Department of Library Science

This is an archived copy of the 2017-2018 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit catalog.shsu.edu.

About

Chair
Holly Weimar

Mission

The Department of Library Science is charged with applying the University's mission specifically to the field of Library and Information Science. The goals of the Department of Library Science are to:

  1. Prepare competent professionals for school librarianship;
  2. Encourage and support scholarly research and publications;
  3. Promote and participate in faculty growth and development;
  4. Offer educational services to schools, libraries, and the community; and
  5. Plan, implement, and evaluate the academic curriculum, teaching effectiveness, physical resources, program policies, and the learning environment.

Contact Information
(936) 294-1151

Website
http://www.shsu.edu/academics/library-science/index.html

Library Science courses may be included as requirements or electives in any curriculum, and are recommended as providing the basis for effective, efficient use of libraries. These courses provide students with research techniques.

LSSL 5087. Special Topics in Library Sci. 1-3 Hours.

The Special Topics in Library Science is a course which examines selected current topics in school libraries. The course strives to encourage students to make thoughtful, educated decisions related to the topics. Variable Credit (1-3).

LSSL 5088. Special Topics In School Libra. 3 Hours.

LSSL 5089. Ind Study School Librarianship. 1-3 Hours.

LSSL 5330. Collection Development. 3 Hours.

Introduces principles of selection of library materials and procedures involved in building collections for school libraries. Includes latest technological developments, research theories and site-based applications. Required for certification and MLS.

LSSL 5332. Organization Of Collections I. 3 Hours.

Introduces the principles of descriptive cataloging, classification, and subject analysis using the latest editions of the Resource Description and Access (RDA), the Dewey Decimal Classification, Library of Congress and Sears subject headings. Focuses on broad-based use of the MARC format. Provides an overview of various types of bibliographic control, technical services in libraries and processing centers, and commercial and shared cataloging utilities. Required for certification and MLS.

LSSL 5334. Infor Services & Resources I. 3 Hours.

Introduces skills, techniques, and philosophy of the reference process, with emphasis on the interview and strategies. Examines and discusses basic reference tools using specific evaluative criteria. Analyzes library systems, networks, automated databases, the Internet, and other digital searching techniques. Required for certification and MLS.

LSSL 5337. School Library Administration. 3 Hours.

Discusses planning, organizing, policymaking, staffing, budgeting, facilities planning, decision-making, and services. Emphasizes the study of standards, trends, services, research, and evaluation of the library. Required for certification and MLS.
Prerequisite: LSSL 5330, LSSL 5332, LSSL 5334.

LSSL 5360. Literature For Children. 3 Hours.

Acquaints students with the selection, critical analysis, and historical development of literature for children. Emphasis is placed on selecting recreational and informational materials for children reflecting our multicultural society; identifying techniques, activities, and strategies that motivate children to read and respond to literature; and developing critical abilities for evaluating literature for children. Required for certification and MLS.

LSSL 5361. Cur Tr In Mat/Chld & Yng Adlt. 3 Hours.

Examines recent trends in materials for children and young adults, with emphasis on multicultural materials for children and young adults. Elective.
Prerequisite: LSSL 5360, LSSL 5370 and LSSL 5385.

LSSL 5363. Preschoolers and the Library. 3 Hours.

This course is designed to acquaint graduate students with the historical development, critical analysis, and selection of literature and related materials appropriate for preschool children. An emphasis is placed on techniques, activities, and strategies that meet the reading and learning needs and interests of these children. Cooperation with public libraries and librarians, as well as other family literacy stakeholders, is a component of this course.

LSSL 5364. Infor Services & Resources II. 3 Hours.

Introduces the study of reference materials and services on a specialized level and modes of searching, including online and laser optical techniques. Develops expertise in solving reference problems through role playing, case studies, etc. Analyzes the latest trends and research in reference methods and technology, e.g., the Internet and networking. Covers grantsmanship and proposal writing as instruments in securing funding for information resources. Elective.
Prerequisite: LSSL 5330, LSSL 5334, LSSL 5360, LSSL 5370.

LSSL 5366. Library Internship. 3 Hours.

Provides supervised practice in a school library; incorporates seminars, conferences, journal, and evaluation. Required for certification and MLS.
Prerequisite: LSSL 5330, LSSL 5332, LSSL 5334, LSSL 5337, LSSL 5360, LSSL 5370, LSSL 5385, and LSSL 5391.

LSSL 5367. Research Design & Methodology. 3 Hours.

Introduces the study of research methods, project designs, and data-gathering instruments pertinent to libraries. Applies research techniques to issues related to school libraries. Emphasizes the production of a research or grant proposal. Required for MLS.
Prerequisite: LSSL 5370.

LSSL 5368. Lib Srvs Prg Child Yng Adults. 3 Hours.

Presents programming of children and young adult services, including promotional activities, storytelling, book talks, reading guidance, library skills and instruction, innovative projects, and informal library use. Studies trends and evaluation of research in the area. Elective.
Prerequisite: LSSL 5360, LSSL 5370 and LSSL 5385.

LSSL 5370. School Librarianship. 3 Hours.

Introduces the design and development of curriculum that utilizes the systematic approach to instruction. Emphasizes explicitly stated objectives, appropriate teaching strategies, and production of materials to facilitate achievement of goals using the latest in instructional technologies, including multimedia. Required for certification and MLS.

LSSL 5376. Field Research in Library Science. 3 Hours.

The course offers the graduate candidate the opportunity for in-depth field study of a problem or topic conducted on-site at distinguished libraries or museums. Independent research in the candidate's areas of specialization will be conducted. The required research project will culminate in a scholarly written paper and a poster session presentation. Additionally, candidates will participate in on-site experiences and attend presentations unique to the course location.
Prerequisite: A written research proposal is required in advance in order to determine that project is suitable.

LSSL 5380. Masters Seminar. 3 Hours.

Features the in-depth study of specialized subjects; may be repeated as topics vary. Examples of topics: Multicultural literature; eBooks and audiobooks, and other variations in materials; nonfiction for children and young adults. Elective.
Prerequisite: Appropriate required courses and approval of the Department Chair.

LSSL 5385. Lit For Young Adults. 3 Hours.

Acquaints students with the selection, critical analysis and historical developments of literature for young adults. Emphasis is placed on selecting recreational and informational materials for young adults that reflect our multicultural society; identifying techniques, activities and strategies that motivate young adults to read and respond to literature; and developing critical abilities for evaluating literature for young adults. Required for certification and MLS.
Prerequisite: LSSL 5360 and LSSL 5370.

LSSL 5391. Dig Tech for the Schl Librar. 3 Hours.

Introduces the Internet and digital technology for school librarians. Some of the topics covered include evaluation of digital resources, various search tools, and a variety of communication tools. Explores ethical issues related to the responsible use digital technology, and a wide variety of curriculum connections. Required for certification and MLS.
Prerequisite: LSSL 5370.

LSSL 5393. Hist Dev Of Lit For Children. 3 Hours.

Examines the historical development of a separate literature for children. Traces the history from the earliest books for children to current trends and issues in the field. Elective.
Prerequisite: LSSL 5360 and LSSL 5370.

LSSL 5396. Computer Sci App Librarianship. 3 Hours.

Examines the history and status of automated library services, including the international standards, hardware, and commercial software available to support cataloging, circulation, online catalogs, reference services, and administrative tasks. Required for MLS.
Prerequisite: LSSL 5370.

LSSL 7088. Special Topics in Schl Lib Lea. 3 Hours.

LSSL 7089. Independent Study in School Librarianship. 1-3 Hours.

Features independent research based on a submitted research proposal. Elective.
Prerequisite: Requires approval of Department Chair, LSSL 5360 and LSSL 5370.

LSSL 7337. Admn/Ldrshp Iss in Sch Librshp. 3 Hours.

This course focuses on issues related to the responsibilities of program directors of library media in school districts. It is one of the four courses that comprise a Library Science Cognate. Candidates conduct research and make inquiries into the development of effective strategies for planning and implementing organizational change in school libraries.
Prerequisite: Admission to Educational Leadership doctoral program with Library Science cognate.

LSSL 7361. Lit & Rel Mat for PK12 Sch Lib. 3 Hours.

Candidates conduct research into issues of literacy as related to school libraries and how literature specifically written for the PK-12 population may be used to promote and support development of literacy. This course involves advanced analysis and synthesis of the knowledge, skills, dispositions and ethics of school library leaders.
Prerequisite: Admission to Educational Leadership doctoral program with Library Science cognate.

LSSL 7366. School Library Doc Internship. 3 Hours.

This course prepares doctoral students for school library leadership positions, cultivates an ethic of scholarship, and provides insight into the challenges of the role. Doctoral students exercise their critical perspectives by engaging the readings, their peers, other educators, and the instructor in class discussions, assignments, reflective journaling, and intership experiences.
Prerequisite: LSSL 7337, LSSL 7361, LSSL 7367, and LSSL 7370.

LSSL 7367. Research in Library Science. 3 Hours.

This course focuses on development of useful research questions and methodologies, evaluation of approaches to narrowing gaps between knowledge and practice, means of providing administrative support for research activities, and development of collaborative strategies for implementing school library-related research studies across disciplines.
Prerequisite: Admission to Educational Leadership doctoral program with Library Science cognate.

LSSL 7370. Ldr in Tec/Inf Lit for Sch Lib. 3 Hours.

In this course candidates research and analyze issues related to technology and information literacy. Topics include collaboration between teachers and librarians, the role of librarians as technology leaders on school campuses, professional development and support for faculty, technology as a tool for assessing students, ethical issues related to technology and information literacy, and selection and acquisition of hardware and software.
Prerequisite: Admission to Educational Leadership doctoral program with Library Science cognate.

LSSL 7387. Field Study in Library Science. 3 Hours.

This course provides the doctoral student the opportunity to engage in a detailed investigation of a program or problem in library science. The doctoral student will work under the supervision of a Library Science faculty member and will be expected to produce a written product or persentation regarding the field study. D. Program and permission of the Supervising Professor.
Prerequisite: Admission to the Ed.

Chair: Holly Ann Kizer Weimar

Rosemarie M Brock, PHD, Assistant Professor of Library Science, Department of Library Science, PHD, Texas Woman's University; MLS, Texas Woman's University; BA, Oklahoma State University

Elizabeth A Gross, PHD, Assistant Professor of Library Science, Department of Library Science, PHD, Wayne State University; MLIS, Wayne State University; BA, Northern Michigan University

Teresa Stewart Lesesne, EDD, Professor of Library Science, Department of Library Science, EDD, Univ of Houston-Main; MED, Univ of Houston-Main; BA, Univ of Houston-Main

Robin Lynn Moore, EDD, Assistant Professor of Library Science, Department of Library Science, EDD, Sam Houston State University; MLS, Sam Houston State University; BS, Sam Houston State University

Karin Marie Perry, PHD, Assistant Professor of Library Science, Department of Library Science, PHD, Univ of Oklahoma-Norman; MLIS, Univ of Oklahoma-Norman; BSED, Univ of Central Oklahoma

Holly Ann Kizer Weimar, EDD, Associate Professor and Chair of Library Science, Department of Library Science, EDD, Univ of Houston-Main; EDD, Univ of Houston-Main; MLS, Sam Houston State University; MLS, Sam Houston State University; BSED, Stephen F Austin University; BSED, Stephen F Austin University

Interim Faculty

Jana Wright Bethel, EDD, Lecturer of Library Science, Department of Library Science, EDD, Sam Houston State University; MS, Texas AM University; BS, Sam Houston State University

Laura Ellen Causey Sheneman, EDD, Lecturer of Library Science, Department of Library Science, EDD, Univ of Houston-Main; MLS, Sam Houston State University; BSHE, Univ of Texas At Austin

Mark Travis Weems, PHD, Lecturer of Library Science, Department of Library Science, PHD, Texas State Univ-San Marcos; MLS, Sam Houston State University; BA, Texas AM University