Philosophy and history of libraries and library services; use of standards,
Guidelines, and policies; organization, governance and funding of libraries; community analysis; ethical practices; technical and public services; and issues affecting libraries.
SELECT ONE OF THE FOLLOWING AS YOUR FINAL PROJECT:
Option A
Select an automated, electronic system used in your library. This may be the on-line catalog, Internet access, OCLC cataloging. Investigate the following:
- Select an automated, electronic system used in your library. This may be the on-line catalog, Internet access, OCLC cataloging. Investigate the following:
- How the need for the system was determined
- Why the particular system was selected
- Who made the decision to have the system
- What standards govern using the system (national, state, regional, local)
- What changes in policies and procedure occurred with system installation
- What issues did the system hope to address
- What new issues have arisen since the system was activated
- What the system does that couldn't be done without it
- What value the system is to public services staff and patrons; to technical services staff; and to the library's community*
- Whether the value justifies the cost
- Whether the cost justifies the value
- Why this system is needed
- Prepare a summary of responses to the above.
- Write a newspaper editorial or a position paper stating why this system is desirable, defending its use and justifying the library's increased budget proposal to maintain and enhance the system. Make at least one comparison of value between the library's system and a program/service/technology of another community agency or organizational department.
Option B
- Select a library in which to develop a literacy program. This will involve assessing the community and the literacy needs of its residents and evaluating the library's resources and strengths to determine how they might promote literacy within the area. Based on your research you will develop a model literacy program for the library. Your final project should:
- Demonstrate an understanding of current educational practices and theories
- Determine the organizational structure of the library as well as the structures of the organizations with which it interacts and the community* served.
- Prepare a summary and analysis of the community your library serves including the kinds of materials and resources that currently exist (or will be developed) in the library including an Internet search for literature and/or resources related to literacy and libraries.
- Write a newspaper editorial or a position paper stating why the library is cooperating with local organizations to promote literacy. Develop the rationale and justify why the library needs an increase in its budget to develop and provide literacy service.
Option C
1. Select a reference and adult services department in a library in which you will develop a plan for service to "remote users," i.e. people at their home computers, students at their dorm room computers, students taking courses via distance education. You will research what service models exist in other public and academic libraries, develop a plan consistent with the mission of the library and prepare a budget to support the service.
2. Your paper will demonstrate an understanding of library support to learners of all ages, how technology is used in programs of distance education, why the library serves remote users, what resources are required to support service to remote users, and analyze other programs in relation to program development.
3. Write a newspaper editorial or a position paper stating why the library provides service to remote users. Develop the rationale and justify why the library needs an increase in its budget to provide this service.
* Community can be interpreted as geographic area, campus, organization, etc. your library serves.