Library Media Course Descriptions

See Prequisites and Admissions for program requirements.

Prerequisite courses

CI 432 Computer Applications for the Classroom (3 credits)
This course is designed for preservice or inservice teachers who wish to become comfortable with the use of the computer to enhance classroom teaching and learning. Topics include an introduction to computers and technology in education; review and curriculum integration of courseware; use of word processing; designing and using computer-based databases in the classroom' computer literacy; and graphics software for the classroom.

LIB 428/528 Children's Literature: K-5 (3 credits)
Materials grades K-5. Traditional genres such as picture books, traditional tales, modern realism, romance, adventure, mystery, historical fiction, science fiction, fantasy, biography, poetry and nonfiction. Study of literature that illustrates cultural diversity. Resources for selection; awards and honors.

LIB 429/529 Young Adult Literature (3 credits)
A survey of books and non-book materials suitable for junior and senior high school students. Emphasis on selection and evaluation of books, adolescent reading interests, and reading guidance for curricular and personal needs.

Required courses

LIB 509 Initial Practicum (3 credits)
An initial experience consisting of an overview of the roles and responsibilities of an elementary school media specialist in a school library media center under the supervision of a library media specialist and a University supervisor. Prerequisites: admission to Library Media program and have taken or are taking LIB 534.

LIB 530 Literature Promotion Programs K-12 (3 credits)
A study of techniques for promoting literature in elementary and secondary schools: author and illustrator studies, reading books aloud, storytelling, book talks, reading promotion programs, and incorporating literature throughout the curriculum. Prerequisite: LIB 428/528

LIB 534 Administration of the School Library Media Center (3 credits)
Study of the school library media center and its integral role in the instructional program of the school. The school library media movement. Focus on the leadership role of the media specialist, management of personnel, media program budgeting, facility planning, role of state and national standards in planning, evaluation, and development; other administrative areas. Field activities included. Prerequisite: LIB 428/528

LIB 536 Design and Production of Instructional Media (3 credits)
Study the use of instructional media, K-12. Instructional design; criteria for quality print and nonprint media. Production of instructional media including slide and tape presentations, video recordings, and advanced techniques for overhead transparencies, graphic techniques, and uses of computers and technology in production. Effective use of instructional equipment and technology. Research of education technology and communication. Prerequisite: CI 432 and LIB 428/528

LIB 541 Reference and Information Systems and Services (4 credits)
An analysis of reference services and procedures. Study of print, nonprint, and electronic database reference sources to include bibliographic tools, indexes, encyclopedias, ready references, biographic tools, geographical tools, dictionaries, government documents, and specialized materials. Research in reference services and technological delivery systems. Prerequisite: LIB 428/528

LIB 542 Collection Development and Evaluation (3 credits)
Principles and practice of evaluation, selection, and acquisition of all types of materials included in a library media center collection. Selection and collection development policies and procedures. Study of professional evaluation and selection sources. Field activities included. Prerequisite: LIB 428/528

LIB 547 Library Media Instructional Programs, K-12 (3 credits)
A study of the K-12 information skills program, including the development of a scope and sequence, effective teaching strategies, specific skills instruction, correlation and integration with the classroom curriculum, and organization and development of a teaching program in the library media center. Prerequisite: LIB 428/528

LIB 548 Organization of Library Media Collections (4 credits)
Principles of organization of library media center collections. Basic cataloging procedures for print, nonprint, and electronic forms of media using standard cataloging and classification codes. Application of online cataloging databases. Prerequisite: LIB 428/528

LIB 561, 562, 563 Practicum: Library Media Center
A planned experience consisting of practical application of the full range of roles and responsibilities of the library media specialist in an elementary, middle, or high school library media center under the direction of a supervising middle or junior high school library media teacher and a University supervisor. Prerequisite: LIB 509.

LIB 573 Advanced Methods and Procedures in School Library/Media Centers (3 credits)
A study of the school library/media center as a teaching agency. Designed to focus on the teaching role of the school librarian/media specialist in presenting concepts, principles, content, and techniques to students and teachers. Emphasis placed on instruction in library and research skills; reading, viewing, and listening guidance; inservice for school personnel; and problems involved in performing effectively as a teacher. Observation of library/media centers required. Prerequisites: Initial Educational Media Endorsement and consent of instructor.

LIB 574 Research Strategies for Library Media Specialists (3 credits)
Advanced reference materials available in school and academic libraries, including computer databases and network resources. Prerequisite: LIB 541 or equivalent.

LIB 575 Directed Field Experience (3 credits)
Planned contact for school library media specialists with professional librarians and/or media specialists in public, academic, special libraries, information centers and other library or media-related settings. Directed field work and visitations to various libraries and information centers will be the emphasis of the course. Seminar meetings on campus deal with topics related to the field experience as well as intensive study of related advanced issues such as automation, personnel, and management. Initial Education Media Endorsement and consent of instructor.

LIB 576 Planning and Evaluation of Library Media Programs (3 credits)
Analysis of media center programs and planning techniques; study and application of media center evaluation instruments; analysis and development of library media center programs. Prerequisites: Initial Educational Media Endorsement and consent of instructor.

Electives

LIB 502 Independent Study: Project (3 credits)
This course is designed for individuals who are completing certificates through the School Library/Media Program. During the class, individuals will develop and share a culminating project, paper, or presentation that applies what they have learned through the courses in their program: Instructional Technology Certificate of Completion – or - The Graduate Certificate in Children's and Young Adult Literature.

LIB 508 Mobile Computing in Education (1 credit)
Cell phones, iPads, laptops, Kindles, iPods, and other mobile technologies can engage students and help them learn. Explore the pros and cons of mobile devices in the classroom. Discuss equity and the digital divide, classroom management ideas, QR codes, and how to evaluate apps for education. We will use mobile devices -- including your own, if you have one, to bring along for a hands-on exploration of the latest tools and techniques. 

LIB 510 Collaborative Technology Tools in the Classroom (3 credits)
This course will highlight technology tools that support collaborative learning in the classroom. Students will explore, experiment, and evaluate collaborative read/write web tools such as blogs, wikis, social networking, social bookmarking, collaboration suites, project management tools and real-time and asynchronous text, voice and video communication software. Students will also examine instructional strategies and methods for integrating them into K-12 curricula. 

CI 527 Literature in Classrooms K-8 (3 credits)
This course focuses on the exploration of literature for students in grades K-12, and the application of literature in the classroom. Emphasis is on selection and evaluation of books, children's reading interests, classroom applications and school leadership in promoting literature in classroom and school settings.

READ 530 Reading and Composition in Content Areas 4-12 (3 credits)
Learners will explore literacy strategies in order to guide their students in acquiring skills needed for adequate reading, thinking, writing, and study in content areas. Emphasis is on the functional teaching of reading and writing, including designing and preparing materials to use with curriculum materials in all school subjects.

LIB 532 Multicultural Literature for K-12 (3 credits)
An introduction to contemporary multicultural literature, fiction, and nonfiction, for use with early childhood, elementary, middle school and high school students. Emphasis is on the selection, evaluation, and utilization of literature in the classroom and library media center.

LIB 533 Global Literature (3 credits)
An introduction to global literature for use at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. An overview of contemporary children's and young adult literature set in either the present or historical periods in countries around the world. Emphasis is on the identification, reading, discussion, and utilization of various genres that support the curriculum in schools.

LIB 587 Video Production (3 credits)
Study and practice of video recording techniques including storytelling, various camera techniques, editing, character generation. Students will spend time in a recording studio in addition to using the portable camera.

LIB 588 21st Century Technologies for Education (3 credits)
Preservice and inservice teachers and librarians will keep pace with the changing technologies and develop their skills as webmaster, video producer, and technology expert. Analyze the role of computers and advanced technology in the library media center and classroom and study administrative uses as well as effective curriculum development. Learn assistive/adaptive technology as well as advanced video podcasting and screencasting for tutorial creation. Study and design a multimedia project utilizing various types of software and learn about advanced uses. Design custom videos for the classroom or library. This course is correlated with the National Educational Technology Standards (International Society for Technology in Education).

LIB 592 Contemporary Children's and Young Adult Literature (3 credits)
An analysis and study of contemporary children's and young adult literature. A study of trends and styles in modern literature. Includes picture books, fiction, and nonfiction. Contemporary authors and illustrators featured. Prerequisite: LIB 428/528 or equivalent.

LIB 508 Literature for At-Risk Students (1 credit)
The presentation of at-risk students in children's and young adult literature. Resources for selection of materials and incorporation into the curriculum.

LIB 508 Children's Literature on Film and Video (1 credit)
Overview of contemporary children's and young adult cinema for students at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Resources for selection and evaluation considerations.

LIB 508 Multicultural Storytelling (1 credit)
Selection and use of stories from diverse cultures in the classroom and library. Emphasis is on sharing the oral tradition in storytelling and creative dramatics.

LIB 508 Picturebooks and Information Literacy (1 credit)
The focus is on using fiction and nonfiction picturebooks to integrate information literacy skills into curricular areas. Students create interdisciplinary units of study integrating library skills and content areas.

LIB 508 Information Literacy and Online Searching (1 credit)
Approaches for improving online information searching skills for school library media specialists. Selection of databases, advanced search strategy techniques, and methods for teaching information literacy skills for students K-12.

LIB 508 Special Learners in Library Media Centers (1 credit)
Accommodations for special needs students in elementary, middle, and high school library media centers. Selection, modification, and matching of books for appropriate reading levels. Communication skills and bibliotherapeutic approaches.

LIB 408/508 Managing the Tech Savvy Classroom (1 credit)
Learn to keep video and overhead projectors, digital and document cameras, computers, printers, and other classroom and library media center equipment running smoothly and efficiently. Explore the management of technology equipment in the classroom and media center. Leave with new skills and informative handouts. Topics include trouble shooting and repair hints, cleaning and maintaining equipment, setting up, connecting and using video projectors, cameras, sound systems, computers and other classroom and library media center equipment.  

LIB 508 Web 2.0 in the Classroom and School Library: Blogs, Wikis, and More (1 credit)
Become familiar with the current trends in The Read/Write Web and social networking websites.

LIB 508 Digital Toolbox: Sharing Resources for Today's Students (1 credit)
Today's students and teachers have a vast array of online tools at their disposal. Which deserve attention? Explore some and add to your own toolbox. Share resources and learn about new tools to help today's student. Exploring a wide variety of web-based tools allows you to experiment and select the best for your environment. Explore the most efficient tools and platforms for your classroom's possibilities and applications.

LIB 508 Children's Book Conference (2 credits)
Participate in a week of lectures, workshops, and critique sessions that focus on the craft of writing, writing for the educational market, poetry, young adult fiction, and dealing with writer's block.

LIB 508 Poetry and Picture Books for Global Compassion, Grades 4-12 (3 credits)
Learn how the effective use of poetry and picture books with students in grades 4-12 serves to engage them in understanding global issues in the broad frame of diversity and inclusiveness.