The School Library Media Studies program offers a master's degree for those who wish to become school librarians/media specialists. This major is designed to qualify the degree holder for the K-12 media specialist endorsement in Iowa.
Iowa Communications Network (ICN)
Courses in this program are offered primarily via the ICN. Delivery of ICN programs is limited to the state of Iowa.
WebCT
Courses in this program have an online component utilizing WebCT, a computer conferencing program requiring Internet access and a web browser — no additional software is required. Students may need access to someone who can assist with computer set-up.
UNI campus
Summer sessions in this program may involve some on-campus or central site study.
350:114g Introduction to the School Library Media Program, 3 credit hours Offered fall, spring and summer semesters
Survey of school library media specialists, functions of the school library media center, national and state professional guidelines, ethical and legal issues; includes observation and participation in a selected school library media center.
350:115g Organization of Information, 3 credit hours Offered summer semesters
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 media catalogs. Adaptations of organizational principles for non-book print, non-print media and computer-assisted information sources.
350:132g Library Materials for Children, 3 credit hours Offered fall semesters
Collection management strategies as these relate to resources available in, and accessible from, elementary school library media centers, with a focus on resource-based teaching and learning. Role of the school library media specialist as information specialist.
350:134g Library Resources for Young Adults, 3 credit hours Offered spring semesters
Collection management strategies as these relate to resources available in, and accessible from, secondary school library media centers, with a focus on resource-based teaching and learning. Role of the SLMS as information specialist.
350:223 School Library Media Curriculum Development, 3 credit hours Offered fall semesters
Consultant role of the school library media specialist in curriculum design. Study of curriculum frameworks and the curriculum integration of information process models, PK-12.
350:225 Administration of the School Library Media Program, 3 credit hours Offered spring semesters
Management and leadership role of the school library media specialist, including organizational strategies, planning and policy development. Should be taken in the final semester of course work.
350:230 Library Automation Systems & Networks, 3 credit hours Offered summer semesters
Emphasis on computer-related systems and networks in schools and library media programs. Planning and implementing systems; on-line network requirements and uses.
350:250 Reference Services and Information Retrieval, 3 credit hours Offered summer semesters
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 SLMS as information specialist and teacher.
350:289 Seminar: Inquiry Learning & Information Literacy, 3 credit hours Offered spring semesters
Critical assessment of the elements of school library media services at the building and system levels.
350:290 Practicum, 2 credit hours elementary level; and 2 credit hours secondary level Offered fall and spring semesters
Experience in the function and services of the school library media center.
350:295 Research in Library and Information Science, 3 credit hours Offered spring semesters
Survey of basic research methodologies and critical evaluation of library media center research studies. The use of the research process to develop a draft proposal for a research study or project.
350:299 Research, 1-3 credit hours Offered fall, spring and summer semesters
Research Paper
Elective, 3 credit hours (choose one below)
240:289 Seminar: Grant Writing, 3 credit hours Offered summer semesters
This one-credit graduate seminar is intended to facilitate student identification of funding sources and steps to writing a successful grant. This eight-week online course will encourage students to research available grants to meet their individual or group interests.
OR
350:289 Seminar: Web Design for School Library Media Specialists, 3 credit hours Offered fall semesters
Evaluation, design and creation of web sites for school library media specialists.
OR
240:150g Educational Television Production, 3 credit hours Offered summer semesters
An introductory survey of the fundamental techniques of educational television production designed to provide students with beginning knowledge, practical theory and basic experience in the planning and producing of educational television materials.