University at Albany
State University of New York
College of Computing and Information
Department of Information Studies
IST 618: Public Libraries
Husted 306
7:15pm – 10:05pm
Spring 2015
Instructors:
Email:
Phone:
Office hours:
Jeffrey Cannell and Tim Burke
Cannell - jcannell@mail.nysed.gov
Burke - tim.burke@uhls.lib.ny.us
(Email is the best method to reach either of us. Please include IST618 in the
subject line)
Cannell - 474-5976 (office)
Burke - 437-9880 x222 (office)
Student meetings will be made by appointment with either instructor
Course Description: This course focuses on current issues, practices and trends in public library
organizations, planning and service delivery. Topics include types of public libraries, their governance
and funding; the role public library systems, library trustees, and state agencies; exploration of different
staff functions and types of service in public libraries; and information about employment opportunities
in public libraries.
Course Design: The course will consist of lectures, guest lectures with questions and answer periods,
class presentations, group discussions and site observations.
Course Goal: To familiarize students with public libraries and public library service; current trends and
practices in public libraries; and to provide the opportunity for students to interact with and learn from
a variety of professionals currently working in and with public libraries.
Course Objectives: Understand the structure of public libraries in the United States, focusing primarily
on New York State public libraries; understand the relationships between public libraries and their
communities and government organizations; understand the core values and professional ethics of
public librarianship; define goals and strategies useful for employment in public libraries.
Required Readings
Rising to the Challenge: Re-Envisioning Public Libraries. A report of the Aspen Institute Dialogue on
Public Libraries (Washington DC: Aspen Institute, Oct. 2014)
http://csreports.aspeninstitute.org/documents/AspenLibrariesReport.pdf
Lankes, R. David, Expect More: Demanding Better Libraries For Today’s Complex World
Free multiple format download available at: http://quartz.syr.edu/blog/?page_id=4598
Pew Research Project Reports on Libraries and Library Use in the US (various) http://www.pewinternet.org/topics/libraries/pages/2/
2012 State of America’s Libraries Report. (Chicago: American Library Association, 2012)
http://www.ala.org/news/mediapresscenter/americaslibraries/soal2012
Public library blog to look at regularly - R. David Lankes blog http://quartz.syr.edu/blog/?page_id=6070
Course Policies
Attendance: In order to get the full benefit of the course, students are expected to attend all classes, be
punctual, and come prepared. Attendance is required, but in the event of unavoidable absence;
students should notify (at least one of) the instructors in advance of the absence. More than one
absence for the course will result in a five-point deduction per absence beyond the first absence. No
absences are excused on dates you are expected to present.
Class Participation: Developing the skills to effectively share your thoughts, ideas, and opinions with a
group is an important part of this course’s learning experience and is something that ALL students will
be evaluated on. Throughout the course you will be graded on the frequency, relevancy, and the quality
of your class participation.
Overall Quality of Work: Quality is important and good communication skills are critical and should be
reflected in all of your presentations and writing assignments (neatness, clarity, spelling and grammar,
etc.). You will be graded on the overall quality of your work throughout the class.
Student Performance Evaluation:
Grades determined by:
Class Participation
Hands-on Advocacy: NYS Library Advocacy Day Participation
Public Library X-ray project
Take a Stand: Public Library Issue Based Project
Quality of overall work and presentation
Overall Grading Scale
100-95
A
90-94
A86-89
B+
81-85
B
76-80
B75-71
C+
70-66
C
65-61
D
60 or lower
F
20%
20%
20%
25%
15%
Academic Integrity: Please see the Graduate Education “Student Academic Resources” page for
information about academic integrity standards, examples of dishonesty, and possible penalties:
http://www.albany.edu/graduate/graduate-studies-student-resources.php
Everything produced for this course should be your own work and unique to this course. Failure to
follow the university guidelines is a serious infraction and you will receive zero points for the work in
question. Other more serious penalties include a failing grade for the course, referral to the University
Judicial System, and/or dismissal from the University.
Learning Accommodations: Reasonable accommodations will be provided for students with
documented physical, sensory, systemic, cognitive, learning and psychiatric disabilities. If you believe
you have a disability requiring accommodation in this class, please notify the Disability Resource Center
(http://www.albany.edu/disability/, BA 120 1400 Washington Avenue Albany, NY 12222, phone (518)
442-5490).
Class Projects (see additional sheet for more details)
Hands-on Advocacy: NYS Library Advocacy Day Participation:
On Wednesday, March 25 ALL STUDENTS MUST attend NYLA Library Advocacy Day at the NYS Capitol
and attend at least one legislative meeting with a library advocacy group and submit a written summary
of the content of the meeting. NOTE - there will be NO CLASS on Wednesday, March 25, so we’ll look
forward to seeing you down at the Capitol!!
Public Library X-ray project:
Make BOTH an actual and a virtual visit to the same public library. Prepare and present on the library
for the class - provide an introduction and background on the library, focus on the pros and the cons of
the library and how would you change things if you were in a position to make changes?
Take a Stand: Public Library Issue Based Project:
You will select a statement related to a particular issue in public libraries, pick a position on that
statement, prepare and present a 5-10 min. presentation on the background/history of the issue, what
your position is on the issue, and why you are taking that position based on research and supporting
information. A written summary of the presentation along with any presentation materials (p-point,
hand outs, etc.) must be submitted on the night of the presentation.