Library and Information Science
Admissions Requirements | Degree Requirements | Course Descriptions
Palmer School of Library and Information Science
The master’s program is available at the Westchester Graduate Campus. Students can take elective credits from a broad array of courses that are tailored to suit individual career objectives.
The School Library Media Specialist Program (SLMS) is also available at the Westchester Graduate Campus. The Master of Science in Library and Information Science is accredited by the American Library Association.
• The School Library Media Specialist Program Degree Requirements
Inquiries may be directed to:
Admissions Office
The Westchester Graduate Campus of Long Island University
westchester@liu.edu
Admission Requirements
Applicants must submit:
• Completed application form to the Westchester Graduate Campus
• Copy of undergraduate transcript with a GPA of 3.0, or equivalent, in a bachelor’s program or in the last two years of such a program
• Official transcripts from all other institutions attended, including graduate programs
• Three (3) letters of recommendation
• Written statement of professional goals
• Current resume including e-mail address
• Results of the general test of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) with a minimum combined score of 1000 in the Analytical and Verbal sections, or an acceptable score on the Miller Analogies Test or another equivalent graduate admissions test (e.g. GMAT). The tests must have been taken within the last five years.
Requirement waived if:
• Undergraduate GPA is 3.0 or above
• Applicant has earned a master’s degree
• Applicant has completed master’s course work with grades of “B” or better
• Students for whom English is a second language must submit results of a TOEFL test on which a score of over 550 has been achieved.
Conditional Admission
Applicants who do not meet the above minimum criteria may be considered for admission as limited matriculants if potential for success in the program and the field can be confirmed by one or more of the following:
• An unusually high score on the Graduate Record Exam, Miller Analogies Test, or another comparable graduate test
• A documented record of extensive and successful experience in the field
• Evidence that an applicant with an inadequate GPA has attained the level of maturity and dedication necessary to pursue study at the master’s level
• Exceptional letters of recommendation from supervisors and/or professionals in the field
• A personal interview by the program director or admissions director
Applicants who wish to be considered for conditional admission must include, with their other documents, a letter stating the reasons why they should be given special consideration. A review will be completed after the student’s first semester and/or after at least six credits of course work to determine if the student will become fully matriculated.
Residency Requirement
At this time, all students enrolled in the M.S. program in Library and Information Science at the Westchester Graduate Campus are required to register for at least six credits at the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University or at the Manhattan Campus (New York University.) The Westchester Graduate Campus will be petitioning the New York State Education Department in the Fall of 2004 for program registration in Westchester. If approval is received, students may complete all program requirements in Westchester.
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Library and Information Science Degree Requirements
The master’s program requires students to complete 36 credits, 30 of which must be in library and information science. Full time students can expect to complete the program in one academic year and a summer session. Students who attend part-time usually complete the degree in two-and-a-half years. There are 15 credits of required courses, which include an internship. An additional 21 credits of electives can be taken from a broad array of courses tailored to suit individual career objectives.
Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, students plan a course of study which develops competency in a particular area, such as information access and retrieval, information science, corporate information center management, bibliographic control, children’s and young adult services, and public librarianship, to name a few.
Required Courses
LIS 510 Introduction to Library and Information Science
LIS 511 Information Sources and Services
LIS 512 Introduction to Knowledge Organization
LIS 514 Introduction to Research in Library and Information Science
LIS 690 Internship
Elective Courses
Students choose from some 46 elective courses in a wide range of library and information specialties. In addition, the Palmer School offers special topics and summer institutes on new subjects and emerging technologies. Among the careers for which the Palmer School trains students are: medical librarianship,
business information specialties, law librarianship, academic and public librarianship, music librarianship, and rare books librarianship.
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School Media Specialist
The Program
This accredited master’s program prepares students for provisional NY State Certification as School Library Media Specialists. After successful employment in the field, professional certification can be requested from New York State. These specialists are prepared to: initiate and sustain a leadership role for learning-based technologies and the integration of knowledge across the curriculum; facilitate partnerships within schools, school districts and the community at large for improved communications and educational services; maintain an awareness of school and community cultures and develop new services accordingly; develop and implement management strategies that remain adaptive to changing educational aims.
Additional Admission Requirements
Undergraduate or graduate preparation must include a concentration in one of the liberal arts and sciences, which includes English, mathematics, science, and social studies, and at least one year of study in a language other than English.
Individuals who already have a master’s degree in Library and Information Science and are without New York State Teacher Certification must complete the courses required for School Library Medical Specialist Certification including the practicum/internship.
Required School Media Courses
LIS 620 Instructional Design and Leadership *
LIS 622 School Media Centers *
LIS 628 School Media Materials and the Curriculum
LIS 629 Integrating Technology into the School Media Curriculum
LIS 690 Internship *
And one of the following:
LIS 729 Young Adult Literature
LIS 731 Materials and Services for Early Childhood
LIS 733 Children’s Sources & Services
LIS 735 Storytelling and Folk Literature
For students entering the program without New York State Teacher Certification or the equivalent, the following education courses will be required in addition to the above requirements:
LIS 626 Teaching Methodologies for the School Media Center*
or
LIS 625/EDU 710-General Methods of Teaching*
and
EDU 740 Literacy Teaching and Learning, Birth-Grade 6*
*These are approved education courses.
Required Examinations
All candidates for New York Certification as a School Library Media Specialist (Pre K-12) will be required to achieve passing scores on the LAST (Liberal Arts and Sciences Test),the ATS-W (Assessment of Teaching Skills-Written,) and the CST (Content Specialty Test) for initial certification.
Required Workshops
• Child Abuse: Identification and Reporting
• Violence Prevention Workshop
• Fingerprinting
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Course Descriptions
LIS 510 Introduction to Library & Information Science
An Overview of the field. Introduction to the history, purpose, functions, and processes of the field, its place in society, practice of the profession in various types of settings, and current issues and trends. Three credits.
LIS 511 Information Sources and Services
Philosophy, process, and techniques of information services. Overview of information access and delivery, types of resources and formats used in information services, evaluation and measurement of sources and services, and information seeking processes and behaviors. Three credits.
Pre- or co-requisite: LIS 508.
LIS 512 Introduction to Knowledge Organization
Basic principles of bibliographic control. Emphasizes understanding the function of catalogs, indexes, bibliographies, Web-browsers and acquiring the ability to use and interpret these tools effectively. Introduction to bibliographic utilities, online catalogs and indexes, World Wide Web, metadata and the Dublin Core, MARC formats, Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules, Library of Congress Subject Headings, Sears List of Subject Headings, Dewey Decimal Classification, Library of Congress Classification. Three credits.
Pre- or co-requisites: LIS 508 & LIS 510.
LIS 514 Introduction to Research in Library and Information Science
Theoretical and applied research design, methodologies, and evaluations in library and information science. Review of existing research in the field, techniques of proposal preparation, and design of Instruments used in the field. Three credits.
Pre- or co-requisites: LIS 508 & LIS 510.
LIS 690 Internship
120 hours during a semester at an approved site, working under supervision of a professional in the field. Guided by a Learning Contract jointly approved by faculty and the site supervisor, students augment what they have been taught in formal courses, further their career objectives, and enhance their skills, competencies, and abilities.
Prerequisites: LIS 508, LIS 510, LIS 511, LIS 512, LIS 514, and most electives. LIS 620 & LIS 622 are prerequisites for SLMS students without NY State Teacher Certification. Three credits.
Electives
Please note: Not all elective courses are offered at each campus every semester.
LIS 508 Technologies for Information Management
A comprehensive introduction to digital and communications technologies as the underpinnings for information storage and retrieval systems. These include the theory of digital representation of information (text, graphical images, and sound,) the inter-relationship of hardware, operating system software and applications software in stand-alone systems, and extensions of these in networked environments. Three credits.
LIS 513 Management of Libraries and Information Centers
Principles and techniques of management applicable to libraries and information service organizations. Focuses management theory on organizing for library and information services, collections, facilities management, and measurement and evaluation of services. Three credits.
Pre- or co-requisites: LIS 508 & LIS 510.
LIS 520 Records Management I: Fundamentals
Introduction to the systematic management of business records. Topics covered include: inventorying records, preparation of retention schedules, space management for inactive records, micrographics, protection of vital records, and file organization concepts. Three credits.
LIS 565 Information Networks
An examination of various forms of cooperation and resource sharing, particularly as facilitated by telecommunications networks in providing information services; effects of collaboration with stake holders outside of traditional library settings (e.g. private sector). Focus is on consortia and cooperation but the underlying network technologies, topologies, governance, and policy issues are also covered. Three credits. Special fee required.
Prerequisite: LIS 508.
LIS 603 Humanities Sources and Services
A study of the nature of the knowledge, historical development, research, and publications in the humanities. Includes the identification and evaluation of bibliographic, reference, and selection sources in philosophy, religion, language, fine arts, minor and applied arts, performing arts, music, and world literature. Three credits.
Prerequisite: LIS 511.
LIS 604 Science and Technology Sources and Services
A study of the background, trends, terminology, and notable publications in the physical and biological sciences, engineering, and technology. Special consideration is given to the forms taken by scientific literature, bibliographic, selection, and reference sources. The needs of the user of various types of libraries are emphasized. Three credits.
Prerequisite: LIS 511
LIS 605 Social Science Sources and Services
An examination of trends, terminology, and notable works in history, geography, political science, law, education, psychology, economics, business sociology, anthropology, and social sciences. A consideration for the form taken by social science literature. A study of bibliographic, reference, and selection tools in print and electronic formats. Three credits.
Prerequisites: LIS 508 & LIS 511
LIS 607 Health Science Sources and Services
Examines health science reference tools, both print and electronic. Includes study of the National Library of Medicine, and health science professional organizations and their publications. Specific attention is given to access to Medline through PubMed and Internet Grateful Med. The literature and resources for consumer health information, medical terminology, and Internet resources will be explored. Three credits.
Prerequisite: LIS 511
LIS 608 Legal Sources and Services
Provides an overview of the tools and techniques of legal research. Students are introduced to the structure and processes of the three major components of the legal system in the United States: common law, statutes, and administrative law. Sources of foreign and international law are examined. Three credits.
Prerequisite: LIS 511.
LIS 609 Business & Economics Sources & Services
Examines business and economic fields, their literature and research, and the various settings and environments of business and economic research, for the U.S., with some attention to international needs. Includes collection development and services, general reference sources, statistical, bibliographic, government documents, periodicals, associations, etc., in print and electronic form, and techniques for using them. Also covers specific client groups, ethics, management, and current issues. Three credits.
Prerequisite: LIS 511
LIS 618 Online Information Retrieval Techniques
An overview of computerized information retrieval systems and services. The design, structure, and searching of online databases are explored. Emphasis is on the construction and execution of effective search strategies. Three credits. Special fee required.
Prerequisites: LIS 508, LIS 510 & LIS 511
LIS 620 Instructional Design and Leadership
Examines the curriculum consultant and instructional leadership roles of the school media specialist. Attention is given to the history of curriculum design and delivery systems, and opportunities are provided for students to blend recent developments in curriculum and instruction with information literacy objectives and staff development strategies. Collaborative, interdisciplinary approaches are emphasized. For information specialists, supervisors, administrators, and others involved in the teaching/learning process. Three credits.
Prerequisites: LIS 508 & LIS 510
LIS 622 School Media Centers
An examination of developments in the principles and strategies for managing information and school information centers. This course examines philosophies and practices related to policy development, budgeting, personnel, resource organization, networking, public relations, and facilities planning. Three credits.
Prerequisites: LIS 508, LIS 510, LIS 511, LIS 512 or permission.
LIS 625 General Methods of Teaching
A study of generic instructional techniques, in which the student begins to explore the development of a repertoire of methodologies and materials to match instructional purposes. Students are expected to demonstrate mastery in a variety of teaching methods. Three credits.
LIS 626 Teaching Methodologies for School Media Specialists
This course will present teaching strategies important for the school media specialist in the school library information center “classroom”. Learn and practice techniques for using the school information center as a vital part of the instruction occurring within the school. Lesson planning, questioning strategies, and hands-on practice with important educational trends are integral components of this course. Three credits.
Prerequisites: LIS 620, LIS 622 or instructor permission.
LIS 628 School Media Materials and the Curriculum
Survey of nonfiction resources in support of the subject content areas in the modern school curriculum. Attention is given to new developments in the curriculum, with emphasis on the whole language approach as it relates to the selections and use of library materials. Three credits.
Prerequisites: LIS 508, LIS 510 & LIS 511
LIS 629 Integrating Technology into the School Media Curriculum
Students will examine software, hardware, Internet utilities, and web sites to see how curriculum and technology facilitate learning in the school media center; explore the ways hardware and software should be integrated in the curriculum, including examination of age appropriate material for children with disabilities and special needs, use of adaptive technology. Three credits.
LIS 650 Web Site Architecture and Design
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of designing, building, and maintaining Web sites. Students will learn and apply Web site technologies like HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) in the design and construction of their own Web site. Students will be introduced to the information architecture and web usability literature to learn the concepts and measures that may be applied in the evaluation of Web sites. Three credits.
Prerequisite: LIS 508 and good computer skills
LIS 657 Introduction to Preservation
An introduction to the principles and practices of library and archives preservation. Current preservation methods, national, regional, and local preservation efforts, the history of preservation, and disaster planning and recovery will be examined. Three credits.
Prerequisite: LIS 508
LIS 662 Library Public Relations
Examines the principles and practice of public relations; the library image; the news media; special events and programs; exhibits and displays; library publications; publicity; marketing techniques; and discussion of public relations as it applies to all, types of libraries. Three credits.
Prerequisites: LIS 510
LIS 669 Government Information
Study and evaluation of documents and information from federal, state, and municipal sources, including international governments. Most emphasis on the U.S. The nature of documents, electronic formats (databases, CD-ROMs), their reference and research value, as well as selection, acquisition, organization, and access in various settings. Three credits.
Prerequisite: LIS 508, LIS 510, LIS 511 or permission.
LIS 695 Master’s Project
Independent research, design, or development that may include one of the following: a research paper of publishable quality; an instructional or informational design program; a creative performance program. The student will be required to present a proposal for approval as well as the completed results of the selected paper or program project to the faculty advisor, project supervisor, and the dean. Three credits.
Prerequisite: LIS 508, LIS 510, LIS 511, LIS 512, LIS 514, and Dean’s approval.
LIS 697 Master’s Thesis
Independent research for the preparation, development, and presentation of a master’s thesis under a faculty member’s advisement and supervision. The completed thesis must be approved by the thesis advisor and the Dean. Three credits.
Prerequisites: LIS 508, LIS 510, LIS 511, LIS 512, LIS 514 and Dean’s approval.
LIS 699 Independent Study
Through independent study, students may explore in depth areas in the field that are of particular interest. For further information contact the program director. Three credits.
Prerequisites: LIS 510, LIS 511, LIS 512 and Dean’s approval.
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. Three credits.
Prerequisites: LIS 510, LIS 512
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. Three 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. Three credits.
Prerequisite: LIS 714 or LIS 520
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. Three credits. Special fee required
Prerequisite: LIS 520, LIS 714, or Instructor’s permission..
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). Three credits. Special fee required.
Prerequisites: LIS 510 & LIS 511
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. Emphasis on books--their selection, analysis, and presentation, with attention to other materials, e.g., oral tradition, recorded materials, toys and puppets. Three credits.
Prerequisite: LIS 510
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. Issues and problems of bringing books to children are also discussed. Three credits.
Prerequisites: LIS 510 & LIS 511
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. Three credits.
Prerequisite: LIS 510, LIS 511 or permission.
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. Three credits.
Prerequisites: LIS 510 & LIS 511
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. Three 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. Three credits.
Prerequisites: LIS 510, LIS 511, LIS 512 or permission.
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. Three credits.
Prerequisites: LIS 510, LIS 511, LIS 512 or permission.
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. Three credits.
Prerequisites: LIS 510, LIS 511, LIS 512 or permission.
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. Three credits.
Prerequisites: LIS 510, LIS 511, LIS 512 or permission.
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. Three credits.
Prerequisite: LIS 510
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. Three credits.
Prerequisite: LIS 510 / Fall Semester.
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. Three credits.
Prerequisites: LIS 508, LIS 510 & LIS 512
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. Three credits.
Prerequisites: LIS 510 & LIS 512
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. Three credits. Special fee required.
Prerequisites: LIS 508, LIS 510 & LIS 512
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. Three credits.
Prerequisite: LIS 508, LIS 510 or permission.
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. Three credits.
Prerequisites: LIS 508, LIS 510, LIS 511 & LIS 512.
LIS 900 Institutes
Special workshops on topics not generally covered in the regular curriculum. These seminars are generally offered in intensive one-week or weekend long formats *Effective Fall 2000 graduate students entering the Palmer School will be permitted to take a maximum of two (2) Institutes toward their Master’s degree program. Institutes have been defined as those courses which meet in abbreviated one-week or intensive weekend formats and carry the LIS 900 course number designation. Students will be allowed to take as many Special Topics courses as their elective load permits. Special Topics will be numbered LIS 901. Three credits.
LIS 901 Special Topics
A special topic not covered in the regular curriculum is explored in depth each semester. Three credits.
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