Library, Information, & Media Studies

Department : Library, Information, & Media Studies

Director : John Agada

Faculty : Gabriel Gomez
Kathy Rosa

Degree(s)/Certification(s):
M.S. in Library Science
+ State of Illinois Type 10 Certificate

Content Designations:
LIMS
M S

This program offers a Master of Science degree in Library Science that prepares first level professionals to design, manage and provide library and information services in school, public, academic and special library settings. The program provides a coherent sequence of foundation and application courses for practice in the information professions, followed by specialization courses in different library types and functions. The orientation of the program is to prepare candidates with theoretical and practice models for urban and metropolitan library and informatics services. Currently, students may major in one of the following three concentrations: 1) school library information specialist (Type 10 Library Information Specialist), 2) technology in libraries, or 3) public/academic/special libraries.

The school library concentration requires the State of Illinois Initial or Standards Teacher Certificate, or admission to the College of Education and completion of the professional education and general education sequence necessary for initial teacher certification. Completion of the master’s degree program with the school library concentration will qualify certified teachers and those seeking initial teacher certification for the State of Illinois or Standard Library Information Specialist Certificate (K-12, Type 10).

Program completion for certified teachers and those seeking initial certification requires passing the State of Illinois Certification Tests in Basic Skills, Library Information Specialist and Assessment of Professional Teaching (Special K-12). The school library Information Specialist concentration meets the standards of the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).

A 24-hour sequence of courses leading to an endorsement in media is also offered for students with a current State of Illinois Initial or Standard Elementary or High School Certificate. This sequence satisfies Illinois State Board of Education requirements for the Media Professional and Public Schools specialty area requirements in library science. A media endorsement for the middle grades requires six additional hours in middle school education.

General Requirements

Students are responsible for meeting the program and College requirements in effect at the time they officially register in a program leading to advanced certification at Chicago State University, regardless of when they were admitted to the university.
Admission to the program is contingent upon good academic standing and acceptance by the department.
Admission to the College of Education is required prior to registration in any professional education courses.
A full academic schedule of courses for graduate students is nine semester credit hours. Exceptions to this policy may be made only with the approval of the department.
All master’s degree requirements must be completed within six years.
Students seeking a Type 10 certificate are required to complete LIMS 5005.
Proof of passing the Content Area Test in Library Information and Assessment of Professional Teaching Test (Special: K-12).
All master’s degree requirements must be completed within six years.

Note: Candidates must abide by all College policies stated in this catalog, unless exceptions or adherence to higher expectations are noted in program documentation.

Specific Requirements 37-40 credit hours

Required Courses 22 credit hours

M S 5050, M S 5090, LIMS 5020, 5050, 5190, 5280, 5520

Concentration Courses 15-18 credit hours

Choose one of the following three concentrations for a total of 15-18 credit hours.

School Library (Type 10 Library Information Specialist Certificate)

LIMS 5005, 5140, 5240, 5300; three hours electives in library science; and three hours electives in communications media (M S 5100 is recommended).

Public/Academic/Special Libraries*

LIMS 5110, 5120, and 5610; LIMS 5600 for 3 credit hours or LIMS 5060; and three hours electives in library science or communications media.

Technology in Libraries*

M S 5100, LIMS 5100, and 5170; LIMS 5600 for 3 credit hours or LIB 5060; and three hours electives in library science or communications media.

* These concentrations are being revised. Please contact the department for the latest information.

Approved electives for all areas of concentration:
LIMS 5010, 5140, 5140, 5170, 5230, 5240, 5560, 5590; M S 5090, 5100.

General Requirements for Non-Certification Candidates

Non-certified candidates seeking initial certification are required to complete courses in general education and professional education as follows:

General Education

Three credit hours in each of composition II, speech, college level mathematics, biological science, physical science (at least one science course must include a laboratory).
Nine credit hours from at least two disciplines in the humanities – fine arts (art, music, theater), foreign language, literature, philosophy.
Nine credit hours in the following social sciences – U.S. history or American national government; child and adolescent psychology; and one course from history, geography, economics, political science, anthropology, psychology, or sociology.
One course incorporating multicultural or global perspectives.

Professional Education:

ED 1520, 2000, 5500*; PSYC 2020; S ED 5301 and 5303*; READ 5290*; LIMS 5004*.

*Restricted to students admitted to the College of Education.

Non-Degree Endorsement in Media for Certified Teachers

Specific Requirements

24 credit hours in library science course work

M S 5050, LIMS 5020, 5190, 5240, 5280, and 5300, and 6 credit hours of electives.

*Students who will work in a building that includes grades 5, 6, 7, and 8 and who do not already have a middle school endorsement must complete 24 credit hours of library science course work and two additional middle school endorsement courses, ELCF 5440 and PSYC 4210.

Library, Information, & Media Studies (LIMS) Course Offerings

4000/300 WORKSHOP ON LIBRARY MEDIA PROBLEMS (1-3)

Prerequisite: Consent of the department.

In-service course for teachers, librarians, media specialists, and administrators includes recent trends and practices in library media centers. (Not applicable for master’s degree sequence.) May be repeated for a maximum of nine credit hours.

4001/323 MULTICULTURAL MATERIALS (3)

A literature based approach to multicultural education using children’s materials to depict experiences that are common to all, relating the things that make each group special and exploring the effects of racism on individuals.

4002/324 LIBRARY MATERIALS AND READING GUIDANCE FOR ELEMENTARY/ SECONDARY TEACHERS (3)

Focuses on children’s and young adult’s materials, stories, poems, nonfiction, films, recordings and their use in classrooms. Includes an examination of multicultural materials. (Not applicable for the master’s degree sequence.)

5003/325 HISTORY OF LITERATURE FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS (3)

In-depth examination of the history of literature for children and young adults from the 15th to the 20th century. Research the origin of nursery rhymes, fables, fairy tales, folktales, myths, legends, and tall tales from various countries.

5004/370 STUDENT TEACHING AND SEMINAR (6)

Prerequisite: Admission to the College of Education; completion of all coursework in the approved program; and a passing score on the subject matter/content area certification test within the last five years.

Off-campus placement in both an elementary and secondary school in the library media center with both university and cooperating school supervision. Five full days for eight weeks at each level of instruction. Includes a seminar for the sixteen weeks.

5005/398 CLINICAL EXPERIENCES IN SCHOOL LIBRARY MEDIA CENTERS (1-2)

Appropriate clinical experience in elementary and secondary library media centers. Forty-five to one hundred clock hours of field experience per term. Note: All graduates students are eligible to enroll in 5000-level classes, except those designated as restricted to master’s degree students or requiring departmental permission. Prior consultation with the department is recommended.

5010/401 READING OF YOUNG ADULTS (3)

Implications for library service of reading characteristics, patterns, and problems of young adults.

5020/402 CATALOGING AND CLASSIFICATION (3)

Introduction to principles and methods of descriptive cataloging, subject headings determination and classification. Practical applications of Anglo-American Cataloging Rules 11, Dewey Decimal classification Scheme, Sears Subject Headings List II, and On Line Cataloging (OCLC). Ten clock hours of field experience per term.

5021 ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION (3)

Prerequisites: LIMS 5290, 5310, 5320, 5340

Evolution of the recordkeeping professions and development of theories, principles and methods for identifying and administering records and recordkeeping systems. Emphasizes the history and changing concept of a record and recordkeeping systems, due to changing technology and standards for intellectual asset management and organizational effectiveness. Outlines responsibilities of archivists and records managers in libraries, archives, museums and special collections in private, putlic and non-profit environments.

5022 HISTORY OF ARCHIVES, LIBRARIES AND MUSEUMS (3)

Prerequisites: Prerequisites: LIMS 5290, 5310, 5320, 5340

Research seminar on the history of recorded information and technologies, primarily in the West but with some global context – writing, manuscripts, books, printing, multi-media, communications, electronic media, systems and networks, from the alphabet to the Web. An historical survey is provided, with opportunity for in-depth research using primary sources. The focus is on information resources, cultural artifacts, media, publishing and transmission, and historic and modern communications from the physical to the electronic and virtual, while a companion course focuses on their organizational and institutional counterparts, archives, libraries, museums and information centers.

5023 HISTORY OF RECORDED INFORMATION AND TECHNOLOGIES (3)

Prerequisites: LIMS 5290, 5310, 5320, 5340

Research seminar on the history of recorded information and technologies, primarily in the West but with some global context – writing, manuscripts, books, printing, multi-media, communications, electronic media, systems and networks—from the alphabet to the Web. As historical survey is provided, with opportunity for in-depth research using primary sources. The focus is on information resources, cultural artifacts, media, publishing and transmission, and historic and modern communications from the physical to the electronic and virtual.

5024 ARCHIVES AND RECORDS PRACTICUM (3)

Prerequisites: LIMS 5290, 5310, 5320, 5340

Supervised projects for experience with records and the basic functions of archives: Field assessment, inventories, and records scheduling; records accessioning and transfer; documentation, metadata, creation, and use of manual and automated (Eloquent) archival information systems; records arrangement and description; rudimentary preservation for storage, use and exhibition; reference and public service; and records management program assessment.

5025 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FOR LIBRARY AND INFORMATION AGENCIES (3)

Prerequisites: LIMS 5340. 5610, 5020; ED 5000, or permission of the department.

Introduction to key concepts of information technology as they pertain to instruction and information processing and management in library and information agencies. Emerging technologies such as mobile, social and digital media and their applications in formal and informal education and information services. Practice exercises will included planning, implementation, and evaluation of diverse service models.

5027 MULTIMEDIA PRODUCTION (3)

Prerequisites: LIMS 5340, 5610, 5020, ED 5999, or permission of the department.

Introduction to the design, production, and use of multimedia instructional resources for school library media centers and libraries. Applications of communication theory and development of techniques and skills for selection, production, and use of media. Hands-on training in the use of computers, desktop publishing and audio-visual recording technology will be undertaking within a cooperative learning environment.

5028 LIBRARY AUTOMATION (3)

Prerequisites: 5340, 5610, 5020, ED 5999.

Theoretical overview of library automation with a focus on major library automation systems such as Integrated Library Management System (ILS) and Online Public Access Cataloging (OPAC). Hands-on practical working exercises on client software which illustrate how information technology is applied to automate library operations such as library materials acquisition circulation, cataloging, reference services, and information literacy instruction. Also covers planning, implementing, and evaluating library automation projects.

5029 ELECTRONICS RECORDS MANAGEMENT (3)

Prerequisites: LIMS 5340, 5610, 5020, ED 5999

Introduction to electronic record keeping an preservation for purposes of organizational effectiveness, documentation and memory, and institutional accountability. Provides a holistic approach from rcords definitions and formats, to computerized information systems (hardware and software), and long-term preservation; with special attention to socio-technical solutions, as well as behavioral, organizational and professional implications for best practices in creat5ing creditable management operations with sustainable information bases.

5030 DIGITIZATION AND DIGITAL REPOSITORIES/4 (3)

Prerequisites: LIMS 5340, 5610, 5020, ED 5999, or permission of the department.

Introduction to the design and management of a digital repository system for archives, material preservation, and repository management. Commonly used hardware and software and the transition from paper to electronic records and conversion processes such as scanning, digitizing, filing, data warehousing, and metadata.

5031 CURATORSHIP OF HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS (3)

Prerequisites: LIMS 5340, 5610, 5020, ED 5000

Administration course applied to curatorship of historical collections in archives, museums, and libraries and other cultural and information environments. Focuses on acquisitions in the antiquarian market, management of collections, readers services, and public events, especially exhibits. Includes a laboratory component of planning designing, mounting, and evaluating an exhibit as a class project.

5032 BIBLIO-FORENSICS (3)

Prerequisites: Prerequisites: LIMS 5340, 5610, 5020, ED 5999

Introduction to diplomatics (form criticism in formal communications and information conveyance), Codicology (Manuscript Codex format analytics, including the basics of Paleography), and Analytical Bibliography (printed books, including typography). Covers techniques in textual criticism and editing, historical research in primary sources, manuscript curatorship and rare book librarianship, advanced cataloging, and preservation and documentation and formal communication studies. Includes documentary forensics for authentication and appraisal, forgery detection in criminal science, and foundations for conservation and preservation.

5033 MSLS CAPSTONE CLASS (1)

Prerequisites: LIMS 5290, 5310, 5320, 5340

Provides opportunities for students to reflect on, and “show case” their portfolio, the outcome of the knowledge. Skills, and professional values and dispositions learned during their MSLS program. Students use this opportunity to demonstrate mastery of all MSLS Program objectives and learning outcomes.

5050/405 LIBRARY LITERATURE AND RESEARCH (3)

Evaluation of recent literature and research in librarianship and media. Identification of needed research.

5060/406 SEMINAR IN RESEARCH (3)

Prerequisites: LIMS 5050 and consent of department.

Guidance in researching and writing thesis and special reports related to librarianship. Hours arranged.

5100/410 LIBRARY INFORMATION RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS (3)

Prerequisite: Consent of the department.

A study of automation applications to library functions including information storage and retrieval.

5110/411 THE PUBLIC LIBRARY (3)

The public library and librarian in society. Topics to be considered include structure and government, personnel, resources building, extension services, and public library systems.

5120/412 THE ACADEMIC LIBRARY (3)

Principles and practices of academic libraries.

5130/413 SEMINAR IN TRENDS AND PROBLEMS IN LIBRARIANSHIP (3)

Problems, issues, and trends (historical and current) in libraries and librarianship. Topics vary according to interests and needs of students.

5140/414 THE CURRICULUM AND THE MEDIA CENTER (3)

Study and evaluation of the media center and the media specialist’s role in meeting curricular needs.

5170/417 INTRODUCTION TO THE USE OF COMPUTERS IN LIBRARIES (3)

Practical application of the fundamentals of information science, abstracting, indexing, and data processing.

5190/419 COLLECTION, DEVELOPMENT, AND USAGE OF REFERENCE MATERIALS (4)

An introduction to basic principles, practices, problems, and resources needed for selection and acquisition of library information materials. A systematic review of commonly used reference aids and resources. Ten field clock hours per term.

5220/422 SEMINAR IN INTERNATIONAL AND COMPARATIVE LIBRARIANSHIP (3)

Aspects of librarianship through comparisons of the United States with other selected countries.

5230/423 SEMINAR IN MULTICULTURAL MATERIALS (3)

Collection development and use of multicultural materials. Types of multicultural materials, general and specific reference sources for children and adults.

5233 NETWORKING FUNDAMENTALS FOR INFORMATION SPECIALISTS (3)

Course introduces information specialists to fundamental networking concepts and technologies. It is a laboratory and theory course that covers networking technologies and their implementation. The focus of this course is on learning the fundamentals of networking. Key topics include: OSI Model, TCP/IP Model, Networking Media (copper, fiber, wireless, etc.). Networking devices (types and basic configuration), networking protocols overview, common networking tools (Packet Tracer, Wireshark®, etc.). Course is the first course to be taken in preparation to the CCNA exam.

5240/424 LITERATURE AND RELATED MEDIA FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS (4)

Emphasis on guiding children and young adult reading. Study of Children’s and young adults’ literature, traditional and modern, and other related materials for use by and with individuals, ages 3-18. Emphasis is on selection and evaluation of materials appropriate for school library resource centers and public libraries. Ten clock hours of field experience per term.

5280/428 MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION OF LIBRARIES (3)

The organization and management of libraries with emphasis on planning evaluation, current problems on personnel and financial management.

5290 HUMAN INFORMATION BEHAVIOR

Prerequisite: LIMS 5340 or consent of the department.

Examines human behavior as evidence of needs which require the seeking, searching, using and valuing of information for decision-making, planning and problem solving. Seeks to describe and understand a variety of information processes drawing on relevant theories and models of cognitive and social psychology.

5300/430 ADMINISTRATION OF MEDIA CENTERS / (3)

Survey of the problems in the management of media programs including formal methods of planning for resource based teaching. Methods of management and administration with emphasis on organizing staffing, financing, and use of evaluation standards. Designed to assist the student in developing an understanding of the application of management and administrative philosophies in all kinds of libraries including those for patrons with special needs. Fifteen clock hours of field experience per term.

5310 RESEARCH METHODS IN LIBRARY & INFORMATION SCIENCE

Research methods and their applications in Library and Information Science. Theoretical principles and practical procedures for planning, designing, conducting, analyzing, and evaluating research using qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods are introduced. Students also learn to be better consumers and critics of published LIS research.

5320 ORGANIZATION OF INFORMATION

Prerequisite: LIMS 5340, 5240, 5290, or consent of the department.

The concepts and methods of describing and organizing information and documents of all types and formats for identification and retrieval. Includes an examination and practice with standard organizational tools such as classification systems, subject headings, MARC records, metadata, and others.

5330 INFORMATION LITERACY INSTRUCTION

Prerequisite: LIMS 5340, 5290, 5320, 5280 or consent of the department.

Application of instructional design theories and models to the challenges of teaching in the information professions. Covers case studies of a variety of instructional situations in face-to-face and online distance learning in one-on-one reference instruction, staff development workshops, Information Literacy tutorials and online workbook formats.

5340 FOUNDATIONS OF THE INFORMATION PROFESSIONS

Creation, dissemination, and diffusion of knowledge in society, and related roles and functions of information professionals. Provides a historical review of the organizational contexts of libraries, archives and museums, among others, and the philosophical and ethical values and problems which define LIS as a field of study.

5347 INTERNET PUBLISHING FOR INFORMATION SPECIALISTS (3)

Internet publishing is vital for today’s information and communications related careers. This course introduces information specialists to web publishing, HTML, XHTML, and the latest web development tools. Students will become proficient in the key aspects of the cyberspace publishing process. The course is foundational to move towards advanced web development courses. Students will design, develop, and release their own web sites.

5360 INTRODUCTION TO REFERENCE SERVICE

Prerequisite: LIMS 5340, 5290, 5320, 5280 or consent of the department.

Print and electronic information sources and services used to connect library users to the information they seek. Current principles and practices of reference service among different types of libraries and information centers.

5520/452 THE LIBRARY IN SOCIETY (3)

Principal types, development, and functions of libraries. Foundations of library and information sciences.

5560/456 STORYTELLING AND FOLK LITERATURE (3)

Prerequisite: LIMS 5610 or consent of the department.

Materials, techniques, and practices in adapting folk and fairy tales, myths, legends, epics, picture books, and realist literature to storytelling and school curricula.

5590/490 INDEPENDENT STUDY (1-3)

Prerequisite: Consent of the department.

Independent study of an aspect of media or librarianship of interest to the student. (May be repeated with different content.)

5600/499 FIELD PRACTICUM (3)

Prerequisite: Completion of twenty-eight credit hours in master’s degree program and consent of the department.

Supervised experience in library media centers with appropriate written reports. Nine clock hours of field experience per term. May be repeated in a different setting.

5610/454 REFERENCE SOURCES AND METHODS (3)

Prerequisite: LIMS 5190 or consent of the department.

Examination of reference sources and problems. Applications to the social studies, humanities, and sciences.

Media Studies (M S) Course Offerings

5000/310 FUNDAMENTALS OF INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN (3)

An introduction to contemporary processes and procedures in the design, validation and management of instruction.

5010/315 I NSTRUCTIONAL TELEVISION (3)

Utilization and production of television materials for instruction. Laboratory practice in design and production.

5020/316 MEDIA EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE (3)

Consideration and development of equipment specifications for selection and purchase. Diagnosis and analysis of common equipment malfunctions.

5030/350 MEDIA RESOURCES FOR TEACHERS (2)

Audiovisual production and equipment operation; materials utilization for classroom teachers.

5040/361 AUDIOVISUAL MATERIALS PRODUCTION (3)