Public libraries vary widely in size of community served as well
as size of library. Librarians may provide highly specialized
assistance to users in large settings with large staffs. In small
branch libraries or small city libraries, they may deal with all
ages and kinds of patrons, run a bookmobile, or keep in touch with
community organizations and schools. Most public librarians in all
but the main branch of a very large system are involved with:
- Reference
- Programming
- Collection development
- Administration
- Technical services
- Outreach/Advocacy
- User services for adults, teens and/or children
REQUIRED COURSES
LIS 222 – MATERIALS AND SERVICES TO DIVERSE POPULATIONS
Information needs of diverse populations, including the aged,
illiterate, individuals with disabilities, and racial, ethnic, and
linguistic minorities.
LIS 233 – PUBLIC LIBRARIES AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION CENTERS
The objectives, organization, and services of the contemporary
public library, including the ways in which they serve diverse
communities and reach underserved populations. Field trips may be
required.
LIS 260 – INFORMATION USE AND USERS
Survey/seminar on how LIS practitioners and researchers seek to
understand user information needs/behaviors. Emphasis on
theories of user needs and information use. Populations
include children, business managers, attorneys, scientists,
university students, general researchers, and consumers.
Prerequisite: 204
LIS 304 – LIBRARIAN AS TEACHER
The role of the librarian as teacher; knowledge and skills
necessary for instruction and training in library and information
settings. Issues and strategies for effective
instruction.
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 221 – PLANNING AND DELIVERING INFORMATION LITERACY
PROGRAMS
Theory and practice of user education with emphasis on developing
information literacy programs. Standards, guidelines,
instructional models, effective pedagogical techniques,
collaboration and assessment. Planning, delivering and evaluation
of instructional programs designed to develop lifelong information
literacy skills.
LIS 265 – ONLINE DATABASE SEARCHING
Study and use of online bibliographic databases in a wide variety
of subject areas. Emphasis is on appropriate database selection,
search strategies, and information delivery modes.
To download concentration requirements as a pdf
click here.