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Home – Courses – Program Specializations – Reference Services and Instruction

Reference Services and Instruction

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.

Description

This specialization focuses on information intermediation and instruction. Work in this area requires an understanding of how to help users define and articulate their information needs; excellent communication skills; mastery of a wide range of information tools and retrieval techniques for answering users' questions; and proficiency in evaluating and selecting information sources and services. Learning effective techniques for instructing users in the retrieval and evaluation of information is central to this specialization. Students may also wish to focus on designing tools to facilitate users' access to information and tutorials to enhance their information literacy skills.

Employment Opportunities

Opportunities for students in this specialization exist in all types of libraries, as well as with database and library system vendors. Students who concentrate in this specialization may work as:

• Reference librarians
• Information services librarians
• Public services librarians
• Virtual reference librarians
• Coordinators of library instruction
• Coordinators of reference services
• Outreach librarians
• Database trainers
• Educational liaisons for vendors
• Information consultants/information brokers

Core Theory and Knowledge

1. Awareness of the evolution of information services and the core values held by information service providers
2. Possession of a user-centered perspective and an in-depth understanding of information seeking behavior
3. Familiarity with a range of information sources and the ability to effectively search, retrieve, and evaluate information from a variety of sources
4. Ability to communicate successfully with diverse user populations, particularly with regard to understanding and responding to user needs and explaining search strategies
5. Understanding of the principles of information literacy and familiarity with current information literacy models and practice
6. Capacity to plan, execute and evaluate instruction in the use of information resources
7. Ability to explore and incorporate new uses of technology in the provision of information services and instruction

Recommended Coursework

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:

• LIBR 210 Reference & Information Services
• LIBR 244 Online Searching
• LIBR 250 Design and Implementation of Instructional Strategies for Information Professionals
• LIBR 266 Collection Management

Recommended Courses:

• LIBR 220 Resources and Information Services in Professions and Disciplines
• LIBR 221 Government Information Sources
• LIBR 228 Advanced Information Resources
• LIBR 240 Information Technology Tools and Applications
• LIBR 245 Advanced Online Searching
• LIBR 248 Beginning Cataloging & Classification
• LIBR 251 Web Usability
• LIBR 275 Library Services for Racially & Ethnically Diverse Communities
• LIBR 286 Interpersonal Communication Skills for Librarians

Course selection will necessarily vary. Student interests will affect selection of LIBR 220 courses. Interest in particular types of libraries or user groups will determine the relevance of courses focusing on academic libraries, public libraries, youth services, etc. Internships and special studies may also provide opportunities to apply and extend students' knowledge, or to carry out research in areas of particular interest.

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