Librarians may provide highly specialized assistance to users in
large settings with larger staffs, or in smaller libraries where
they work alone. They may report to the chief executive officer, or
they may report to a department head. They may be funded with a
general allocation yearly, or they may be asked to "bill back" to
users for services rendered.
Special librarians are information resource experts dedicated to
putting knowledge to work to attain the goals of their
organizations. Their position titles are as varied as the
environments in which these information professionals are employed.
Today's special librarians do far more than locate and collect data
for their clients. Using current technologies, they also evaluate,
analyze, organize, package, and present information in a way that
maximizes its usefulness. A few examples of the diverse services
that special librarians may perform include:
- Preparing research reports in response to staff requests for
specific information
- Gathering competitive intelligence
- Identifying research done at other organizations to avoid
unnecessary duplication
- Verifying facts for external and internal reports and
publications
- Creating databases for organizations to access their internal
information
- Searching patents and trademarks
- Evaluating and comparing information software and sources of
data prior to purchase
- Training other staff to efficiently and cost-effectively use
online databases
REQUIRED COURSES
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 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 245 – SPECIAL COLLECTIONS LIBRARIANSHIP AND HISTOR OF THE
BOOKS: PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES
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 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.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED COURSES
LIS 256 – MEDICAL INFORMATION AND LIBRARIANSHIP
Major reference works and internet resources in health sciences as
well as the administration and organization of medical libraries,
with emphasis on the databases of the National Library of
Medicine. Prerequisite: 205
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.
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.
LIS 305 – ONLINE REFERENCE SERVICE
Electronic reference, e-mail and chat services. Special
circumstances, policies/practices, copyright concerns, development
of online training modules. Participation in mock chat and
e-mail reference required. 1 Credit; Prerequisite: 205
To download concetration requirements as a pdf
click here.