Specializations within Masters Degrees

Children’s and Young Adult Services Specialization and Master of Library Science

Candidates in this Specialization will receive the MLS degree and the Children’s and Young Adult Services Specialization which will be noted on the transcript. Students in this Specialization will complete the following requirements:

1. 1. Prerequisite and Requirements

   Prerequisite:
   (3 undergraduate credit hours)
   Must be fulfilled before completion of 9 credit hours
   S401 - Computer-Based Information Tools

   MLS Foundation:
   (Each course is 3 credit hours, for a total of 15 hours)

   Choose one course from each area:

   Assist and Educate Users of Libraries and Information Centers

   • S501 - Reference

   Develop and Manage Library Collections

   • S502 - Collection Development and Management

   Organize and Represent Information Resources

   • S503 - Representation and Organization
   • S504 - Cataloging

   Apply Management and Leadership Skills

   • S551 - Library Management
   • S552 - Academic Library Management
   • S553 - Public Library Management
   • S671 - School Media

   Conduct and Analyze Research

   • S506 - Introduction to Research
   • S519 - Evaluation of Information Systems
   • S505 - Evaluation of Resources and Services

2. 2. Required

   SLIS courses (9 credit hours)

   • S571 – Materials for Youth This course provides a broad overview of children's and young adult literature. Assignments are practical exercises designed to train future librarians in what will be asked of them in their careers.
   • S572 – Youth Services Youth programming and special budgetary issues regarding youth services; including grant writing, community liaisons, and fund raising are covered in this course.
   • S672 – Seminar on Literature for Youth Allows students to explore in-depth, issues and trends in children's and young adult literature. Students research the growing concern with literacy issues from elementary to high school students.

3. 3. Electives

   SLIS courses (12 credit hours)

   • Students complete 6 credit hours of the following elective courses:
     • S532 – Information Architecture for the Web The course is designed to teach students web organization, development, design, and management techniques and principles.
     • S541 – Information Policy Understanding laws that regulate privacy and how they affect public institutions is crucial for public librarians.
     • S603 – Workshops (Electronic Materials for Children; Storytelling; Emergent Literacy; others with consent of advisor).
     • S605 - Internship in Library and Information Science Internship must be approved by the Director of the Specialization
     • S621 – Audio and Video Sources Provides a comprehensive overview of multimedia resources in a changing technology.
     • S622 – Resources and Services for People with Disabilities The course examines resources, services, and technologies that support information access for people with disabilities.
     • S640 – Seminar in Intellectual Freedom The course includes issues related to challenges to materials included in youth collections, privacy, and First Amendment rights, and the library principles that support confidential access to information.
     • Other courses with the approval of the student's faculty advisor. Note: Approval in writing or email should be submitted to the SLIS Office for the student academic record.
     • Other courses with the approval of the SLIS dual degree advisor.
   • Complete 6 credit hours of electives in consultation with the Director of the specialization

4. 4. Specialization Advisor
   Dana Backs is the specialization advisor (drduffy@indiana.edu).

Additonal Links:

• Association for Library Service to Children (through ALA)
• Young Adult Library Services Association (through ALA)
• Children's Literature Comprehensive Database