Archives

The primary task of the archivist is to establish and maintain control, both physical and intellectual, over records of enduring value.  Archivists select records, a process that requires an understanding of the historical context in which the records were created, the uses for which they were intended, and their relationships to other sources.  The archivist then arranges and describes the records, in accordance with accepted standards and practices; ensures the long-term preservation of collections; assists researchers; and plans and directs exhibitions, publications, and other outreach programs to broaden the use of collections and to enlist support for archival programs.  All archivists, especially those with administrative responsibilities, need to understand and apply the principles of sound management to their work.

REQUIRED COURSES

LIS 249 – ARCHIVES & MANUSCRIPTS: BASIC FUNCTIONS AND CURRENT ISSUES
Management of archives and manuscript repositories, including basic functions and skills required of an archivist or curator of manuscripts as well as current issues and topics.

LIS 269 – INTERNSHIP
Prerequisites:  All required courses and preferably all the courses in the concentration.  A supervised professional experience combining theory and practice in a library or information center.  Meetings and reports are required; may be taken for a total of six credits. Credit: 0, 1, 2, or 3 semester hours.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED COURSES

LIS 210 – GOVERNMENT INFOMORMATION SOURCES
Examination of government information resources at the local, state, national, and international levels.  Selection, organization, and dissemination; changes in distribution policies and format.  Prerequisite: LIS 205

LIS 223 – PRESERVATION TECHNOLOGY IN LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE
Preservation techniques for materials in collections; basic structure and weaknesses; diagnostic and treatment practices; application of appropriate and creative solutions to preservation problems.

LIS 230 – INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL LIBRARIES
The contextual framework for digital libraries including the creation, structure, access and use of digital information.  Analysis of digital library projects.

LIS 232 – SPECIAL LIBRARIES AND INFORMATION CENTERS
The goals, organization, operation, environment, and functions, and services of special libraries and information centers; collection issues, user services, management, and marketing. 

LIS 238 – WEB DESIGN FOR LIBRARIES AND INFORMATION CENTERS
An information architecture approach to the design of web sites for large enterprises.  Topics include information content, organization, labeling, navigation, searching, usability, and accessibility.

LIS 245 – SPECIAL COLLECTION LIBRARIANSHIP AND HISTORY OF THE BOOKS: PRINCIPLES AND PROCTICES
The organization, administration, service, and care of special collections, with an emphasis on rare books.  The history of books and printing, non-book formats, donor relations and collecting, conservation and preservation, ethics, access, security, exhibitions and digitization.

LIS 246 – PRACTICAL CONSERVATION AND PRESERVATION OF LIBRARY MATERIALS
A practical approach to the principles and applications of the conservation and preservation of library materials as daily functions of library management, including digital techniques.

LIS 252 – INFORMATION SOURCES IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
The structure and literature of scientific and technical communication.  Print and electronic references are examined.  A background in the sciences is not required or assumed.

LIS 253 – ORAL HISTORY
Introduction to the theory and practice of oral history.  Major topics include the ideological content of speech and storytelling, the role of class and ethnicity, the ethics of scholarly intrusion, and the use of technology.

LIS 302 – GENEALOGICAL SOURCES AND SERVICES
Sources and services to assist patrons with genealogical research.  Research methodology, conducting the reference interview, and the use and evaluation of print and electronic resources.

To download concentration requirements as a pdf click here.