NCCU School of Library and Information Sciences

MLS Tracks -- Special Librarian

(On Campus Requirements —
See http://www.nccuslis.org/distancelearning/dl-mls.htm for distance learning requirements.)

Objectives for the special library area of concentration are to provide opportunities for the students to develop competencies which will enable them to:

  1. Demonstrate the ability to organize and classify information according to the specific needs of a specialized user clientele;
  2. Recognize the many technologies and social forces and their importance in the development of knowledge and information processes.
  3. Understand what it means to be aurally and visually literate and how these literacies relate to the organization and use of all media.
  4. Be critical evaluators and consumers of research results.
  5. Be sensitive to the role and function of information management in an organization.
Required Course of Study (36 semester hours)

Required Prerequisites to all Library Science Courses (taken in the order listed or concurrently)

LSIS 5000, Foundations of Librarianship and Information Services.
LSIS 5225, Selection and Use of Information Sources.
LSIS 5120, Management and Systems Analysis.
 Other required courses (taken in the order listed or concurrently) LSIS 5425, Organization of Information.
LSIS 5325, Uses and Users of Information
 Other requirements for concentration (consult your academic advisor) Two resources and services courses depending on the student's professional objectives:

Two resources and services courses:

LSIS 5220, Social Science Resources and Services.
LSIS 5230, Humanities Resources and Services.
LSIS 5240, Science and Technology Resources and Services.
LSIS 5245, Health Sciences Resources and Services.
LSIS 5260, Business Information Resources and Services.
LSIS 5580, Government Publications.

 One type of library course: LSIS 5140, The Special Library/Information System.

LSIS 5810, Research Methods.

Elective courses to complete 36 hours (consult your academic advisor)

Language requirement

Students are also required to demonstrate knowledge of a foreign language, sign language, statistics, or a computer language. This requirement may be fulfilled by one semester of course work (3 hrs credit) in a foreign language, sign language, statistics, or a computer language at the undergraduate or graduate level. Original transcripts showing the pertinent courses must be provided as evidence prior to the application for graduation. Alternatively, the requirement may be fulfilled (a) if the student passes a modern language examination administered for this purpose by the Modern Foreign Language Department at North Carolina Central University or (b) if the student has a currently valid professional IT certification. No courses taken for this purpose may be counted for course credit toward the master's degree. Note: Students who have met certain course requirements through previous academic experience should consult their academic advisor regarding the choice of suitable electives.