LIS 501 - Foundations of Library and Information Studies

Course Outline    LIS 501
FOUNDATIONS IN LIBRARY AND INFORMATION STUDIES

FALL COURSE OUTLINE

Calendar Description: An introduction to the historical, current, and potential roles of libraries and of library and information professionals in western society.


Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Have an understanding of the changing roles of libraries, librarians, related agencies and information professionals in western society.
• Develop an understanding of where libraries and related agencies and their changing roles fit in the developing information infrastructure, and in the larger and related historical, social, economic, and political context.
• Demonstrate their knowledge of the similarities and differences in the purposes and functions of academic, public, school, archives, and special library information centers.
• Be aware of the literature of library and information science, and the diversity of scholarly and other research activity in the field.
• Be able to discuss major issues and trends in the LIS community.
• Examine the ethics and values of the field and how these shape policy of the library profession.
• Understand the nature of the MLIS degree and begin the process of developing informed choices as to their educational program and career planning.

Content: Topics include the library infrastructure, history and mission of libraries, competencies needed by professionals, types of libraries and information agencies, current issues and trends, technological change, the ethics and values of the field, library and information science literature and research, and career planning.


Methods: Lectures, readings, discussion, working in teams, presentations, guest speakers, field trip, and film.


Course Relationships: No pre- or co- requisites required.


Required Texts:


The Portable MLIS: Insights from the Experts. Ken Haycock and Brooke E. Sheldon (editors). Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited, 2008.


Fred Lerner. The Story of Libraries: From the Invention of Writing to the Computer Age. New York: Continuum, 2009.


Course Requirements: See Assignments and Evaluation section.