Coursework

I completed the following core and elective courses as part of the MLIS program at Kent State University.

CORE COURSES

The Information Landscape

Introduced the information lifecycle (production, storage, sharing, and consumption); social, cultural, economic, legal, and technological contexts for understanding information processes; and current and emerging technologies that shape the information economy.

Information Organization

Explored the theory and practice of information organization and retrieval in various information environments.

People in the Information Ecology

Focused on the information needs and behaviors of people (as individuals and in groups, communities, and institutions) in relation to the larger information ecology.

Information Institutions and Professions

Examined the political, social, economic, and technical forces that influence the larger environments in which information institutions are situated.

Research and Assessment in LIS

Explored quantitative and qualitative research methods applicable to information settings and environments, including research design, data analysis, proposal development, and ethical issues.

Master's Portfolio in LIS

Completed during the last semester, this course included reflection on the MLIS learning experience and creation of an electronic portfolio.

ELECTIVE COURSES

The Special Library

Examined libraries in special subject fields and organizations (corporations, government agencies, healthcare, etc.), including concepts and methods used for the internal organization, management and administration of information.

The Public Library

Analyzed the historical, sociopolitical, technological, fiscal and organizational factors affecting American public librarianship.

Information Sources and Reference Services

Introduced the evaluation and use of basic sources of reference information; reference interview and question-negotiation techniques; and the administration of reference and information services.

Engaging Young Children and Families

Focused on the selection and utilization of materials in relation to the needs, abilities and interests of young children.

Knowledge Organization Structures, Systems and Services

Introduced various types of knowledge organization systems, services, and structures (KOS) used in the networked environment. Provided an overview of processes used in the creation of thesauri, taxonomies and ontologies.

User Experience Design Principles and Concepts

Introduced basic user experience design concepts and methods employed in research, the generation of ideas and implementation of designs.

User Experience Design in Practice

Explored methods for creative problem solving and user experience design through the hands-on development of design deliverables.