Library Science Course

Lesson 1 • Core Professional Values and Ethics

Examines intellectual freedom, privacy, equity of access, and professional ethics. Connects values to daily decision-making in library practice.

Lesson 2 • Types and Missions of Libraries

Distinguishes public, academic, special, and school libraries by mission and audience. Grounds students in institutional diversity across the profession.

Lesson 3 • Library Governance and Stakeholders

Identifies governing bodies, funding sources, and community stakeholders. Prepares students to navigate institutional accountability structures.

Lesson 1 • Authority Control and Record Quality

Establishes consistent name and subject authority to maintain catalog integrity. Students evaluate and correct catalog records for quality.

Lesson 2 • Cataloging Standards and Metadata Formats

Applies current descriptive standards and machine-readable metadata formats. Ensures records meet interoperability requirements across systems.

Lesson 3 • Principles of Bibliographic Description

Introduces metadata elements used to describe library resources. Establishes the descriptive foundation required for all cataloging work.

Lesson 4 • Subject Headings and Controlled Vocabulary

Teaches use of controlled vocabulary to enable consistent subject access. Links subject analysis to improved catalog searchability.

Lesson 1 • Acquisitions and Budget Management

Covers ordering processes, fund accounting, and budget allocation strategies. Equips students to manage acquisitions within fiscal constraints.

Lesson 2 • Collection Assessment and Evaluation

Applies quantitative and qualitative methods to measure collection strength. Results inform strategic development decisions.

Lesson 3 • Selection Tools and Vendor Relations

Introduces review sources, approval plans, and vendor negotiation strategies. Connects selection tools to efficient acquisition workflows.

Lesson 4 • Preservation and Weeding Practices

Addresses physical and digital preservation alongside systematic weeding. Balances collection currency with long-term access goals.

Lesson 1 • Database and Online Search Strategies

Builds advanced search skills across bibliographic and full-text databases. Directly supports efficient patron assistance and self-directed research.

Lesson 2 • Designing Library Instruction Sessions

Applies instructional design principles to create effective library workshops. Students develop learning objectives, activities, and assessments.

Lesson 3 • Reference Interview Techniques

Develops active listening and questioning skills for clarifying patron needs. Forms the interpersonal core of all reference interactions.

Lesson 4 • Reference Source Evaluation

Teaches criteria for evaluating print and digital reference sources. Ensures students select authoritative, current, and relevant resources.

Lesson 1 • Integrated Library Systems Overview

Examines modules and workflows of integrated library systems. Establishes the technological backbone of library operations.

Lesson 2 • Data Management and Library Analytics

Introduces data collection, reporting, and visualization for library decision-making. Connects analytics to evidence-based service improvement.

Lesson 3 • Library Website and UX Design

Applies user experience principles to library website planning and evaluation. Improves patron navigation and self-service success rates.

Lesson 4 • Digital Library Platforms and Repositories

Covers platforms for hosting digital collections and institutional repositories. Connects digital infrastructure to access and preservation goals.

Lesson 1 • Human Resources and Staff Development

Covers hiring, supervision, performance evaluation, and professional development. Builds capacity to lead diverse library teams effectively.

Lesson 2 • Strategic Planning for Libraries

Guides development of mission-aligned strategic plans with measurable goals. Connects planning processes to institutional accountability.

Lesson 3 • Financial Management and Budgeting

Teaches budget preparation, justification, and monitoring for library operations. Equips students to advocate for resources with fiscal evidence.

Lesson 4 • Policy Development and Compliance

Guides creation of operational policies covering access, behavior, and technology use. Ensures institutional compliance with professional and regulatory standards.

Lesson 1 • Partnerships and Collaborative Outreach

Develops strategies for building partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and agencies. Extends library reach through collaborative service delivery.

Lesson 2 • Program Evaluation and Impact Measurement

Teaches outcome-based evaluation methods to assess program effectiveness. Connects evaluation data to continuous improvement and reporting.

Lesson 3 • Community Needs Assessment

Applies survey, interview, and demographic analysis to identify community needs. Grounds program planning in evidence rather than assumption.

Lesson 4 • Marketing and Promoting Library Services

Applies marketing principles to increase awareness and use of library services. Covers branding, social media, and print communication strategies.

Lesson 1 • Translating Research into Practice

Bridges research findings and operational library improvements through evidence-based practice. Students present actionable recommendations grounded in data.

Lesson 2 • Literature Review and Critical Appraisal

Teaches systematic searching and critical evaluation of LIS literature. Builds the analytical foundation for evidence-based decision-making.

Lesson 3 • Data Analysis and Interpretation

Applies basic statistical and thematic analysis techniques to research data. Connects analysis skills to meaningful interpretation of findings.

Lesson 4 • Research Methods in Library Science

Surveys quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods approaches used in LIS research. Provides methodological literacy for consuming and producing research.