
My Courses
Below are descriptions of the courses I took during the Kent State University MLIS program.​
CORE COURSES
LIS 60010: The Information Landscape
This course explored the nature of information and technology in information-intensive environments. Topics addressed in this course included information lifecycle processes such as production, storage, sharing, and consumption; social, cultural, economic, legal, and technological contexts for understanding information processes; the roles of information professionals and agencies, and their place in the larger information marketplace; and current and emerging information technologies that shape the information economy.
LIS 60020: Information Organization
This course provided an introduction to the theory and practice of information organization and retrieval in various information environments. Topics addressed in this course included principles, standards, tools and current systems relating to organization of information and retrieval; exploration of supported information system functions, such as searching, browsing, and navigation; and assessment and evaluation of information organization and retrieval systems.
LIS 60030: People in the Information Ecology
This course focused on a user-centered approach in exploring the information needs and behaviors of people (as individuals and in groups, communities, and institutions) in relation to the larger information ecology that surrounds them. Topics covered included an overview of information ecology; the user-centered paradigm; major information needs and information behavior theories, models, and findings; the landscape of information sources and services for users; factors that influence people’s information needs and behaviors; and user empowerment, information ethics, information fluency, and related issues.
LIS 60040: Information Institutions & Professions
This course examined the political, social, economic, and technical forces that influence the larger environments in which information institutions are situated. The course explored characteristics of the environments in which information professionals may work, including but not limited to academic, school, public, and special libraries, museums, archives, cultural heritage institutions, government organizations, corporations across all industries, and information creators and publishers. The course also focused on characteristics of the information profession including core values and principles, emerging professions, and understanding possible futures in profession. Finally, the course explored ideas of organizational behavior in information institutions that operate across the institution as a whole, within groups, and within individuals in the organization.
LIS 60050: Research & Assessment in LIS
This course focused on quantitative and qualitative research methods applicable to information settings and environments. The course also explored research design, data analysis, proposal development, and ethical issues.
ELECTIVE COURSES
LIS 60601: Information Sources & Reference Services
This course provided an introduction to use and evaluation of basic sources of reference information, computerized and noncomputerized; reference interview and question-negotiation techniques; and administration of reference and information services.
LIS 60602: Cataloging & Classification I
This course covered principles of cataloging with emphasis on Dewey Decimal and Library of Congress Classification systems, Library of Congress subject headings, online cataloging, and administration.
LIS 60692: Internship in Information & Cultural Heritage Institutions
This course consisted of a supervised experience of a professional nature in an information or cultural heritage institution. My reference and instruction internship was completed at Eastern Gateway Community College. Learning objectives included gaining virtual reference skills, learning new technological skills, developing research guides and instructional videos, and leading virtual instruction sessions.
LIS 60510: Digital Technologies I -
Data Fundamentals
The first of three one-credit courses in digital technologies, this course presented foundational knowledge on the principles that underlie digital resources and services in modern information society, with specific emphasis on data representation, encoding, formatting, and data modeling.
LIS 60511: Digital Technologies II - Internet Fundamentals
The second of three one-credit courses in digital technologies, this course presented foundational knowledge on the principles that underlie digital resources and services in modern information society, with specific emphasis on online information systems, the Internet, and data security.
LIS 60512: Digital Technologies III - System Fundamentals
The third of three one-credit courses in digital technologies, this course presented foundational knowledge on the principles that underlie digital resources and services in modern information society, with specific emphasis on Web-based information applications, programming logic, Linked Data, and the interpretation of data.
LIS 60618: Information Literacy Initiatives & Instruction
Intended for information professionals from any library point-of-view (school, public, academic, archives, special, etc.), this course covered topics including definitions and history of information literacy standards and objectives, developing an information literacy agenda, library pedagogy and learning styles, information literacy needs assessment, program development and delivery, and experiential learning in library communities.
LIS 61096: Individual Investigation
This course consisted of a research-based individual investigation. For my individual investigation, I researched how community college libraries and writing centers in the United States are collaborating. I created and distributed an online survey and wrote a research paper based on my findings.
LIS 60669: Information Services for Diverse Populations
This course explored services for diverse populations to ensure equity of access to information in a range of LIS institutional settings. The course covered special interests or needs, including sensory or mobility-impairment; learning disabilities; illiteracy; incarceration and institutionalization; demographic factors (age, race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity); non-native English speakers; and homeless persons. This course also focused on Federal regulations, materials, spaces, programs and services, professional attitudes, techniques, and technology issues.
LIS 60280: Master’s Portfolio in Library & Information Science
Completed in a student’s last semester, this course included the creation of an electronic portfolio to represent and self-evaluate the student’s experience throughout the MLIS program, considering program learning outcomes, and preparation for a career in the field of library and information science.
Course descriptions are from the Kent State University Catalog: http://catalog.kent.edu/coursesaz/lis/
Header Image Source: "Library Books Education" by Foundry is licensed to use under the Pixabay license.