Credits: 1 to 3

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to graduate-level students

Description

Course number 6850 is designated for special topics classes which may vary by semester. Please refer to the Wayne State Schedule of Classes for course content, format and frequency. Topics will cover critical analysis research in the information sciences, socio-technological trends and implications for the profession. Offered every term.

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INF 6850: Grant Writing for Information Professionals and Archivists

Credits: 2

Prerequisite(s): None

Open to all graduate students.

Course description

Cultural institutions often rely on grant writing to raise additional funds. The successful grant writing process is complex, and success depends on understanding the history of the granting organization, internal institutional dynamics and the clarity of the story of impact.

This course addresses the challenges in relating cultural/informational need to granting organizations. Students will write a grant and submit it.

Content

1. In-depth case studies of various grants previously awarded
2. Overview of the grant submission process
3. Review of various foundation and grant research tools
4. Exposure to grant writing ethics
5. Analysis of case studies for various types of cultural institutions
6. Expert guest lecturers including grant writers and grant officers

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course students will be able to:

1. Research the goals of granting agencies and the community
2. Demonstrate understanding of current need and how a granting agency can assist in that need
3. Discern differences in types of grants from federal, local, and private organizations
4. Develop creative storytelling in order to create a compelling reason for the funding
5. Create a realistic budget
6. Compare and contrast how sample grant applications were written  

Course format and methodology

May include some or all: Lectures, readings, class discussions, paper and proposal writing, oral presentations and guest speaker(s)

Bases for evaluation of student performance

Some or all: 

1. Research Paper
2. Grant Application
3. Examination
4. Oral Presentation/Case Studies
5. Participation/Discussion

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INF 6850: Adult Readers’ Advisory: What Do I Read Next?

Credits: 1

Prerequisite(s): none

Rationale for inclusion in curriculum

Readers’ Advisory is the matching of readers with books they love. Readers' Advisory for adult readers can be unnerving for librarians as there are no clear and ready answers, which makes it different from traditional reference duties. Library patrons who are looking for leisure books may not have the language to articulate their interests or desires when it comes to suggestions and may need prompting or proactive assistance.

This course addresses how to talk about unfamiliar books and unfamiliar authors with library patrons and use inclusive language and appeal factors to help find the right book for the right reader at the right time.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate the ability to utilize appeal factors
2. Develop Readalike lists and book club materials
3. Access and utilize resources regarding readers’ advisory
4. Distinguish between popular genres and subgenres
5. Critically understand readers’ advisory and its crucial role in librarianship 

Content

An in-depth view of the role of readers’ advisory:

1. Overview of the terminology and evolution of readers’ advisory
2. Explanation of how to incorporate readers’ advisory in a busy reference atmosphere
3. Exposure to appeal factors and inclusive language
4. Exploration of genres and subgenres 

Course methodology

Lectures, readings, class discussions, oral presentations, and, where appropriate, guest speaker(s).

Bases for evaluation of student performance

1. Genre exploration with appeal factors

2. Readalike list
3. Book club guides and questions
4. Participation/Discussion 

Text

To be determined

Approved: April 2024