Palmer School Goals and Learning Objectives

I. M.S.L.I.S. Program Goals:

Graduates of the Master of Science in Library and Information Science program will:
  1. Reflect the principles, ethics and philosophy of the profession while serving their patrons, institutions and communities;
    Aligned with: ALA Standards I.2.1, I.2.2, I.2.3 and I.2.10
  2. Utilize a broad range of systems and technologies to manage and deliver information;
    Aligned with: ALA Standards I.2.1
  3. Deliver user-centered services and cost-effective programs tailored to the needs of increasingly diverse populations;
    Aligned with: ALA Standards I.2.1, I.2.4, I.2.9
  4. Staff, manage and lead libraries and information centers of all types;
    Aligned with: ALA Standard 1.2.1
  5. Contribute to the profession through service, research and advocacy.
    Aligned with: ALA Standards I.2.4, I.2.5, I.2.6, I.2.7

II. M.S.L.I.S. Student Learning Outcomes

  1. In achieving Goal I, students will:
    1. explain and apply the ethics, history, values, philosophy and principles of the library and information science professions;
    2. analyze and apply legal, social, economic, technological, and global policies and trends affecting libraries and information organizations and the profession;
    3. explain, compare and contrast different types of collections, libraries and information centers; and
    4. use effective communication skills applicable for specific audiences and user groups.
    Aligned with: ALA Core Competencies 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1F, 1G
  2. In achieving Goal II, students will:
    1. use professional standards to organize, manage, preserve, evaluate and deliver information resources in a variety of formats;
    2. explain and apply systems for organizing and structuring information and knowledge, such as cataloging, classification and other metadata formation standards;
    3. search, retrieve and synthesize information from a variety of systems and sources;
    4. evaluate information systems and technologies based on functionality, usability, cost, and quality; and
    5. build information systems and/or records used in such systems.
    Aligned with: ALA Core Competencies 1E, 2A through 2D, 3A through 3C, 5B
  3. In achieving Goal III, students will:
    1. be able to evaluate, select, create, and use information resources, services and programs to meet the needs of diverse user groups, including underserved populations;
    2. develop and deliver information programs designed to meet the needs of specific users and communities;
    3. integrate technology, including emerging technologies, into operational services, as well as instruction and outreach programs; and
    4. use a variety of technologies to deliver resources and services in accordance with legal, ethical and professional standards.
    Aligned with: ALA Core Competencies 1J, 4A, 4C, 4D, 5A, 5C, 5D, 5F, 5G, 7B, 7C, 7D
  4. In achieving Goal IV, students will:
    1. put theory to practice interning in a library, archives, school, museum or other type of information organization;
    2. explain and apply management principles, processes and practices including those relating to innovation and strategic planning as well as human resources, financial, and operational functions of a library or other type of information organization;
    3. explain and use principles of leadership; and
    4. explain and meet certification and/or licensure requirements for specialized areas of the profession.
    5. will possess basic competencies required for instructional program development in information environments.
    Aligned with: ALA Core Competencies 1K, 4A, 4B, 8A through 8E
  5. In achieving Goal V, students will:
    1. demonstrate an understanding of the importance of service to and advocacy on behalf of libraries and the profession; continuing professional development; and research in the field;
    2. demonstrate an understanding of the importance of qualitative and quantitative research methods.
    3. explain and assess the value of research;
    4. evaluate, conduct and apply research in library and information science and related fields;
    Aligned with: ALA Core Competencies 1H, 6A through 6C, 7A