Curriculum ..... Overview | M.A. Chart | Descriptions | Distance Education | Course Schedules

Distance Education at SLIS  

SLIS and Distance Learning

The School of Library and Information Science is committed to making its degree program
more accessible to residents throughout Iowa by offering a distance learning option.
The principal method of delivery is the Iowa Communications Network.  ICN courses
link students on campus with students at remote sites around the state.  The ICN, an
advanced fiber optics telecommunications network, provides for interactive video and audio communication among all parties at all participating sites.  The delivery of synchronous class sessions is augmented by web-based resources for each course, which students can access at their own pace.

The 36-semester hour program is accredited by the American Library Association. Students  are required to complete 17-18 hours of core courses and 18-19 hours of electives. For a full list of courses arranged in four clusters, see Curriculum. Students new to the program are required to attend a one day, on campus orientation, typically scheduled at the beginning of the fall semester.

Admission to the M.A. Program

You may take a few courses before being admitted, but if you plan to continue your
studies you are strongly advised to seek admission to the degree program.  No more than 12 semester hours completed before admission can be applied toward your degree.  See
Admission Requirements and Procedures.  The GRE General Test is required. The
computer-based test is offered year-round at these sites in Iowa: Ames, Bettendorf, Iowa City, Sioux City, and West Des Moines. Test preparation software and books are available.

Plan of Study

The School's goal is to offer at least two courses via the ICN per semester. It is important to be aware that budgetary and faculty availability constraints may limit our ability to meet this goal. Students who take two 3 sh courses per semester via the ICN may complete the program in three years, or less if summer coursework is completed on campus as well. Students may also opt to take only one course per semester and finish the degree over a longer time period. All students must, however, complete all courses within ten years from the time they begin.

Following is a sample of possible course offerings.

Required courses are starred (*).
Summer courses are all located on campus.

Semester	Course	Title	Credits
Year I
Fall 2003	21:101	*Foundations of Library and Information Science	3 s.h.
	21:120	*Design of Automated Systems	3 s.h.
Spring 2004	21:141	*Reference and Information Services	3 s.h.
	21:279	Topics: Planning & Managing Children's & Youth Services	3 s.h.
Summer 2004	21:240	Collection Management	3 s.h.
	21:242	Online Information Systems	2 s.h.
	21:279	Topics: Policy and Planning / Archives	1 s.h.
			18 s.h.
Year II
Fall 2004	21:122	*Organization of Information I	3 s.h.
	21:260	*Strategic Management	3 s.h.
	21:264	Program Evaluation	1 s.h.
Spring 2005	21:123	User Education: Multimedia	3 s.h.
	21:144	Resources for Young Adults	3 s.h.
Summer 2005	21:260	*Strategic Management	2 s.h.
	21:264	Program Evaluation	1 s.h.
	21:262	School Media Administration	2 s.h.
			18 s.h.
Year III
Fall 2005	21:240	Collection Management	2 s.h.
	21:142	Web Search Engines	1 s.h.
	21:228	Hypertext Systems	2 s.h.
	21:144	Resources for Young Adults	2 s.h.
Spring 2006	21:143	Resources for Children	3 s.h.
	21:248	Information Literacy	1 s.h.
Summer 2006	21:244	Government Information Resources	3 s.h.
	21:279	Topics: Policy and Planning / Archives	1 s.h.
			15 s.h.

Schedule of Classes

To find out which courses are offered via the ICN for current or upcoming semesters, please see the course schedules link. ICN courses are identified in the right-hand column.

All students in the degree program have an adviser to help with course selection. Up to 9 semester hours of graduate credit in library and information science or related areas may be accepted in transfer from another institution, subject to the written approval of the student's adviser and the director of the school. Approval is given on a course-by-course basis and is determined by evaluating the course's content, currency, and applicability to the student's program.

Computer Requirements

Students need access to a personal computer with a word processing package and a connection to the Internet, including e-mail and a recent version of a Web browser. A printer is recommended. Additional software will be required for certain courses. The student is responsible for ensuring that all computer requirements are met.

Registration and Tuition

To register, telephone the Center for Credit Programs at 1-800-272-6430. The Center can also provide you with the current cost of graduate tuition, which is billed by The University of Iowa. A limited number of tuition scholarships (based on financial need) are available to part-time students enrolled in UI distance education courses. For information, contact The Center for Credit Programs. Any ICN site with less than two students may be cancelled.

Location of Classes

ICN sites are selected on the basis of availability and enrollment demand. For information about sites, telephone the Center for Credit Programs at 1-800-272-6430.

SLIS Contact Information

Call the School at 1-800-553-IOWA, Ext. 5707, or e-mail slis@uiowa.edu

Additional Information for Students

A resource page provides additional information for students who are enrolled in ICN
courses.

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