Ph.D. Program in Information Studies - Course Descriptions

DIS 800 level courses are only for doctoral students. Upper level (700) LIS Master's degree courses are open to both Masters and Ph.D. students.

Ph.D. COURSES:

DIS 801 Information Access and Systems
Overview of the foundations, topics and issues in information organization and access, including current research in knowledge organization, information storage and retrieval, systems analysis and design, and user-systems interaction. Prerequisites: None
Fall Semester, 3 credits

DIS 803 Information Studies & Services
Overview of the foundations, topics and issues in information studies and services, including current research in information and society, information policy, information services, and organizational information management. Prerequisites: None
Spring Semester, 3 credits

DIS 805 Research Methods I
Survey of principles and methods of scientific inquiry. Formulation of methodologies for conducting research, with special application to information studies. Emphasis is placed on the overall research process and developing quantitative methodological skills, including the application of descriptive and inferential statistics in data analysis. Design of research projects and preparation of research reports. Critical review of empirical research in information science. Prerequisite: master's level research methods course
Fall Semester, 3 credits

DIS 807 Research Methods II
Overview of multivariate research methods. Examination of the qualitative paradigms of research. Critical review of qualitative research conducted in library and information science, and other fields. Design and implementation of qualitative research. Formation of methodological pluralism. Prerequisite: DIS 805
Spring Semester, 3 credits

DIS 810 Knowledge Organization
Identification and study of problems in knowledge organization with close attention to theory building through research. Emphasis on autonomous student investigation, writing, and discussion. Students will conduct original research, with results reported in the class. Includes the historical context for bibliographic control; problems related to descriptive cataloging, classification and subject analysis, vocabulary control, authority control; and, the design of bibliographic retrieval systems. Prerequisite: DIS 801
Fall Semester, 3 credits

DIS 812 Information Retrieval
Fundamentals and theories of information retrieval (IR) are examined and explored, including information representation, components and structures of IR systems, language in IR, retrieval models and techniques, hypertext and multimedia IR, Internet/Web retrieval and evaluation. Advances and research in the field are discussed with an emphasis on identifying research topics for further study. Prerequisite: DIS 801
Spring Semester, 3 credits

DIS 815 Information Systems: Theories, Paradigms, and Methods
Conceptual and paradigmatic foundations of information systems research and development, from Shannon and Weaver's mathematical, objectivist perspective and cybernetics, to today's neohumanistic, ethnographically-oriented socio-cultural paradigm represented in the works of the proponents of distributed cognition and activity theory. The epistemological and ontological assumptions of these paradigms will be examined. Various information systems development and research methodologies will be reviewed, with an indepth look at the issues surrounding each of these methodologies. Prerequisite: DIS 801
Fall Semester, 3 credits

DIS 816 Human-Computer Interaction
Examination of the user-system interaction from a number of theoretical and design perspectives that have been applied to this area. Included are cognitive and holistic approaches as well as usability studies. While most of the course will look at the interaction of end- users with computerized information systems, some time will also be devoted to the interaction of users with other systems.
Prerequisite: 3 credits DIS 820

DIS 820 Information Policy
Investigation of historical context and current policy agenda, with attention to social, political, and economic issues, and to policy implications of the electronic environment, in particular, the Internet, World Wide Web, and development of the National Information Infrastructure. Focus on stakeholders in policy development and implementation; economics of information and valuing of information; new information technologies; role of legal system; federal, state, and municipal roles and responsibilities; and international arena for information policy. Prerequisite: DIS 803
Fall Semester, 3 credits

DIS 822 Information and Society
Complexity of the inter-relationship between information and information technologies and society. Utilizes the work of several of the classic thinkers of the 1930s, 40s and 50s (Mumford, Ellul and Gideon) and moves to modern approaches such as the social constructivist approach of the Society for the History of Technology. Investigation of the social effects of the use of technology and information, the economics of information, and the social and political aspects of information. Prerequisite: DIS 803
Spring Semester, 3 credits

DIS 824 Information Services
Addresses information services from the perspective of institutions dedicated to producing or sharing information, e.g., publishers, schools, libraries, museums, bookstores and research firms. Impact of electronic formats on all of these, in terms of their re- examination of traditional values and the reshaping of such services as the finding of information, publishing or providing access to it, and the teaching, editing and interpretation of ideas. Prerequisite: DIS 803
Fall Semester, 3 credits

DIS 826 Organizational Information Management
Exploration of the various areas related to organizational information management, including information and organizations, archival management, electronic record management, information preservation, and information resources management. Prerequisite: DIS 803
Fall Semester, 3 credits

DIS 880 Dissertation Research
Pursuit of research as approved upon successful defense of the dissertation proposal. All students must register for at least one credit in each of Fall and Spring semesters in order to maintain in candidacy. Prerequisites: All course work and qualifying examinations
Fall and Spring Semesters, 1-3 credits

DIS 890 Special Topics
A special topic not covered in the regular curriculum is explored in depth.

DIS 899 Independent Study
Exploration in depth of a subject that is not covered in the formal curriculum at the doctoral level. In the case that the subject is in the student's co-related area, the study may be conducted under the direction of an approved instructor outside Long Island University . The study must include a comprehensive and analytical review of the literature. Prerequisites: DIS 801, DIS 803, DIS 805, DIS 807 and Dean's permission.
Each Semester, 3 credits

MSLIS And Ph.D. Courses

LIS 713 Rare Books
Examines the characteristics, criteria, and appraisal of book materials. Historical background, principles, and practice of rare book librarianship. The organization, administration, collection building, maintenance, preservation, exhibition, publication, special problems, and use of rare books in all settings. Prerequisites: LIS 510, LIS 512
Fall Semester, 3 credits

LIS 714 Archives and Manuscripts
Identification, preservation, and use of archival materials. Emphasis on the organization and administration of archival collections and departments of archives in various types of institutions.
Fall Semester, 3 credits

LIS 721 Appraisal of Archives and Manuscripts
Discusses classic archival appraisal theory and recent refinements, including documentation strategies. Relates appraisal to the mission, goals, and objectives of an archival, institution. Explores the applicability of appraisal theory to records on media other than print. Prerequisite: LIS 714 or LIS 520
Spring Semester, 3 credits

LIS 722 Records Management II: Electronic Records
In-depth examination of electronic records management implications and applications. Topics include: decumbent imaging systems, document management systems, inventorying and retention of electronic records, preservation of electronic records, and protection of vital electronic records. Prerequisite: LIS 520, LIS 714, or Instructor's permission.
Spring Semester, 3 credits Special Fee Required

LIS 729 Young Adults Sources and Services
A survey of adolescents and their reading with special emphasis on books written especially for this age group (12-18). The readings will include materials emphasizing multi-cultural characters and settings, and bibliotherapy including stories of persons with disabilties and special needs. Students will attain skills in providing library services for the young adult population, including information and referral, programming, applying new technology advocacy, working with professional staff and administration, partnering with parents and community, school and public library cooperative projects, publicity, evaluation of literature and techniques for introducing literature to the adolescent population. The course requires reading of text, reading and discussion of a number of young adult titles in a variety of genres, small group presentations, oral presentations and bibliography. Prerequisites: LIS 510 & LIS 511
Fall or Summer Semester, 3 credits

LIS 731 Materials and Services for Early Childhood
Materials and services for the young child, viewed from a library perspective. Discussion of underlying theories such as services and development of appropriate programs including presentation of age appropriate material for children with disabilities and special needs, use of adaptive toys and equipment, and material. Emphasis on books--their selection, analysis, and presentation, with attention to other materials, e.g., oral tradition, recorded materials, toys and puppets. Prerequisite: LIS 510 & 511
Spring Semester, Every Second Year, 3 credits

LIS 733 Children's Sources & Services
A survey of literature for children of preschool through elementary school age (pre-K to 11 years) with emphasis on the literary quality and characteristics of fictional and biographical materials. The survey will include materials emphasizing multicultural characters and settings and bibliotherapy including stories of persons with disabilties and special needs. Issues and problems of bringing books to children are also discussed. Prerequisites: LIS 510 & LIS 511
Spring Semester, 3 credits

LIS 735 Storytelling & Folk Literature
Analysis and evaluation of folk literature and epic tales as revelation of the culture of various people. This course emphasizes the art, techniques, and practices of oral presentation as a medium of communication and appreciation of literature. Prerequisite: LIS 510, LIS 511 or permission.
Summer Semester, 3 credits

LIS 737 Serving Diverse Populations
A seminar on services for multi- cultural populations and groups with special interests or needs: Sensory or mobility-impaired; learning disabilities; adult beginning readers; English as a second-language; gifted and talented; latchkey children; homeless, aging, etc. Covers Federal Regulations, materials, professional attitudes, techniques, equipment and programs, at all levels and settings. Prerequisites: LIS 510 & LIS 511
Spring Semester, Every Second year 3 credits

LIS 739 Myth and the Age of Information
A seminar on the role of myth and storytelling in modern settings within diverse contexts such as management, marketing, psychology, politics, anthropology, literature, broadcast media and popular culture, multi cultural education and religion. Covers the benefits and pitfalls of using story in different types of settings and the role of the information-based institution. Prerequisites: None
Summer Semester, Every Second Year, 3 credits

LIS 741 Public Libraries
A study of the philosophy, background, function, and place of public libraries in contemporary society. Examines the principles and techniques of public library organization, planning, operation, resources, services and facilities, as well as how to identify and serve groups and organizations in a community. Study of present condition, trends, and issues. Emphasis on public service orientation. Prerequisites: LIS 510, LIS 511, LIS 512 or permission.
Fall or Spring Semester, 3 credits

LIS 745 Academic Libraries
A study of the place and function of the academic library within the parent organization with particular concern for library needs of students and faculty. Includes organization & administration, policy-making regarding collections, access, organization, facilities, services, personnel, budget, and finance. Attention is given to higher education, relevant networks, and external influences. Prerequisites: LIS 510, LIS 511, LIS 512 or permission
Fall or Spring Semester, Every Second Year, 3 credits

LIS 747 Special Libraries
A study of the historical development and characteristics of a variety of special libraries. Organization, administration, and function within their parent organizations; problems and solutions associated with planning, collections, services, personnel, facilities, budgets, and evaluation are covered. Emphasis is on information centers, networks, the Special Libraries Association, and related organizations. Prerequisites: LIS 510, LIS 511, LIS 512 & or permission
Spring Semester, Every Second Year, 3 credits

LIS 749 Health Sciences Libraries
An overview of the services and programs of health sciences libraries. The principles and techniques of administration and management will be discussed with emphasis on the selection and organization of collections, budgeting, facilities, staffing, and evaluation. Prerequisites: LIS 510, LIS 511, LIS 512 or permission
Fall Semester, Every Second Year, 3 credits

LIS 753 Globalization and Information Flows
This course will explore the global transformation of information, from a network of national libraries to multilingual global digital libraries. Some of the issues that will be explored include: the nature of globalization and its relation to information technologies, global information systems and their impact on culture, economics, language and society .The course will also analyze the development of digital libraries as global information repositories. Prerequisite:LIS 510
Frequency to be determined, 3 credits

LIS 755 Information Technologies and Society
A study of the history of technologies of information and communication and their social impact. The course examines the evolution of several technologies, such as writing, the printing press, film, digitization, and their social and cultural context. The course also explores the development of the Internet and its current potential impact on social, economic, political and cultural structures. Prerequisite:LIS510
Fall Semester, Every Second Year, 3 credits

LIS 757 Introduction to Visual Literacy
The goals of this course will be to make students aware of modern critical thinking about the nature and fundamental principles of visual representation, to acquaint them with a sampling of key readings in the 20th century, and to provide basic visual communication skills using digital technologies. Prerequisite: LIS 510 Compliments LIS 755
Summer Semester, Every Second Year, 3 credits

LIS 763 Metadata: Description and Access
Application of standards and rules to the construction of tools for information retrieval, primarily web resources and catalogs in library and information environments. Overview of meta- data applications. Special problems in the organization of library materials in various forms including books, serials, maps, music, sound recordings, and different forms of material. Prerequisites: LIS 508, LIS 510 & LIS 512
Fall Semester, 3 credits

LIS 765 Knowledge Representation
Theory of subject analysis, vocabulary control and classification. Comparison and use of Dewey Decimal Classification, Library of Congress Classification, Library of Congress Subject Headings. PRECIS, Art & Architecture Thesaurus. Introduction to Universal Decimal Classification, Colon Classification, Medical Subject Headings, and other systems. Prerequisites: LIS 510 & LIS 512
Spring Semester, 3 credits

LIS 768 Abstracting and Indexing for Information Systems
Principles and concepts of abstracting and indexing methods in the context of manual and computer based information retrieval systems. Includes preparation of abstracts, subject analysis and vocabulary control, thesaurus construction, and computer assisted indexing. Evaluation of indexing and retrieval systems. Prerequisites: LIS 508, LIS 510 & LIS 512
Spring Semester, 3 credits Special Fee Required

LIS 770 Information Storage & Retrieval
Fundamentals of information storage and retrieval (ISR) systems, including components, models, structures, information representation, vocabulary control, search strategies, human-computer interaction, and evaluation. Design and implementation of lSR systems. Advances and research in the field. Prerequisite: LIS 508, LIS 510 or permission
Fall Semester, Every Second Year, 3 credits

LIS 773 Comparative Bibliography
An introduction to the study of artifacts of recorded knowledge, survey of the techniques of enumerative, descriptive and analytical bibliography, and bibliometric analysis. Students will engage in the comparative study of knowledge records, compile an enumerative bibliography, describe and analytically compare descriptions of one work, and use simple bibliometric techniques to describe the literature of their chosen field. Prerequisites: LIS 508, LIS 510, LIS 511 & LIS 512
Spring Semester, 3 credits