The Information Analyst specialization is designed to prepare
students to acquire, synthesize, analyze and report information to
support decision-makers when embedded into information-rich
problem-solving work environments of all types. This specialization
offers library generalists, topical/subject specialists and
functional specialists the appropriate coursework to help them
prepare for upwardly mobile careers as research managers,
operations/project coordinators and library managers.
Students who want to become librarians will be taking ‘technical’
or ‘systems’ or ‘sources’ courses as well as the courses from this
specialization. Graduate students in other disciplines—e.g.,
criminal justice, business, education administration, law, public
administration, etc.--will benefit as well.
Employment opportunities for students in this specialization exist
in academic, public and special libraries as well as in topical
research centers. When combined with the appropriate
domain/industry/functional expertise, opportunities also exist to
join workgroups, marketing departments and production teams in
organizations of all types at all levels. Positions might
include:
- Analyst (Data, Information, Research, Systems)
- Investigator (Background, Due Diligence, Positioning)
- Librarian (All)
- Coordinator/Manager (Information, Knowledge, Programs, Records,
Services, Operations)
- Researcher (Qualitative, Market, Legal, Statistician I)
REQUIRED COURSES
LIS 237 – METADATA FOR INFORMATION PROVESSIONALS
Metadata application in a variety of information environments,
libraries, archives, museums, and information centers. Major
metadata schemes, encoding standards, and structures.
LIS 248 – DATABASE MODELING AND DESIGN
Database applications are real-world, information-based problems
which are represented in an information system. Steps to design
databases from conceptual models are discussed and practiced.
Entity – relationship modeling, business requirements and rules,
SQL, and prototyping.
LIS 281 – COMPETITIVE INTELLIGENCE
Monitoring the external environment to obtain and use primary and
secondary information that is relevant for the institutional
decision-making process. Identification, selection,
collection, interpretation and distribution of information with
strategic importance.
LIS 282 – KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT
The process and practice of facilitating the operation, sharing,
acquisition and application of knowledge in an organization;
dissemination according to needs and preferences of
stakeholders.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED COURSES
LIS 228 – INDEXING AND ABSTRACTING
Theory/methods of information analysis for retrieval. Subject
analysis, abstract preparation, vocabulary control methods/devices,
specialized systems, machine-aided and automated indexing.
Prerequisites: 203 or 204
LIS 236 – SYSTEMS ANALYSIS AND LIBRARY AUTOMATION
Design, selection, and implementation, and management of automated
library systems, including integrated library systems for
acquisitions, cataloging, circulation, and management of
information resources.
LIS 238 – WEB DESIGN FOR LIBRARIES AND INFORMATION CENTERS
An information architecture approach to the design of web sites for
large enterprises. Topics include information content,
organization, labeling, navigation, searching, usability, and
accessibility.
To download concentration requirements as a pdf
click here.