Curriculum

Our 36 credit-hour curriculum is focused on student success, and is designed to prepare you for professional responsibilities in a broad spectrum of libraries, media and information centers and consultancies. Read more about our student learning goals and outcomes.

Degree Requirements

Complete 36 semester hours of graduate credit, including the required courses below. Completion of the first three required core courses during the first nine hours of enrollment is highly recommended.

Required Courses

LIS 701: Core Values, Ethics, and Issues in the Library and Information Professions

Covers core values and ethics central to the library and information professions, including intellectual property, privacy, access, confidentiality of records, codes of ethics, intellectual freedom, and censorship. Includes an analysis and comparison of social, cultural, economic and political factors that influence access to information and the development and provision of information services. Examines the role, function, and influence of information policies at the organization, local, national, and international levels and their impact on information flow and core professional values. Considers the library and information professions and practice within a diverse and global context. This is the recommended first course for all SOIS students. Offered in fall, spring, and summer. (3 hours)

LIS 702: Facilitating User Learning and Information Needs

Provides an introductory overview of information behaviors and information needs, seeking, retrieval, evaluation, use, and sharing in relation to professional practice. Investigates the application reference interview and research consultation skills to the design and delivery of information services and resources. Considers learning theories and principles in relation to information literacy and fluency. Examines instructional approaches and strategies for formal and informal learning contexts, different information settings, and virtual environments. (3 hours) Pre- or co-requisite: LIS 701

LIS 703: Organization of Knowledge

Provides an overview of principles, methods, and systems in the organization of materials and information in a variety of library and related settings. Introduces at a basic level the use and interpretation of Resource Description & Access (RDA), subject headings (Library of Congress Subject Headings), classification (Dewey Decimal Classification & Library of Congress Classification), authority control, and Machine-Readable Cataloging (MARC21). Introduces foundational concepts of knowledge representation and taxonomies. Offered in fall, spring, and summer. (3 hours) Pre- or co-requisite: LIS 701

LIS 707: Leadership, Marketing, and Strategic Communication

Introduces leadership theories and practice to promote effective interpersonal, small group, and organizational communication in library and information settings. Covers communicating a leadership stance, using effective leadership, marketing, and communication management techniques and practices, and applying design and systems thinking to create and implement information services, tools, and resources. Examines marketing principles and collaborative leadership approaches to promote services and collections and to advance organizational goals. Discusses advocacy for libraries, archives, and information agencies. Covers project management techniques. (3 hours) Pre- or co-requisite(s): LIS 701

LIS 708: Evidence-Based Planning, Management, and Decision-Making

Introduces research concepts, principles of research design, measurement, and qualitative and elementary quantitative data collection and analysis techniques commonly employed in library and information settings. Covers methods and approaches for assessing library and information services, programs, and resources with the goal of demonstrating value to the users and constituent groups served by the organization. Emphasizes designing, planning and managing research and assessment projects. Considers strategies to use research and assessment findings and to communicate results. (3 hours) Prerequisite: LIS 701

Technologies for the Library and Information Professions: Complete one of the following six courses:

LIS 709: Foundations of Technology

Provides an overview of information technology infrastructures and the underlying concepts embodied in databases, operating systems, hardware, and software applications. Covers website creation, network technologies, webhosting, and file transfer protocol (FTP). Develops competencies for advanced Internet-based searching, application of business intelligence software (e.g., MS-Excel), and creation of data visualizations. (3 hours) Pre- or co-requisite(s): LIS 701

LIS 754: Systems Analysis and Design

Most information professionals will participate in systems analysis and design over the course of their career. For some, systems analysis and design will be a primary activity while others will work with systems analysts on projects within their organizations. This course will introduce the concepts and techniques of systems analysis and design focusing on their application to information systems and services. This course will explore formal methods for modeling systems and industry practice techniques of analysis that are used to address problems and opportunities in information-based organizations. (3 hours) Prerequisite(s): LIS 701

LIS 768 : Social Media and Emerging Technologies

This course examines the latest applications of social media and emerging technologies in library and information services or other areas. Students will experience an immersive learning environment via popular social media platforms and hands-on practices in the lab. Multimedia information creation and dissemination, new online business models, data security, ethics and privacy issues will also be explored. (3 hours) Listed also as EDU 790.

Prerequisite: LIS 701

LIS 786: Advanced Web Design

This course is an advanced seminar in Web design which will build on students basic Web design knowledge. The course will include deep examination of issues such as information architecture, accessibility and usability, professional interface design, and overall editorial management. In addition, students will gain a deeper understanding of emerging Web design trends and technologies such as content management systems. Offered in spring. (3 hours) Prerequisite: LIS 701 and LIS 753 or demonstrated knowledge of HTML and CSS

LIS 882: Metadata for Digital Resources

This course will provide a comprehensive and practical introduction to metadata for digital collections. The course will provide students knowledge of the kinds and uses of metadata commonly found in digital collections. Students will learn about and use specific schema, such as Dublin Core, MODS, and VRA Core, to describe and organize digital resources. The course will also provide an overview of XML, linked data, and metadata interoperability, quality and sharing. (3 hours) Prerequisites: LIS 701 and 703.

LIS 884: Big Data and Competitive Intelligence

Competitive Intelligence (CI) uses legal and ethical means for efficiently discovering, developing and delivering timely, relevant new knowledge about the external environment. This course provides an overview of CI theories and best practices, and introduces the latest big data analytics & visualization techniques to facilitate effective decision making. Areas of studies include: spotting business trends, managing public relations crises, determining quality of research /education, preventing diseases, combating crimes and more. (3 hours) Prerequisite: LIS 701

Electives

The remaining eight courses may be chosen from among many options; faculty advisors can help students choose an individualized course of study to suit any interest in library and information science.

Enrolled students may register for up to six semester hours of graduate credit in other disciplines at Dominican University, which may be applied as electives toward the MLIS degree. Such courses require approval from the SOIS director, upon recommendation by the student's advisor. All required courses for the MLIS degree must be completed prior to registration for courses in other disciplines.