FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

DEPARTMENT OF LIBRARY SCIENCE

 

Applying for Admission to the Library Science Program

  • How do I apply for admission into the MLS Program?
    • Complete an application for the Department of Library Science available on the LS homepage.
    • Complete an application for Graduate Studies available on the SHSU web site.
    • Take the GRE, scoring at least 800 as a total for verbal and quantitative combined.
  • How can I check my status once I submit my application for graduate school?

At the SHSU web site click on Graduate Studies, Prospective Students, and Graduate Status.

Blackboard

  • What is Blackboard?

Blackboard is an SHSU-supported online program to facilitate teaching.  As soon as you enroll in a course,

you automatically have access to your course on Blackboard.  Syllabi, assignment guidelines, and other

course-related material will then be available to you online. 

  • How do I access Blackboard?

On the SHSU homepage, click on Blackboard in the lower right-hand corner and enter your SHSU login and

password when prompted.

  • What’s the best way to get help with navigating Blackboard? 

At the Blackboard login a Blackboard Blog and Blackboard Guides are available to you.

  • Who can I contact to help with computer problems accessing Blackboard?

Call the SHSU Helpdesk at 936-294-1950.

Certification

  • What are the requirements for School Librarian Certification? 

Go to Links on the LS homepage for information.

  • How do I apply for certification only?

Complete applications for Library Science and for Graduate Studies.

Communication

1.  As a distance student, what are the best ways to keep current on information about the library science

program and about my courses?

                            a. Use  LIB_SCI (see directions below)

                            b.  Visit the Department’s home page at http://www.shsu.edu/~lis_www/

                            c.  Visit the Department’s wiki at http://shsulibsci.pbwiki.com

               

 

              2.  What is LIB_SCI and why should I join it?

                            LIB_SCI is an Internet discussion group for Sam Houston State University,

Department of Library Science students, faculty, and alumni.  It is THE source of announcements,

reminders, information, and communication for all who are part of our SHSU Library Science program family. 

This is a moderated group.  That means no one can join without approval, and all messages must be approved

by the sysop (systems operator) before they appear.  This group is a part of Yahoo Groups.

3.Who is the contact person for LIB_SCI?

Dr. Mary Ann Bell, the systems operator (sysop) for the group.

 

  • How do I join LIB_SCI?

Instructions for joining, and other information about this group, can be found at our department wiki at http://tinyurl.com/yu2dlr

 

Department Contacts

              1.  Who is the best person to contact about:                                

  • Art seminars – Dr. Rosemary Chance
  • Book festival – Dr. Teri Lesesne or Dr. Holly Weimar
  • Graduate seminars – Dr. Rosemary Chance
  • Internship – Dr. Rosemary Chance
  • LIB_SCI – Dr. Mary Ann Bell
  • LSSA – Dr. Frank Hoffmann
  • Portfolio – Dr. Mary Ann Bell, Interim Chair of the Department
  • Transferring courses – Dr. Mary Ann Bell, Interim Chair of the Department

 

2.Who is the secretary and how can I contact her?

Rebecca Lewis

Phone #:  936-294-1151

E-mail address:  rjl@shsu.edu

3.Who is the Chair of the Department of Library Science and how can I contact her?

Dr. Mary Ann Bell, Interim Chair

Phone #:  936-294-1150

E-mail address:  lis_mah@shsu.edu

4.What are the Department’s office hours? 

Monday thru Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Electives

  • What electives are generally offered?
    • LS 568. Programming for Children and Young Adults (generally offered in association with the
    • annual literature conference on campus).  Prerequisite:  LS 560
    • LS 561. Current Trends in Literature for Children and Young Adults.  Prerequisites:  LS 560 and LS 585
    • LS 575. Independent Study.  A chance to work closely with one faculty member on a topic
    • ( must be approved by the chair and faculty member) of interest to the student. 
    • Prerequisite:  varies depending on topic.
    • LS 593. Historical Development of Literature for Children.  Prerequisites:  LS 560 and LS 585
    • LS 580.  Master’s Seminar.  Topics will vary.  Occasionally offered in conjunction with the annual literature conference.  Includes Travel Study and Art Seminars. Prerequisite:  varies depending on the topic being addressed.

 

  • When are the electives offered?

The conference classes are offered each fall.  Independent studies (LS 575) are allowed each semester.  LS 561 is offered each summer.  Other electives will be offered on an occasional basis and as demand dictates.

GRE

  • If my total score does not meet the department’s requirement on the GRE, is there a way to appeal?

Your GRE scores are part of a formula including your GPA for the last 60 hours of your Bachelor’s degree.

  • May I retake the GRE to improve my scores?

Yes, refer to the GRE web site for guidelines.

  • How many classes can I take before I must take the GRE?

You may enroll in one semester of LS graduate courses before the GRE is required.  During that one semester you may take 3- 9 hours.

Internship

  1. When do I enroll for LS 566 – Library Internship?

Usually, you enroll the last semester of your coursework before graduating or the last semester of your certification courses if you are not seeking an MLS.

  1. If I’m already working as a school librarian, do I have to enroll in LS 566 – Library Internship?

If you are a librarian for one year in a school, you may choose to waive the LS 566 requirement, but you must take a 3-hour elective in its place.  In other words, you choose between a modified internship based in your library or choosing an elective.

  1. What should I do first to begin my internship?

Contact Dr. Chance at rxc001@shsu.edu. Fill out paperwork to be approved to enroll in LS 566 Library Internship. 

 

Library Science Student Association (LSSA)

What is the Library Science Students Association (LSSA)?

              The LSSA, a library school chapter of the Texas Library Association, includes all students enrolled in SHSU Department of Library Science graduate-level courses.  Its purpose is 1) to provide a channel for academic professional, and social interaction among students in the department, and 2) to provide a channel for communication between the students and the department as a whole.  Officers—who are elected annually at the beginning of the Fall Semester by e-mail ballot—include a President, Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer, and regional coordinators.  The By-Laws include provisions for a Grievance Committee, Representation Committee, Services and Social Committee, and Outreach Committee.

Location of Classes (links to maps)

              Where are classes taught besides on the SHSU campus?

  • TAMIU in Laredo
    • Texas A & M International University
    • Map of campus:  http://www.tamiu.edu/tour/ap.html#
    • For driving directions, use Mapquest or another online service.  Address of the university:  4201 University Boulevard – Laredo, TX 78041
  • UT Pan Am in Edinburg
    • University of Texas Pan American
    • Map of campus:  http://www.utpa.edu/files/CampusMap.pdf
    • For driving directions, use Mapquest or another online service.  Address of the university:  1201 W. University Drive, Edinburg, TX 78539-2999
  • ESC in Corpus Christi
    • Education Service Center in Corpus Christi for Region 2
    • Map:  http://tinyurl.com/29f62k
    • Address:  209 North Water, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
    • For driving directions, use Mapquest or another online service.
  • UT in Brownsville

Address of the university:  80 Fort Brown, Brownsville, TX 78530

  • On SHSU campus
    • Academic Building 4
    • Campus map:  http://www.shsu.edu/map/
    • For driving directions, use Mapquest or another online service.

Address of campus:  Huntsville, TX 77341

Online MLS

Does the Department of Library Science offer a Master of Library Science completely online? 

All courses for the MLS are not available online.  Most courses are a combination of one or two face-to-face meetings and online.

Portfolio

  • Is the Portfolio a course?

No, it’s a culminating project in place of a comprehensive exam.

  • If I’m only seeking certification, do I need to submit a portfolio?

No, certification students do not need to submit a Portfolio.

  • What is the purpose of the Portfolio?

The electronic portfolio provides closure to your studies and assures faculty that you are prepared for the world of school librarianship.  For further details click on Links on the LS homepage.

  • When do I submit my Portfolio?

The last semester of classes (the semester you graduate).

  • Who do I contact when I’m ready to submit my Portfolio?

Contact Dr. Mary Ann Bell, Interim Chair of the Department of Library Science.

  • What should I do to prepare for my Portfolio?

First, attend a Graduate Seminar for specific information after you have completed six hours in the program.  Second, keep notes on major concepts and ideas for each course, and begin planning examples of your knowledge (artifacts) to be integrated into your Portfolio.

  • Review the guidelines available on the department’s web page.

 

Prerequisites to courses

  • Which courses have prerequisites?

Prerequisites are listed in the online catalog.

  • Can I take a prerequisite simultaneously with a course that requires the prerequisite?

No, a prerequisite must be completed before enrolling in the course requiring it.

Programs

              1.  What is the difference between certification and the MLS?

              Certification requires 24 hours in library science and does not require you to take the GRE; the MLS requires 36 hours in library science plus a Portfolio.  See links on LS homepage for more details.

2.How do I obtain certification once I am done with the program?

When you have completed the hours necessary for Library Certification and want it attached to your teaching certificate, you will need to do the following:                        

                              a. Go to SBEC’s web site at www.sbec.state.tx.us.  Then go to SBEC online and to Applicants/Educators [at the bottom of the page].   Clicking on Applicants/Educators will take you to a secure site.  Follow the directions to locate an application.                                                                                 

                              b.  Print an application, complete the information needed, and send it to SBEC.  As soon as SBEC receives it, they will forward a form to our Certification Officer to verify you have completed the program.  After these steps are completed, you will receive an e-mail in about three days stating that you can go online and retrieve a virtual copy of your certificate.  (Note:  This process is subject to change.

Registration

              How do I register for courses?

              For information about registration dates go to Registrar’s Office on the SHSU home page.  Click on the registration link and follow directions provided.

 

Reinstatement into Library Science Program

              If I have to miss a fall or spring semester, how am I reinstated into the program?

              Even if you miss one semester (summers are not included), you must apply for reinstatement into the LS program.  There is no charge for this.  Go to the Graduate Studies and fill out a simple form.

Resources

If I can’t locate books and articles in my own community, how can the Newton Gresham Library help me?

The library has extensive interlibrary loan services for distance students, including mailing books and providing articles electronically.  Choose the library site on the SHSU homepage and then select Graduate Student Resources, and apply for Distance Education Services.

TK20

  • What is TK20 and why do I need to purchase an account?

TK20 is a data-management program that allows SHSU’s College of Education to conduct systematic teaching and assessments for all students in the college.  For more details refer to a letter to students from the Dr. Eric Wilson, Accountability and Accreditation Analyst, available on the LS homepage.  The current administrator for TK20 is Andy Oswald.

  • How do I purchase an account it? 

After reading the letter from Dr. Wilson, go to https://tk20.shsu.edu for further directions.

Transferring Courses

  • Can I transfer courses into the MLS?

Yes, you may transfer up to 9 hours into the program, but each course must be approved by the professor who is currently teaching the course.  You will need to submit a syllabus to that professor.

  • How do I transfer courses into the MLS?

Once you have a professor’s approval, the Interim Chair of the Department will initiate the transfer.

Travel Study

              What is Travel Study?

              The Department offers an elective class (LS 580) involving travel study in the United States and in Europe.  Students and professors travel together to locations where there are stimulating opportunities for studying libraries, literature, technology, and other topics related to librarianship.  In addition to joining in the travel, students will complete assignments related to their experiences.  Recent destinations have included London, Ireland, New York, and Washington, D. C.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Library Science:


Box 2236 | Huntsville, TX 77341 | (936) 294-1151