Home – Courses – Course Descriptions

Course Descriptions

All courses are offered for three units unless otherwise indicated.

Required Courses

LIBR 203 is a 1 unit (CR/NC) course required of all students entering SLIS from Fall 2008. It will introduce students to the SLIS elearning environment. It must be completed within the first 4 weeks of the first semester.

The courses LIBR 200, LIBR 202, and LIBR 204 are required to be taken within the first 16 units. If LIBR 200, LIBR 202, or LIBR 204 are listed as prerequisites for a course, they must be completed before the other course can be taken. In addition, LIBR 285 is required (effective from Fall 2010 must be completed within the first 24 units) and either LIBR 289 or LIBR 299.

LIBR 203: Online Social Networking: Technology and Tools
This course introduces students to a variety of new and emerging technologies used in today's online environment. It covers various social networking platforms, content and learning management tools, web conferencing, immersive environments, and other trends in social computing.
Note: Must be completed within first 4 weeks of the semester. If 203 is not completed within the first 4 weeks of the semester a hold will be placed and you will be unable to register for any more classes in SLIS.

LIBR 200. Information and Society
Explores the complex and interrelated historical, social, economic, cultural, political, and technological influences that shape information and society. Emphasis is on the various roles and responsibilities of information organizations and the values and ethics of information professionals.
Note: Effective Spring 2009, must be completed with a grade of B or better.

LIBR 202. Information Retrieval
Principles of information retrieval and their application to information systems and services. Emphasizing models of user information seeking behavior, human information processing and their relationship to retrieval models in information systems.
Note: Effective Spring 2009, must be completed with a grade of B or better.

LIBR 204. Information Organizations and Management
Identifying distinguishing characteristics, culture and relationships of information organizations. Emphasizes theories examining the interaction between human beings and the organizations in which they work.Note: Effective Spring 2009, must be completed with a grade of B or better.

LIBR 285. Research Methods in Library and Information Science
Covers fundamental principles, processes, values and roles of research for professional application in information organizations. Students will become critical consumers of research products and learn the basic skills of evaluating, planning, designing, executing, and applying research. In addition to a general research methods class, which examines a variety of research methodologies, SLIS offers a number of applied or specialized sections of LIBR 285 for students to choose from.

Examples of topics include: Historical research, School Library Media Programs and Services Evaluation, Reference Evaluation, Youth Program Evaluation, Action Research, Evaluating Services
LIBR 285 is required for all students who entered the MLIS program from Spring 2007. Effective for students who enter the program in Fall 2010 LIBR 285 must be taken within the first 24 units.
Waiver of LIBR 285: See Waiver option for those who completed a graduate-level methods course AND completed a thesis or dissertation as part of a previous graduate degree.
Prerequisites: LIBR 200, 202, 204

LIBR 289 or LIBR 299. Students must complete either an e-Portfolio or a thesis.

LIBR 289. Advanced Topics in Library and Information Science
Advanced independent creation of an electronic portfolio demonstrating mastery of all student learning outcomes (core competencies) for the MLIS degree. Must be completed in final or next-to-final semester.
Credit/No Credit grading
Prerequisites: See information about eligibility in the LIBR 289 Handbook "Eligibility " Section.

LIBR 299. Thesis
Approved thesis proposal and consent of a faculty advisor required.
Prerequisites: LIBR 200, 202, 204, 285
Credit/No Credit grading

Repeatable for a maximum of six units of credit.

Electives

LIBR 210. Reference and Information Services
A process-oriented examination of how information professionals answer reference questions. The interpersonal skills required for effective question negotiation and the sources with which questions are answered are stressed.
Prerequisite: LIBR 202

LIBR 220. Resources and Information Services in Professions and Disciplines
Examination of the nature of resources for, and services to, professions and disciplines including methods of communication, characteristics of users, and current methods of meeting research needs in libraries and information centers.

Examples of topics studied include:
Legal Resources, Business Resources, Maps and Geographic Information Systems, Film and Media Collections, Digital Humanities, GLBT services, services for older adults, Latino patrons, African American patrons, Asian-American patrons, Native American patrons.
Prerequisites: LIBR 210 plus additional courses as listed below

For Business: 204

Repeatable with different content up to 9 units.

LIBR 221. Government Information Sources
Government information sources, their bibliographic organization, use in all types of libraries and information centers, issues of access, availability, dissemination, and preservation of federal, state, and local sources; and aspects of depository and non-depository collections.
Prerequisite: LIBR 210

LIBR 228. Advanced Information Resources and Services
In-depth survey of information needs, uses, and sources across different user groups; current methods of providing reference services and instruction in different information seeking contexts; and techniques for evaluating reference sources and services.
Prerequisites: LIBR 202, 210

LIBR 230. Issues in Academic Libraries
Investigation of current issues impacting the functioning of the academic library. Topics covered include issues related to social and political environments, clientele, services, collections, physical settings, financing and staffing, and future trends in the academic library sector.
Prerequisites: LIBR 200, 202, 204

LIBR 231. Issues in Special Libraries and Information Centers
This course will investigate current issues that impact the functioning of special libraries/information centers. Topics covered will include issues related to social and political environments, clientele, services, collections, physical settings, financing and staffing, and future trends in the special library/information center sector.
Prerequisites: LIBR 200, 202, 204

LIBR 232. Issues in Public Libraries
Investigation of current issues that impact the functioning of the public library. Topics covered include issues related to social and political environments, clientele, services, collections, physical settings, financing and staffing, and future trends in the public library sector.
Prerequisites: LIBR 200, 202, 204

LIBR 233. School Library Media Centers
A seminar course designed to explore the role of the school library media teacher and the school library media program in the educational community. Emphasis will be on the creation of effective learning environments, involvement in the curriculum and teaching process, as well as philosophies of service and management.
Prerequisites: LIBR 204

LIBR 234. Intellectual Freedom Seminar
Focuses on current intellectual freedom issues and the centrality of intellectual freedom to librarianship.
Prerequisites: LIBR 200, 204

LIBR 240. Information Technology Tools and Applications
Builds the skills needed to structure, store, process, access, and present information in a Web environment. Topics may vary, but will typically include the design of Web sites and Web coding and scripting languages.
Prerequisite: LIBR 202

LIBR 241. Automated Library Systems
Planning, implementation, and management of a library automation project. How to evaluate major library automation systems for purchase and negotiate the acquisition process. Survey of current trends, practices, and issues in the field.
Prerequisite: LIBR 200, 202, 204

LIBR 242. Database Management
Design and implementation of relational databases with web access for database-driven Web applications. Learn about database management systems (such as Oracle), database administration, and database querying with SQL.
Prerequisites: LIBR 200, 202, 204
Recommended: LIBR 240, 246

Repeatable with different content up to 12 units.

LIBR 243. Systems Analysis
The systems analysis approach and formal concepts of systems analysis. How to use the concepts in analysis of an information organization as a "system". Develop systems solutions to problems of delivering information services to users.
Prerequisite: LIBR 200, 202, 204

LIBR 244. Online Searching
Techniques of searching and managing on-line search services. Includes searching strategies, evaluation of database structures, implementation and management of search services and on-line experience.
Prerequisite: LIBR 202

LIBR 245. Advanced Online Searching
Emphasis is on-line techniques for developing current awareness services.
Prerequisite: LIBR 244

LIBR 246. Information Technology Tools and Applications - Advanced
Content changes. Topics typically offered include XML, Web programming languages such as XSLT, JavaScript, JSP, Perl, PHP, MYSQL, and ASP, and designing interactive content using Web 2.0 tools.
Prerequisite: LIBR 202. Other prerequisites may be added depending on content.

Repeatable with different content up to 12 units.

LIBR 247. Vocabulary Design
Survey of principles and practices used to index information-bearing objects such as documents or images. Includes term assignment, review of existing vocabularies, thesaurus design, metadata structures, and automatic and natural language processes.
Prerequisite: LIBR 202

LIBR 248. Beginning Cataloging and Classification
Theory and practice of bibliographic control including the study of representative cataloging using descriptive cataloging standards, machine-based representation using MARC format and other standards, subject analysis and classification using LCSH, Dewey, and LCC.
Prerequisite: LIBR 202

LIBR 249. Advanced Cataloging and Organization of Information
Application of cataloging and organization of information principles to multi- and hyper-media resources, complex serial publications, evolving standards for representation of nontraditional networked information, and cataloging policy development. Specific focus of the course may vary each time taught.
Prerequisites: LIBR 202, 248

LIBR 250. Design and Implementation of Instructional Strategies for Information Professionals
The library as an integral part of teaching, learning, and training in different settings. Emphasis on collaborative design between librarians and teachers/professors that includes planning, teaching, and assessment of learning activities using the library's resources and technology.
Prerequisite: LIBR 200

LIBR 251. Web Usability
Through examination of theory, methodologies, and real-life cases, LIBR 251 offers a framework for developing user-friendly interfaces for use in information systems. Students will learn the principles of user-centric design and style for particular circumstances and populations.
Prerequisite: LIBR 202

LIBR 256. Archives and Manuscripts
An introduction to the theory and practice of managing archival documents, such as personal papers, institutional records, photographs, electronic records, and other unpublished material. Topics covered include manuscript and records acquisition and appraisal, arrangement and description, conservation and preservation, reference and access.
Prerequisites: LIBR 200, 202, 204

LIBR 257. Records Management
An introduction to the theories, methodologies, and technologies used in managing institutional information and records. Topics include the history of records management, the records' life cycle, record inventory and analysis, classification and filing, retention scheduling, equipment, and more.
Prerequisites: LIBR 200, 202, 204

LIBR 259. Preservation Management
An introduction to the philosophies and techniques used to preserve manuscript, printed, and electronic materials. Examination of different preservation techniques, and their attendant philosophies, used over the ages, from chaining materials to desks to the current practice of digital imaging.
Prerequisites: LIBR 200, 202, 204

LIBR 260A. Programming and Services for Children
This course examines the importance of programming for children, including parent education programs, story hours, outreach techniques, services with schools, summer reading programs, and program series such as weekly or monthly programs on manga, knitting, book discussions, or homework help.
Prerequisites: LIBR 200

LIBR 261A. Programming and Services for Young Adults
An introduction to developmentally appropriate service with multicultural populations of teenagers in a variety of information settings, including current research and service philosophies; resource awareness, planning and management; information literacy; professionalism; cultural analyses; programming; service threats; and teen spaces.
Prerequisites: LIBR 200

LIBR 262A. Materials for Children Ages 0-4
Survey of children’s materials, including “toy” books, picture books, and various media and technology appropriate for this age group, and how they can meet developmental needs. Collection development tools and techniques for these materials will also be included.
Prerequisites: LIBR 200

LIBR 263. Materials for Children Ages 5-8
Survey of materials in a variety of formats including nonfiction, beginning chapter books, fictional genres, paperback series and electronic resources, and how they can help meet developmental needs. Collection development tools and techniques for this material will also be included.
Prerequisites: LIBR 200

LIBR 264. Materials for Tweens
Survey of materials in various formats including fiction, nonfiction, movies, CDs, computer games and other materials, and how they can meet the developmental needs of this age group. Collection development tools and techniques for this material will also be included.
Prerequisites: LIBR 200

LIBR 265. Materials for Young Adults
This course will allow students to take an in depth look at materials in a variety of formats for teens, including fiction, popular nonfiction, graphic novels, movies, computer games, websites, other media, and determine how they can meet developmental needs.
Prerequisites: LIBR 200

LIBR 266. Collection Management
Study of collection management in all types of libraries and information centers. Includes analysis of information needs, criteria for selection, collection use evaluation, and resources for collection development.
Prerequisites: LIBR 202, 204

LIBR 267. Seminar in Services to Children and Young Adults
Seminar in planning, developing, and evaluating youth services in public libraries. Special needs of children and youth in the public library, liaison with schools, reference services, and collection planning will be featured.
Prerequisites: LIBR 200, 204, and at least two of 262A-265 (or LIBR 260, 261, 262 prior to Fall 2008).

Repeatable with different content up to 9 units.

LIBR 268. History of Youth Literature
The history of literature for children and teens from its earliest examples to today's current trends, including how childhood has changed over the years, the influence of culture on those changes, and on the materials created for children and teens.
Prerequisites: LIBR 200

LIBR 271A. Genres and Topics in Youth Literature
Various topics and genres in literature for children or teens will be examined in depth, such as graphic novels, poetry, fantasy, science fiction, publishing and writing trends, reading motivation techniques, literature in the classroom, and the art of picture books.
Prerequisites: LIBR 200

LIBR 275. Library Services for Racially and Ethnically Diverse Communities
Focuses on developing skills for planning, implementing and evaluating programs for addressing the information needs of racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities. Reviews the major national, state and local studies.
Prerequisites: LIBR 200, 204

LIBR 280. History of Books and Libraries
This class examines the role of the book and the library in expressing and fostering culture throughout history. It traces the development of the book through its many stages--cuneiform fragments, illuminated manuscripts, printed books, and electronic journals-and explores how the creation, use, and storage of information are affected by social and technological change. The development of libraries and librarianship and how they have accommodated themselves to the changing form of the book will also be considered.
Prerequisite: LIBR 200

LIBR 281. Seminar in Contemporary Issues
Investigation of major contemporary issues within the information profession; topics range from censorship to the need for a national information policy and change each time the course is offered. Examples of topics studied include:
Information Secrecy; Information Policy and Cultural Perspectives; Publishing for the Profession; Digital Copyright; International and Comparative Librarianship; Information Ethics
Prerequisites: LIBR 200, 202, 204
Other prerequisites may be added depending on content.

Repeatable with different content to a maximum of 9 units.

LIBR 282. Seminar in Library Management
Application of management theory to specific problems. Readings and discussions of the development of effective strategies for planning and implementing organizational change. Specific content of the course changes each time it is offered. Examples of topics studied include:
Organization Development for Change; Library Buildings, Public Library Management Issues; Issues in Library Leadership; Knowledge Management; Project Management; Leadership; and Financial Management.
Prerequisites: LIBR 200, 204

Repeatable with different content up to 9 units.

LIBR 283. Marketing of Information Products and Services
Applications of marketing concepts to library and information services. Market analysis, use surveys, market targeting and introduction of services will be featured.
Prerequisites: LIBR 200, 204

LIBR 284. Seminar in Archives and Records Management
In-depth study of current issues and practices in archives and records management. The course addresses new areas of research and application such as oral history, sound and visual archives, digitization, archival automation, archival security, and more.
Prerequisites: LIBR 200, 202, 204; Other prerequisites may be added depending on content.

Repeatable with different content up to 12 units.

LIBR 286. Interpersonal Communication Skills for Librarians
Surveys the principles and practice of interpersonal communication; small group and peer relationships.
Prerequisites: LIBR 200, 204

LIBR 287. Seminar in Information Science
Current issues and problems in information science. Specific content of the seminar changes each time it is offered. Examples of topics include:
Digital Libraries, Designing Information Products for a Global Audience, Manuscripts and Incunabula, New and Alternative Careers for Librarians and Information Professionals, Information Literacy, Immersive Environments. Student Learning outcomes and competencies will vary according to content.
Prerequisites: LIBR 200. Other prerequisites may be added depending on content.

Repeatable with different content to a maximum of 9 units.

LIBR 292. Professional Experience: Projects
Single focus projects submitted by an individual or organization, supervised by a professional librarian, and which can be completed in the time allocated, but where the student may not need to be on-site each day. Consent of the LIBR 292 instructor and a permission number required.
Prerequisites: LIBR 200, 202, 203 (effective Fall 2008), 204 and six elective courses.
Students must be in good academic standing [3.0 CUM GPA or above].
3 units. Not repeatable.
Credit/No Credit grading

LIBR 293. Introduction to Data Networking
An introduction to computer networking in both LAN and WAN environments with an emphasis on hands-on projects.
Prerequisites: LIBR 200, 202, 204; 240 desirable.
Credit/No Credit grading

LIBR 294. Professional Experience: Internships
Experience in a selected public, academic, special library or other information-based organization. See more information.
Prerequisites: LIBR 200, 202, 203 (effective Fall 2008), 204, and three elective courses.
Students must be in good academic standing [3.0 CUM GPA or above and no outstanding incompletes].
Credit/No Credit grading.
2 to 4 units: Each unit is equivalent to 45 hours of work.

Repeatable for a maximum of eight units of credit.

LIBR 295. School Library Field Work
A supervised professional experience of school librarianship at the levels of both elementary and secondary (middle or high) schools. Emphasis is on observation and guided practice with a credentialed school librarian (library media teacher).
Prerequisites: LIBR 200, 202, 203, 204, 210, 233, 250, 263, 264 OR 265, 266, 285, plus one elective for a total of 34 credits.
Credit/No Credit grading.
3 units

LIBR 298. Special Studies
Independent research and projects for advanced students. Consent of a faculty advisor required. See more information.
Prerequisites: LIBR 200, 202, 204. Other courses depending on research or project topic and goals.
Credit/No Credit grading
1 to 3 units: Each unit is equivalent to 45 hours of work.

Repeatable for a maximum of six units of credit.

Top of Page