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Graduate Catalog 2001-2003
Graduate Catalog 2004-2006 |
Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS)
The mission of the MLIS program at the College of St. Catherine is to educate qualified post-baccalaureate students for professional positions in libraries, archives, school media centers or other kinds of information services.
To achieve its mission, MLIS has adopted the following program goals and objectives:
- to offer a well-rounded curriculum consisting of a core of general competencies as well as advanced courses in areas of specialization.
- to attract and retain a diverse and well-qualified faculty who are dedicated teachers, scholars and active members of the profession.
- to recruit and retain a diverse student body.
- to create a participatory system in which MLIS constituencies will be involved in making policies and procedures to assure a quality education.
COURSE LIST & DESCRIPTIONS
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 MLIS program 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.
- acquire knowledge in the operation of and planning for special services.
- learn the impact and potential of new technologies on library services.
- assume more administrative responsibilities in the information field.
The Certificate of Special Study requires 15 semester credits (five courses) beyond the Master of Library and Information Science degree.
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 to meet their career objectives.
ACCELERATED BACHELOR'S DEGREE/M.L.I.S. OPTION
Seniors in the baccalaureate program at the College of St. Catherine, with the consent of their academic advisor and the MLIS program director, may be admitted to take up to six semester credits of courses in the MLIS program. These six credits may be applied to both the bachelor's degree and the MLIS degree, thereby reducing the time required to complete the MLIS degree.
JURIS DOCTOR AND MASTER OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE DUAL DEGREE OPTION
Students wishing to complete a J.D. degree through Hamline University Law School (HULS) and the MLIS degree at the same time must complete both application processes 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
MLIS students who wish to pursue careers in archives may take the archival certification examination of the Academy of Certified Archivist following graduation. For more information, visit www.certifiedarchivists.org. Recommended courses for students who wish to pursue careers in archives:
LIS 713: Preservation and Conservation
LIS 775 Archival Administration and Services
LIS 881 Advances Archival Management
LIS 799 Practicum
and one or more of the following:
LIS 711 Early Books and Manuscripts
LIS 712 History of Printed Book
LIS 753 Internet Fundamentals and Web Design
LIS 759 Digital Libraries
LIS 882 Metadata for Internet Resources
NON-DEGREE SEEKING STUDENTS
Applicants in the following categories may be admitted as non-degree seeking students:
- students in other graduate library and information science programs, if the institution in which they are enrolled will accept credit earned at the College of St. Catherine as part of the requirements for their graduate degree.
- students enrolled in other graduate degree programs needing a course to complete certification requirements for a specific degree, and with permission of the MLIS program director.
- students with a previously earned MLIS degree.
Tuition for a graduate non-degree seeking student is the same as for degree-seeking students.
ACCREDITATION
The College of St. Catherine has been granted Pre-candidacy status by the Committee on Accreditation of the American Library Association. Pre-candidacy status is an indication that the College of St. Catherine has voluntarily committed to participate in the American Library Association (ALA) accreditation process and is actively seeking accreditation. Pre-candidacy or Candidacy status does not indicate that the program is accredited, nor does it guarantee eventual accreditation of the program by ALA.
A decision on accreditation is expected in January of 2009 with accreditation retroactive for degrees awarded in the 2007/2008 academic year.
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 graduate semester credits, with a minimum of 30 credits completed in the College of St. Catherine MLIS 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 which is expected of all students.
- 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 credits).
- 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).
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 a bibliography, is required. Students must have completed the core courses and have approval of the faculty member and program director. Students are encouraged to register for a practicum in the semester immediately prior to graduation. Academic credit is received for this course.
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 have completed eight courses of their program and have a grade point average of 3.3 or better or with permission of the program director. 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 program director. The independent study topic should be of sufficient academic and scholarly substance and merit to be worthy of at least three credits, 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.
INTERNSHIP
Internship is a student work experience in a library or information center for which the sponsoring institution may or may not pay the student for hours worked. 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.
PROGRESSION POLICY
Students are expected to make appropriate academic progress leading them to the successful completion of their degrees.
The minimum grade point average (GPA) required for graduation is 3.0 (B), which must be maintained within the 12-course program.
CONDITIONS FOR PROBATION AND DISMISSAL
A student whose GPA falls below 3.0 upon taking nine semester credits is placed on probation.
A student on probation must achieve the minimum GPA by the end of the term when the total credits taken equal or exceed 18. Any student who has not achieved the minimum GPA after taking 18 credits will be dismissed from the program.
The College of St. Catherine MLIS program reserves the right to deny registration to any student who, in the opinion of the program, is not progressing satisfactorily toward a degree or who, for other reasons, is deemed unsuitable for the program.
INCOMPLETE GRADES
No more than six credits of incomplete grades may be accumulated at one time. Students whose incomplete grades exceed this level will be restricted from further registration until incomplete course work is completed.
YEARS TO COMPLETE THE PROGRAM
The degree program must be completed within five years.
TRANSFER OF CREDIT
Up to six semester credits in library and information science earned in an ALA accredited program or up to six semester credits earned in a graduate level discipline demonstrably relevant to library and information science may be accepted for transfer into the MLIS program. Students must request this in writing. Acceptance of transfer credit is based on the following conditions:
- the credits were earned in a program accredited by the American Library Association regardless of the format or location of delivery.
- the credits were part of the institution's approved curriculum and were offered in a program leading to a degree or certificate.
- the credits were not taken through the institution's extension program.
- the credits were earned with a grade of B or better.
- the credits were earned within the past five years.
A decision on whether to grant the transfer of credit will be made as soon as possible after the request is received but no later than the first term during which the student is enrolled.
MASTER OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE PROGRAM
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 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 program director upon recommendation of the advisor and that all required courses for the MLIS degree have been completed. The program director's approval is required prior to registration for subject courses.
The maximum load is nine credit hours per 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 per semester or one course in each summer session. 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, 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 PROGRAM
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. This is a combination of 200 hours of clinical observations and supervised student teaching.
- Section GB (6 credits/10 weeks) is for students who do not possess Minnesota teaching credentials. This is a combination of 400 hours of clinical observations and supervised student teaching.
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).
FACULTY
Marilyn Cathcart, Assistant Professor. B.A., University of Washington; M.A., University of Minnesota.
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.
David Lesniaski, Assistant Professor. B.A., Haverford College; M.M., University of Kansas; M.L.S., University of Minnesota; D.M.A., University of Arizona.
Sook Lim, Assistant Professor. B.A, M.A., Ewha Woman’s University, Seoul, Korea; M.L.S., M.A., The State University of New York at Buffalo; Ph.D., The University of Wisconsin - Madison.
Barbara Theirl, Assistant Professor. B.A., The College of St. Catherine; M.S., Minnesota State University - Mankato; Doctoral Candidate, Hamline University.
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.
This page was created on 06/30/2004 and last updated on 06/11/2008.
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