LIS 657 -- The Special Library

Course description

Introduction to the role and scope of special libraries. Study of current trends in the development of specialized functions of these libraries. (Prerequisites: LIS 600, LIS 650)

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of LIS 657, the learner will be able to

  1. Identify and describe the impact of the historical growth and development of special libraries;
  2. Identify, describe, and evaluate the information needs of special library clienteles;
  3. Recognize and discuss current trends in special library organization and management, collection programs, electronic information services, library operations;
  4. Understand and describe the role of
  5. Recognize the strengths and weaknesses of research currently conducted in/about special libraries;
  6. Discuss the forces influencing the provision of information in special libraries worldwide.

COURSE OUTLINE

  1. Introduction.
    1. Definition of special library/information center.
    2. Difference in the nature of the special library and general libraries.
    3. History of special libraries and the special library movement.

  2. Management of special libraries/information centers.
    1. Role of the manager.
    2. Governance/missions; relating to top management.
    3. Planning and budgeting.
      • types of budgets.
      • budgeting process; preparing budgets.
    4. Organizing and staffing.
      • staff composition.
      • current management practices.
      • organizational structures.
      • supervising.
    5. Marketing.
      • marketing process.
      • marketing services/materials.
    6. Evaluating operations.
      • standards.
      • evaluation measures.
    7. Role of technology.

  3. User services.
    1. Reference, including SDI.
    2. Circulation.
    3. Reserves.
    4. Media.
    5. Electronic information.
    6. Online services.
    7. Information transfer, access, and repackaging.

  4. Technical services.
    1. Cataloging and indexing.
    2. Acquisitions and access to materials.
    3. Care and preservation of materials.

  5. Collections.
    1. Types of materials.
    2. Collection management.
    3. Deselection/weeding.
    4. Archives and records.
    5. Preservation issues.

  6. Library facilities and equipment.
    1. Planning library facilities.
    2. Furnishings and special equipment for libraries.

  7. Networking and resource sharing.

  8. Special librarianship.
    1. Career planning.
    2. Special Libraries Association.
    3. Other library organizations.

  9. The future for special libraries.
    1. Technological changes.
    2. Professional changes.

EVALUATION

  1. Attendance and participation. (10%)
    As part of attendance and participation, you will be required to take part in class discussions to contribute your experience or knowledge to the class. Materials covered during class sessions will be of major importance in the course.
  2. Term project. (15%)
    During the early weeks of the semester, you will select a type of special library in which you are interested. During the semester, you will investigate aspects of that particular type of library and discuss those aspects during the appropriate class sessions (see Course calendar). For example, prior to the session on "Personnel and management", you will read at least one article that discusses the topic for the type of library you chose and submit an annotation of the article(s) on a 4x6 card.
  3. Term paper. (25%)
    All relevant information you have uncovered during the semester will be developed into a term paper describing important aspects of that type of library, to be submitted by APRIL 24TH.
  4. Assessments of site visits. (20%)
    After each site visit, you will write a short report on your impressions of the site - what you expected, what you found, and what surprised you. The total grade for all site visit reports will be 20% of your grade. [Typed, please].
  5. Final examination. (30%)
    The final examination questions will be distributed on APRIL 24TH and are due on MAY 1st. (Typed or word-processed and edited please).

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE COURSE

  1. Graded requirements.
    1. Attendance and participation.
    2. Term project.
    3. Term paper.
    4. Site visit reports.
    5. Final examination.

  2. Ungraded requirements.
    1. Special Libraries Association.
      All students are expected to become members of SLA at the student membership rate.
    2. Required textbook.
      There is no required textbook.

  3. Other information.
    To aid you in determining the type of library you may wish to pursue, the following is a list of some of the types of libraries in which you may be interested:

    657 Bibliography

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