Course Syllabus

Course Description & Learner Outcomes

             This course provides an introduction to the process, principles, practices and problems in the administration, management, and supervision of libraries and information service agencies. This course introduces the student to five management functions of directing, planning, organizing, staffing, and controlling. This course is designed to guide students:

1. To acquire the basic principles, theories, and scientific approaches to management of organizations and supervision of people while developing a personal philosophy.

2. To apply principles, theories, and approaches to develop the best practices in all types of libraries with a variety of people.

3. To function effectively and efficiently in a group setting to solve problems by analyzing case studies of various library settings.

 Outcomes or Objectives

 Upon completion of this course, the student will demonstrate the following outcomes or objectives:

 A.     The student will demonstrate knowledge and comprehension in the following areas. The student will:

1. Develop a personal philosophy of management of libraries and supervision of staff based on sound theory for a library type of his/her choice.

2. Identify the major contemporary management theories and how they influence human behavior in libraries and organizations.

3. Make informed decisions by planning effective library services.

4. Identify how information technologies can support the organization, management, and use of libraries and information centers now and in the future

B.     The student will perform the following skills and competencies. The student will:

1. Communicate effectively in writing and orally in class.

2.  Prepare and evaluate job descriptions, cover letters, and resumes.

3. Problem-solve case studies, role-play and work cooperatively in a group.

4. Obtain an e-mail address and participate in a library list serve.

5. Write a strategic plan with a clear mission, goals, objectives, and activities.

6. Identify the steps for a strategic planning process for a library.

7. Prepare a budget to meet the mission, goals, objectives and activities.

8. Use computer software programs to complete all assignments using word processing for all written assignments and other programs such as spreadsheet software for budgets.

C.     The student will develop the following values and attitudes. The student will:

1. Develop an appreciation and recognition for the value of human resources in a library.

2. Develop a positive attitude toward professional ethics and service in libraries.

3. Recognize and appreciate the talents of group members by working collaboratively to solve problems.

 Required Text     &

Stueart, Robert D. and Barbara Moran.  Library and Information Center Management. 6^th ed.  Libraries Unlimited, 2002. ISBN 1-56308-990-4 (paperback, $50).

&   You can order directly from Libraries Unlimited at their web site
< http://www.lu.com  > or toll free 1-800-225-5800.

&   You could get a better deal from the following online bookstores. As far as I know the text is the same price at all three vendors, and you may be able to pick up a used copy to realize additional savings.

§         http://www.amazon.com

§         http://www.textbooks.com  (Barnes & Noble)

§         http://www.follet.com  (the official bookstore of MCPHS)

&   The text also can be ordered through Tatnuck Booksellers (335 Chandler Street, 508-756-7644 or toll free 1-800-642-6657 / < http://www.tatnuck.com  > They are open 7 days a week). 

 Course Requirements   

 The student is required:

1.      To attend and participate in all class meetings

2.      To complete all reading and writing assignments, and final exam on time

3.      To work cooperatively with group members to present in class a case scenario and analysis using the problem-solving model presented in class.

 Grading Criteria

            Written assignments                  55%

            Class participation                    15%

            Case Study presentations          20%

            Final exam                                10%

                                                          100%

Written Assignments – complete directions will be handed out separately     

1. Planning

            Choose a partner to prepare The Planning Process: a 3-page single spaced outline format. Library X needs a strategic plan to guide them in the 21^st century. As the Head Librarian at a library of your choice, you are required to submit a strategic plan for approval by your board of trustees or administrator before you submit your budget.  

2. Staffing

            This assignment is to be completed independently. Select a job description (requirements, duties, and responsibilities) for a professional librarian position at a library of your choice. Write a cover letter and resume to apply for that particular job. Be accurate, honest, and market your abilities. Be sure that your cover letter addresses the qualifications identified for the job. Provide a copy of the job description/ advertisement.  

3. Controlling

            You and your partner from the planning process will now prepare an annual materials budget for your library that you used for the strategic plan (assignment 1). Be sure to include adequate finances to meet stated goals, objectives, and activities for your library. Include a copy of your library’s mission, goals, and objectives from assignment 1 (revised if needed). Your figures can, of course, be estimates, but should be realistic based on the size and type of library. A line item budget is acceptable, but you must include justifications for each item separately. It is recommended that you use Microsoft Excel to prepare your budget. In order to receive an A on this assignment, you must use a spreadsheet program.  

4. Directing

            This assignment is to be completed independently. Write a 2-page essay developing your philosophical approach to the management of your library, and supervision of staff (use the same library as in exercises 1 & 3). How would you manage the technological changes in libraries while providing the highest quality service to your community, and leading your staff with opportunities for staff development, especially learning new technologies? How would you integrate management theories and principles to support your ideas? Choose at least 2 theories to guide you. Are they adequate for the beginning of the 21^st century?  

5. Final Exam – Last Class

            You will be given a case study to take home and read and analyze. You will use a problem-solving model and write your analysis in class. If you would like your final exam grade sheet along with your final philosophy paper returned, please supply a stamped, self-addressed envelope with your exam at the last class, with adequate postage and appropriately sized.

Class Participation  

You are to do the reading for each class and be prepared to participate in class discussions for each topic. Remember, 15% of your grade is based upon class participation. Thus, class attendance is essential.

 Case Study Presentations

 I will hand out a Case Study Analysis rubric (grade sheet) to guide your presentation which should not exceed 20 minutes with an additional 10 minutes allowed for discussion of questions that your group raises.

Getting Help  

 If you are having any difficulty in this course, speak to me early on - don’t wait until the last minute.

Often, a few minutes of individual attention is all that is needed to get back on track. The longer you wait to ask for help, the harder it will be to catch up.

Contact me:

Academic Conduct

          Each student is responsible for the contents of the readings, discussions, class materials, textbook and handouts. All work must be done independently unless assigned as a group project. You may discuss assignments and materials with other students, but you should never share files or answers.

            Everything that you turn in must be your own original writing. Research consists of reading other people’s work, analyzing it, synthesizing your own thoughts and presenting them for others to read. Research does not involve combining paragraphs and sentences written by someone else and presenting them as your own.