A brief orientation to the Rutgers MLIS program, the information professions, basic concepts and vocabulary, and the literature of the field. Required of all students at the beginning of the first semester of study.
None
Students will gain an overview of the historical context, scope, and organization of the profession and the concept and problems which define librarianship and information science as a field of study; pointers to some of the professional literature and jargon; and an introduction to the Rutgers MLIS program and faculty.
Due to time constraints, only some of the topics below will be covered by faculty during the fall orientation. The faculty presentations will not be repeated for students entering in January. Much of the material listed below, however, is contained either in the School’s catalog or in the course packet.
Students will be expected to attend the orientation, to peruse the course Web site before the orientation, and to bookmark it for future reference. At the completion of the orientation, they will write a brief informal reaction to the Web site, highlighting new insights or raising questions they will wish to pursue during the course of their studies.
Since no credit is granted, students will receive a "Pass" on the basis of attendance and completion of a brief reaction paper. The usefulness of this introduction will be evaluated from time to time.