Management Courses and Topics at Peer
Institutions
University of California at Berkeley School of Information
Course catalog: http://www.ischool.berkeley.edu/programs/courses/catalog
207. Analysis of Information Systems
Note: 207 will be taught during the first half of the semester.
Three hours of lecture per week for seven and one-half weeks. Systems and project management, focusing on
the process of information systems analysis and design. Includes such topics as systems analysis, process
analysis, cost and statistical analysis, accounting and budgeting, and planning. (Formerly 208A. Students will
receive no credit for 207 after taking 208A.)
The course provides a general introduction to information and knowledge management in organizations,
including:
1. An introduction to tools and methods for the analysis and design of information systems.
2. The management of the process of information system analysis and design, that is, project management.
One primary objective of the course is for the student to conduct an analysis of an information system and, if
appropriate, design an alternate system. This system may be a manual procedure in need of improvement, a
manual system that needs automation, automated procedures that need improvement, or an analytic study of an
existing system. This analysis will be accompanied by a class presentation of its results. Projects are to be done
on an individual or group basis. The course provides the student with the tools to conduct the study.
Among the topics covered in the lectures and readings are the process of identifying and selecting projects,
project initiation, systems requirements determination, system data collection, interviewing and questionnaire
development, workflow analysis and design, data flow diagramming, statistical and cost analysis, and the
implementation and evaluation of systems. It is up to the student to find a project for the course. The instructor
will provide guidance. The break between semesters is a good time to begin looking for organizations and/or
systems that need analysis and/or improvement.
Catalog type: Core
Units: 2
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor required for non-majors.
220. Management of Information Systems and Services Course Description
Three hours of lecture per week. This course provides both a general introduction to management and
management science with a focus on issues in complex information organizations. The course is useful to those
who will work in organizations and will be involved in the analysis, design, or delivery of information services
and systems, especially those in management positions. The specific topics are chosen to complement the topics
in INFOSYS 208. The course is designed for students who do not have a degree in management.
One focus is on both the internal and external issues and practices of management. Internal issues include
organizational behavior, organizational theory, personnel, budgeting, and planning. External issues include
organizational environments, politics, marketing, funding sources, and strategic planning.
The other focus is on management science tools, such as optimization, game theory, and queuing theory (the
study of throughput and waiting lines).
Assignments will be on both an individual and group basis.
Catalog type: General
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
230. Economic Methods for Decision Making
Three hours of lecture per week. Using economic methods for management decisions. Understanding costs and
pricing. Microeconomics of information and information organizations. Financial management.
Catalog type: General
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
285. Design of Library Services
Three hours of lecture per week. General introduction to the organization and administration of library services
and their place in the institutions and communities they serve. Problems and practices with respect to
governance, functions, collections, and building. Management functions as applicable: planning, organizing,
innovation, staffing, budgeting, controlling. Technological change.
Outline of Topics:
1. General knowledge of the concepts, vocabulary, and techniques of organizations and management.
2. Introduction to social, economic, political and technological context of academic, public, school, and
special libraries.
3. General knowledge of how libraries function.
4. Identification of major challenges and opportunities facing library services.
5. Identification of skills for survival and success as professionals.
The course will include lectures, guest speakers, videos, case studies, field trips, and class discussion. Course
requirements will include: analysis of a manager's roles; review of an unfamiliar library; budget exercise;
planning exercise ("critical path analysis"); accounting exercise; position description; job announcement; case
studies; a specialized small group or individual project that requires recommendations for change in a library
service.
This course is designed for first or second year students in the Master's in Information Management & Systems
program, but open to Juniors, Seniors, and Graduate students in any majors. Second-year MIMS students may
use this project for the required Final Project of the Master's' degree.
Catalog type: General
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
290. Managing in Information-Intensive Companies
This course focuses on managing people in information-intensive firms and industries, such as information
technology industries. Students who seek careers in these industries will soon be asked to manage people, teams,
departments, and units. They need to learn how to manage. However, managing is sometimes very different in
these settings: Employees are highly educated; work is more fluid; teamwork and collaboration are essential;
and external situations and strategies change rapidly. For these reasons several management principles born in a
traditional manufacturing era no longer apply. In particular, the old style of “command and control” needs to
give way to more distributed ways of work, with significant consequences for how managers need to manage.
Of course, some universal management principles apply no matter what circumstance. While we will cover
these universal management principles in this course, we will pay particular attention to management issues that
are highly relevant in information-intensive settings. Topics to be covered will likely include: managing
knowledge workers; managing teams (incl. virtual ones); collaborating across disparate units, giving and
receiving feedback; managing the innovation process (incl. in eco-systems); managing through networks; and
managing when using communication tools (e.g., tele-presence). The course will rely heavily on cases as a
pedagogical form
290. Effective Project Management Course Description
It takes critical thinking, outstanding leadership and a little magic to be a successful Project Manager. Come and
learn not only the essential building blocks of project management, but the tricks to managing a variety complex
projects. We will use case studies to discuss plans, skills and project management techniques.
The class will meet two hours per week. Some of the topics we will cover are:
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What are the most painful pitfalls and how to avoid them
The truth about project plans and “The rule of Thirds”
What is your personal project management style and its weak points
How to build a high performing team
Dealing with difficult people
Risk and quality management.
This course is appropriate for both 1st and 2nd-year iSchool students and for students from other departments
with an interest in understanding project leadership. This course satisfies the requirement for a project
management course.
290. Information Systems Clinic: Project Development
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of developing information service consulting and project
management. It focuses on ways to apply theoretical and conceptual knowledge to problem solving and project
development. The goal of the Clinic is to provide students with hands-on experience in applying theoretical and
conceptual knowledge toward practical problem-solving in designing and implementing new information
services. The Spring Semester focuses on project development, implementation, and closure activities.
Understanding and experience with this process will be as important as the final deliverable. Transparency in
each step of project development is required and will help ensure the continued sustainability of the project.
Although it is not required, students are strongly encouraged to take both the Fall part of the Clinic course
before enrolling in the Spring. The Spring semester is devoted to active development of well developed and
planned projects. Students who take only the Spring part of the course should have a project plan and
development strategy already completed before enrolling.
Note: This course is being offered on a S/U (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory) and may not be repeated for credit.
Catalog type: 290 Series
Units: 2
Prerequisites: None
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Graduate School of Library
and Information Science
Course Catalog: http://www.lis.uiuc.edu/oc/courses/catalog/
505 Adm mgt libs info centers
Designed to explore the principles that govern how organizations and institutions work, this course provides a
foundation for and introduction to the theories, practices and procedures involved in the management and
administration of libraries and information centers.
544 Library cooperation and networks
Development of library systems, with special reference to public libraries as a norm for the development of
library services; detailed treatment of library standards, the growth and development of county and regional
libraries, and the role of the state library and of federal legislation.
Required: 505 or consent
548 Library buildings
Studies the library's physical plant in the light of changing concepts and patterns of library service; analyzes
present-day library buildings (both new and remodeled) and their comparison with each other as well as with
buildings of the past; examines the interrelationship of staff, collections, users, and physical plant; discussion
supplemented by visits to new libraries and conference with their staffs. A two-day field trip is required. An
additional $55 non-waivable fee is assessed to the student's tuition & fees bill, plus the student will be
responsible for one night's hotel stay.
578 Technical services functions
582 Preserving info resources
590CM Change management
Provides students with the opportunity to deepen the knowledge and skills they gained in LIS 505, and to
acquire new tools for understanding and managing the impact of a rapidly changing environment. Emphasis will
be on tools and skills that prepare students for the practical challenge of managing library and information
management agencies through turbulent times of change that comes from within the organization and in
response to a rapidly changing environment.
590EV Evaluating programs and services
590FM Financial management
Provides an orientation to the variety of financial management techniques appropriate for libraries and
information centers, with an emphasis on sources for obtaining financial support from grants, contracts, and
other alternative sources
590ISM Information service marketing
590RE Intro to LIS research methods
590S Human resource mgt in libs & info ctrs
This course presents theoretical and practical issues in human resources management and their application to
libraries and information centers. Areas covered include employee interviewing and selection, evaluation,
discipline and termination of employees, decision-making and job satisfaction.
590SL Special library administration
Provides a thorough introduction and orientation to the objectives, organization and operation of special
libraries. An overall objective of this course is to prepare students to be able to achieve SLA competencies after
graduation and working as information professionals. Emphasis will be on tools and skills that prepare students
for the practical challenge of managing special libraries.
Drexel University
Course Catalog (graduate):
http://www.ischool.drexel.edu/Home/Academics/CourseDescriptions/List
INFO640 - Managing Information Organizations
Applies theories and techniques of management to libraries, information centers, and information enterprise,
concentrating on political processes, leadership, communication, human resources, organizational structure,
decision making, planning, and control. Also includes elements of project management.
INFO643 - Information Services in Organizations
Examines various organizational structures and the influence of structure and environment on patterns of
information processing and utilization by organizations. Emphasizes the role of function driving the demand for
information. Focuses on the structure of information services, resources, and technology as a means of attaining
organizational goals. Includes not only traditional business data but all forms of knowledge and emphasizes
strategic and tactical uses.
INFO646 - Information Systems Management
Addresses information technology-enabled change and policy issues in the management of information systems
(IS). Stresses systems development, staffing and organization, technology infrastructure, project selection,
justification and funding, and data. Studies the issues and their resolution in the context of an IS plan.
Emphasizes communication about the issues to senior management.
INFO650 - Public Library Service
Surveys information services provided through public libraries, with attention to governmental and funding
issues, determinants of use, extending services to non-users, and cooperation among libraries.
INFO651 - Academic Library Service
Examines the role of library service in higher education, with emphasis on problems of organization,
administration, services, and the relationship of the library to the overall educational program.
University of Maryland-College Park
Course Catalog: http://ischool.umd.edu/courses/course_descriptions.shtml
LBSC 601 Users and Information Context (3)
Required of all students, except Archives, Records, and Information Management students and School Library
Media students.
Nature and roles of information and information institutions; information behavior; studying information
behavior; information policy; the information professions.
LBSC 603 Library Systems Analysis (3)
Prerequisite: permission of department.
Systems approach to library and information services, emphasizing managerial decision-making and problemsolving. Model building, flowcharting, motion and time study, cost analyses, system design and evaluation
methods.
LBSC 635 Management and Administration for the Information Professional (3 credits)
Management and administrative theory and principles and their implications and applications to information
organizations.
LBSC 715 Knowledge Management (3)
Seven hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: permission of department. Credit will be granted for only one of
the following: LBSC 708N or LBSC 715. Formerly LBSC 708N.
Nature, creation, acquisition, and use of knowledge. Strategic role of knowledge in organizations and
institutions. Information and knowledge ecology. Structure and functions of knowledge management systems
and the role of the Internet and intranets. Knowledge as intellectual capital. Roles of librarians and information
professionals in the knowledge economy. Strategic issues and future trends.
INFM 612 Management of Information Programs and Services (3)
Administration of information programs, services, and projects, including the role of leadership in management;
developing mission, vision, and goals; providing effective management for results; managing professionals;
financial management; and professional conduct and ethical issues.
INFM 706 Project Management (3)
Prerequisite: INFM 600, INFM 603 and INFM 605; or permission of the instructor
Management of projects through planning and execution of lifecycle phases. Includes estimating costs,
managing risks, scheduling, staff and resource allocation, team building, communication, tracking, control and
other aspects of successful project completion.
University of Pittsburgh
Course Catalog:
http://www.sis.pitt.edu/~dlis/academics/course_descriptions/course_description.html
LIS 2700 - MANAGING LIBRARIES AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND SERVICES IN
CHANGING ENVIRONMENTS
Principles of interpersonal and organizational behavior and change in information environments and
applications of principles to decision making, structure, policy, personnel, and budget. Required for all MLIS
students except those declared in the Archives and Records Management, the Preservation Management,
or School Library Certification Program specializations.
LIS 2774 - SCHOOL LIBRARY MEDIA CENTER MANAGEMENT
Planning, organizing, staffing, budgeting, implementing, and evaluating library media programs in elementary
and secondary schools. The functions and roles of library media specialists in instruction and library media
centers as information centers in schools. (Prerequisite: LIS 2000*) Required for all students in School
Library Certification Program.
Syracuse University
Course Catalog: http://coursecatalog.syr.edu
IST 613 Library Planning, Marketing, and Assessment 3 S
User-focused planning, marketing, and assessment of activities that support core functions of libraries, such as
collection development, systems, and public services.
IST 614 Management Principles for Information Professionals 3 S
Basic ideas, concepts and perspectives of management as they apply to the information professions. Students
learn to understand and apply basic principles of organization theory and behavior and managerial techniques
needed to improve organizational effectiveness.
IST 618 Survey of Telecommunications and Information Policy 3
Public policy issues of the digital environment, including freedom of expression, intellectual property,
economic regulations, privacy, security, access, standards, and dissemination of public information. Application
of economic, legal, and political science concepts to policy analysis.
IST 445/IST 645 Managing Information Systems Projects 3 Y
Project management as a professional discipline in information and communication technology. Introduction to
roles, activities, methods, and tools. Critical review and application of principles. Additional work required of
graduate students.
IST 673 Strategic Planning in an Information-Based Organization 3 Y
Linking information needs and technology support to organizational goals as a critical skill for professionals.
How to develop a strategic planning process for information resources, identify strategic issues, link strategic
planning with organizational mandates and mission, write a strategic plan with appropriate performance
measures, implement the strategic planning process, and evaluate the planning system and outcomes.
IST 714 Management and Design of an Information-Based Organization 3 Y
Survey of organizational theory and management approaches applicable to information based organizations.
Impact of information technology and management on the workplace, including organizational culture,
hierarchical structures, administrative and operational processes, roles and activities of managers and employees,
human resource management implications, organizational development strategies appropriate in informationbased organizations.
IST 717 Advanced Library Management 3
Management of academic, public, and special libraries. Relationship between library and its parent institution;
internal organization and operation; library information policies; library financing; legislation affecting libraries.
University of Washington
Course Catalog: http://www.ischool.washington.edu/courses/descriptions.aspx
LIS 580 Management for Information Organizations (4)
Introduction to internal and external management issues and practices in information organizations. Internal
issues include organizational behavior, organizational theory, personnel, budgeting, planning. External issues
include organizational environments, politics, marketing, strategic planning, funding sources. Prerequisite: LIS
500, which may be taken concurrently.
LIS 581 Marketing and Planning for Libraries (3)
Approaches to planning and marketing library products/services. Examines partnerships that can be forged
between elements of marketing and appropriate futures strategies for libraries. Discusses marketing and
planning as integrated processes with attention to short- and long-term goals and objectives. No particular
library institutional setting is assumed. Prerequisite: LIS 500, which may be taken concurrently.
LIS 582 Strategic Planning and Management of Information Technology (3)
Exploration of methods of strategic planning for managing information resources and technology to support
online information services and the role of the systems librarian and CIO. Topics include mission and goals,
strategic planning, the information technology function within organizations, and the desirable abilities of
managers and leaders. Prerequisite: LIS 580.
LIS 584 Knowledge Management (3)
Introduction to contemporary topics in management of knowledge creation and use in organizations. Discussion
topics include knowledge generation, knowledge taxonomy, knowledge transfer, organizational knowledge
management practice, and knowledge management systems. Prerequisite: LIS 500; LIS 580, or permission of
instructor
LIS 585 Administration of the School Library Media Program (3)
Develops competency in administering materials, equipment, and services of library media program as integral
part of educational process of school. Focuses on developing skills in acquiring, organizing, and managing full
range of learning resources for access and use, and communicating the program to users. Required for school
library media specialists. Prerequisite: LIS 580.
Rutgers University
Course Catalog: http://www.scils.rutgers.edu/courses.html
Management Information Systems
[17:610:559]
Credits:
3
Pre-requisites:
17:610:570
Co-requisites:
None
Description:
Management information systems (MIS) as a framework for decision support in libraries and other
organizations, including analysis of decision tasks and supportive information requirement; data sources and
management information flow patterns; planning and control loops; influence of organizational and end-user
characteristics on the MIS design and implementation.
Management of Libraries and Information Centers
[17:610:570]
Credits:
3
Check for availability in:
Fall 2008
An introduction to the current state of management theory, ethics and practice focusing on leadership and the
management of organizational change. Organizational culture explored as an underpinning for the principle
roles and functions of managers, including developing information policy; and managing new information
technologies, information and decision support systems, finances, human resources conducive to the creation of
a multicultural workforce for a multicultural society.
Financial Management for Library and Information Organizations
[17:610:573]
Credits:
3
Introduction to fiscal management as a strategic planning process resulting in the selection of accounting
systems and the development and control of budgets. Emphasis is on the creation of a financial plan based on an
assessment of fiscal status, an environmental scan, market survey, and the selection and implementation of a
budget format. Special attention is given to capturing alternate sources of funding, preparation of grant
proposals and determination of appropriate investment strategies.
Management of School Library Media Programs
[17:610:575]
Credits:
3
Students conduct a case study of a school library media center, with emphasis on how it responds to the nature
of the community and the mission of the district and the school. The facility, the collection, staffing, and
funding are analyzed. A long-range improvement plan is produced.