Course Descriptions
Below is the list of Course Descriptions. Please note that LIS 6010 and LIS 6080 are the first two courses for all MLIS students. Please note that the course template most accurately reflects when courses will be offered.
The School has created a course template to help students better plan their schedules. The template lists all the courses in the School's catalog and indicates which term(s) the courses are scheduled to be offered face-to-face in Detroit (main campus or Oakland), Lansing, and/or online. View/download your copy here:
| Course Number | Course Title and Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 6010 | Introduction to the Information Profession - - The development and place of libraries in society; objectives, functions of and trends in major types of libraries. Core Course - 3 credits - First course in the MLIS Program (see Course Sequencing Policy). | Offered every term |
| 6080 | Information Technology - - Storage and retrieval problems as approached by conventional and non-conventional methods. Computer applications in libraries. Core Course - 3 credits - Second course in the MLIS Program (see Course Sequencing Policy). | Offered every term |
| 6120 | Access to Information - - Prereq: LIS 6010 and 6080 or concurrently. Reference function of the library including print and electronic reference sources; development of interpersonal communication skills to increase effectiveness in response to patrons' information needs; effective search strategies for all types of reference. Core Course - 3 credits | Offered every term |
| 6210 | Organization of Knowledge - - Prereq: LIS 6010 and 6080 or concurrently. Characteristics of recorded knowledge; identification and description of recorded information; principles of physical description, authority control, and subject access; creation of catalogs and databases. Core Course - 3 credits | Offered every term |
| 6350 | Foundations of Instructional Design - - (IT 6110) - Prereq: LIS 6010 and 6080 or concurrently. Alternative systems models of instructional design; basic design principles, methods and techniques of pre-design analysis; instructional strategy selection and sequencing. 4 credits | Offered every term |
| 6360 | Technology Applications in Education and Training - - Prereq: LIS 6010 and 6080 or concurrently. Technological applications to education, training and instruction within educational, industrial and human services settings. Students examine, develop and/or evaluate unique instructional programs. For educators and non-educators interested in exploring technological applications in education. 3 credits | Offered twice per academic year |
| 6370 | Producing Technology Based Instructional Materials - (IT 5120) - Prereq: LIS 6010 and 6080 or concurrently. Design and development of instructional media and materials for use in educational, industrial and/or human services programs; development of computer-generated instructional materials. 2 - 3 credits | Offered at least once per academic year |
| 6510 | Survey and Analysis of Current Literature for Children Preschool - Grade 3 - - (RLL 7720) - Prereq: LIS 6010 and 6080 or concurrently. Intensive examination of books appropriate for preprimary and primary school children. Analysis of the literary and extra literary factors that affect the young child's experiences with fiction and nonfiction. 3 credits | Offered at least once per academic year |
| 6520 | Survey and Analysis of Current Literature for Children Grade 4-8 - - (RLL 7740) - Prereq: LIS 6010 and 6080 or concurrently. Intensive examination of books appropriate for children in grades four through eight. Analysis of literary and extra-literary factors affecting the older child's experiences with fiction and nonfiction. 3 credits | Offered at least once per academic year |
| 6530 | Young Adult Literature - - (EED 6310) - Prereq: LIS 6010 and 6080 or concurrently. Standards for evaluating adolescent literature. Selection of literature for individual pupils in relation to interest and reading ability. Use of classroom collections. Techniques for helping pupils read poetry, drama and fiction. 3 credits | Offered at least once per academic year |
| 6550 | Storytelling - - (RLL 7780) - Prereq: LIS 6510; LIS 6010 and 6080 or concurrently. - Selection of appropriate literature and materials for storytelling; guided practice in selection and presentation of literature for oral communication by reading aloud and storytelling. 3 credits | Offered at least once per academic year |
| 6780 | Introduction to Records and Information Management - - Prereq: LIS 6010 and 6080 or concurrently. Management of information, including records creation, records inventory and appraisal, retention / disposition scheduling, filing systems, maintenance of inactive records, micrographics, vital records protection and electronic impact on records management. 3 credits | Offered every term |
| 6800 | Information Technology for Records and Information Management - - Pre-req or co-req: LIS 6780. Application of traditional and new electronic records and information management practices using organizational information technology (IT) tools and systems. | Offered at least once per academic year |
| 7040 | Library Administration and Management - - Prereq: LIS 6010 and 6080. Library as an organization in various settings; functional diversification, staffing patterns, program planning, budgeting, performance evaluation, communication and public relations. Core Course - 3 credits | Offered every term |
| 7050 | Public Libraries - - Prereq: LIS 7040. Development of concepts introduced in LIS 6010; history, organization and function of public libraries; development of skills necessary to public librarianship. 3 credits | Offered twice per academic year |
| 7060 | Academic Libraries - - Prereq: LIS 7040. Development of topics introduced in LIS 7040; history, organization, and function of the academic library within educational and research institutions; development of management and personnel concepts necessary to academic librarianship. 3 credits | Offered twice per academic year |
| 7070 | Special Libraries and Information Centers - - Prereq: LIS 6120 and LIS 7040. History, organization, and functions of various types of special libraries and skills necessary to deliver a wide range of services. 3 credits | Offered once per academic year |
| 7085 | Arts and Museum Librarianship - Prereq: LIS 6120. Addresses the study and investigation of fundamental concepts concerning fine arts and museum work as a librarian. Reviews the basic literature and bibliographic foundations of the fine arts disciplines. 3 credits | Offered at least once per academic year |
| 7110 | Humanities Information Services and Resources - - Prereq: LIS 6120. The nature of the arts and the humanities; information needs of the artist, the humanistic scholar and the lay person; library programs in the arts and humanities; problems of communication and information in the several humanistic fields of study. 3 credits | Offered at least once per academic year |
| 7120 | Science and Technology Information Services and Resources - - Prereq: LIS 6120. The generation, organization and pattern of bibliographic control of the literature of both the basic and the applied sciences. Characteristics of the scientific method and the scientific community. Bibliographic organization, reference tools and major databases. 3 credits | Offered at least once per academic year |
| 7130 | Social Sciences Information Services and Resources - - Prereq: LIS 6120. Characteristics of the social science disciplines: structure, concepts, methods of investigation. Major figures and significant works in the general field. Bibliographic control, reference tools and instructional resources. 3 credits | Offered at least once per academic year |
| 7140 | Advanced Reference Service Strategies - - Prereq: LIS 6120. Advanced reference course focused on information needs and seeking behaviors, reference interview techniques, and information literacy. 3 credits | Offered twice per academic year |
| 7160 | Advanced Online Searching - - Prereq: LIS 6120. Advanced topics in online searching using broad range of databases, including Internet resources. Topics include: sophisticated search strategies, competitive intelligence, retrieval and organization of citations. 3 credits | Offered once per academic year |
| 7250 | Programming and Services for Children and Young Adults - - Prereq: LIS 6010 and LIS 6080. Principles and procedures for planning, managing and delivery of public library services to children and young adults. 3 credits | Offered at least once per academic year |
| 7310 | School Library Media Programs - - Prereq: six credits in core courses; MUST have a valid teaching certificate (does not apply to students admitted prior to April 1, 2004) - Role of library media programs in the school; methods of planning, organizing, and operating such programs; impact of technology on instruction and library service. Core Course - 3 credits | Offered every term |
| 7320 | The Media Specialist as Teacher and Instructional Consultant - - Prereq: MUST have a valid teaching certificate (does not apply to students admitted prior to April 1, 2004) - Instructional functions of the library media specialist in terms of integrating information processing skills in the curriculum through the instructional design process by working in partnership with teachers and applying the principles of teaching and learning theories. 3 credits | Offered every term |
| 7340 | Collection Development and Selection of Materials - - Philosophy, principles and procedures for provision of materials and a collection that will meet the needs of the library's clientele. Concepts and procedures of community study, intellectual freedom, evaluation of materials, the use of selection aids and an introduction to the publishing world. 3 credits | Offered every term |
| 7350 | Advanced Instructional Design Tools and Techniques - - (IT 7110, HE 7540) - Prereq: IT 6110/LIS 6350. Exploration and application of those techniques, tools and competencies characteristic of expert designers. Topics may include: use of design software, program design, advanced analysis techniques, motivation design, rapid prototyping, reducing design cycle time, designing instruction for diverse learner populations. 4 credits | Offered at least once per academic year |
| 7370 | Multicultural Information Services and Resources - Prereq: LIS 6120 - Study of impact of cultural diversity on library services, development of relevant collections and effective interaction with a diverse community. 3 credits | Offered twice per academic year |
| 7400 | Urban Libraries Seminar - - Prereq: LIS 7040. Interdisciplinary approach to planning, managing and implementing services in urban libraries. 3 credits | Offered once per academic year |
| 7410 | Software Productivity Tools for Information - Prereq: LIS 6080 or equivalent - Concepts and skills for application and use of productivity tools in contemporary information environment. 3 credits | Offered twice per academic year |
| 7415 | Systems Analysis and Design - Prereq: LIS 7040 or consent of instructor - The purpose of this course is to identify current information systems and problems, to determine and define information needs and requirements, and to evaluate alternative solutions. 3 credits | Offered once per academic year |
| 7420 | Client Based Website Development for Library and Information Science Professionals - Prereq: LIS 6080 or consent of instructor - Use of Internet protocols (ftp, telnet, smtp, http, gopher), location of Internet resources for library reference and research uses, construction of World Wide Web resources using HTML and successor technologies. 3 credits | Offered every term |
| 7430 | Multi-user Computing Environments - Recommended: LIS 7420 - Principles of system administration, file supervision and local networks, Internet and the World Wide Web for library and information science and archives environments. 3 credits | Offered once per academic year |
| 7435 | Integrated Library Systems - Prereq: LIS 6210 or consent of instructor. Recommended: LIS 7420 - Practical experience with common Integrated Library Systems: understanding the role of ILS in function of the information organization. Extensive use of computing facilities. 3 credits | Offered twice per academic year |
| 7440 | Scripting Languages for Library Applications - Basic skills in using scripting languages to program and manipulate data structures for text information in library applications such as databases and Web sites. 3 credits | Offered twice per academic year |
| 7450 | Digital Imaging - - Overview of imaging, metadata, color theory, digital preservation and graphics, video processing; role this technology plays in presentation and dissemination of information. 3 credits | Offered at least once per academic year |
| 7460 | Database Concepts and Applications for Librarians - Prereq: LIS 6080 or consent of instructor - Fundamentals of database design and basics of database implementation: focus on library and information science practice. Related and current database management technologies used in hands-on experiences. 3 credits | Offered twice per academic year |
| 7470 | Information Architecture - Prereq: LIS 6080 or consent of instructor - Dissemination of information the affects context, content and user. Associations with website development; use in technical writing, presentation preparation and report generation. 3 credits | Offered once per academic year |
| 7480 | Knowledge Management for Library and Information Professionals - Prereq: twelve graduate credits or consent of instructor - Knowledge management principles, techniques, and technologies used in libraries and other information organizations. 3 credits | Offered once per academic year |
| 7490 | Competitive Intelligence and Data Mining - - Use of multidimensional databases, competitive intelligence and visualization software, data mining tools, as well as access to disparate information sources to support and provide a structure for fact-based decision making. 3 credits | Offered once per academic year |
| 7491 | Data Analytics - Prereq: LIS 6080 - Focus on key areas of information analytics used by data librarians: quantitative statistics, computer simulation, and data mining tools/techniques. | Offered once per academic year |
| 7500 | Information Behavior - Prereq: LIS 6080. Recommended: LIS 7420 - Totality of human behavior in relation to sources and channels of information, information needs and barriers; information seeking, use and dissemination; information poverty and information overload; topics studied in variety of contexts. 3 credits | Offered once per academic year |
| 7560 | Seminar in Literature for Children and Young Adults: Special Topics - rereq: minimum of three credits in children's and/or young adult literature courses - Survey and analysis of trends and issues in the areas of: publication trends, reading behaviors; author and genre studies; reader response to literature; and strategies for enhancing literacy experiences. 2 - 3 credits | Offered every other Fall term |
| 7610 | Health Sciences Information Services and Resources - Prereq: LIS 6120 and 6210 - First in a series of three courses, designed to provide students with skills necessary to become health science librarians. 3 credits | Offered once per academic year |
| 7620 | Introduction to Health Informatics and E-Science - Prereq: LIS 7610 - Overview of health informatics and e-science and critical role of health information technologies to enhance quality healthcare. 3 credits | Offered once per academic year |
| 7635 | End of Life Issues - (ISP 7510, NUR 7515, ANT 5430, ANT 7430, SOC 5020, SOC 7020) - Physical, spiritual, legal, economic, political, cultural, and ethical issues at the end of life, examined as stories about individuals, families, and communities. 4 credits **Not available online** | Offered at least once per academic year |
| 7640 | Practicum: Public - Prereq: 24 credit hours; 15 must be from core, exception - 7996. Offered for S, M or U grades only - On-site experience in public library/information center under direction of professional librarian and supervision of faculty member. Theory and competencies relevant to the environment. Seminars to be arranged. 3 credits | Offered every term |
| 7650 | Practicum: Health Science - Prereq: 24 credit hours; 15 must be from core, exception - 7996. Offered for S, M or U grades only - On-site experience in a health science library/information center under direction of a professional library and supervision of a faculty member. Theory and competencies relevant to the environment. Seminars to be arranged. 3 credits | Offered every term |
| 7660 | Practicum: Academic - Prereq: 24 credit hours; 15 must be from core, exception - 7996. Offered for S, M or U grades only - On-site experience in academic library/information center under direction of professional librarian and supervision of faculty member. Theory and competencies relevant to the environment. Seminars to be arranged. 3 credits | Offered every term |
| 7670 | Practicum: Special - Prereq: 24 credit hours; 15 must be from core, exception - 7996. Offered for S, M or U grade only - On-site experience in special library/information center under direction of professional librarian and supervision of faculty member. Theory and competencies relevant to the environment. Seminars to be arranged. 3 credits | Offered every term |
| 7675 | Practicum: Arts/Museum - Offered for S, M or U grade only - On-site experience in a cultural institution or museum under direction of professional librarian and supervision of faculty member. Theory and competencies relevant to the environment. Seminars to be arranged. 6 credits | Offered at least once per academic year |
| 7680 | Practicum: School Media - Prereq: 7310, 7320 and all core but 7996; MUST have a valid teaching certificate (does not apply to students admitted prior to April 1, 2004). Offered for letter grade only - On-site experience in school library media/information center under direction of professional librarian and supervision of faculty member. Theory and competencies relevant to the environment. Seminars to be arranged. 2 - 3 credits | Offered every term |
| 7685 | Practicum: Archives - Prereq: LIS 7710 plus 9 credits of AAC electives (final 3 AAC elective credits may be taken concurrently with LIS 7685). Offered for S and U grade only - On-site experience in archival center under direction of professional librarian or archivist and supervision of faculty member. *Not open to MLIS Online major. Theory and competencies relevant to the environment. Seminars to be arranged. 3 credits | Offered twice per academic year |
| 7695 | Practicum: Records and Information Management - Prereq: LIS 6780, LIS 6800, LIS 8500 - Planned on-site experience in records and information management under the direction of a professional RIM professional and under the supervision of a member of the faculty. Theory and competencies relevant to the environment. | Offered every term |
| 7700 | Practicum: Digital Content - Prereq: LIS 7900, LIS 7910, LIS 7920. Practical experience with digital content under direction of professional librarian and supervision of faculty member. Theory and competencies relevant to the environment. Seminars to be arranged. | Offered at least once per academic year |
| 7710 | Archival Administration - - (HIS 7840) - Prereq: LIS 6010 and 6080 or concurrently. Basic training in archival methods. 3 credits *Not open to MLIS Online major | Offered twice per academic year |
| 7730 | Administration of Visual Collections - Prereq: HIS 7840/LIS 7710 - Basic course in the fundamentals of administering a visual collection: evaluation, organization, and control of visual collections in archives, libraries, historical agencies and museums.3 credits *Not open to MLIS Online major | Offered once per academic year |
| 7740 | Archives and Libraries in the Digital World - (HIS 7745) - Overview of electronic tools and the role of digital process in libraries and archives. 3 credits *Not open to MLIS Online major | Offered once per academic year |
| 7750 | Introduction to Archival and Library Conservation - (HIS 7810) - Fundamentals of archival and library conservation problems and methods essential for effective preservation management of paper and associated materials. 3 credits *Not open to MLIS Online major | Offered once per academic year |
| 7770 | Oral History: A Methodology for Research - (HIS 7860, ANT 6360) - Techniques of gathering data from individuals for use in research, classroom teaching, historical, cultural or other contexts. 3 credits | Offered once per academic year |
| 7780 | Electronic Archives - - (HIS 7820) - Prereq: LIS 7710/HIS 7840. Current trends in electronic resources used in archival administration. 3 credits *Not open to MLIS Online major | Offered once per academic year |
| 7790 | History of Books, Printing, and Publishing - Development of writing, the alphabet, early materials, manuscripts, paper making, invention and spread of printing, famous presses, modern methods of print and electronic production. The book as artistic output of the culture and part of the world in which it was produced. | Offered at least once per academic year |
| 7850 | Issues in Librarianship - Critical analysis of library research, socio-technological trends, implications for the profession. Topics to be announced in the Schedule of Classes. 1 - 3 credits (maximum 9) | Offered as needed |
| 7870 | Evaluation of Library and Information Resources and Services - Prereq: LIS 6120, 6210; 7340 recommended - Overview of applied research; emphasis on evaluation research as it relates to library and information resources and services. 3 credits | Offered once per academic year |
| 7880 | Instructional Methods for Librarians - Prereq: LIS 6010, 6080, 6120. Introduction to library instruction, bibliographic instruction, information literacy, or user education for those expected to provide library instruction to clients. 3 credits | Offered at least once per academic year |
| 7885 | Administration of Historical Agencies - The operation of public and private historical agencies, archives, and museums. Determination of agency priorities, problems of staffing and finance, governmental regulations, community relations, and professional ethics. 3 credits *Not open to MLIS Online major | Offered once per academic year |
| 7900 | Digital Libraries - Prereq: LIS 6010, LIS 6080, LIS 6120, and LIS 6210. Critical issues, theoretical and practical principles of digital libraries. | Offered at least once per academic year |
| 7910 | Metadata in Theory and Practice - Prereq: LIS 6010, LIS 6080, LIS 6120, and LIS 6210. Theoretical principles and practical aspects of digital curation and preservation within libraries, museums, archives and other institutions administering data and digital content. | Offered at least once per academic year |
| 7920 | Digital Curation and Preservation - Prereq: LIS 6210, or permission of the instructor. Theoretical principles and practical aspects of digital curation and preservation within libraries, museums, archives and other institutions administering data and digital content. | Offered at least once per academic year |
| 7990 | Research and Directed Study - Prereq: written consent of advisor, Director and Dean on Petition and Authorization for Directed Study form prior to registration - Directed study and individual research under faculty guidance. 1 - 8 credits | Offered every term |
| 7996 | Research in Library and Information Science - - Prereq: LIS 6120, 6210. Role of research in the development of the profession. Research methods employed; analysis and evaluation of research reports. Core Course - 3 credits | Offered every term |
| 8000 | Seminar in Information Policy - Prereq: LIS 6010 and 6080. How information policies improve or set constraints on the goals and objectives of libraries and other organizations. Effect of policies on interpersonal and financial quality of communities. Economic, technical and ethical policy questions. 3 credits | Offered once per academic year |
| 8040 | Advanced Administration and Management for Libraries - This course is designed to prepare students for success in upper-level management positions. It builds upon skills acquired in LIS 7040 to give students greater expertise in both the theory and practice of management in libraries, information centers, records and information management environments and archives. Students apply theoretical understandings to a specific organization such as libraries, corporate records management units, an academic libraries, government and non-profit agencies, etc. | Offered once per academic year |
| 8110 | Government Information Policies and Resources - Prereq: LIS 6120 - - Selection, acquisition, access and reference use of major federal, state and local documents. Overview of federal publishing program; the document - generating processes of Congress, the judiciary and the executive departments and regulatory agencies; the federal, state and local documentary system. Federal information policies and the role of professional and governmental agencies in formulating policy. 3 credits | Offered once per academic year |
| 8120 | Legal Information Resources - Prereq: LIS 6120 - Characteristics of legal literature including federal, state and administrative law; structure of U.S. court system and its publications; introduction to legal databases; special problems in legal reference service and administration; selection and use of basic tools in legal research. 3 credits | Offered once per academic year |
| 8130 | Business and Industry Information Resources - Prereq: LIS 6120 - Exploration of the structure, functional organization and information needs of industrial, investment and business enterprises. Study of bibliographic control of relevant literature, information sources and specialized services. 3 credits | Offered once per academic year |
| 8210 | Advanced Classification and Cataloging - Prereq: LIS 6210 or consent of instructor - Advanced problems in descriptive cataloging, including different forms of materials, and automated cataloging. Further study of theory, structure and application of classification systems and subject heading lists. 3 credits | Offered once per academic year |
| 8230 | Indexing and Abstracting - Indexing and abstracting theoretics, standards and practice in a range of disciplines, materials and formats. Vocabulary control and thesaurus construction. Automatic indexing and computerized applications in information processing. 3 credits | Offered once per academic year |
| 8320 | Information Issues and the Digital Environment - (HIS 8320)- Prereq: 18 graduate credits or consent of instructor - Fundamentals of production, dissemination, storage, preservation and use of digital records; policy issues. 3 credits *Not open to MLIS Online major | Offered once per academic year |
| 8330 | History and Foundations of Information Science and Culture - Prereq: 12 graduate credits or consent of instructor - Students rethink information science through review of historical and theoretical texts that go beyond the field. 3 credits | Offered every other year |
| 8410 | Library Systems and Services - Prereq: consent of advisor - Current administrative problems affecting library systems and services. Topics to be announced in Schedule of Classes 1 - 3 credits | Offered as needed |
| 8500 | Advanced Records and Information Management - Prereq: LIS 6780 - Application of traditional and innovative electronic records and information management practices using organizational information technology (IT) tools and systems. | Offered once per academic year |
| 8998 | Specialist's Research Seminar - Prereq: written consent of advisor - Advanced research methods and application. 3 credits | Offered once per academic year |