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Home – Courses – Program Specializations – Public Libraries

Public Libraries

The MLIS program requires an introductory technology course (LIBR 203); three core courses (LIBR 200, LIBR 202, LIBR 204); one additional required course (LIBR 285); and the culminating electronic portfolio OR a thesis (LIBR 289 or LIBR 299) for graduation. Beyond these requirements, a student is free to select electives reflecting individual interests and aspirations.

Program specializations are thus provided here solely for advising purposes. No such designation appears on your transcript or diploma. Many students find these introductions to different program areas useful, however, for course selection and career planning.

What Do Public Librarians Do?

Public libraries vary widely in size of community served as well as size of library. Librarians may provide highly specialized assistance to users in large settings with large staffs. In small branch libraries or small city libraries, they may deal with all ages and kinds of patrons, run a bookmobile, or keep in touch with community organizations and schools. Most public librarians in all but the main branch of a very large system are involved with:

• Reference
• Collection development
• Technical services
• User services for adults, teens and/or children
• Programming
• Administration
• Outreach/Advocacy

Recommended Coursework

Note: The following are suggestions of courses you should consider. If you do not have all of these courses it does not mean that you will not work in a public library.

Required Courses:

• LIBR 203 Online Social Networking: Technology and Tools
• LIBR 200 Information and Society
• LIBR 202 Information Retrieval
• LIBR 204 Information Organizations and Management
• LIBR 285 Research Methods in Library and Information Science
• LIBR 289 or LIBR 299 Culminating Experience

Foundation Courses:

The elective courses listed below are suggested choices to best prepare to become a Public Librarian.

• LIBR 210 Reference & Information Services
• LIBR 220 Resources & Information Services in Professions & Disciplines
• LIBR 221 Government Information Sources
• LIBR 232 Issues in Public Libraries
• LIBR 240 Information Technology Tools & Applications
• LIBR 248 Beginning Cataloging & Classification
• LIBR 260A Programming and Services for Children OR LIBR 261A Programming and Services for Young Adults
• LIBR 266 Collection Management
• LIBR 275 Library Services for Racially & Ethnically Diverse Communities
• LIBR 283 Marketing of Information Products & Services
• LIBR 294 Professional Experience: Internships

Recommended Courses:

• LIBR 282 Seminar in Library Management particularly courses focusing on Financial Management, Fund Development and Grant writing, and Human Resources Management; related courses often offered as LIBR 282 include vendor relations and managing electronic resources
• LIBR 283 Marketing of Information Products and Services
• LIBR 286 Interpersonal Communication Skills for Librarians

One or two of the following courses are also suggested.

• LIBR 262A Materials for Children, Ages 0-4
• LIBR 263 Materials for Children, Ages 5-8
• LIBR 264 Materials for Tweens
• LIBR 265 Materials for Young Adults

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