2011 Fall Cohort - School Library Studies (MA)

Tentative course schedule

Click on a course title to view the course description (if available).

Fall 2011

SLS 4114/5114 Introduction to the School Library Program -- 3 unit(s)

Survey of school librarians, functions of the school library, national and state professional guidelines, ethical and legal issues; includes observation and participation in a selected school library. The portfolio created in this course becomes the condition for continuation in the School Library Studies program. This course must be taken in the first semester. Prerequisite(s): junior standing; consent of program coordinator.

SLS 4134/5134 Library Resources for Young Adults -- 3 unit(s)

Collection management strategies as these relate to resources available in, and accessible from, secondary school libraries, with a focus on resource-based teaching and learning. Role of the school teacher librarian as information specialist. Prerequisite(s): junior standing. Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): SLS 4114/SLS 5114 or consent of program coordinator.

Spring 2012

SLS 4132/5132 Library Resources for Children -- 3 unit(s)

Collection management strategies as these relate to resources available in, and accessible from, elementary school libraries, with a focus on resource-based teaching and learning. Role of the school teacher librarian as information specialist. Prerequisite(s): junior standing. Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): SLS 4114/SLS 5114 or consent of program coordinator.

SLS 6250 Reference Services and Information Retrieval -- 3 unit(s)

Collection management strategies as these relate to basic print and electronic reference resources. Introduction to question-negotiation, search strategies, and evaluation of information delivery/approaches and systems. Provision of reference services in school settings. Roles of the school teacher librarian as information specialist and teacher. Lecture, 2 hours; lab, 2 hours. Prerequisite(s): SLS 4115/SLS 5115.

Summer 2012

SLS 4115/5115 Organization of Information -- 3 unit(s)

Application of standards of descriptive cataloging and MARC record for manual and automated systems and resource sharing. Examination of number and subject classification schemes and application of Dewey Decimal Classification and appropriate subject headings for school library catalogs. Adaptations of organizational principles for non-book print, non-print media, and computer-assisted information sources. Lecture, 2 hours; lab, 2 hours. Prerequisite(s): junior standing. Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): SLS 4114/SLS 5114 or consent of program coordinator.

SLS 6223 School Library Curriculum Development -- 3 unit(s)

Consultant role of the school teacher librarian in curriculum design. Study of curriculum frameworks and the curriculum integration of information process models, PK-12. Prerequisite(s): SLS 4114/SLS 5114; SLS 4132/SLS 5132 or SLS 4134/SLS 5134.

Fall 2012

SLS 6225 Administration of the School Library Program -- 3 unit(s)

Management and leadership role of the school teacher librarian, including organizational strategies, planning, and policy development. Prerequisite(s): SLS 4114/SLS 5114; SLS 6223.

SLS 6230 Library Automation Systems and Networks -- 3 unit(s)

Emphasis on computer-related systems and networks in schools and library programs. Planning and implementing systems; on-line network requirements and uses. Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): SLS 4115/SLS 5115.

Spring 2013

SLS 6295 Research in Library and Information Science -- 3 unit(s)

Survey of basic research methodologies and critical evaluation of school library research studies. The use of the research process to develop a draft proposal for a research study, or project. Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): SLS 6250.

Summer 2013

No courses this semester

Fall 2013

SLS 6290 Practicum -- 3 unit(s)

Experience in the function of elementary and secondary school libraries. Principles of effective collaborative teaching and inquiry based learning. May be repeated up to six hours with permission of the Division. Prerequisite(s): SLS 4114/5114; SLS 6223; or written consent of instructor.

Course details and enrollment information

SLS 6299 Research

Focus on the process of completing the research study, project, or thesis. Must be taken during the semester when the study is completed and may be repeated. Student must enroll in at least 1 credit hour during the semester the study is completed. Prerequisite(s): SLS 6295.

-- 3 unit(s); Complete paper/project
Course details and enrollment information

Plus program portfolio

Some students may choose to accelerate their progress by taking more than six units per term; some students may prefer a slower pace; such adjustments will require referring to the schedule each semester to determine availabilty of courses.

Course delivery

Courses in this program are offered via interactive video conferencing methods (including the Iowa Communications Network) during fall and spring semesters. Some courses and coursework are offered online using eLearning, a Blackboard learning management system requiring Internet access and a web browser. Summer sessions may include some in-person instruction on the UNI campus.

While most students encounter very few technical difficulties with our online courses, our team of support specialists is available to assist you as needed.

Services and support

Support services such as access to the UNI Rod Library, UNI Financial Aid and technical assistance will be readily available.