M.S. Core Courses M.S. Electives M.S. Topics in LIS Doctoral Courses Online Courses All Courses

LIS 600 - Supervised Study (1 semester hour for Ph.D. students; 2 semester hours for D.A. students)

Open only to students in the doctoral program. Required of all such students (1) not in residence in any regular semester in order to maintain matriculation, (2) not taking a course for credit during the fall or spring semester, and (3) working on their concept paper, proposal, or their field research project. Supervised study may not be applied toward academic credit requirements for the doctoral degree.

LIS 601 - Independent Study for Doctoral Students

Independent Study offers an opportunity for the doctoral student to pursue individual study related to aspects of management not covered in detail in the regular course offerings. Independent Study may be a reading course, a group investigation of a topic of mutual interest, or a directed research project. An end result will be an oral presentation to the faculty supervisor and the Committee on Doctoral Studies, as well as a possible paper of publishable quality.

LIS 620 - History, Concepts, and Research Opportunities

LIS 620 serves as a foundation and a cohort-building course. The course takes an international perspective in exploring historical developments, current issues, and research activities of interest to library and information science, archival studies, and related information fields. It reviews the history and major developments in LIS education and considers the role of scholarship in higher education. It introduces key topics related to the research process, including problem identification, funding opportunities, the communication of findings, use of human subjects, research ethics, and research misconduct. Assignments include papers, presentations, leading classroom discussions, and completion of the Simmons College Institutional Review Board "Investigator 101" module. This is the required first course for PhD students.

LIS 621 - Conducting Research

This course addresses the theories, principles, and practices of social science research. It examines reflective inquiry (including the development of the problem statement, literature review, theoretical framework, logical structure, research objectives, and questions/hypotheses) and research design, data collection methods, and data analysis. The course also covers generalizability, reliability and validity, and the report and presentation of research results. Methods in quantitative and qualitative data analysis are introduced. Students are able to develop their own research proposals and select appropriate methods based on specific research questions. The course builds on themes and research concepts introduced in LIS 620: History, Concepts and Research Opportunities. The course requirement might include assignments, quizzes, research projects, and presentation of the research results. Pre-req: LIS 620.

LIS 666 - Advanced Problems in School Media Center Administration

Application of management theory to the school library media program at the system/ district level. Emphasis on system-wide coordination, principles, and methods of supervision; program development and implementation; and newer trends. A field-based component of 75 clock hours in this course is required. Prerequisite: LIS 406 or equivalent.

LIS 667 - Internship S/D (preK-12)

An educational experience consisting of 150 clock hours in actual service in a public school system in which the candidate acquires practical supervisory experience under the direction of a local employer. Supervision and evaluation are the responsibilities of the Director of the SLTP program. Registration is arranged with the Director of the SLTP program for the Supervisor/Director certificate. A student who intends to become certified as a Supervisor/ Director is required to take the appropriate field work components in LIS 667-669.

LIS 668 - Practicum S/D (preK-12)

An educational field-based experience for students needing a practicum as Supervisor/ Director certification requirement. Students will have the opportunity to practice supervisory skills and media methods under the direction of a faculty member and cooperating practitioner. A minimum of 75 clock hours will be arranged. Registration is arranged with the Director of the SLTP program. A student who intends to become certified as a Supervisor/Director is required to take the appropriate field work components in LIS 667-669.

LIS 669 - Clinical Experience S/D (preK-12)

An educational field-based experience for students needing a clinical experience per the Supervisor/Director certification requirement. This experience must be in the role as Supervisor/Director at the preK-12 level. Students must demonstrate the ability to integrate content area knowledge with pedagogical theory and practice. A minimum of 400 clock hours or one full semester is required. A student who intends to become certified as a Supervisor/Director is required to take the appropriate field work components in LIS 667-669.

LIS 671 - Managerial Leadership for Library and Information Services

This course reviews the major contributions to contemporary managerial leadership research, theory, and practice, including such areas as strategic planning, change management, and team building. It also places emphasis on a greater awareness of one's behavior, its impact on others, and the elements needed to influence people to accomplish desired goals in information organizations.

Course details (PDF)

LIS 672 - Research for Managerial Leadership for Library and Information Services

Research for managerial leadership is positioned within the larger context of social science research. The course examines the research process from conceptualization of a researchable problem, through the reflective inquiry process, to completion (including review of the publication process). The need for research in library and information science is discussed, as well as trends and issues, types of research studies, problem identification, and the set up and reporting activities of a research study.

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LIS 675 - Evaluation of Library and Information Services

The principles of evaluation research will be applied to contemporary information management problems that have a leadership component. Building on Research for Managerial Leadership for LIS, this course covers the fundamentals of identifying and investigating problems relevant to information services delivery, including continuous quality improvement. Topics include obstacles and opportunities in evaluation research, systems models, and measurement concepts (inputs, outputs, outcomes). The course also explores the ways in which evaluation and measurement are integrated with planning activities and the challenges associated with communicating results to decision makers.

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LIS 676 - Leadership in Financial Management for Library and Information Services

This course provides an overview of financial management for libraries, information-related organizations, and projects within the context of identified leadership values. The topics of planning, implementing and reporting on budgets, financial management measures, internal and external communications, partnering, stewardship, and integrity are all issues that are discussed relative to the desired outcomes of institutional accountability, credibility, and trust.

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LIS 677 - Human Resources Management for Library and Information Services

This course is a comprehensive examination of the various functions and responsibilities of human resource managers. The course studies the interactions between managers, organizational staff, and/or specialists. This course will cover human resources management (HRM) as it relates to strategic planning for human resources development; work design; recruitment, selection and retention of staff; compensation and position classification; performance planning and assessment; labor relations; motivating and leading a diverse workforce; and staff and organization development.

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LIS 678 - Managing and Leading Library and Information Services in a Political Environment

This course covers the skills necessary for interacting with the larger communities in which libraries and information centers operate (academic institutions, municipalities, corporations). It will specifically address advocacy and cooperation within complex, multi-stakeholder power structures as encountered when working with administrators, political leaders, and community groups (e.g., citizens, faculty, and students). The effect of political contexts on planning activities will also be covered.

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LIS 680 - Independent Inquiry

Students execute two managerial leadership research studies in collaboration with doctoral colleagues. Sample research areas include program and institutional assessment (and/or accreditation), customer service, influencing organizational culture, leadership assessment and improvement, managing collections (digital and print; special collections), scholarly communication, and futurism (the future of information professions). This learning activity has a flexible time frame. Activity may begin upon completion of Evaluation of Library and Information Services, and must be completed as a prerequisite to Issues in Managerial Leadership and Change for LIS. Students produce two research papers of publishable quality and an analytical paper in partnership with one or more fellow doctoral students.

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LIS 681 - Independent Module for Leadership in Financial Management for Library and Information Services

The Ph.D. program focused on managerial leadership in the information professions includes six 3-credit foundation courses. The content of the 3-credit courses is complex and therefore the program curriculum also includes corresponding "modules" of 1-credit each for three of the foundation courses, to provide students with the opportunity to synthesize and integrate what they have learned. The modules are similar to small capstone projects. Instructors for each module assign a project to be completed by students independently or in groups. The project is designed to enable students to pull together the elements they have learned in the corresponding 3-credit course. The nature of the module project is somewhere between that of traditional assignments and the complex, integrated questions the students will see in the Qualifying Examinations.

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LIS 682 - Independent Module for Human Resource Management for Library and Information Services

The Ph.D. program focused on managerial leadership in the information professions includes six 3-credit foundation courses. The content of the 3-credit courses is complex and therefore the program curriculum also includes corresponding "modules" of 1-credit each for three of the foundation courses, to provide students with the opportunity to synthesize and integrate what they have learned. The modules are similar to small capstone projects. Instructors for each module assign a project to be completed by students independently or in groups. The project is designed to enable students to pull together the elements they have learned in the corresponding 3-credit course. The nature of the module project is somewhere between that of traditional assignments and the complex, integrated questions the students will see in the Qualifying Examinations.

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LIS 683 - Independent Module for Managing and Leading Library and Information Services in a Political Environment

The Ph.D. program focused on managerial leadership in the information professions includes six 3-credit foundation courses. The content of the 3-credit courses is complex and therefore the program curriculum also includes corresponding "modules" of 1-credit each for three of the foundation courses, to provide students with the opportunity to synthesize and integrate what they have learned. The modules are similar to small capstone projects. Instructors for each module assign a project to be completed by students independently or in groups. The project is designed to enable students to pull together the elements they have learned in the corresponding 3-credit course. The nature of the module project is somewhere between that of traditional assignments and the complex, integrated questions the students will see in the Qualifying Examinations.

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LIS 687 - Issues in Information Policy

Information policy is a set of interrelated principles, laws, guidelines, rule and regulations, and procedures that guide the oversight and management of the information life cycle. This field of public policy intersects most disciplines and professions, including law and public administration. Information policies determine what information is publicly available, and guide organizations in their information management practices.

Course details (PDF)

LIS 688 - Fundraising and Entrepreneurial Strategies for Library and Information Services

Resource development, that is the identification and successful recruitment of new sources of funds to advance the library and information services program, is an essential aspect of leadership and strategic progress. This course addresses two aspects of resource development: fundraising and entrepreneurial strategies. The conditions and trends in the environment of libraries and information services which drive resource development will be identified. The cultural, organizational, and programmatic elements of successful library fundraising programs will be reviewed and debated, with a particular focus on the role of the library leader. The function of innovation, risk-taking, competition and business planning in enabling and promoting entrepreneurial thinking and action in library and information services will be discussed, with an emphasis on income-generating projects.

Course details (PDF)

LIS 689 - Management of Information Technology

This course is designed for students who expect to become, work closely with or supervise experts in information technology. IT management concepts are identified and discussed; including security, working with programmers, R&D, teams, project management, outsourcing, IT outcomes assessment, and change management. The course reviews and analyzes the selection criteria for integrated library systems. It distinguishes and discusses operational activities, such as help desk support, and research or change activities, such as software development or enterprise system implementation. It investigates the implications of technology obsolescence and innovation in the library setting, including evaluation, implementation, and measures of success. The course requires an understanding of networking and internet protocols and introduces the following skill sets for IT management: Visio, MS Project, and the administration of an enterprise open source system.

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LIS 690 - Marketing and Advocacy

The course addresses marketing, promotion, and advocacy; provides an overview of the relevant concepts and principles regarding the development of marketing strategy; illustrates how marketing assists an organization in meeting its mission effectively and in arriving at a competitive advantage; and covers the development of alliances and partnerships to promote an organization’s programs and services.

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LIS 691 - Issues in Leading Transformation in Library and Information Services

This capstone course involves sustained interaction with faculty and fellow doctoral students in examining issues critical to managerial leadership and transformational change. It draws on all the theories and skills explored in previous coursework and independent investigation to lead and guide informed conversation about and exploration of leading transformation in information services. Content is flexible in order to serve the competencies, needs, and interests of the student cohort. Assignments and activities include group and individual short papers, in-class presentations, discussion facilitation, and reflection on the group process. These are based on case studies, scenario plans, issue briefs, and similar activities. Work associated with this course does not extend beyond the week of class meeting. Prerequisite: LIS 680.

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LIS 699 - Dissertation/Supervised Field Research

Open only to doctoral students who have completed 32 semester hours and have successfully passed the comprehensive examination. Note: while working on the dissertation or field research project, students are enrolled in LIS 600 in the fall and spring semesters. The semester in which the study is completed, the student enrolls in LIS 699.

Doctoral students may also take LIS 400- and 500-level core and elective courses.

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