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Graduate Catalog 2001-2003


Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS)

The goals of the Graduate School of Library and Information Science (GSLIS) are to educate individuals for positions in a wide spectrum of established and emerging library, information, knowledge and media contexts; to provide continuing education for the professional community; and to advance and enhance teaching by means of faculty publication, service in professional organizations and other venues.

The goal of the MLIS degree program is to provide an education to qualified candidates that prepares them for their first and subsequent positions in a wide variety of positions within information and knowledge management professions.

This program is offered in cooperation with Dominican University in River Forest, Illinois. Courses are offered on both the College of St. Catherine and Dominican University campuses. This program provides an American Library Association (ALA) accredited master's degree in library and information science in the state of Minnesota.

The professional education identified in those goals is designed to prepare professionals who understand and are capable of responding to the diverse needs of users of libraries and information services in a complex multicultural society. The professional education identified in those goals presupposes the multidisciplinary character of library and information science and incorporates contributions from the fields of management, education, communications, computer science, history and other disciplines.

The objectives of the MLIS degree program are to develop reflective practitioners capable of:
  • articulating and applying a philosophy of service that incorporates an awareness of the legacy of libraries and information centers within our culture.
  • promoting the professional values of ethical responsibilities, intellectual freedom and universal access of information.
  • identifying and analyzing information needs and opportunities of individuals and organizations, both within the traditional information service areas as well as the broader information sector.
  • developing creative solutions to information problems by integrating relevant models, theories, research and practices.
  • designing, implementing and evaluating systems, technologies, services and products that connect users with information.
  • practicing a variety of management, communication and organizational skills to facilitate appropriate change within learning communities.
  • teaching others to identify, analyze, organize and use information.
 COURSE LIST & DESCRIPTIONS

(PLEASE NOTE: If you are having trouble viewing the course list please visit Master of Library and Information Science Course List)

Master of Library and Information Science Degree with School Library Media Certification
This Master of Library and Information Science degree program is designed to educate entry-level elementary, middle and senior high school library media specialists and provide the foundation for life-long professional development. The prescribed course sequence also fulfills the requirements for the Minnesota School Library Media Specialist license.

The program reflects Information Power: Building Partnerships for Learning, the national guidelines of the American Association of School Librarians and Association for Educational Communications and Technology.

Students develop skills in providing, administering and integrating a wide variety of programs and services that encourage young people to become effective users of ideas and information. Course work in curriculum leadership and using technology for learning emphasizes the library media specialist's roles as learner and teacher, administrator, information specialist and partner in creating a learning community sustained by a dynamic library media program.

Certificates of Special Study (Post-Master's)
For library and information science professionals who have earned an MLIS degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association, the Graduate School of Library and Information Science offers Certificates of Special Study (CSS) as part of its continuing education programs.

These certificate programs are designed for those who want:

  • to develop, upgrade and update current skills and knowledge.
  • to acquire knowledge in the operation of and planning for special services.
  • to learn the impact and potential of new technologies on library services.
  • to assume more administrative responsibilities in the information field.

The Certificate of Special Study requires 15 semester hours (five courses) beyond the Master of Library and Information Science degree. A MLIS student may complete both programs by completing 12 additional hours, for a total of 48 semester hours.

Students seeking post-master's Certificates of Special Study must apply for admission following the same procedures for master's degree students.

In consultation with the faculty advisors, students may design customized programs of study available to meet their career objectives.

Accelerated B.A./M.L.I.S. Option
Seniors at Dominican University and the College of St. Catherine, with the consent of their academic dean and the dean of the Graduate School of Library and Information Science, may be admitted to take up to six semester hours of courses in the Graduate School of Library and Information Science. These six hours may be applied to both the B.A. degree and the MLIS degree, thereby reducing the time required to complete the MLIS degree.

Juris Doctor and Master in Library and Information Science Option
Students wishing to complete a J.D. degree through Hamline University Law School (HULS) and MLIS degree at the same time must complete the application process and be admitted to each program. Upon admission to each program, students take their first year of study as part of the Hamline cohort. In the second and third years, students may register for courses in both programs. Six credits from an approved list of courses in the HULS curriculum will be accepted as meeting requirements for the MLIS law concentration program. Six credits from an approved list of courses in the MLIS curriculum will be accepted as meeting course requirements for the J.D. degree.

Archives Certification
GSLIS/MLIS students who wish to pursue careers in archives may take the archival certification examination of the Academy of Certified Archivists following graduation and upon completing nine semester hours of graduate archival courses:
    LIS 775 Archival Administration and Services
    LIS 881 Advanced Archival Management
    LIS 799 Practicum (three semester hours) or
    LIS 801 Special Studies in Librarianship
ACCREDITATION
The MLIS program is accredited by the American Library Association. The degree is awarded by Dominican University.

 DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
The degree of Master of Library and Information Science is conferred upon candidates who have met the following requirements:
  • completion of a minimum of 36 semester hours of graduate credit, with a minimum of 30 semester hours completed in the Dominican University GSLIS program.
  • attainment of a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • satisfactory completion of the core courses: LIS 701, 703, 704 and one of the following: LIS 770 or LIS 773.
  • fulfillment of the computer competency requirement.
  • filing an Application for Graduation with the Office of the Registrar in the semester before the anticipated graduation date.
To fulfill the requirements for the MLIS degree with the Minnesota School Library Media Specialist licensure, students must:
  • fulfill all the requirements for the MLIS degree.
  • complete the prescribed school sequence of nine courses plus three electives (36 semester hours).
  • complete supervised field experiences in library media centers.
  • meet the general education and professional education requirements of the State of Minnesota.
  • file an application for licensure with the Department of Education at the College of St. Catherine.
  • pass the Minnesota Testing System test of basic skills and a test of subject matter knowledge (media).
 YEARS TO COMPLETE THE PROGRAM
The degree program must be completed within five years or six summers.

TRANSFER OF CREDIT
A maximum of six semester hours in library and information science earned at another ALA accredited program may be accepted for transfer into the GSLIS program. Students must request this in writing when they apply for admission. Acceptance of transfer credit is based on the following conditions:

A decision on whether to grant the transfer of credit will be made as soon as possible after the request is received but in no case later than the first term during which the student is enrolled.

Students admitted to the MLIS program through the College of St. Catherine are required to take a minimum of four courses taught by Dominican University faculty. A wide variety of options are available to students to meet this requirement. These options include, but are not limited to:
  • registering and completing four courses in residence on the Dominican University campus in any academic term.
  • taking an independent study with a Dominican University faculty member following completion of a course taught by the same faculty member.
  • taking courses from Dominican University available through interactive video and/or other technologies.
  • taking courses taught by Dominican University faculty on the College of St. Catherine campus.
  • registering and completing intensive courses taught by Dominican University faculty on either campus.
  • taking weekend courses taught by Dominican University faculty on the Dominican University campus.
Students are encouraged to experience the rich library resources of the greater Chicago area and the expertise of the Dominican University faculty. To assist those students who choose to spend a full academic term in residence at Dominican University, opportunities for employment assisting GSLIS faculty are available for all College of St. Catherine students studying on the Dominican University campus, regardless of the length of the course.

 MAJOR REQUIREMENTS

MASTER OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE
The curriculum is organized around a group of basic courses required of all students. These basic courses cover those aspects of library science that are essential for all library positions. The student's program of study also includes elective courses in library science and in related subject areas, which will equip the student for a special field of library service. A maximum of six semester hours of graduate credit in subject courses may be taken and applied toward the degree, provided that such courses are approved by the dean upon recommendation of the advisor and that all required courses for the MLIS degree have been completed. The dean's approval is required prior to registration for subject courses.

The maximum load is 15 credit hours a semester and six credit hours in either of the seven-week summer sessions.

Courses are offered weekends and evenings on the St. Paul campus. Students who work full time should not enroll in more than two courses a semester. Not all electives can be offered each term, so a student may need to omit a term if pursuing a special course of study. No correspondence or extension courses are offered.

CURRICULUM
REQUIRED CORE COURSES

    LIS 701 Introduction to Library and Information Science
    LIS 703 Organization of Knowledge
    LIS 704 Reference and Online Services
One course selected from:
    LIS 770 Management of Libraries and Information Centers
    LIS 773 Management of School Library Media Programs
Electives: 24 credits

All courses require LIS 701 as a prerequisite, and therefore LIS 701 is the recommended first course for all MLIS students. Students are strongly urged to schedule the other three core courses as early in their program of study as possible. The majority of the elective courses require one or more courses as prerequisites or corequisites. Prerequisites and corequisites may be waived by the instructor.

Note: the core courses - LIS 701, 703 and 704 - are prerequisites for all 800-level courses.

MASTER OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE WITH SCHOOL LIBRARY MEDIA SPECIALIST LICENSE
Students with Minnesota State Education Credentials
For students with Minnesota state education credentials, the following program of nine specific LIS courses, three electives and field experience, meets the requirements for the MLIS degree plus the Minnesota School Library Media Specialist license.

CURRICULUM
REQUIRED CORE COURSES
    LIS 701 Introduction to Library and Information Science
    LIS 703 Organization of Knowledge
    LIS 704 Reference and Online Services
    LIS 773 Management of School Library Media Programs
    LIS 716 Communication for Leadership
    LIS 721 Library Materials for Children
    LIS 722 Library Materials for Young Adults
    LIS 724 Media Services and Production
    LIS 725 Curriculum and School Libraries
    Electives: 9 credits

Field Experiences in School Media Centers -- Required
To put into practice the knowledge gained from course work, school library media program students complete field experiences in some of the best public school library media programs in Minnesota. Upon completion of required course work, students must register for LIS 728 Clinical Experience and Supervised Student Teaching. LIS 728 does NOT count toward the MLIS degree. Students register for Section GA or GB as follows:
  • Section GA (3 credits/5 weeks) is for educators with a current Minnesota teaching license
  • Section GB (6 credits/10 weeks) is for students who do not possess Minnesota teaching credentials

Students Who Do Not Hold Minnesota Teaching Credentials
Students who do not hold Minnesota teaching credentials must complete the courses listed above (nine specific LIS courses, three electives and LIS 728 GB) and must also complete the following education courses, required to meet Minnesota state licensing requirements These courses are corequisites for the four core courses in MLIS.

REQUIRED EDUCATION COURSES
    EDUC 507 Teachers as Leaders in a Changing Society
    EDUC 549 School Health and Chemical Health
    EDUC 580 General Methods
    EDUC 755 Literacy in the Content Areas
Required supporting courses:
    PSYC 100 General Psychology
    PSYC 202 Lifespan Developmental Psychology

MINNESOTA SCHOOL LIBRARY MEDIA SPECIALIST LICENSURE WITHOUT THE MLIS DEGREE
Students who hold Minnesota state teaching credentials must complete the nine required LIS courses listed above (27 credits), LIS 728 GA, and pass the Minnesota Testing System test of basic skills and a test of subject matter knowledge (media).

Students who do NOT hold Minnesota state teaching credentials, must complete the education and psychology classes (17 credits) and nine LIS courses (27 credits) listed above, LIS 728 GB and pass the Minnesota Testing System test of basic skills, standards of effective practice and a test of subject matter knowledge (media).

OPPORTUNITIES FOR WORK EXPERIENCE AND INDEPENDENT STUDY
Practicum
Practicum is a supervised, unpaid student work experience of 120 hours (10 hours x 12 weeks) in an approved library or information center under the direction of a MLIS faculty member. The on-site supervisor, the faculty member and the student meet periodically to review the student's progress. In addition, a course research report, including bibliography, is required. Students must have completed the core courses and have approval of the faculty member and dean. Students are encouraged to register for a practicum in the semester immediately prior to graduation.

Internship
Internship is a student work experience in a library or information center for which the sponsoring institution pays the student for hours worked on a mutually agreed-upon scale. The sponsoring institution sets the hours, interviews the student and provides any job training required. MLIS posts notices of internships and assists in matching internship opportunities with MLIS students. No academic credit is given for an internship.

Independent Study
Students wishing to pursue a topic that is related to library and information science may register for independent study (LIS 801 Special Studies in Librarianship). Students work closely with a faculty member whose expertise and interests lie within the proposed topic area.

Independent studies are designed for students who are nearing completion of their program and have a grade point average of 3.3 or better. Forms for submission of independent study proposals are available in the MLIS Office. No student may complete more than two independent studies.

Students must have sufficient background to work independently and must develop a proposal for independent study that meets the approval of the faculty supervisor and the dean. The independent study topic should be of sufficient academic and scholarly substance and merit to be worthy of at least three semester hours of graduate credit, and it should result in a product that will document both the substance and merit of the student's performance in the independent study. An independent study is not a substitute for taking a class.

NON-DEGREE SEEKING STUDENTS
Applicants in the following categories may be admitted as non-degree seeking students:
  • College of St. Catherine or Dominican University seniors who are otherwise qualified for admission may take up to six semester hours in the graduate program if the institution in which they are enrolled will accept the credit as part of the requirements for the bachelor's degree.
  • Students in other library and information science programs, if the institution in which they are enrolled will accept credit earned at Dominican University or the College of St. Catherine as part of the requirements for the graduate degree.
  • Students enrolled in other degree programs needing a course to complete certification requirements for a specific degree.

While there is not a limit to the number of courses an individual may take as a graduate non-degree seeking student, Dominican University and the College of St. Catherine will not accept more than six credit hours earned as a graduate non-degree seeking student toward a degree or certificate. Course work completed as a graduate non-degree seeking student does not automatically apply to a degree or certificate program. The application of such courses to degree requirements is governed by the policies established and in effect at the time of admission to a degree program.

While enrolled as a graduate non-degree seeking, students are not eligible to earn a degree. If at some later date a graduate non-degree seeking student intends to pursue a degree or certificate, formal application and admission to the program is required.

Tuition for a graduate non-degree seeking student is the same as for regular students.

 FACULTY

The College of St. Catherine
Helen Humeston, Assistant Professor. B.A., Clarke College; M.A., Creighton University; M.L.I.S., University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee; Ph.D., University of Minnesota.

Geraldine King, Assistant Professor. B.A., Grinnell College; M.A., Ph.D., University of Minnesota.

Patricia Ploetz, Assistant Professor. B.S., University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse; M.S., University of Wisconsin - Madison.

Deborah Torres, Assistant Professor. B.S., Kearney State College; M.L.I.S., Doctoral Candidate, University of Michigan.

Mary Wagner, Director of Graduate Program in Library and Information Science and Professor. B.A., The College of St. Catherine; M.L.S., University of Washington; Ph.D., University of Minnesota -Twin Cities.

Dominican University
Karen Brown, Associate Professor. B.A., M.A., M.S., University of Wisconsin - Madison; Ph.D., New York University.

Gail Bush, Associate Professor and Director of the School Library Media Program. B.A., M.S.L.S., University of Illinois at Urbana - Champagne; Ph.D., Loyola University - Chicago.

Ann D. Carlson, Associate Professor. B.A., M.L.S., Florida State University; D.L.S., Columbia University.

Bill Crowley, Associate Professor. B.A., Hunter College; M.S., Columbia University; M.A., Ohio State University; Ph.D., Ohio University.

Prudence W. Dalrymple, Dean and Associate Professor. B.A., Clark University; M.S., Simmons College; Ph.D., University of Wisconsin - Madison.

Dennis Gooler, Associate Professor. B.S. University of Minnesota - Duluth; M.S., University of Minnesota -Twin Cities; M.L.S., Ph.D., University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign.

Gertrude Soonja L. Koh, Professor. B.A., Sogang University; M.S., Catherine Spaulding College; M.L.S., C.A.S., Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh.

Kate Marek, Assistant Professor. B.A., University of Texas at Austin; M.L.S., Dominican University; Ph.D., Emporia State University.

Taverekere (Kanti) Srikantaiah, Associate Professor. B.S., Mysore University; M.S., Karnatak University; M.L.I.S., M.P.A., Ph.D., University of Southern California.


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