Program Mission and Goals

Library Information Technology Program Mission and Goals – (Statements from the College Catalog) Objectives, Program Outcomes and Assessment and Alignment (Viewed with revisions September 2014; June 2015)

Mission: The department of Library Information Technology aims to meet the needs of individuals seeking paraprofessional employment or advancement in a library or related information service agency; or those seeking an introduction to libraries and information services in anticipation of further study in library science.

Goal A: Support higher educational aims of the college, the discipline and the student: Enrollment is open to all interested students. General education, elective and advised courses will be selected according to the student’s educational and occupational objectives. The associate degree major complements requirements for graduation from the college with an Associate of Science. The certificate is designed for individuals transferring to a senior college or already possessing an academic degree.

Objectives: Open enrollment conforms to institutional mission and professional aims to foster diversity in the library workforce; promote students efficiently and expediently through flexibility in advising for varied interest

Program Outcome: Students will complete program without undue delay or extra cost Students completing program will reflect diversity of community Students seeking program depth or additional schooling will be encouraged and advised accordingly

Measurement: Intake and exit surveys Alumni surveys Anecdotes and personal statements Observation & specific case study

Analysis of measurement: The task is interpersonal and labor intensive. A personal meeting with each and every student may be impractical. However, dedicated classroom time for discussion and surveys would diminish this somewhat, and would yield both positive direction for the students and valued feedback for the department.

Alignment: LIBR 51, entry course, offered each semester LIBR 53, 55A, 55B and 56 offered within two semesters LIBR 58ABC offer introductory through specialized understanding of special collections and services

Goal B: Broad Study of resources and services: Instruction in library organization and services; standard reference materials; supervision; computer applications; the acquisition, processing, and cataloging of print and non-print materials, legal, medical and business resources, and practical experience in a library or resource center.

Objectives: Broad study of the discipline through a common core promotes broad outlook, and flexibility in prospective employment

Program Outcome: Students will be able to seek employment from any type of library from which they may show interest and find mutual benefit

Measurement: Alumni surveys Civil Service Exam lists Anecdotes and personal statements Case study and observation

Analysis of measurement: Use of a list-serve could distribute surveys as to the nature of employment sought and that found, as well as satisfaction level. Dedicated classroom time for discussion based on survey results could inform each incoming class.

Alignment: LIBR 51 surveys broad issues, including general ethics and service priorities LIBR 53, LIBR 55B treats service issues in greater depth LIBR 55A, LIBR 56 provide technical knowledge and skills suited to any library LIBR 58ABC treat resource and service issues for special library types and services

Goal C: Cross-disciplinary specialization: Students are encouraged to augment study with courses from other college departments such as office systems, graphics, or computer networking and communications technologies.

Objectives: Foster human resource development and efficiency in schooling by benefitting from the study of important auxiliary skills which are offered outside of department. This in turn promotes the goals of efficiency and diversity in the workforce among them.

Program Outcome: Students will experience greater control over their coursework and occupational goals

Measurement: Early and late semester discussion on specialization Entry and exit surveys Alumni surveys Anecdotes and personal statements Observation and case study

Analysis of measurement: Classroom discussion can foster interest in auxiliary or related disciplines or skills. Use of a list-serve could distribute surveys as to the appearance of specialized skills in job announcement desirable qualifications. Dedicated classroom time for discussion based on survey results could inform each incoming class.

Alignment: College cycles courses in other departments to suit fall or spring admissions LIBR 51, 53, 55B, 59 raise issue of related study early in semester

Goal D: Advantages in public employment Those who complete the curriculum satisfactorily may find advantages when taking civil-service examinations with federal, state, county, and city agencies.

Objectives: Encouragement for participation in civil service examinations at the local, stare and federal level

Program Outcome: Students will more fully understand the public employment process and its complexities.

Measurement: Early and late semester discussion on specialization Entry and exit surveys Alumni surveys Civil Service Exam Lists Anecdotes and personal statements Observation and case study Data collection from SF Human resources (condition: anonymity)

Analysis of measurement: Use of a list-serve could distribute surveys eliciting discussion of elective choices and secondary majors, as well as prior background and understanding of career goals. Dedicated classroom time for discussion based on survey results could inform each incoming and outgoing class.

Alignment: LIBR 51 notices entry level Civil Service employment Department list-serve forwards Civil Service announcements Department chair co-operates with SFHR on KSAs and MQs for library employment LIBR 53, 55B provide greater depth on Civil Service qualifications and requirements LIBR 58ABC treat Civil Service matters for special libraries as applicable

Goal E: Cooperation with national organizations The department completed course coordination and is participating in the program for support staff certification through the ALA-APA.

Objectives: Participate in LSSC support staff certification program, Raise awareness of ALA- APA, and standards of practices in support staff, and professional practice

Program Outcome: Students effectively parallel knowledge, abilities and skills with ALA-APA certification; Students are now eligible for support staff certification through ALA-APA if desired

Measurement: Completion of Program change at City College Curriculum Committee – specifically, move of Library 53 to core requirement (completed); Completion of support staff mapping and program acceptance by January 2013 (completed). Scheduled classroom awareness and recruitment sessions Entry and exit surveys Alumni surveys Anecdotes and personal statements

Analysis of measurement: Curriculum committee approval of program change, Fall 2012. Use of a list-serve could distribute surveys as to an interest in external certification, cost and evaluation. Dedicated classroom time for discussion based on survey results could inform each incoming class on career building and implications of certification.

Note Fall 2014: All changes accomplished. Certification has been effective for over one year. Current employee has reported on LSSC to entire library community in August 2014, and will serve as Vice President Elect of ALA-APA 2014-15, and President the following year. Will represent City College at ALA convention 2016.

Alignment: LIBR 51 introduces state, national and international organizations LIBR 53 & 55B discuss employment and national standards LIBR 55A provides deep technical understanding of two major national organizations: Library of Congress and OCLC LIBR 58ABC deal with special library organizations and those specific to legal, medical and business libraries at the local, state and national level