MLIS Elective Courses

Elective courses build upon the foundation of the required courses by furthering students' knowledge and understanding of specific areas of academic interest or professional practice. Elective courses may be taught either by full-time faculty or by skilled, experienced part-time instructors, many of whom have careers in the information professions. Elective courses normally are offered frequently and those that have not been taught within a three-year period are removed from the list of offerings.

Designated Technology courses are identified with a [T]. Students are required to successfully complete one of these courses to meet the requirements for graduation (effective May 2007). While most courses within this section are designated as Technology [T] courses for purposes of degree requirements, students should be aware that some courses listed here may not be [T] courses.

Special Topic courses provide an opportunity to offer a course that is very specialized or unique in some way. Special Topic courses are intended to be offered only once, such as in the case of a visiting scholar, information professional or doctoral student who wishes to share his/her expertise while s/he is resident at the university.

For a list of anticipated electives for the coming academic year, see the Schedule of Elective Courses.

For ease of finding, the MLIS elective courses are organized into very general topical categories noted below. Students should note, however, that there is necessarily some overlap between categories, so courses in one category may also reflect subject content from other topical areas.

History and Philosophy
Information Policy
Professional Values/Practices
Organization of Information
Reference, Sources and Services
Users and Services
Research Methods
Management
Types of Settings
Technology [T]
Theoretical Perspectives on Technology
 

9100 (602) Philosophy of Library and Information Science
Selected philosophical issues in library and information science. Development of a critical analysis of the social context of information, for continued intellectual and professional growth.
PREREQUISITE: MLIS 9001

9101 (532) The Shaping of News and Information Through Technology
Canadian communications theorist Harold Innis contended that technology influences and shapes methods by which we interact.. It also influences social, political and economic formations. This course will examine major communications theories as well as case studies from the perspective of emerging technologies from antiquity to modernity. The perspective will be historical.

9102 (603) Professing the Popular: A Midbrow Introduction
An introductory course for people who want to know about the theory and operation of popular culture. Library students facing, investigating and (perhaps) serving a market-driven culture require theoretical and practical tools in order to work in this world. Students will become confident about performing analyses of popular culture production.

9103 (756) History of the Book
Explores the history of the book from its early beginnings to its present manifestations with greatest emphasis from the mid-15th century to the present. The course will also discuss the history of important precursors of mechanical printing, and literacy, books, and manuscripts in the ancient and medieval periods.

9104 (758) Publishing, Media, and Librarianship
This course examines the business of writing, editing, distributing, and marketing of books and other media. During the course students will examine all types of publishing—scholarly, government, trade, professional, and personal in various formats. Students should acquire a critical understanding of publishing issues and how they relate to librarianship.

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9130 (604) Information Policy
The course introduces information policy concepts and issues with which library, archival, and information science practitioners need to be familiar. The course will consider information policy; the policy process and players; individual policies which influence information creation and access in Canada; and the role of librarians in policy development.
PREREQUISITE: MLIS 9001

9132 (774) Information Ethics
The course topics are selected collaboratively by students and the instructor, from the literatures of librarianship, information science, computer ethics, cyberethics, media and journalistic ethics, or intercultural information ethics. Special attention is given to the philosophical bases of ethical reasoning about selected issues.  (Cross-listed with PhD course LIS 9884)
PREREQUISITE: MLIS 9001

9133 Information Equity
This course focuses on issues and critical perspectives surrounding equitable access to information, the relationships between information and social change, and social equity and justice in the information professions. Libraries and information services are framed within larger social, political, cultural, and economic contexts and power structures. Course topics include issues such as the digital divide and information poverty within both North American and global contexts.  (Cross-listed with PhD course LIS 9833)

9134 Surveillance and Freedom in the Age of Control
This seminar course explores control and freedom in the information age by examining technologies, institutions, representations and practices of surveillance in libraries, archives and databases. It also examines related issues of intellectual freedom, content filtering and copyright management. These topics are investigated through theoretical discussion, case studies, and research presentation.

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9152 (570) Instructional Strategies for Information Professionals
Theoretical and practical issues associated with information literacy. Principles of designing, implementing and evaluating instructional programs to meet the instructional needs of information users. Critical appraisal of information resources and their uses. Experience in communication skills, and the design, delivery and assessment of instructional programs.
PREREQUISITE: MLIS 9003

9153 (594) Professional Communication
Principles and theory of human communication taught through exposure to research relevant to the profession. Effective communication in library and information service. Individual and group practice in effective interpersonal and written communication in a range of professional contexts.

9154 (765) Advocacy and Library Issues (Distance)
This course will provide students with knowledge needed to understand the advocacy process and exercise professional leadership in advocacy of library issues (e.g., policy, funds, support, partnership) to internal or external decision-makers. Major emphasis is on practical advocacy programs. Although focusing on publicly funded libraries, advocacy principles are broadly applicable.
PREREQUISITE: Knowledge of presentation software.

9157 (650) Information Entrepreneurship
Students will create a realistic and fully executable business plan for a small-scale information related business. Students will learn how to implement the completed business plan, design and execute a sales and marketing program, project cash flow needs and seek appropriate financing.
CO-REQUISITE: MLIS 9005

9158 (670) Legal Issues for Information Professionals
Law impacting the information professional will be explored (legal underpinnings of various information organizations, intellectual freedom, access, privacy, personal data protection, copyright). Consideration of such themes as professionalism and the information professional’s role in law reform, the Canadian Charter, technological innovation and the concept of information underlying current legal constructs.
PREREQUISITE: MLIS 9001

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9200 (545) Descriptive Cataloguing Theory and Practice
This course covers rules and encoding for description and access points as presented in AACR2 and MARC. Students create descriptions of items such as serials, sound and video recordings, realia, computer files, maps, websites, etc. Lectures cover topics such as Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records, OPAC design, and metadata.
PREREQUISITE: MLIS 9002

9201 (593) Classification and Indexing
Classification and indexing within a broader perspective of human intellectual activity. Current research trends in the subject control of information. Further opportunities to practice classifying, subject cataloguing and indexing of documents. Ways in which classification and indexing principles are affecting, and affected by, new information technologies.
PREREQUISITE: MLIS 9002

9202 (677) Subject Analysis and Thesaurus Construction
Theory and practice in indexing and in constructing subject retrieval languages in thesaurus form. Distinguishing between controlled and natural language indexing, and between subject headings and index terms. Applying facet analysis to thesaurus construction. Selected topics in the theory of subject analysis.
PREREQUISITE: MLIS 9002

9203 (615) Records Management
This course will address the essentials of Records Management in today’s organization. The records life-cycle/continuum models, expansion of electronic document management, and contemporary issues facing information management professionals will be explored throughout the course content. Particular focus will be on the integration of traditional paper based and electronic records systems.
PREREQUISITE: MLIS 9002

9204 (762) Enterprise Content Management
An introduction to processes and technologies used to capture, organize, maintain, deliver, and preserve information created by today’s organizations. The course will explore theoretical and practical aspects of enterprise content management (ECM), including business process automation, collaboration, web content management, information security, digital asset management, electronic document and records control.
PREREQUISITES: MLIS 9002.  Knowledge of spreadsheets. 

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9301 (518) Advanced Information Sources and Services
This course is intended to expand student understanding of current issues and developments in reference services and practice. Reference service management issues for both in-person and virtual reference services are covered. Students have an opportunity to practice skills in evaluation, reference interviewing, answering questions, and using virtual reference sites.
PREREQUISITE: MLIS 9003

9314 The Place of Folktale/Myth Collections in Public, School, and Academic Libraries
We will explore folktale and myth and examine the relevance of this traditional material in public, school, and academic libraries. The study of the literature and its influence on fiction and current cultural activities will be reviewed along with collection evaluation/development and professional and patron perceptions and needs.

9315 (675) Collection Development
Theory and practice in the development of collections of information resources in a variety of formats for particular user groups in specific library and information environments.
PREREQUISITES: MLIS 9002, 9003.

9316 (582) Government Information
This course covers the nature, extent, variety and value of government information sources and services. Issues in the management of government information products are examined. The focus is on official information sources of Canada, the United Kingdom, United States and Intergovernmental Organizations, such as the United Nations.
PREREQUISITE: MLIS 9003

9318 (597) Legal Information Sources and Services
Sources of legal information and their use including primary legal materials (bills, statutes, regulations, cases), secondary legal materials (journal articles, monographs), and their finding aids utilizing both paper-based and digital sources. Characteristics and needs of users of legal information in law firm, academic, courthouse and other types of law libraries.
PREREQUISITE: MLIS 9003

9319 (591) Information Sources and Services in Science, Technology and Medicine
Nature and communication of scientific, medical and technological research. Information needs and uses of researchers and practitioners in these disciplines. Specialized forms of literature and information in science, medicine and technology. Organization of library and information services and their evaluation.
PREREQUISITE: MLIS 9003

9320 (584) Consumer Health Information Sources and Services
This course covers the concepts of health and medicine and the organization of biomedical research and consumer health literature; information seeking by people with health concerns, issues in health communication; specialized vocabulary and forms of medical literature, organization of information services for health consumers and methods for evaluating them.
PREREQUISITE: MLIS 9003

9321 (766) An Introduction to Health Sciences Librarianship
Students are familiarized with health care environments, publishing and health professional information behaviour. They learn health sciences reference, searching and critical appraisal skills. Students also develop knowledge of collection development and information organization in the health sciences and reflect on health science librarianship, management/leadership issues and innovative information service models.
PREREQUISITES: MLIS 9002, 9003, 9004
ANTIREQUISITE: MLIS 9319

9322 (729) Librarianship for Evidence-Based Health Care
This course will provide an overview of EBHC approaches and methods, and teach expert searching techniques, including use of health-related indexes and databases, and software to collate and organize search results.
PREREQUISITES: MLIS 9002, 9003, 9004.

9323 (669) Information Sources for Business and Industry
The information requirements of the small business and corporate environment. The provision of library and information services to patrons in those environments. Information sources, including technical, marketing and management information.
PREREQUISITE: MLIS 9003

9324 (727) Information Resources for Humanities and Social Science
Examines information and information seeking behaviour as concepts as well as (and particularly) vis-ŕ-vis the requirements of the various disciplines in the humanities and the social sciences, and discusses the relevant information sources for each subject area.

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9345 Information Uses and Usable Information
This course explores how people select and process information for problem solving and decision making. Drawing on insights from research in information studies and cognitive psychology, we will explore the factors that influence the information people notice, remember, understand, and find persuasive.

9350 (751) An Introduction to Information Behaviour
An introduction to user-centered approaches to human information behavior and explores the information needs, seeking, sources and information use of members of various groups in different contexts. In addition, it introduces the theoretical frameworks, models and practical research methods that form the foundation for studies of information behaviour.

9351 Library and Information Services for a Diverse Society
LIS practice is based on the compositions of the societies within which libraries exist and serve.  This course will focus on the needs of diverse library users and on the response of libraries and information professions to the challenges that are posed by the changing social and cultural composition of library users.
PREREQUISITES: MLIS 9001, 9003

9352 Reading Theory and Practice
This course focuses on readers of the past and present, reading, and reading practices, as observed through the lens of different theoretical and disciplinary approaches. We consider contributions to reading research from a variety of areas, including histoire du livre, literary criticism, sociology, education, media studies, popular culture studies, and library and information science. (Cross-listed with PhD course LIS 9872)

9353 International Librarianship:  Issues and Innovations
The course, provided online, includes an introduction with the course requirements, followed by a discussion of the concept of International Librarianship, several regional case studies based on the history of library development, several key issues in LIS provision, innovations in service provision and key resources for research and working internationally.

9355 (748) The Art of Storytelling
Discover how oral storytelling told from the imaginative heart entertains us, enhances our critical thinking, and creates our culture, our beliefs and our identity. Learn how to listen to, research, choose, prepare and present your stories. Explore the role of storytelling in an age of print and information technologies.
ANTIREQUISITE: MLIS 9356

9356 (772) Storytelling In Modern Librarianship: "Beyond the Children's Room"
This course will examine the importance of personal narrative, historically and within the current praxis of librarianship. From traditional storytelling to the internet, students will learn the essential skills of storytelling and story listening and will have the opportunity to practice their new skills.
ANTIREQUISITE: MLIS 9355

9357 Community Development: Libraries Building Community
The library is an essential important cultural, economic, and social institution. Libraries help build their communities in many ways - through the development of social contacts, links and networks; through building individual and community skills; and through encouraging lifelong learning and promoting wellbeing and outreach to more marginalized groups and individuals.
ANTIREQUISITE: MLIS 9512
PREREQUISITE: MLIS 9001

9360 (566) Children's and Young Adult Literature
An introduction to children's and young adult literature, both historical and contemporary. Major genres, authors, illustrators and trends in children's and young adult literature. Evaluation of library materials for children and young adults. Reading competencies and interests of children and young adults.

9361 (776) Children's Materials (Birth-7 years): Evaluation and Use
Library materials for children from infancy through 7 years that serve their reading and informational needs including nursery rhymes, picture books, folk and fairy tales, myths and legends, beginning to read materials, first poetry, first informational materials, film and recorded sound.
ANTIREQUISITE: MLIS 9360

9362 (777) Materials for Older Children (8 to 12 years)
An introduction to materials for older children, primarily contemporary but also historical. Major genres, authors, and trends in literature for older children. Evaluation of library materials, both print and non-print and both fiction and nonfiction, for older children. Reading competencies and interests of elementary school age children in grades three to six.
ANTIREQUISITE: MLIS 9360

9363 (780) Youth, Information and Library Services
Introduces students to information resources and library services for young adults. Topics include multiple literacies, information and communication technologies and media use, rights and access to information, inclusive services and community outreach. We will move from theoretical understandings of issues to the practical implications for public library services to youth.
PREREQUISITE: MLIS 9003

9364 Young Adult Materials
Introduction to materials for young adults with coverage of genres and trends in YA literature. Evaluation of library materials for young adults taking account of reading interests and motivation, information practices, adolescent development and youth culture. Strategies to promote YA library materials and development of materials-based programming for teens.
ANTI-REQUISITE: MLIS 9360 (566)

9365 (598) Services for Children
The history, philosophy, place and purpose of services to children and young adults in libraries. An introduction to administrative aspects of library services for children and young adults. Developing, planning, presenting and evaluating library services for children and young adults.

9380 (580) Genres of Fiction and the Reader
Reading theory and research related to pleasure reading. Introduction to selected genres of popular fiction (e.g., crime and detective fiction, thrillers, westerns, romances, science fiction, horror, and bestsellers). Overview of the role of fiction in public libraries from the nineteenth century to the present. Becoming an effective reader's advisor.

9381 (744) Literary Appreciation
This course will introduce students to important works of literature. Students will read and discuss texts in order to appreciate how they have shaped literary movements and tastes over time. Possible texts include work by Austen, Flaubert, Dickens, Conan Doyle, Shelley, Fitzgerald, O’Connor, Capote, Morrison, Atwood, Munro, Brown, King.

9382 (775) Readers' Advisory Service in the Public Library
An introduction to the skills and resources needed to provide and promote readers’ advisory service in a public library setting. The emphasis will be on serving and understanding the reading needs of adults, the appeal factors of narrative nonfiction and fiction genres (in different formats) and the links between them.
PREREQUISITE: MLIS 9003

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For more information on the following courses, please see MLIS Original Research Options.

9410 (697) Individual Study
Self-directed study of a topic not covered in curriculum under the supervision of a regular faculty member.
PREREQUISITE: MLIS 9004 or equivalent.

9411 (698) Guided Research I
This course emphasizes research methods applied to an MLIS student's own choice of research project.
PREREQUISITE: MLIS 9004 or equivalent.

9412 (699) Guided Research II
This course emphasizes research methods applied to an MLIS student's own choice of research project.
PREREQUISITE: MLIS 9004 or equivalent.

9413-9416 (700-703) Major Research Project
The Major Research Project is an in-depth project of original research under the supervision of an advisory committee. The Project normally extends over two consecutive terms and is the equivalent of four MLIS courses.
PREREQUISITE: MLIS 9004 or equivalent.

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9501 (671) Human Resource Management
This course examines the human resource functions in libraries and other information organizations and applications of contemporary management principles and theories to managing human resources. Topics covered include human resource planning, job analysis, recruitment and selection, compensation and benefits, and union-management relations.
CO-REQUISITE: MLIS 9005

9502 (672) Financial Management
In order to obtain and manage resources effectively, we must be able to understand and use basic financial information and tools. Topics include: the valuation of quantifiable and non-quantifiable outcomes, effective communication of the value of organizational activities to stakeholders, and the use of a cost-benefit framework to obtain resources.
CO-REQUISITE: MLIS 9005

9503 (644) Knowledge Management
Definition and distinction of knowledge management from information management. The knowledge management process: knowledge creation, codification, and transfer. Applications of information technologies in knowledge management. The role of information professionals in the knowledge management process. Ethical issues and problems inherent in knowledge management. Measurement of impact of knowledge management programs.
CO-REQUISITE: MLIS 9005

9504 (725) Strategic Planning
Strategic management and planning are key competencies for information professionals. This course provides students with an opportunity to work in a simulated management team environment to develop a library’s three-year strategic plan. This includes: articulating goals and objectives, identifying the library’s key roles in the community and establishing program evaluation.

9505 (722) Understanding Program Success: How to Plan and Evaluate Library Programs
This course covers program evaluation concepts, procedures and standards of professional practice. The use of different evaluation frameworks and techniques in libraries is examined. Programs and services covered include collection evaluation, program assessment (adult, youth, or children’s services), library performance measures and outcomes assessment.
PREREQUISITE: MLIS 9004

9506 (742) Managing Vendor Relations
Managing Vendor Relations explores the partnership between librarians and businesses serving the library market. Course content includes the economics of library businesses, pricing models, the competitive process, licensing, negotiating, post contract service and support, and ethics. Included is attendance at the OLA Superconference to interact directly with vendors.

9508 (646) Marketing and Public Relations for Information Professionals
This management course focuses on client-centred practices that help ensure library collections, services, and programs meet customer requirements. Content covers the application of marketing and public relations concepts and processes in various information environments. Teams prepare and present an integrated marketing plan for an information product of their choice.
CO-REQUISITE: MLIS 9005

9509 (647) Prospect Research in Fundraising
This course will address techniques, principles and skills in order to pursue a career in Prospect Research in non-profit organizations. General fundraising practices, issues and trends will also be covered. Students are matched with regional charities for a field study to acquire hands-on experience.
PREREQUISITES: MLIS 9002, 9003, 9004.

9511 (754) Myths and Realities in Organizational Theory and Practice
Individuals and groups negotiate their life and work between the dichotomies of myth and reality. Beginning with an overview of organizational models, the course will critically examine issues related to globalization and the new work order including power and inequity, knowledge and culture and the experience and management of change.

9512 (778) Professional Leadership and Libraries
Libraries need leadership that is rooted in professional values and focused on the work of cultivating strong personal and organizational relationships. This course looks at the changing nature of leadership in today’s world, with emphasis on building the leadership capacities of LIS professionals. Current issues and real situations will be studied in light of effective leadership practices and relationship building behaviours.

9513 (781) Organizational Behaviour: Theory and Practice
Organizational Behaviour is the study of the attitudes and behaviours of both individuals and groups as they interact within the context of organizations to achieve common goals. Organizational Behaviour derives its theoretical foundation from Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science which will be applied to the librarian profession.
CO-REQUISITE: MLIS 9005

9514  Information Management
This course explores the information management universe, in particular the linkages with library and information science. Students will examine the challenges of information management in public and private sector environments, including the marketing of the IM agenda to senior management and change management within the organization.
PREREQUISITE OR CO-REQUISITE: MLIS 9005

9515 Project Management
This course introduces theories, principles and techniques of contemporary project management and their application to information / media projects, libraries and information centres. The functions of planning, initiating, executing, managing and evaluating projects are examined and discussed with reference to information science, library, information management, knowledge management and media projects.

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9610 (613) The Public Library in the Community
Development of public service-oriented attitudes. Exploration of community structure, dynamics, and attitudes towards the public library and its potential to serve the whole community, including special client groups. The organization of public libraries, the role of library boards in their management, and the effect of organizational structure on their services.

9630 (514) Academic Libraries
Academic libraries in institutions of higher learning. Strategic issues and trends, including scholarly communication; publishing, funding and access models; and evolving technologies. User populations, their needs and information-seeking behaviour. Impact of digital resources on collections, access, services and instruction. The academic librarian as information specialist, educator; scholar and leader.

9631 (746) Introduction to Collection Development Practices in Academic Libraries
Through in-class discussions, critical analysis of relevant readings, student presentations and guest speakers, participants will be introduced to the collection management practices of academic and research libraries, addressing the issues, trends and challenges: ownership/access, resource sharing, co-operative collections, consortia environments, digitization, institutional repositories, scholarly communication, and collection analysis/evaluation/marketing/outreach.

9650 (645) Management of Special Libraries and Information Services
To introduce students to special libraries and information services, including: information needs, collection development, services, budgeting, marketing, and management. Students will examine the literature, design a specific library, and write a consulting report in order to gain a general knowledge and practise the skills needed in running special libraries.
CO-REQUISITE: MLIS 9005

9670 (595) Introduction to Archives Administration
Survey of the nature and role of archival studies as a field of information science. Comparison of archival principles and practice with those of related disciplines. Study of core archival functions, the theory and methodology for carrying out these functions, and the implementation of archival principles and methods in institutions.

9671 (561) Conservation and Preservation in Libraries and Archives
Explores preservation management issues in libraries and archives and examines the responsibilities of librarians, archivists and conservators. Modern preservation principles and current conservation techniques are examined as well as the durability and permanence of various media, both historical and modern, that are common to libraries and archives.

9672 (596) Archival Reference Services and Outreach
Introduces students to the purpose of a sustainable, ongoing archival program committed to public service. Students will gain an understanding of the fundamentals of an effective archival reference service, as well as proven outreach initiatives such as on-line archival exhibits, digital classrooms, and the planning and management of traditional programs.

9673 (764) Archival Description
An overview of the theory and practice of archival description with an emphasis on the Rules of Archival Description (RAD), and descriptive tools designed to improve information retrieval for patrons. Through lectures, visits to local archives and practical exercises, students will gain proficiency in understanding and applying appropriate descriptive tools.

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9701 (601) Information Retrieval: Research and Practice [T]
An intensive study of the applications of online searching in information work, including characteristics of major retrieval systems and the principles and mechanics of searching. An extensive analysis of how search engines work and how to explore and use various forms of Web data and information. Different areas of information retrieval research and experimental approaches will also be covered.
PREREQUISITES: MLIS 9002, 9003. Knowledge of spreadsheets, presentation software and basic HTML coding.

9705 (760) Information and Communication in a Digital Age [T]
Communication technologies are becoming ubiquitous: email, instant messaging, mobile phones, listservs, blogs, etc. How are these technologies affecting the way we receive and transmit information? Are current theories of information seeking still applicable to the digital age? What new challenges and possibilities emerge from these new forms of communication? The aim of the course is to determine current trends in the design and use of communication technologies and to critically examine how this revolution in communication affects our understanding of information and information behaviors. In this course, we will examine specific user populations, such as teenagers, the elderly, and students. We will also examine the challenges that libraries face in the advent of new forms of information dissemination and acquisition. (Cross-listed with MS 760)
PREREQUISITES: Knowledge of presentation software and basic HTML coding.

9706 Human-Computer Interaction: The User and Technology [T]
This course offers an overview of models and theories of how users interact with information technology. Students will practice these understandings through the study of information systems in a real world context, e.g., digital libraries, the university’s library web site, etc.
PREREQUISITE: LIS 9002

9710 (525) Managing Internet Information Services [T]
Management functions required for Internet technologies. Law and standards involved in participation in the Internet. Selected aspects of the structure, growth, and governance of the Internet. Practice with tools for the management of Internet information services.
PREREQUISITES: Knowledge of spreadsheets and database software.

9712 (779) Evolution of the Internet [T]
This course will introduce students to the history and evolution of the internet and its effect on libraries. The focus will be on the theory of how the internet developed and how it was and is used by libraries. No previous knowledge is necessary but topics will be covered in depth.

9713 Internet Broadcasting for the Public Sector [T]
The focus of this course is on creating an Internet radio or television station for a non-profit organization. Students will critically review and evaluate current implementations of Internet broadcasting. Hands-on sessions will focus on the technical components, tools and skills for building Internet radio and television networks. Students will work at matching user needs to content and selecting appropriate technologies.
PREREQUISITE: Knowledge of basic HTML coding and databases.

9720 (520) Digital Libraries [T]
Principles of design for digital libraries based on published research findings, including user interface design. Critical evaluation of current implementations. Technical components, tools and skills for developing digital libraries. Matching user needs to available technologies.
PREREQUISITE: Knowledge of basic HTML coding.

9721 (521) Information Visualization [T]
Computer-based information visualization systems provide an interface between the human mind and information. This course introduces key theoretical and practical concepts involved in this interaction i.e., communication between people and computers, so that students should be able to design and evaluate visually-based information systems and pursue further research in this discipline.
PREREQUISITES: Knowledge of database software and basic HTML coding.

9723 (523) Web Design and Architecture [T]
Skills needed to produce a good Web site. Concepts of information architecture as they apply to Web site design. Methods of navigation and searching on Web sites. Forms of discourse and text structure suitable to the Web environment.
PREREQUISITES: Knowledge of spreadsheets, database software, and basic HTML coding.

9724 (759) Web Usability: Theory and Practice [T]
This course examines the principles and practice of usability, with a focus on information architecture, usability and other topics related to determining the effectiveness of web sites. Students critically review the literature on usability research, learn techniques for usability evaluation, conduct usability tests on web sites and write usability reports.
PREREQUISITES: Knowledge of basic HTML coding.

9725 (726) Markup and Metadata [T]
Basic principles of electronic text design using markup languages such as XML, and the applications of XML in the library environment related to the creation of metadata for information resource description and use. Examination of profiles for library and non-library information applications, using multiple metadata sets, including the Dublin Core.
PREREQUISITES: Knowledge of database software and basic HTML coding.

9726 Second Life and Other Virtual Worlds: Critical Perspectives and Applications [T]
This course is designed to examine the exponential growth of contemporary virtual worlds (especially Second Life, but also Europia, There.com, etc.) from critical cultural production, materiality, and engaged ethnographic perspectives. We will examine a number of current theoretical constructs, especially communities of practice, activity theory, and actor-network theory to see whether virtual world experience and research can be explored using these or other current methods. Assignments will include creative, yet rigorous, comparisons of virtual world cultures, building in second life, keeping a blog of observations and experiences, joining and participating in the SL Digital Culture discussion group, and ongoing collaborative wiki assessments and critiques of virtual worlds as they are, or could be, used in teaching, research and service for libraries and universities. This class will meet in the Interdisciplinary Media Centre in the North Campus Building in order to facilitate a lively intersection of the activities of thinking and doing – or – doing as thinking.  Students in this course will be expected to access and download various programs without extensive guidance from the instructor.

9731 (558) Database Management Systems [T]
Data modelling and database structures and their application to information retrieval and processing. Analysis of data requirements and implementation of systems using a relational DBMS. Mounting a database on the Web. Programming or scripting for database applications.
PREREQUISITES: Knowledge of database software and basic HTML coding.

9732 (773) Language and Computer Technologies for Libraries and Beyond [T]
Introduction to linguistic and computational aspects of natural language processing technologies. Familiarity with underlying principles and techniques required to perform all levels of language understanding and processing of naturally occurring text. Critical assessment of the use of language technologies in a variety of applications.  (Cross-listed with PhD course LIS 9832)
PREREQUISITES: Knowledge of spreadsheets, presentation software, database software, and basic HTML coding.

9741 (559) Programming for Library and Information Science Applications [T]
The basic control structures, object-oriented and event driven programming using an object oriented programming language. Basic systems analysis for the design and programming of a solution. Developing small and medium sized programs or small utilities for use in library and information science applications by means of a project.
PREREQUISITES: Knowledge of basic HTML coding and Microsoft Office applications.

9761 (530) Managing Information Technology in Libraries [T]
Tools and techniques for planning, implementing and managing technological change for libraries and information services. Library systems, subsystems and networks. Procurement of library automation software and resources; the library automation software industry; information technology trends in the library. Roles of staff, management and vendors.
PREREQUISITE: Knowledge of database software.

9762 (740) Open Source Software for Libraries [T]
This course examines the open source software model using lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on tutorials. Students research and create a technology plan for a library to replace proprietary systems. This course should be attractive to students who wish to learn about alternative technologies or are interested in the management of technology.
PREREQUISITES: Knowledge of spreadsheets, database software, and basic HTML coding.

9763 (757) Social Software and Libraries [T]
The term "social software" has been applied to Web-based software tools that facilitate communication, collaboration, and community-building. This course explores social software applications such as blogs, wikis, social bookmarking, and online social networks and assesses the role and affordances of social software in the context of library service provision.
PREREQUISITE: Knowledge of basic HTML coding.

9764 GIS in Academic Libraries [T] 
Introduction to GIS technology and concepts and methodologies in GIS services in libraries. This is a hands-on GIS and mapping course that introduces GIS technology and the management of geospatial-related services in academic libraries. Topics include GIS data and software, map making, online mapping tools (i.e. Google Earth), geospatial information literacy, promotion and outreach.
PREREQUISITES: Knowledge of spreadsheets and database software. Note: The software programs used in this course run on Windows only.

9765 Geodigital Libraries [T]
Geodigital library is a library filled with references to geographic locations visualized on a digital map. The conceptual framework of such libraries is suitable for organization and visualization of various library, archival, and genealogical collections. This course introduces key theoretical and practical concepts relevant to the design, visualization, and evaluation of geodigital libraries.
PREREQUISITES: Knowledge of databases and basic HTML coding.

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Note: These courses discuss technology at a high level of generality and thus are NOT classified as Designated Technology courses [T] for purposes of degree requirements.

9790 Placing Users First: Designing for Real People
This course introduces selected theories, principles and practical techniques for designing various solutions and application for information / media projects. Students are introduced to approaches that focus on the social context of information systems, applications systems, and processes; and learn to put the user in the leading role.
PREREQUISITE: Students should have some exposure to web, database or applications development. Hands on ability to use the development tools would be an asset but is not an absolute requirement.

9791 (747) Information and the Human Factor in a Technological Society
This course unsettles popular assumptions about concepts such as technology, information and the knowledge economy and examines the sociological underpinnings of the technological landscape. It provides critical perspectives on technology as social practice, workplace change linked to digitization and globalization, user-centred design, surveillance, and ethics related to information technology management.

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Updated 07/22/2009