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Course Work

I recently graduated Florida State University with an MLIS.  Here  you will find the courses that I took, along with the professor, College of Information course description, and a writing sample.  My studies started off slow due to working full time with Cirque du Soleil as well as working part time for the Lake County (FL) Library System’s Cagan Crossings Community Library. My interests lay in metadata, information architecture, and taxonomies.

2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010

LIS 5411 Introduction to Information Policy

Dr. John Bertot

Course examines selected fundamental policy questions relating to information use, access, and dissemination. Particular attention is given to complex policy issues that involve value conflicts among information ownership rights, personal privacy rights, and public access rights to information in a societal context.

Writing Example: Issue Brief

2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010

LIS 5271 Research Methods in Information Studies

Dr. Manimegalai Subramaniam

Examines the principles and methods of systems analysis and research in the context of library and information studies. Considers problem identification and definition, techniques of data collection and analysis including statistical analysis. The course also discusses typical problems studied.

Writing Examples: Questionnaire and Study Critique


Summer 2008

LIS 5703 Information Organization

Dr. Gary Burnett

Principles and techniques of bibliographic organization, including the description, subject analysis, and retrieval of recorded knowledge and information in bibliographies, catalogs, and machine-based systems. Emphasis is on the application of AACR2, Sears, and L.C. Subject Headings and the Dewey Decimal classification in the organization of library catalogs.

Writing Example: Dublin Core Comparison to AACR/MARC Record


Fall 2008

LIS 5362 Design and Production of Network Multimedia

Dr. Kathleen Burnett

Examines theory, concepts and techniques for designing, producing, and evaluating network multimedia resources to meet specific information needs. Students engage in collaborative design projects applying theoretical constructs from communication, education, engineering, graphic design and information science to the provision of resources using emerging multimedia network technologies.

Web Page Example: Curious Echo Radio Theatre A group website redesign project with an outside client.

LIS 5916 Metadata

Dr. Besiki Stvilia

Metadata is critical in accessing, managing, and exchanging electronic resources. This course will introduce students to the basic theories and principles of metadata design and creation using ER modeling, XML and RDF. Students will gain an understanding of current metadata standards and ability to evaluate these critically. They will also develop concrete experience and accomplishment in encoding metadata using current standards as well as designing new metadata schemas for different kinds of electronic resources and uses. Real-life scenarios and metadata collections will be used to highlight and gain understanding of the issues related to metadata aggregation and reuse.

Writing Example: Metadata Creation

2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010


LIS 5408 Management of Information Organizations

Prof. J. Robert Verbesey

This course is designed to develop a conceptual framework for integrating fundamental management concepts, principles, theories, and practices into an effective personal management process that relates to information organizations of the 21st century.

Writing Example: Ficticious Budget

LIS 5602 Marketing

Dr. Christine Koontz

The purpose of this course is to provide (you) the motivated audience of students with the concepts, techniques and illustrations needed to develop first-rate nonprofit marketing skills. These skills will facilitate strategic planning that is cost effective and customer centered in its approach.

Writing Example:


Summer 2009

LIS 5786 Introduction to Information Architecture

Dr. Peter Jorgensen

Building on the foundation provided in Information Organization (LIS 5703), this course applies the theories, methods, and tools for designing and managing collections, focusing on the design and management of information objects, as well as their representation and interaction.

Writing Example: Final Project


Fall 2009

LIS 5275 Usability Analysis

Dr. Ian Douglas

Design, execution, and reporting of tests for usability of information products and services. Includes cost justifying assessments and human cognition concepts required for information processing.

Web Page Example: Analysis and Design Assignment

LIS 5711 Cataloging and Classification

Dr. Leila Gibradze

An examination of problems of entry, description and subject analysis including L.C. classification. Also an analysis and evaluation of problems relating to the organization, operation and management of a cataloging department.

Writing Example: LCSH Choice of Entry

2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010


LIS 5472 Digital Libraries

Dr. Peter Jörgensen

The course offers a comprehensive overview of digital libraries, beginning with the conceptual underpinnings of digital libraries and broadening to include issues in design, management and evaluation of digital libraries, such as: collection management and digitization; knowledge representation; access and user interfaces; archiving and digital preservation; and evaluation. The research literature addressing digital library development will also be discussed.

Writing Examples: Digitization and Folksonomies in Digital Environments

Note: My final Greenstone Digital Library site cannot be posted due to copyright on the materials contained in the collection. I loved working on it, and learned a lot about digital collections, metadata, and architecture in the process.

LIS 5782 Database Management Systems

Dr. Bowie Koltra

Examines the basic principles, elements and concepts of design, implementation, and utilization of database management systems. Within database management systems, treats various models of data and databases. Also considers the administrative tasks associated in the database management environment.

Writing Example: Schema and Normalization in database construction

Note: During this class, I discovered that I was very good at the schema and normalization of databases. However, I also discovered that my SQL skills hover in the basic level since advanced SQL queries made my head spin!