Course descriptions

The school provides a master schedule to help students better plan their course sequencing. The master schedule lists all the courses in the school's catalog and indicates which term(s) the courses are expected to be offered.

General guidelines

The 6000-level courses are most suitable for new students and do not have any course pre-requisites. Course content and class assignments are more advanced for the 7000-level and 8000-level courses and build on the material taught in the 6000-level courses. If students have questions regarding course sequencing, they should consult with their advisors.

Course summaries

Course number	Course	Frequency
4010	Introduction to Informatics For undergraduate students only This course introduces students to the discipline of informatics—how information technologies are developed, applied, and utilized in society. It examines the most important issues at the intersection of information technology and society including the economy, health and medicine, business and finance, politics, and the natural environment. The course introduces students to issues of mis- or weak-information, information ethics, and information policy. Students will learn and discuss the basic concepts of Informatics including concepts such as data, information, knowledge, and uncertainty. Distinct aspects of web technology, interface design, programming and application design, and data science may be emphasized in certain sections, including exercises on parsing, managing, analyzing, and archiving data.	Offered every term
6010	Information in Society Information is one of the most important aspects of society. It describes our history, it enables us to communicate and understand our world, and it serves as tools, input and output of our work. This course covers aspects of information in institutions and organizations—their nature and functions—and helps students develop their related professional goals. The course covers aspects of data and information in various types of organizations, including libraries, archives, businesses, governments and not-for-profits. It addresses major types of information technologies, and the role of information policies and ethics in these environments. Core Course - 3 credits.	Offered every term
6050	Computer Programming MSIS co-req: INF 6010. This course introduces students to the development and implementation of dynamic and interactive computer programs through a basic scripting language (Python). In order to accomplish this, students learn the basics of programming both through lectures and hands-on exercises.	Offered at least once per academic year
6080	Fundamentals of Information Technology Students will understand the interactions of computer hardware, software, networks and systems. Students will also apply productivity tools to solve professional problems of practice. Finally, students will have the foundation to recognize and improve accessibility of information technologies for diverse users and information centers. Information professionals are faced with an ever-changing environment with new and updated technologies as well as an increasingly tech-savvy patronage. The very existence of libraries depends upon the professionals who work there. Providing information to patrons in a way that is appropriate, accessible and relevant is key. This course provides the framework for students to understand the important roles of information technologies in the information center to develop an understanding of the technology lexicon and to confidently adapt to changing technologies. Core Course - 3 credits.	Offered every term
6120	Access to Information This general reference course introduces students to the content, structure and organization of print and nonprint reference resources. The course addresses the philosophy and procedures of equitable and inclusive information provision to diverse populations. The course provides practical experience in reference interviewing and searching techniques in finding answers to real world questions along with promoting information literacy instruction. Core Course - 3 credits	Offered every term
6210	Organization of Information This course introduces the fundamental principles and concepts critical to a user’s ability to access information efficiently and effectively. Libraries and information centers ensure that materials are described, classified and organized so that users can find, identify, select, obtain and navigate the documents that satisfy their information needs. These fundamental principles and concepts are examined and applied in practice and with a critical eye to social justice issues to develop students’ understanding of the basic processes involved in providing access to information. Core Course - 3 credits	Offered every term
6415	Project Management Identification of current information systems and problems, determination and definition of information needs and requirements, evaluation of alternative solutions. 3 credits	Offered once per academic year
6420	Web Development Skills for creating and publishing websites on various platforms in compliance with the current web standards, particularly HTML and cascading style sheets (CSS). Focuses on the advanced features of mark-up and scripts in website design. 3 credits	Offered every term
6460	Database Design and SQL Fundamentals of database design and basics of database implementation; Related and current database management technologies used in hands-on experiences. 3 credits	Offered twice per academic year
6490	Statistics and Data Analysis MSIS Co-req: INF 6010 MLIS Prereq: INF 6080 - An applied introduction to statistics and data analysis. Covers the process of research question formulation to data organization, analysis, and communication of results. Includes descriptive and exploratory statistics, including probability concepts and data visualization, and inferential statistics, including techniques of correlation and regression, as well as confidence intervals and hypothesis testing. Uses practical examples to guide the student through the various concepts, issues, and analyses, and provides tutorials on how to use statistical software (e.g. spreadsheet, Python or R). 3 credits	Offered once per academic year
6520	Beyond Books: Youth Literature in Action Prereq: INF 6010 and 6080 or concurrently. Explores the quality and quantity of literature published for children, particularly those in elementary and middle school grades in school and public library contexts. The selection, evaluation, promotion and use of literature and other media are studied along with the examination of the relationships of literature to developmental characteristics and individual differences of the child. 3 credits	Offered at least once per academic year
6530	Young Adult Literature (EED 6310) - Prereq: INF 6010 and 6080 or concurrently. Standards for evaluating adolescent literature. Selection of literature for individual pupils in relation to interest and reading ability. Use of classroom collections. Techniques for helping pupils read poetry, drama and fiction. 3 credits	Offered at least once per academic year
6780	Introduction to Records and Information Management (HIS 6780) - Management of information, including records creation, records inventory and appraisal, retention/disposition scheduling, filing systems, maintenance of inactive records, micrographics, vital records protection, and electronic impact on records management. 3 credits	Offered twice per academic year
6850	Adult Readers' Advisory: What Do I Read Next? 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.	Offered as needed
6850	Issues in Librarianship Critical analysis of library research, socio-technological trends, implications for the profession. Topics to be announced in the Schedule of Classes. 1 - 3 credits (maximum 9)	Offered as needed
6850	Grant Writing for Information Professionals and Archivists 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.	At least once per year
7040	Management and Leadership This course introduces management skills and leadership development necessary for the successful functioning of libraries and other information institutions. Students will learn strategies that foster diverse leadership styles and practices to meet the needs of communities being served. Libraries and information institutions are complex organizations influenced by several factors including their size, user communities, mission, organization structure and location. New graduates often receive assignments that require managerial and leadership skills. Professionals advancing within their careers may further become involved in the management process and assume responsibilities at various administrative levels. This course is designed to prepare students with the foundational skills for various levels of involvement in the management of libraries and information institutions. Core Course - 3 credits	Offered every term
7050	Public Libraries Prereq: INF 7040. Development of concepts introduced in INF 6010; history, organization and function of public libraries; development of skills necessary to public librarianship. 3 credits	Offered twice per academic year
7060	Academic Libraries Prereq: INF 7040. Development of topics introduced in INF 7040; history, organization, and function of the academic library within educational and research institutions; development of management and personnel concepts necessary to academic librarianship. 3 credits	Offered twice per academic year
7070	Special Libraries and Information Centers Prereq: INF 6120 and INF 7040. History, organization, and functions of various types of special libraries and skills necessary to deliver a wide range of services. 3 credits	Offered once per academic year
7250	Programming and Services for Children and Young Adults Prereq: INF 6010 and INF 6080. Principles and procedures for planning, managing and delivery of public library services to children and young adults. 3 credits	Offered at least once per academic year
7310	School Library Media Programs Prereq: six credits in core courses; MUST have a valid teaching certificate (does not apply to students admitted prior to April 1, 2004) - Role of library media programs in the school; methods of planning, organizing, and operating such programs; impact of technology on instruction and library service. Core Course - 3 credits	Offered every other year
7320	The Media Specialist as Teacher and Instructional Consultant Instructional functions of the library media specialist in terms of integrating information processing skills in the curriculum through the instructional design process by working in partnership with teachers and applying the principles of teaching and learning theories. 3 credits	Offered every other year
7340	Collection Development and Selection of Materials Philosophy, principles and procedures for provision of materials and a collection that will meet the needs of the library's clientele. Concepts and procedures of community study, intellectual freedom, evaluation of materials, the use of selection aids and an introduction to the publishing world. 3 credits	Offered every term
7370	Culture Matters: Decolonizing Information Prereq: INF 6120 - Study of impact of cultural diversity on library services, development of relevant collections and effective interaction with a diverse community. 3 credits	Offered twice per academic year
7435	Integrated Library Systems Prereq: INF 6210 or consent of instructor. Recommended: INF 6420 - Practical experience with an Integrated Library System (ILS). Includes system configuration and implementation and associated technologies such as authentication, eResource management, link resolution, and discovery systems. 3 credits	Offered once per academic year
7440	Advanced Web Development MSIS Co-req: INF 6010 MLIS Prereq: INF 6080 or consent of instructor eligible replacement for 6080 waiver Basic skills in using scripting languages to program and manipulate data structures for text information in library applications such as databases and Web sites. 3 credits	Offered once per academic year
7455	Human Computer Interaction MSIS Co-req: INF 6010 MLIS Prereq: INF 6080. Study of the interactions between human beings and computer technologies through usability evaluations and user experience design. 3 credits.	Offered at least once per academic year
7470	Information Architecture MSIS Co-req: INF 6010 MLIS Prereq: INF 6080 or consent of instructor - Dissemination of information that affects context, content and user. Associations with website development; use in technical writing, presentation preparation and report generation. 3 credits	Offered at least once per academic year
7491	Applied Data Analytics MSIS Co-req: INF 6010 MLIS Prereq: INF 6080 - Focus on key areas of information analytics used by data librarians: quantitative statistics, computer simulation, and data mining tools/techniques. 3 credits	Offered once per academic year
7492	Information Visualization MSIS Co-req: INF 6010 MLIS Pre-req: INF 6080. Analysis of large data sets and drawing insights through use of information technology tools, statistical techniques, charts, and graphs. 3 credits.	At least once per year
7500	Information Behavior MSIS Co-req: INF 6010 MLIS Prereq: INF 6080. Totality of human behavior in relation to sources and channels of information, information needs and barriers; information seeking, use and dissemination; information poverty and information overload; topics studied in variety of contexts. 3 credits	Offered once per academic year
7610	Health Sciences Information Services and Resources MSIS Co-req: INF 6010 MLIS Prereq: INF 6120 and 6210 - This course is designed to provide students with skills necessary to become health science librarians. 3 credits	Offered every other year
7620	Health Informatics MSIS Co-req: INF 6010 MLIS Prereq: INF 6010 and 6080 - Overview of health informatics, e-science, and the critical role of information technologies in data-intensive environments. This course provides students with the opportunity to analyze, practice, and build the skills unique to health, e-science, and data management fields. 3 credits	Offered once per academic year
7710	Archival Administration (HIS 7840) - No pre-requisites. Basic training in archival methods. 3 credits	Offered once per academic year
7712	Intellectual Property for Information Professionals and Archivists Intellectual Property Issues are challenging for those in information management. The complexity of ownership, reproduction rights, access rights, preservation copies and digital surrogates as well as existing copyright and case law decisions are dissected in this course. This course addresses the complex weave of variables in context of archival donors, published and unpublished materials, audio-visual formats, orphaned or unknown ownership, patron access and reproduction, licensing, digital surrogates and originals and how to protect collections and access.	Offered at least once per academic year
7715	Archival Reference Archival education focuses on the organization and preservation of historical materials, but archives is also a customer-driven profession. Archivists need to utilize standard customer service theory and develop keen interpersonal skills to match information to the researcher. This course addresses the challenges in relating to researchers, assisting them in understanding what exists and what does not, as well as designing a reference process with the researcher in mind.	Offered at least once per academic year
7730	Administration of Audio Visual Collections Prereq: HIS 7840/INF 7710 or consent of instructor - Basic course in the fundamentals of administering a visual collection: evaluation, organization, and control of visual collections in archives, libraries, historical agencies and museums.3 credits	Offered once per academic year
7740	Archives and Libraries in the Digital World (HIS 7745) - Prereq: INF 7710 (or HIS 7840) or 6080. Overview of electronic tools and the role of digital process in libraries and archives. 3 credits	Offered every other year
7750	Introduction to Archival and Library Conservation (HIS 7810) - Prereq: INF 7710 (or HIS 7840) or 6010. Fundamentals of archival and library conservation problems and methods essential for effective preservation management of paper and associated materials. 3 credits	Offered every other year
7770	Oral History: A Methodology for Research (HIS 7860, ANT 6360) - No pre-requisites. Techniques of gathering data from individuals for use in research, classroom teaching, historical, cultural or other contexts. 3 credits	Offered once per academic year
7775	Primary Historic Research for Information Professionals and Archivists Library and Information Science education focuses on use of databases for research but additional skills in hands-on primary source work broadens librarians’ and archivists’ research skills. Excellent primary research abilities will deepen the resources available to the student and their future patrons. This course addresses the variety and challenges in historic and records research of original material. Students will develop research pre-planning, on-site planning and note-taking for solid organizational skills.	Offered every other year
7780	Description and Access for Archives HIS 7820) - Prereq/Coreq: INF 7710/HIS 7840. Theory and practical experience with digital access tools and archival metadata standards. 3 credits	Offered twice per academic year
7785	Website Preservation The internet has become our main mode of communication. The need to preserve websites is a challenge culturally and technologically. This is a growing field with a limited amount of professionals having developed these unique skills. This course addresses the challenges in needs assessment, as well as technological limitations. Students will spend significant time with these complex tools and understand how to create successful workflows.	Offered once per academic year
7790	History of Books, Printing, and Publishing Development of writing, the alphabet, early materials, manuscripts, paper making, invention and spread of printing, famous presses, modern methods of print and electronic production. The book as artistic output of the culture and part of the world in which it was produced. 3 credits	Offered once per academic year
7830	Community Engagement Community engagement in the context of LIS refers to the ways that information professionals in libraries, archives, and museums (for the purposes of this course called, public information institutions) learn about, collaborate with, and provide service and outreach to community members. Public information institutions and libraries in particular have historically enjoyed a high degree of public trust and respect. Today, librarians and information professionals in these settings are building on that trust and working to support, invigorate, and sustain the communities they serve by collaborating with members of those communities.	Offered every other year
7835	Community Archives In recent years, the work of community archivists has gained visibility and with it voice and power. Grassroots and community-based archives projects carry critical impact that is hard to ignore. Community-based archives projects can be seen as examples of self-determination by historically disenfranchised communities to identify and preserve records that document the complexities of their community histories. These projects locate the power to preserve and shape history, heritage, and memory in communities themselves. The narratives that emerge from those efforts challenge and enrich how we all understand the past and the present. In this class we will consider the history, politics, challenges, and possibilities of community archives.	Offered as needed
7880	Instructional Methods for Librarians Prereq: INF 6010, 6080, 6120. Introduction to library instruction, bibliographic instruction, information literacy, or user education for those expected to provide library instruction to clients. 3 credits	Offered at least once per academic year
7885	Cultural Heritage Institutions: Management and Leadership No pre-requisites. The operation of public and private historical agencies, archives, and museums. Determination of agency priorities, problems of staffing and finance, governmental regulations, community relations, and professional ethics. 3 credits	Offered once per academic year
7900	Digital Libraries Prereq: INF 6010, INF 6080, INF 6120, and INF 6210. An examination of the critical issues surrounding the development of digital libraries and their contents. Beyond gaining a theoretical foundation based on current research, students benefit from first-hand experience with processing materials and working with digital library systems. 3 credits	Offered at least once per academic year
7910	Metadata in Theory and Practice Prereq: INF 6010, INF 6080, INF 6120, and INF 6210. This course addresses the theoretical and practical principles of metadata. Students examine, develop and apply metadata for specific domains and settings. 3 credits	Offered at least once per academic year
7920	Digital Curation and Preservation Prereq: INF 6210, or permission of the instructor. Theoretical principles and practical aspects of digital curation and preservation within libraries, museums, archives and other institutions administering data and digital content. 3 credits	Offered at least once per academic year
7450	User Experience (UX) Design An introduction to user experience (UX) design, this course applies concepts of human-computer interaction through a series of assignments and a class project, which deal with methods of designing and developing a system/product with effective UX.	Offered at least once per academic year
7950	Practicum: Library Services Prereq: 24 credit hours; 15 must be from core, exception - 7996. Offered for S, M or U grades only - On-site experience in library/information center under direction of professional librarian and supervision of faculty member. Theory and competencies relevant to the environment. Seminars to be arranged. 3 credits	Offered every term
7960	Practicum: Information Science - Must be taken in final semester. Offered for S, M or U grades only - On-site experience in a health science library/information center under direction of a professional library and supervision of a faculty member. Theory and competencies relevant to the environment. Seminars to be arranged. 3 credits	Offered every term
7970	Practicum: Archives Prereq: INF 7710, 7780, plus 6 credits of AAC electives (final 3 AAC elective credits may be taken concurrently with INF 7970). Offered for S and U grade only - On-site experience in archival center under direction of professional librarian or archivist and supervision of faculty member. Theory and competencies relevant to the environment. Seminars to be arranged. 3 credits	Offered every term
7975	Practicum: Digital Content Prereq: INF 7900, INF 7910, INF 7920. Practical experience with digital content under direction of a trained professional and supervision of a faculty member. Offered for S and U grade only. Seminars to be arranged. 3 credits	Offered every term
7980	Practicum: School Media - Prereq: 7310, 7320 and all core but 7996; MUST have a valid teaching certificate (does not apply to students admitted prior to April 1, 2004). Offered for letter grade only - On-site experience in school library media/information center under direction of professional librarian and supervision of faculty member. Theory and competencies relevant to the environment. Seminars to be arranged. 2 - 3 credits	Offered every term
7990	Research and Directed Study Prereq: written consent of advisor and Associate Dean on Petition and Authorization for Directed Study form prior to registration - Directed study and individual research under faculty guidance. 1 - 8 credits	Offered every term
7996	Research for the Information Professions A knowledge of research methods is necessary for information professionals to conduct research, assist other researchers, integrate ethical principles and critically read research literature. This course is designed to demonstrate the importance of research and to strengthen the critical and analytical skills of students. It examines the role of social justice, inclusion, equity and diversity in research in the information professions. This course examines the role of research in the development of the profession and in contemporary management. It includes consideration of various research methods used in the information professions with illustrations based on specific problems related to information organizations. Students identify a research problem, design a research project to investigate the problem and write a research proposal describing how the research would be conducted. Core Course - 3 credits	Offered every term
8000	Seminar in Information Policy MSIS Co-req: INF 6010 MLIS Prereq: INF 6080. This course analyzes information policy issues confronting information professionals and the effect of these policies on the economic, social, ethical and technical decisions made by individuals, organizations and governments.	At least once per year
8140	Advanced Reference Service Strategies Prereq: INF 6120. Information needs and seeking behaviors, reference interview techniques, and information literacy. 3 credits	Offered once per academic year
8160	Advanced Online Searching Prereq: INF 6120. Advanced topics in online searching using broad range of databases, including Internet resources. Topics include: sophisticated search strategies, competitive intelligence, retrieval and organization of citations. 3 credits	Offered once per academic year
8410	Topics in Information Management Current topics and issues affecting information management systems and services. Topics to be announced. 1 - 3 credits.	Offered as needed
8850	Advanced Issues in Information Sciences Current topics affecting the information sciences.	Offered as needed