Librarian Science Course

Lesson 1 • Professional Ethics and Standards

Covers ethical codes governing librarians, including patron privacy and confidentiality. Students apply ethical reasoning to realistic professional dilemmas.

Lesson 2 • Core Principles of Library Science

Introduces foundational theories including Ranganathan's laws and intellectual freedom. These principles guide collection, access, and service decisions throughout the course.

Lesson 3 • History and Evolution of Libraries

Traces libraries from ancient collections to modern digital institutions. Provides historical context that informs current professional values and service models.

Lesson 1 • Metadata Standards and Interoperability

Introduces Dublin Core, MODS, and linked data standards for resource description. Prepares students to share and exchange metadata across platforms and institutions.

Lesson 2 • Classification Systems and Schemes

Covers Dewey Decimal and Library of Congress classification systems in depth. Students assign call numbers and understand the logic behind hierarchical subject arrangement.

Lesson 3 • Integrated Library Systems and Catalogs

Examines the architecture and modules of integrated library systems (ILS). Students configure catalog records and understand how ILS modules interact.

Lesson 4 • Bibliographic Description Fundamentals

Introduces descriptive cataloging rules and metadata elements for identifying library items. Accurate description is the foundation for all subsequent classification and retrieval work.

Lesson 1 • Electronic Resources and Licensing

Addresses selection, licensing, and management of e-books, databases, and streaming content. Students interpret license terms and manage access for electronic collections.

Lesson 2 • Selection Principles and Tools

Covers criteria for evaluating and selecting print, digital, and multimedia resources. Students use review sources and vendor tools to make evidence-based selection decisions.

Lesson 3 • Acquisitions and Budget Management

Explains procurement workflows, vendor negotiation, and budget allocation strategies. Efficient acquisitions ensure maximum collection value within financial constraints.

Lesson 4 • Collection Development Policy

Defines the purpose and components of a formal collection development policy. A written policy guides consistent, defensible selection and deselection decisions.

Lesson 1 • Designing Library Instruction Sessions

Covers instructional design principles applied to one-shot and embedded library sessions. Students create learning objectives, activities, and assessments for instruction programs.

Lesson 2 • Information Literacy Frameworks

Introduces frameworks for teaching patrons to find, evaluate, and use information ethically. Frameworks provide a pedagogical structure for designing library instruction programs.

Lesson 3 • Outreach and Community Engagement

Explores strategies for extending reference and literacy services beyond the library building. Proactive outreach builds relationships and increases awareness of library resources.

Lesson 4 • The Reference Interview

Teaches active listening and questioning techniques to clarify patron information needs. A skilled reference interview is the gateway to accurate and efficient research assistance.

Lesson 1 • Digital Library Platforms

Covers open-source and commercial platforms for building and managing digital collections. Students evaluate platform features against institutional requirements and user needs.

Lesson 2 • Data Privacy and Cybersecurity

Covers patron data protection, cybersecurity best practices, and privacy policy development. Protecting user data upholds professional ethics and institutional trust.

Lesson 3 • Library Systems Infrastructure

Examines hardware, networking, and software environments that support library operations. Understanding infrastructure enables informed technology planning and troubleshooting.

Lesson 4 • Emerging Technologies in Libraries

Surveys artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation tools entering library practice. Students assess adoption readiness and ethical implications of emerging technologies.

Lesson 1 • Appraisal and Acquisition of Archives

Covers criteria for determining the long-term value of records and acquiring archival collections. Sound appraisal ensures resources are spent preserving materials of lasting significance.

Lesson 2 • Digital Preservation Strategies

Covers formats, storage systems, and standards for ensuring long-term digital access. Students develop a digital preservation policy using established frameworks.

Lesson 3 • Arrangement and Description

Teaches hierarchical arrangement of archival collections and creation of finding aids. Proper description makes collections discoverable and usable by researchers.

Lesson 4 • Archival Theory and Principles

Introduces provenance, original order, and the archival lifecycle as foundational concepts. These principles govern all subsequent appraisal, arrangement, and description decisions.

Lesson 1 • Data Analysis and Interpretation

Teaches basic statistical analysis and qualitative coding for library research data. Accurate analysis transforms raw data into actionable insights for library improvement.

Lesson 2 • Disseminating Library Research

Prepares students to share findings through publications, presentations, and professional reports. Dissemination advances the profession and demonstrates library value to stakeholders.

Lesson 3 • Data Collection Methods

Covers surveys, interviews, observation, and usage statistics as data collection tools. Method selection depends on the research question, population, and available resources.

Lesson 4 • Evidence-Based Library Practice

Applies research findings to service design, policy, and resource allocation decisions. Evidence-based practice bridges the gap between research literature and daily library operations.

Lesson 1 • Policy Development and Governance

Explains how library policies are created, approved, and communicated to staff and users. Clear policies ensure consistent, equitable service and reduce institutional risk.

Lesson 2 • Facilities and Space Planning

Addresses library space design, accessibility requirements, and facilities maintenance. Well-designed spaces support diverse user activities and evolving service models.

Lesson 3 • Financial Management and Budgeting

Teaches budget preparation, monitoring, and reporting within library financial cycles. Sound financial management ensures sustainable service delivery and accountability.

Lesson 4 • Strategic Planning and Assessment

Guides students through environmental scanning, goal setting, and performance measurement. Strategic planning aligns library services with institutional mission and community priorities.