3 cr.) Graded S/F. This skills-based course introduces basic applications that will be used throughout the student's course work and beyond. Students' experiences in this course should be seen as a basis for further skill development and learning throughout their careers. The course covers computing platforms, access tools, and management tools. Demonstration of skills will be by a mastery test or an assignment in each unit of the course. L401 does not count toward graduate degree requirements.

L501 Information and Society (3 cr.) Introduces issues related to information in society, as well as concepts, methods, and techniques of information science. Major units include the study of human communication, the information environment, uses and users of information, information systems in libraries, and the information professions.

L503 User Needs and Behavior in Theory and Practice (3 cr.) This course introduces students to the concepts of information analysis from a human perspective, focusing particularly on the theoretical models and practical techniques that underpin the field. Sociological and psychological perspectives will be examined in order to develop an approach to the assessment of users' information needs.

L505 Organization and Representation of Knowledge and Information (3 cr.) Introduces students to various disciplines' approaches to the understanding, organization, representation (summarizing), and use of knowledge and information. This survey looks for commonality among the approaches taken in information science, cognitive psychology, semiotics, and artificial intelligence, among others. The goal is to identify criteria for evaluation and improvement of ways to organize and represent information for future retrieval. Information systems currently used in libraries and information centers will be studied as examples. Emphasis in the course is on concepts and ideas, with appropriate attention to terminology and technology.

L507 The Management of Information Environments (3 cr.) The course is fundamental for understanding organizations as a foundation for managing information and for performing general management activities. The course offers introductory coverage of four main areas: models of organization, group and individual behavior, operations and facilities planning, and budgeting and fiscal planning, especially as these apply to information management environments.

L509 Introduction to Research and Statistics (3 cr.) P: L401, completion of 9 credit hours in SLIS, or consent of instructor. The research process, including concepts, design, conduct, and evaluation. Principles and characteristics of approaches and methodologies relevant to research in the field. Examples of data sources and introduction to methods of statistical description and analysis; ethical issues.

L514 Preservation of Library and Information Resources (3 cr.) Examines causes of library and archival materials deterioration. Develops conceptual framework and management perspective for preservation programs using technical standards, program development tools, scientific and administrative research reports, and advocacy literature. Explores the new information technologies and media as both preservation tools and challenges.

L515 History of the Book (3 cr.) Survey of the functions and history of writing and the various methods and styles of bookmaking from earliest times through the nineteenth century.

L516 Introduction to Archives and Records Management (3 cr.) Introduces basic theories, methods, and significant problems in archives and records management. The course also discusses how archivists are responding to the challenge of managing and preserving electronic records.

L517 History of Libraries (3 cr.) Development of libraries and information service from earliest times to the present, with emphasis on the library in relation to social, economic, cultural, and political trends.

L520 Bibliographic Access and Control (3 cr.) P: L401. Historical development and principles essential to the understanding of the conceptual foundations of providing bibliographic access and control of materials and information. Discussion and examples in the application of AACR2r will be presented to illustrate and reflect current practice. Emphasis is on monographic publications.

L522 Perspectives on Librarianship, Literacy, Communications, and Reading (3 cr.) Overview of the library as a social institution, historically, currently, and for the future, within social, economic, political, and cultural contexts. Focuses on the institution, the collections and formats, and the users to create an understanding of the role and importance of libraries.

L524 Information Sources and Services (3 cr.) P or concurrent: L401. This course introduces students to the basic information sources and services among different types of libraries and information centers, including academic, public, special, and school media.

L526 Library Automation (3 cr.) P or concurrent: L401. Principles for the design, selection, implementation, and management of automated systems of all types in libraries, including systems for technical services processing, reference and user services, and management. Focus is on present and future applications of technology in libraries, their technical features, and their implications for library services and management. When possible, some practical experience with a particular application will be provided.

L527 Management of Libraries and Information Centers (3 cr.) Management and administration of all types of libraries. Covers basics of organizational structure, planning, budget management, human resources issues and skills, and an understanding of the manager in the context of the organization.

L528 Collection Development and Management (3 cr.) Theoretical and pragmatic aspects of the selection, evaluation, and management of collections in all types of libraries. Acquisitions, publishers and publishing, policy making, and intellectual freedom and censorship are also covered.

L530 Legal Bibliography and Law Library Administration (3 cr.) P: L524 or consent of instructor. An introduction to basic legal materials and law librarianship. Primary and secondary resources; indexes; digests and citators; specialized research methods; current developments in automated legal research. History of law libraries in the U.S., their organization and administration. The role of law librarians in law schools and law firms.

L533 Library Materials for Children and Young Adults (3 cr.) Evaluation and use of books, magazines, recordings, films, radio and television broadcasts, and other sources of information and recreation.

L534 Principles and Techniques of Storytelling (3 cr.) P or concurrent: L533 or consent of instructor. The history, philosophy, and value of storytelling. Guidance in techniques of this oral art form and its adaptation to special needs and programs.

L535 Library Services for Children and Young Adults (3 cr.) P or concurrent: L533 or consent of instructor. This course emphasizes the history, philosophy, and description of children and young adult library services. It takes a holistic look at the role of the youth services librarian from planning and evaluation to specific services and programs, and examines the current and future outlook for this type of librarianship. Emphasis is on the public library, but cooperation with appropriate services and programs such as school media centers is also discussed.

L542 Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction (3 cr.) Examines the human factors associated with information technology and seeks to provide students with knowledge of the variables likely to influence the perceived usability, and hence the acceptability, of any information technology. In so doing it will enable students to progress further towards specialist work in the important field of human-computer interaction.

L543 Strategic Intelligence (3 cr.) Introduces different concepts of strategic intelligence, and different contexts in which these are applied; the idea of intelligence is not restricted to national security, or corporate competition: it can apply at the level of the individual citizen, company, community, or country.

L544 Information Technology Standardization (3 cr.) P: L401. This course presents students with an opportunity to learn about specific information technology standards of interest to information professionals. Additionally, students will learn about various standardization activities and their impact in organizational settings.

L545 Systems Analysis and Design (3 cr.) Using a behavioral approach to information systems, this course covers information systems designed to conform to the needs of users.

L546 User-Centered Database Design (3 cr.) P: L401 or consent of instructor. Concerned with a comprehensive view of the processes involved in developing formal access to information from a user-centered point of view. Considers various database models such as flat file, hierarchical, relational, and hypertext in terms of text, sound, numeric, image, and geographic data. Students will design and implement databases using several commercial database management systems.

L547 The Organizational Information Resource (3 cr.) This course introduces some of the models and methodologies that have been proposed to help managers exploit the information resource. Topics include historical overview, structure and content of the organizational information resource, and resource modeling.

L548 Computer Programming for Information Management (3 cr.) P: L401 or consent of instructor. Introduces basic skills for programming and manipulation of data structures for bibliographic and full text information systems.

L550 Issues in the Management of Library Services and Programs P: L507. A special topics course providing in-depth study of management and service issues relevant to a specific type of library or information environment. May utilize a seminar format. Specific topics announced in Schedule of Classes. May be repeated for credit when topic varies.

L551 Information Inquiry for School Teachers (3 cr.) This course is intended to be an opportunity for teachers and future teachers (including school library media specialists as teachers) to practice methods in critically thinking about information/media, and to use that process as a means to teach their students to be critical reviewers and communicators as well.

L552 Audio and Video Information Sources and Delivery (3 cr.) P: L503 or consent of instructor. User-focused approach to decision making in the digital audio and video information environment. Emphasizes collection development in support of user services, including access to remote collections and evaluation of multimedia materials and delivery mechanisms, and issues related to emerging technologies. Scope includes adult and young adult audiences.

L553 The School Media Specialist (3 cr.) P or concurrent: L524 and L533, or consent of instructor. Establishes the professional teaching and administrative role of the certified school library media specialist in K-12 settings. Situations are examined that pertain specifically to policy development, budgeting, collection development, instructional design, support staff training, facility design, district supervision, and information networking within the modern school corporation. Students make site visits to leading school information centers, conferences, and media fairs.

L554 Bibliographic Instruction (3 cr.) P or concurrent: L524 or L542, or consent of instructor. This is a hands-on course in which the student will have the opportunity to practice and evaluate methods in design and presentation of various approaches to bibliographic instruction including library skills and orientation, user education, discipline-specific instruction, and information literacy. Students will be expected to research and debate information literacy theory, and to make several extensive oral presentations, which will be subject to critical review.

L559 Introduction to Health Sciences Librarianship (3 cr.) P or concurrent: L520, L524. Health sciences library administration, materials organization, and information services. Emphasis on National Library of Medicine classification, subject headings, printed indexes, and online databases.

L561 The Information Industry (1-3 cr.) This course examines various aspects of the information industry: products, producers, suppliers, trends, and market opportunities. Focus varies with the topic; for example, structural market characteristics, or technical developments and their impact. May be repeated for credit when topic varies.

L562 Information Accounting (3 cr.) P: L507. This course evaluates a variety of approaches to assessing the costs and benefits of information investments. The aim is to provide students with a range of information accounting techniques and impact assessment methodologies to help them better understand the true costs and value of information.

L563 Information Policies, Economics, and the Law (1-3 cr.) Data creation, publication, dissemination, and use occur in a complex social context. Legal and regulatory structures continue to evolve to control these processes. This course explores international and U.S. principles, laws, and regulations affecting the information industry. Focus varies with the topic; for example, copyright of electronic information sources or transborder data flow. May be repeated for credit when topic varies.

L564 Computerization in Society (3 cr.) Surveys social consequences of computerization when it is shaped and used by business, public agencies, and individuals.

L570 Online Information Retrieval (3 cr.) P: L401 or consent of instructor. Principles, methods, and techniques of advanced online information retrieval (IR). Characteristics of and search strategies for the use of bibliographic, referral, citation, fact, numeric, and full text databases and search systems. Considers standards, use of communications software, front-ends and micro-based IR systems, and creation of in-house databases.

L571 Information Networking (3 cr.) P: L401. This course focuses on technologies for connecting computers for communication/ telecommunication. A discussion of the differences between digital and analog transmission is used to introduce the concept of computer networks. Network components and designs are compared in terms of performance, reliability, and cost. Communication protocols and network connectivity are presented in the light of current standards. Network management is discussed in relation to technical and economic strengths and security needs.

L574 Communication in Electronic Environments (3 cr.) Examines conceptual perspectives on information in organizations, covering topics such as types of information, information activities, organizational culture and information technology, communication as information flow, obtaining and using information from the environment, managing information in specialized extended communities, and ethical and quality issues. Focus varies by type of community studied. May be repeated for credit when the topic varies.

L576 Digital Libraries (3 cr.) P: L401 or equivalent and consent of instructor. This course introduces digital libraries-networked information servers that provide access to multimedia data for local and remote users. Primary emphasis is on developing digital libraries, based on understanding tools for presentation and manipulation of multimedia as well as analysis of user needs.

L577 Design of Information Systems (3 cr.) P: L548. Students identify, design, and implement a significant information design project, such as acquisitions, organization, or search and retrieval for an online public access system.

L578 User Interface Design for Information Systems (3 cr.) P: L401 or consent of instructor. This course focuses on established principles and methods to design effective interfaces for information systems, emphasizing document retrieval, filtering, visualization, correlation, analysis, and research.

L582 Subject Access Systems (3 cr.) P: L505. Principles, development, characteristics, and internal structures of subject access systems. Evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the major classification schemes and current subject heading systems.

L583 Indexing Theory and Practice (3 cr.) P: L505 or consent of instructor. Theoretical concepts of subject indexing and thesaurus construction for information retrieval. Examines alternative approaches to traditional indexing techniques. Evaluation and use of appropriate computer software.

L584 Technical Services (3 cr.) P: L527 or consent of instructor. Principles of organization and function of library technical services, including acquisition, cataloging, serials, circulation. Special emphasis on research and development in library systems and technology. Includes file organization, documentation system development, analysis, and evaluation for manual, mechanical, and automated applications.

L585 Descriptive Bibliography (3 cr.) P: consent of instructor. The development of the practice of printing, typefounding, and papermaking; the principles and practice of the bibliographical description of printed books, with emphasis on the period to 1880.

L586 Administration of Manuscripts and Personal Papers Collections (3 cr.) P: consent of instructor. Introduction to the nature, functions, and methodology of the administration of archives and manuscript collections. The course will consist of lectures, discussions, field trips, and special projects.

L587 Rare Book Libraries and Librarianship (3 cr.) P: consent of instructor. Introduction to the development, organization, and operation of rare book libraries and special collections. Includes an overview of the fundamentals of book collecting, both private and institutional, the antiquarian book trade and auction market, and the profession and practice of rare book librarianship.

L592 Bibliometric Techniques and Problems (3 cr.) Focuses on bibliometric techniques and the research problems that they are used to address; introduces the principal bibliometric techniques used in library and information science research with particular emphasis on their role in the study of scholarly communication.

L594 Research in Library and Information Science (1-3 cr.) P: consent of instructor. Individual research in a problem in the field of library and information science.

L595 Workshop for Librarians and Information Professionals (cr. arr.) P: consent of instructor. Group study of specific problems in the library and information field. Generally includes a hands-on element. No more than 6 hours of L595 credit may be used toward the requirements for any SLIS degree.

L596 Internship in Library and Information Science (2-6 cr.) P: permission of faculty advisor. Graded S/F. Supervised internship in an information management environment. Professionals in library and information management mentor each graduate student. Sixty on-site hours must be completed for each credit earned. Students document their experiences through journals, abstracts of related publications, and a final presentation. Normally, at least 21 credits must be completed before enrollment. Guidelines and placement sites are available on the SLIS Web site.

L597 Topics in Library and Information Science (cr. arr.) P: consent of instructor. Study of specific topics in librarianship and information science. May be repeated for credit when topic varies.

L600 Readings in Library and Information Science (1-3 cr.) P: consent of instructor. Readings and study in any area of library or information science having an extensive literature. A student may enroll for this course twice in the same semester under different instructors. Normally L600 is completed under the direction of a full-time faculty member. Readings done under L600 shall not duplicate the content of any course now in the curriculum of the School of Library and Information Science.

L605 Seminar in Education for Librarianship and Information Science (3 cr.) P: consent of instructor. An overview of the history, purpose, and methods in education for librarianship and information science. American and international systems will be covered as well as standard accreditation requirements for higher education programs. Students will be evaluated on their demonstration of lecture delivery, group discussion management, analysis of a mentor teacher, and presentation of instruction through distance education.

L608 Seminar in Intellectual Freedom (3 cr.) P: 9 hrs. of SLIS graduate credit or permission of instructor. Beginning with a history of and alternative philosophical justifications for censorship, the student is introduced to constraints, obligations, and problems relating to intellectual freedom.

L610 International Information Issues (3 cr.) Comparison of information policies, information standards, and library systems as they affect commercial, scholarly, scientific, and political information contexts.

L620 Topics in Information, Literature, and Bibliography (3 cr.) The purpose of this course is to provide the opportunity for greater in-depth study of the information and literature sources related to area studies, specific academic disciplines, and/or specific library patron audiences. Examples include Slavic materials, Latin American bibliography, and international legal bibliography. Depending on the potential market, the demand for knowledge concerning the specific information, literature, and material, and the expertise of available faculty, there are a wide range of possible topics.

L622 Library Materials for Adults (3 cr.) P:L524. A review and discussion of trends reflected in subject content and use of book and nonbook materials for patrons in secondary school and public libraries in relation to changing young adult and adult needs, and the role of libraries in meeting such needs.

L623 Information in the Humanities (3 cr.) P: L524, or consent of instructor. Introduction to information sources and services in the disciplines of performing arts, music, fine arts, literature, language, philosophy, and religion. In addition, the course addresses information needs and behavior patterns of users seeking these types of information.

L624 Information in Science and Technology (3 cr.) P or concurrent: L401, L524. General materials, reference books, periodicals, government documents, nonbook media in the individual literature of individual disciplines; patents and report literature. Examination of production, publication, distribution, and forms of scientific and technical literature.

L625 Information in the Social Sciences (3 cr.) P: L401, L524, or consent of instructor. Study of the core information tools in the fields of anthropology, economics, history, political science, psychology, and sociology. Includes key bibliographic databases and electronic network tools. Evaluation of research dealing with information channels in these fields.

L628 Government Information: Collection, Organization, Dissemination (3 cr.) P: L401, L524. Survey of government information dissemination in all formats and at all levels of government. Consideration of government information policy. Primary emphasis given to U.S. government information but with some consideration given to state and local publications in the United States, and those of international organizations.

L629 Business Information Sources (3 cr.) P: L401, L524, or consent of instructor. Introduction to basic business materials. Includes resources, research methods, current developments, automated systems, and databases.

L630 Seminar in Art Librarianship (3 cr.) P: A575 (School of Fine Arts) or consent of instructor. Academic art library administration, collection development, reference services, technical services operations, facilities, and slide and photograph/picture collections will be emphasized.

L631 Seminar in Music Librarianship (3 cr.) P: M539 (School of Music). Academic music library administration, collection development, technical services operations, record and performing ensemble collections, and reference services will be emphasized.

L633 Seminar on Issues and Trends in Children's or Young Adult Literature (3 cr.) P: L533 or consent of instructor. An advanced seminar, addressing such topics as: images of minority groups, societal problems (e.g., poverty and family patterns), or informational needs and materials including access and availability of print, nonprint, and computer resources. May be repeated for credit when topic varies.

L641 Information Storage and Retrieval Theory (3 cr.) P: L401, L503, L505, L509. Traditional experimental design, cognitive, and naturalistic approaches to studying the fundamental concepts of information retrieval. Anomalous states of knowledge, relevance, information need, search behavior and process. Study of IR subsystems; system interface; query formulation, matching, and relevance feedback algorithms, subject indexing, and evaluation.

L642 Information Usage and the Cognitive Artifact (3 cr.) P: L542. Examines the process of information usage, with particular emphasis on reading and writing, to determine the best role for information technology in supporting such human activities with cognitive artifacts.

L643 Evaluation of Information Systems (3 cr.) P: L401. Theoretical and practical exploration of the issues surrounding contemporary information systems. A specific focus will be on evaluating information systems from the user perspective. This evaluation approach will cut across disciplinary frameworks: behavioral, cognitive, and social sciences. The approach will also touch on multiple research methods: online surveys, sense-making, critical incident, and network analysis.

L651 Evaluation of Library Sources and Services (3 cr.) P: L528. Examines the applied evaluation of library resources and services, including collections, document delivery, technical services, reference services, and overall library performance. Emphasis is placed on the available methods and methodological issues. The checklist method, availability studies, document delivery tests, use studies, applied bibliometrics, and the use of automation are covered.

L697 Advanced Topics in Information Systems (1-4 cr.) This course is a special topics seminar, focusing on a new development or application of technology related to information systems. The intention is to provide a rapid response to current trends, with topic and content changing with each offering. Examples of topics which might be offered include: hypermedia, artificial intelligence, expert systems, parallel processing, and virtual reality, or some special aspect of one of these technology trends, and their implications for information system development and use. May be repeated for credit when topic varies.

The following courses at the 700 level are open only to doctoral students.

L701 Introduction to Doctoral Research in Library and Information Science (3 cr.) P: consent of instructor. Role and function of research in society; history of library and information science scholarship; current need for research in LIS; critical analysis of present state of knowledge in the field; relevant research methodologies; barriers to individual initiatives in research.

L702 Research Practicum (2 cr.) P: L701. Encourages doctoral students to begin the process of learning to conduct independent research as early as possible in their studies. The purpose is to expose the student to the experience of research in LIS under the guidance of a SLIS faculty member. Two consecutive semesters of L702 are required of all doctoral students.

L709 Introduction to Research and Statistics (3 cr.) The research process, including concepts, design, conduct, and evaluation. Principles and characteristics of approaches and methodologies relevant to research in the field. Examples of data sources and introduction to methods of statistical description and analysis; ethical issues.

L710 Research in Library and Information Science (3 cr.) P: L701 or consent of instructor to waive L701. Approval of the student's advisory committee is required for the L710 project. Students apply methods of research under faculty supervision. May be taken twice for credit.

L763 Research Problems and Methods in Information Science (3 cr.) P: consent of instructor. Study of current problems and methodological approaches in information science research.

L764 Seminar in Information Science (3 cr.) P: consent of instructor. Intensive study of selected topics.

L765 Research in Information Systems (2-4 cr.) P: consent of instructor. Independent research or study.

L790 Seminar in Doctoral Research (3 cr.) P. consent of instructor. Doctoral students develop their plans for theses subject to criticism by other doctoral students and faculty.

L799 Ph.D. Thesis (cr. arr.)

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