Courses
Masters Level Courses
- SLIS-S 501 Reference (3 cr.) P: or Concurrent S401. 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.
- SLIS-S 502 Collection Development and Management (3 cr.) Collection Development and Management examines the principles and techniques that guide the development, management, and evaluation of library collections and the selection of materials in various types of libraries. The course provides students with experience in the major phases involved in starting and developing collections of print and non-print materials: the formulation of collection development plans, the selection of materials, and the evaluation and preservation of library collections. It enables students to recognize and respond to challenges and opportunities of special interest to collection developers including changes in the production and distribution of information resources, issues of access and ownership, intellectual freedom, copyright, and resource sharing.
- SLIS-S 503 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.
- SLIS-S 504 Cataloging (3 cr.) P: S401. 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.
- SLIS-S 505 Evaluation of Library Sources and Services (3 cr.) P: S502. 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.
- SLIS-S 506 Introduction to Research (3 cr.) P: S401, completion of 6 credit hours in SLIS (S501 and S502 recommended), or consent of instructor. Introduces the research process, including concepts, design, conduct, and evaluation. Examines the 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.
- SLIS-S 511 Database Design (3 cr.) P: S401 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, and 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.
- SLIS-S 516 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 toward specialist work in the important field of human-computer interaction.
- SLIS-S 517 Web Programming (3 cr.) The main focus of this course is to instruct students to develop and implement dynamic and interactive web applications. In order to do so, students will learn the basics of an open source programming language both through lectures and hands-on exercises in the lab.
- SLIS-S 519 Evaluation of Information Systems (3 cr.) P: S401. 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.
- SLIS-S 521 Humanities Information (3 cr.) P: S501 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.
- SLIS-S 522 Social Sciences Information (3 cr.) P: S401 and S501 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.
- SLIS-S 523 Science and Technology Information (3 cr.) P: S401 and S501. 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.
- SLIS-S 524 Adult Readers Advisory (3 cr.) P: S501 and S502. 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.
- SLIS-S 525 Government Information (3 cr.) P: S401 and S501. 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 some consideration given to state and local publications in the United States, and those of international organizations.
- SLIS-S 526 Business Information (3 cr.) P: S401 and S501 or consent of instructor. Introduction to basic business materials. Includes resources, research methods, current developments, automated systems, and databases.
- SLIS-S 532 Information Architecture for the Web (3 cr.) P: S401. Focuses on website development. Students study information architecture as an approach for site organization and design, and learn about product management for complex web development tasks. In lab sessions, students work with markup languages and scripting and develop sites, typically for real clients, as well as local libraries.
- SLIS-S 533 Online Searching (3 cr.) P: S401 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.
- SLIS-S 541 Information Policy (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.
- SLIS-S 550 Perspectives on Librarianship (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. S550 provides excellent opportunities to help students explore the library profession.
- SLIS-S 551 Library Management (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.
- SLIS-S 552 Academic Library Management (3 cr.) Management and administration of academic libraries, including specific material related to organization structure, planning, budget management, human resources issues and skills, and an understanding of the manager in the context of a higher education environment.
- SLIS-S 553 Public Library Management (3 cr.) Management and administration of public libraries, including specific material related to organization structure, planning, budget management, human resources issues and skills, and an understanding of the manager in the context of a community environment.
- SLIS-S 554 Library Systems (3 cr.) P: S401. 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.
- SLIS-S 556 Systems Analysis and Design (3 cr.) P: computer or consent of instructor. This course introduces the basic concepts underlying systems analysis and design, focusing on contextual inquiry/design and data modeling, as well as the application of those analysis techniques in the analysis and design of organizational information systems.
- SLIS-S 571 Materials for Youth (3 cr.) Evaluation and use of books, magazines, recordings, films, radio and television broadcasts, and other sources of information and recreation.
- SLIS-S 572 Youth Services (3 cr.) P: S571 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.
- SLIS-S 573 Education of Information Users (3 cr.) P: S401, S501 or S516.
Introduces students to the roles of librarians in adult education in university and college libraries and in public libraries. The course explores information literacy, library instructional models, education and training theories, and practical approaches for optimizing learning opportunities in library-based settings. Information literacy standards from the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) and others are explored and applied to instructional design and practice. S573 also introduces students to outcomes-based planning and evaluation, a process for planning library-based educational programs with outcomes, or specific learning objectives in-mind.
- SLIS-S 574 Information Inquiry for School Teachers (3 cr.) Information Inquiry for School Teachers (3 cr.; formerly L551) 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 the inquiry process as a means to teach their students to be critical reviewers and communicators as well. Application of national and state standards for information literacy K - 12. Offered over the Internet.
- SLIS-S 580 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.
- SLIS-S 581 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.
- SLIS-S 582 Preservation (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.
- SLIS-S 601 Directed Readings (1-4 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 S601 is completed under the direction of a full-time faculty member. Readings done under S601 shall not duplicate the content of any course now in the curriculum of the School of Library and Information Science. Proposal Form due by March 15th.
- SLIS-S 602 Directed Research (1-3 cr.) P: Proposal form and consent of instructor and 15 SLIS graduate credit hours completed including S505 or S506. Individual research in a problem in the field of library and information science.
- SLIS-S 603 Workshop in Library and Information Science (1-3 cr.) Group study of specific problems in the library and information field. Generally includes a hands-on element. No more than 6 hours of S603 credit may be used toward the requirements for any SLIS degree.
- SLIS-S 604 Topics in Library and Information Science (1-4 cr.) Study of specific topics in librarianship and preservation. May be repeated for credit when topic varies. Same course number used for different courses.
- SLIS-S 605 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 18 credits must be completed before enrollment*. Guidelines and placement listings are available on the SLIS website.
- SLIS-S 621 Audio and Video Sources (3 cr.) P: S401 concurrent 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.
- SLIS-S 622 Resources and Services for People with Disabilities (3 cr.) Access to information is essential for sustained independence of people with disabilities. This course studies materials, services, and assistive technologies to support this access.
- SLIS-S 623 Genealogy and Local History (3 cr.) P: S401, S501, & S502. This course is designed to focus on two specific collection areas: Genealogy Resources and Indiana Resources. Students will work on developing collection policies creating collections with limited funding, and evaluating existing special collections. The class will also look at the pros and cons of several issues (staffing issues, volunteers, integrated collections, circulating/non- circulating, limited resources, material types).
- SLIS-S 631 Advanced Cataloging (3 cr.) P: S504. Provides extensive background in description and access for electronic and non-book resources.
- SLIS-S 632 Technical Services (3 cr.) C: S553, S551, S552 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.
- SLIS-S 640 Seminar in Intellectual Freedom (3 cr.) P: 9 hours 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.
- SLIS-S 644 Consumer Health Informatics (3 cr.) P: S401, S501 or consent of instructor. This is a consumer health informatics course in which students will learn about how technologies are used to deliver healthcare to the public.
- SLIS-S 650 Library Philanthropy (3 cr.) Introduces the role of private giving in support of libraries. Examines personal and corporate philanthropy and their applicability in libraries and information centers.
- SLIS-S 652 Digital Libraries (3 cr.) 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.
- SLIS-S 653 Health Science Librarianship (3 cr.) P: S401, S501or consent of instructor;
Explores the roles of health sciences libraries, librarianship and informationists in academia and hospital libraries, health information technology and information services environments, and in research and administrative teams. This course provides an introduction to the healthcare industry, health sciences schools and education (medicine, nursing, dentistry, public health, pharmacy, allied health and others), and the culture of healthcare in the United States. Student gain extensive experience with popular reference resources, and searching MEDLINE, PubMed, and speciality bibliographic databases in the health sciences. Students will increase their understanding of librarian and informationist roles in information literacy education, evidence based practice, health literacy, and other issues
- SLIS-S 654 Law Librarianship (3 cr.) P: S501 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.
- SLIS-S 671 School Media (3 cr.) P: S501, S571, and S574 or concurrent 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.
- SLIS-S 672 Seminar on Literature for Youth (3 cr.) P: S571 or consent of instructor. An advanced seminar, addresses 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.
- SLIS-S 681 The Book 1450 to the Present (3 cr.) A survey of the book from 1450 to the present, with emphasis on the development of the book in the West. Focuses on the physical aspects of the book from the mid-fifteenth through the twentieth centuries, and on some of the many roles of the book in society during this period; also increases awareness of current scholarly trends in the history of the book.