New MLIS Core Curriculum
- New Core Curriculum Declaration Form (word doc) (pdf)
- Course Number Matrix
Why did the core curriculum change?
The changes were made to better serve the profession as a whole. By reducing the required courses to four, students will have an opportunity to take more specialized electives in a time of increasing professional specialization. The four new core courses are designed to serve as a cohesive introduction to the field and allow students to pursue any of several specializations.
When will the new core curriculum take effect?
All students who are admitted to, and enroll in, the Fall 2007 semester will be required to complete the new core curriculum. Students admitted to previous semesters will be encouraged to stay with the current core curriculum.
If Fall 2007 (or later) is your first semester, you will be required to complete the new core curriculum.
What if I deferred my admittance from Fall 2006 to Fall 2007?
You will be required to complete the new core curriculum.
I am a currently enrolled student, which core curriculum do I need to complete?
It is recommended that ALL students who are currently enrolled, or were admitted and enrolled before Fall 2007, complete the current core curriculum (L&I SCI 510, 520, 531, 540, 550).
If I am a currently enrolled student, do I need to complete both core curricula?
No, you need only complete one set of core requirements. If you are currently enrolled, we recommend that you complete the current core curriculum.
I heard about a matrix that would explain which current core courses would equal new core courses. Where is this fancy matrix?
Due to the nature of the new core courses (and the reduction from five to four), a one to one comparison/matrix was not possible for each of the core courses. Instead, we are encouraging currently enrolled students to continue with the current core courses while newly admitted (Fall 2007) students start with the new core courses.
Will the current core courses continue to be offered?
Yes, we will have the current core courses on the schedule (both online and onsite) for the foreseeable future.
Will I be able to complete the current core curriculum while the new core is being implemented?
Yes, you will be able to complete the current core curriculum while the new core curriculum is implemented.
Are any of the current core courses the same as the new core courses?
Yes, L&I SCI 531 Organization of Information, remains the exact same course, only it has been renumbered to L&I SCI 511.
What are the new core courses?
L&I SCI 501 Foundations of Library and Information Science
L&I SCI 511 Organization of Information
L&I SCI 571 Information Access and Retrieval
L&I SCI 591 Research in Library and Information Science
What if I am a currently enrolled student, or was admitted and enrolled before Fall 2007, and want to take the new core curriculum?
As a currently enrolled student, you may choose an option to complete the new core curriculum. Please note, however, that if you opt for the new core curriculum, you will be required to complete all four of the new core courses. The current core courses you have completed, except L&I SCI 531(511), will count only towards your elective credit.
If you are a currently enrolled student who wishes to choose the new core curriculum, you must complete and return the New Core Curriculum Declaration Form to Chad Zahrt zahrt@sois.uwm.edu by March 15, 2007.
If you are a currently enrolled student who will complete the current core curriculum, you need only to complete your coursework.
How will this affect the comprehensive exam?
A few years out, when we have students who have successfully completed the new core curriculum, we have identified that we will need to offer two separate comprehensive exams: One for students who have completed the current core requirements and one for students who have completed the new core requirements.
I’ve heard that all of the courses are being renumbered. Is this true?
Yes, it is true. We have developed a new numbering scheme that more adequately organizes our offerings into general LIS disciplines. This renumbering will also allow us to have more flexibility with newly developed electives. Here’s a link to a list of our courses by old course number, along with the new number.
Will this new numbering affect my graduation, or my credits?
No, the renumbering is mostly a cosmetic change.
For more information on the curriculum change contact:
Chad Zahrt, Assistant Dean
zahrt@sois.uwm.edu
Ph: 414-229-5421
Sharon Lake
lake@sois.uwm.edu
Ph: 414-229-5358
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