CORE TOPICS

Students must satisfactorily complete all of the core topics before proceeding to Stage 2.

LIS 101 Introduction to Digital Information Technologies
A comprehensive introduction to digital and communications technologies as the underpinnings for information storage and retrieval systems. These include basic operation of simple computers, hardware and software maintainance, operating system design and construction, and a list of really useful excuses to explain to patrons why things don't work.

LIS 102 Introduction to Library & Information Science
An Overview of the field. Introduction to the history, purpose, functions, and processes of the field, its place in society, practice of the profession in various types of settings, and alternative courses for those who realise its not all about stamping things.

LIS 103 Information Sources and Services
Philosophy, process, and techniques of information services. Overview of information access and delivery, types of resources and formats used in information services, and action research project into the completely innane methodology used by the majority of library users to find information. Students are advised to give up all social life.

LIS 104 Introduction to Knowledge Organization
Basic principles of bibliographic control. Emphasizes understanding the function of catalogs, indexes, bibliographies, Web-browsers and acquiring the ability to use and interpret these tools effectively. Introduction to bibliographic utilities, online catalogs and indexes, world wide web, metadata and the Dublin Core, MARC formats, Anglo- American Cataloguing Rules, Library of Congress Subject Headings, Sears List of Subject Headings, Dewey Decimal Classification, Library of Congress Classification. Pre-requisites: Satisfactory completion of both medical and psychological evaluation.

LIS 105 Internship
120 hours during a semester at an approved site, working under supervision of a professional in the field. Guided by a Learning Contract jointly approved by faculty and the site supervisor, students augment what they have been taught in formal courses; further their career objectives; enhance their skills; fantasise about their achieving Head Librarian status; and gain a completely unrealistic view of library operation.