LS 30C - Public Library Services

(3 credits)

Course Description

This course is designed to acquaint students with the development of public library services, their mission and orientation. It equips students to analyze the application of general library management theories and practices in this type of library service, highlighting the special approaches necessary and the nature of the clientele served. Current trends in the role and function as well as new avenues of services are examined.

Objectives
Students who complete this course will be able to:
Demonstrate an understanding of the mission, goals and functions of today’s public libraries.
Understand library laws and their impact on the establishment and maintenance of public libraries and public library systems.
Identify and discuss some of the current issues and major topics of concern to public libraries such as those related to the provision of Internet access to users of public libraries, public library image building and free or fee based services.

Prequisite: Passes in LS12A and LS12B