School of Library and Information Studies

The School of Library and Information Studies prepares students to critically examine and mediate the production, utilization, dissemination, preservation and social impacts of information (in all its formats) on our ever-changing world to address real-world challenges such as health disparities, equity of access, misinformation, and the role of artificial intelligence in society. We offer a major in Informatics and minors in Book Arts, Children's Media, and Informatics.

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Faculty

Professors
  • Ramona Caponegro, Ph.D.
  • Bharat Mehra, Ph.D.
  • Jamie Campbell Naidoo, Ph.D.
Associate Professors
  • Laurie Bonnici, Ph.D.
  • Sarah Bryant, M.F.A.
  • Dimitrios Latsis, Ph.D.
  • Kun Lu, Ph.D.
  • Robert Riter, Ph.D.
  • Miriam Sweeney, Ph.D.
  • Jeff Weddle, Ph.D.
  • Steven Yates, Ph.D.
Assistant Professors
  • John Burgess, Ph.D.
  • Suellen Epps, Ed.D.
  • Jenna Kim, Ph.D.
  • Yuan Li, Ph.D.

Courses

BA
205
Hours
3
Introduction to Book Arts

This course will primarily focus on the history and appreciation of Book Arts traditions and contemporary practices, emphasizing the book as a form of cultural expression. Students will also receive exposure to hands-on technical instruction to understand the evolution of hand-bookmaking practices. Traditional papermaking, letterpress printing, and book binding techniques will be examined in relation to historic book production, modern hand-bookmaking practices, and artistic expression.

Experiential Learning, Fine Arts, PW: Innovation and Creativity
BA
410
Hours
3
The Whole Book: An Introduction to Letterpress and Bookbinding

This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of bookbinding and letterpress printing, with an emphasis on the unique conceptual and narrative potentials of the book form. Content generation and design will be explored alongside instruction about studio equipment, studio practice, and the fundamental techniques and materials used in hand book work. Through readings and studio assignments, students will learn about type setting, registration, imposition, and press operation. A variety of book structures that support the creation of artist books will be explored.

Prerequisite(s): BA 101 OR instructor permission
Experiential Learning, PW: Innovation and Creativity
IS
201
Hours
3
Information Literacy in Society

An introduction to the theoretical and practical skills needed to become a skilled digital citizen, someone capable of navigating the complexities of current information and digital landscapes effectively and ethically.

PW: Digital Literacy Pract, Social and Behavioral Sciences
IS
204
Hours
3
Navigating Social Media

The term "social media" has been applied to Web-based platforms that facilitate communication, collaboration, and network/community-building. This course explores the benefits of social media through the concepts of informatics. Integrated features such as profile, personalization, feed, third-party integration, and linked data are examined in their relationship to information discoverability.

PW: Digital Literacy Pract, Social and Behavioral Sciences
LS
203
Hours
3
Intro to Children's Literature

Introduction to the critical analysis and appreciation of children’s literature.

Humanities, Literature
LS
353
Hours
3
Understanding Global Perspectives through Children's Media

Examines international works of youth media and explores representations of global citizenship.

US and Global Citizenship

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