Graduate Programs
Foundation Areas and Courses of Study for the M.L.S. Program
Upon completion of the M.L.S. program, graduates will be prepared to provide the following foundational areas of service and study. Course numbers in parentheses cover pertinent aspects of the profession. To meet the requirements of the given academic areas, the graduate student will need to successfully complete with the grade of C or higher, one course from those given in each foundation area. A total grade point average of 3.0 (B) or higher must be established for the 36 credits that count for the M.L.S. The student may complete more than one of the courses listed and count the additional course or courses from that foundational area as an elective with the approval of the student’s academic advisor.
Assist and Educate Users of Libraries and Information Centers (L524) Analyze and identify information needs, which represent a variety of age, academic, economic, and social groups and apply appropriate search strategies for effective information retrieval in each situation.
Educate users and potential users of information systems to locate and evaluate information resources.
Analyze and evaluate the provision of information systems and services in a variety of library and information settings.
Develop and Manage Library Collections (L528) Prepare and apply policies and procedures that support the selection and acquisition of information resources, which will meet the information needs of an organization, institution, or community.
Manage, evaluate, and preserve collections of information resources.
Organize and Represent Information Resources (L505 or L520) Understand and effectively apply principles of representation and systems of organization to provide access to resources in a variety of library and information environments.
Apply Management and Leadership Skills (L527, L550, L553, or L587) Understand a wide range of organizational structures and management and leadership styles; demonstrate positive attitudes and constructive actions, which characterize innovative leadership.
Recognize the value of collaborative planning and project management.
Apply the interpersonal and organizational skills necessary to manage and evaluate projects and personnel successfully.
Work effectively within and across a variety of organizational structures.
Communicate an organization’s values and contributions, and identify sources that will support the organization’s activities.
Conduct and Analyze Research (L509, L643, or L651) Understand and apply research and evaluation methods to investigate questions related to the acquisition, representation, organization, use, and/or dissemination of information.
Analyze and interpret findings of such research and evaluation.
Demonstrate Basic Technical Expertise (S401 or equivalent) Understand the basic applications of modern technology in today’s libraries and other information environments.
Approach Professional Issues with Understanding (completion of M.L.S. degree—electives) Comprehend the social, political, and legal aspects of information creation, access, and ownership.
Engage in continuing learning in professional organizations in library and information science.