LIBR 204-12
Information and Society
Spring 2003

Dr. Rita A. Scherrei
RAScherrei@Juno.Com

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Blackboard

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COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Blackboard Theory and practice for the management of library and information centers as applied in current organizations are presented and discussed. Emphasis is placed on examining the distinguishing characteristics, cultures, and relationships in information organizations. Specific attention is given to work teams, ethical issues, and situational analysis.

OBJECTIVES:

The objectives of the course include the following:

To introduce students to the history and basic principles and schools of management and of organization theory;

To introduce students to the various types of libraries and to the importance of environmental variables in their management and organization;

To introduce students to theories and concepts related to planning, to change management, and creative thought and decision making;

To introduce students to various schools of thought related to leadership through an independent study and on-line discussion module;

To introduce students to key concepts related to personnel management and to financial and physical facilities management as practiced in the public sector.

The course supports the following objectives from the School's Teaching goal:
Teaching students the major theories, important principles, and current practice in the following area: The principles and practices of management as specifically applied to information environments.

REQUIRED TEXT:
Evans, G. Edward, Patricia Layzell Ward, and Bendik Rugaas. Management Basics for Information Professionals. New York: Neal-Schuman Publishers, 2000

Please order through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or a similar vendor. You may also be able to obtain a used copy from a student as this text has been used for at least two years.

You are also expected to read a book on leadership. You will be given a list of suggested titles from which to choose or you may select another.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
1. Attendance at five class meetings and participation in class discussions and roundtables;
2. Completion of a series of assignments based on readings from the text, your own working situation, and field studies;
3. An independent study module on leadership which includes participation in a small on-line discussion group, readings from the text and from a book on leadership, analysis of a film, and a one page essay to be handed in on the last day of class;
4. A semester project on strategic change in a library to be handed in on the last day of class.

METHOD OF GRADING:
Assignments: 25%
Leadership Module: 25%
Semester Project: 50%