English

Hone your writing skills while deepening your appreciation of literature. Through discussion and close personal attention, you’ll develop analytical, critical reasoning, and communication skills highly sought after by employers in many fields. These skills will also provide you with an excellent foundation for graduate study.

Degree Offered: B.A.
Offered on the Augusta and Bangor campuses


ILS Department Policies

The ILS program faculty have approved the following policies (9.29.12) *updated for clarification 9.30.13

Internet Access for Students

Access to the internet is required in ALL Information Library Service classes; high-speed internet access is STRONGLY recommended. Students are expected to have daily access to the internet and email, in order to access class, receive updates, additions and obtain other course-related information.  All students at UMA are required to obtain an @maine.edu email account and to check it regularly for official university communications. Help on email accounts can be found at mail.maine.edu

Student employ-ability and volunteering:

Formal or informal experience (volunteering) in a library information agency is extremely important in the ILS field. All students who have not worked in a library should consider volunteering not only to reinforce their classroom learning, but to network, and to gain practical experience in the field, or specialty area they plan to work in.

ILS Program Course Grade Requirements:

As noted on the ILS program checksheets, ILS students must achieve a 2.0 overall GPA for ALL ILS program requirements and each ILS class must be passed with C (2.0) or higher. This means that an ILS student earning a grade of C- or lower for an ILS class must re-take that course to earn ILS program credit.

Special-needs:

APA Citation Format

Incomplete Policy:

To request an incomplete, please fill out the following Request for Incomplete FORM

ILS Program Incomplete Policy: A student may initiate a request for an incomplete grade in the event that extenuating circumstances (documentation may be required) prevents completion of the course. Assignment of the incomplete grade is at the discretion of the instructor. The following criteria must be met before an incomplete grade will be assigned, exceptions may be made through the sole discretion of the faculty member:

  • The student has attended a majority of course meetings and completed a majority of the coursework requirements (approximately 75%).
  • The student must be passing the course at the time of the incomplete request.
  • All remaining work must be completed by a date mutually agreed upon by the student and the instructor (the due date may only be revised by explicit permission of the instructor).
  • The request for incomplete must be submitted via this form and approved by the instructor and the student, and a copy submitted to the ILS Office. (electronic signatures/submission acceptable).
  • The student shall not re-register for the course while completing the remaining work.
  • Any changes to this agreement (e.g. extension of due date) must be submitted on a subsequent form.
  • If the remaining work is not completed at the conclusion of the next term, the “I” reverts to the grade of “F.” In rare exceptions and at the sole discretion of the faculty member, a grade to date may be submitted in lieu of the “F.”

NOTE: REQUEST IS DUE at LEAST TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE COURSE COMPLETION DATE or as per instructor’s policies.

ILS Course Grade Requirement

As noted on the ILS program checksheets, ILS students must pass all ILS courses with a C (2.0) or higher. This means that an ILS student earning a grade of C- or lower must re-take that course to earn ILS program credit.

ILS Program Consistent Grading Scale

All UMA ILS courses use the following point scale for calculating final letter grades: effective Spring 2013.

Letter Grade

Grade Point Averages

*ILS
Grading Scale

A

4.00

93-100

A-

3.67

90-92.99

B+

3.33

87-89.99

B

3.00

83-86.99

B-

2.67

80-82.99

C+

2.33

77-79.99

C

2.00

73-76.99

C-

1.67

70-72.99

D+

1.33

67-69.99

D

1.00

63-66.99

D-

0.67

60-62.99

F

0.00

0-59.99

L

0.00

 

WF

0.00

 


Any questions about any ILS department policies should be addressed to Dr. JWilliams at lnitcoord@maine.edu

Here’s an outstanding program you can complete from anywhere. Providing a foundation in computer information systems, public service programming, reference and database searching, library technical processes, and more, you’ll be poised for success within the field of library and information services. Related opportunities abound in business, public service, education, and communications.

Degree Offered: B.S. and A.S.
Offered online wherever you are

Contact Information:

Jodi Williams, Assistant Professor & Coordinator
E-Mail: lnitcoord@maine.edu
Telephone (Local): (207) 621-3341
Maine: 1-877-UMA-1234, x3341
National: 1-888-850-5379
Fax: (207) 621-3354

Goals:

The Library and Information Services Certificate Program provides course work that offers the practical skills for entry-level employment as support staff in information centers and libraries (academic, special, school, and public) working for professional librarians. This certificate program also offers persons with previously earned college-level courses the knowledge to work as a paraprofessional in a library/information center. Students are encouraged to contact the coordinator for additional information.

Certificate in Library and Information Services Curriculum*:

ILS 100 - Introduction to Libraries and Library Information Careers (3 credits)
ILS 101 - Foundations of Information & Library Science (3 credits)
ILS 109 - Information Literacy (1 credit)
ILS 150 - Introduction to Reference Services & Materials (3 credits)
ILS 175 - Cataloging Technical Processes (3 credits)
ILS 225 - Introduction to Library Information Technology (3 credits)
ILS 250 - Collection Development (3 credits)
ILS 200 level Elective: Choose 1 of the following (3 credits):

ILS 201 Library Services for Teens
ILS 202 Library Materials and Services for Children
ILS 203 Survey of Health Sciences Resources
ILS 204 Survey of Business Resources
ILS 205 Readers’ Advisory


Total Credit Hours: 22 credit hours.
*Pending for Fall 2013

Course delivery:

ILS courses are taught asynchronously via the Internet, some streamed video instruction, and computer conferencing technologies are used. Contact between faculty and students is maintained via e-mail, phone, discussion in the course management system and other technologies as parties are able to participate (skype, chatting, etc.). While all courses (both program and general education) are available through UMA to students who can not come to campus, if a student has the option, non-library courses can be completed through UMA or at regionally accredited colleges and universities of the students' choice or. Any outside courses to be taken for the general education requirements must be approved by your UMA adviser BEFORE being taken.

This distance education option includes national and international delivery. Computer use, e-mail skills, and access to Internet(high speed preferred) are required to be successful in the program. Please see the ILS department policy page for more information and necessary access to technology to support student success.

Costs:

See UMA's Tuition and Fees page for current tuition costs.

Application and Registration:

Students may apply and register by contacting the UMA Office of Admissions,
1-877-UMA-1234.

For more information please see our ILS Program "Steps through the Admissions Process" Guide.

It's not just the education,
It's what you do with it! 

ILS Program Pages:

Who We are,
What we are doing!

Prospective Students

 Programs:

From ANYWHERE
Because ours is a web-based program, you can take our library courses from your home or office via the Internet and/or recorded instructions available streamed via the internet. Class discussions, homework assignments and other components of your courses are accomplished using BlackBoard, our web-based course delivery system.

At ANYTIME
Our library courses are offered asynchronously, which means courses typically do not require you to be logged in at a specific time and day. Whether it’s 6:00 AM Monday morning, 10:00 PM Sunday night, or any time in between, take each class when it makes the most sense to you and your schedule.

For FLEXIBILTY of Careers
Through our program, you will be poised for success in a wide array of fields and positions: as a library or information assistant, or for a related position in business, public service, education, and communications.

All this means you can enroll and graduate from our Information and Library Services program from anywhere in the world -- and be superbly prepared to launch your career in a growing an exciting field.

SKILLS YOU'LL ACQUIRE

Graduates of the Information & Library Services program have well-developed computer, organizational, and communication skills. These and other related skills serve our students well as they prepare for careers in libraries and other information-intensive organizations. A sampling of representative skills and abilities follow:

TechnicalResearch & Analysis
Using reference tools, print & online
Applying computer knowledge
Using the internet
Searching databases
Using original sources
Informing/explaining/teaching
Developing budgets
Handling acquisitions/purchasing
Evaluating options
Assessing needs and interests
CommunicationOrganization
Speaking effectively to groups/individuals
Raising funds
Listening and questioning skills
Conveying ideas systematically
Writing clearly
Cataloging/record
Paying attention to detail
Categorizing data
Compiling data
Working independently
Working as a team

Careers You Can Seek

The selected list that follows offers a glimpse of the diverse career possibilities for UMA Information & Library Services majors. For some occupations listed below, additional training may be required. For what's available in the job market where you live check out: Library Job Postings on the Internet. This can give you an idea of the types of jobs available in your geographic region.

Library ServiceBusiness
Librarian*
Library Assistant
Catalog Librarian*
Bibliographer
Reference Librarian*
Archivist
Used Book Store Manager
Insurance Claims Clerk
Travel Agent
Hotel Concierge
Administrative Assistant
Office Manager
Public Service/EducationCommunications
Dispatcher
Legislative Assistant
Legal Assistant
Lobbyist
Teacher's Aide
Registrar
Researcher
Media Specialist*
Proofreader
Circulation Manager
Editor
Clipping Service Owner
Information Specialist
Indexer
Information Broker

*Baccalaureate or graduate level study is generally required for these occupations.

It's not just the education,
It's what you do with it!

“When I transferred to UMA I was completely disheartened with college. I was about to give up all together. I felt alone in this processes like no one cared whether I passed or even if I existed. You have rekindled my faith in the higher education system.”
~Jennifer, Class of '07
dn

 ILS Student Danny Norton was an invited speaker to ALA Mid-Winter 2012

 

“As you know I have been to lots of ‘bricks and mortar’ schools and not one of them can compare to the support I felt I got at UMA. I felt more connected here than any school I actually was physically present at.”
~Pam M. Class of ‘06

 

The University of Maine at Augusta's (UMA) distance learning program in Information and Library Services engages students from around the world to learn, discuss, and share experiences, and ideas about libraries and working in libraries. The programs are designed to provide students with paraprofessional skills essential to supporting the effective functioning of libraries and other information intensive organizations and to prepare them for a career as a Library and Information Assistant/Technician.

UMA's library program is available at a distance for those with Internet access. Donna Bancroft, one of the instructors for the program finds that, "our online students, with their broad and varied experiences enrich the classroom discussions, particularly our international students".

"I just found out I was accepted into a graduate program!  I am so excited and wanted to thank you for your guidance in choosing a school.  I have to admit it is somewhat bitter-sweet because I must now come to terms with leaving UMA.  I have nothing but fond memories of my online learning. " ~ Tami A. Class of 2011

exterior view of Katz Library

Students at UMA in the Library program realize that "at-a-distance" is only a geographic descriptor. While our students are dispersed around the world, there is a connection they feel toward their instructors, their classmates and toward the content of their courses. A student in California noted, "It is nice to have instructors who not only know their subjects well, but also know how to mentor/coach students in the right direction."

 My classes at UMA have given me a significant leg up and not only will I be attending Catholic University of America with tuition fully paid for, but I will be working in the field of my choice. I couldn’t be more shocked and surprised at seeing how things have come together. I am ecstatic to be able to dive head first into graduate school and continue what I started at UMA!    ~Kirsten M., Class of ‘13

UMA's unique program allows students to enroll for classes and work toward a Certificate, Associate or Bachelor degree. Each of these program offerings build into each other so that students may start with the Certificate, and upon completion then work toward the Associates, and then the Bachelor’s applying their classes toward the next level. Also, students in the Library and Information Service program pay in-state tuition rate for all courses with an ILS prefix. Students may begin taking ILS courses before applying to the university. In fact, if a student has never taken an online course, we recommend they take a couple of courses before applying to make sure that the student can be successful in an online environment.

Students completing the BS in L&IS will be prepared to enter the field of library and information services as specialized paraprofessionals, able to work independently in many settings.

For more detailed information, contact Jodi Williams, L&IS Program Coordinator, lnitcoord@maine.edu
http://www.uma.edu/professional-studies/information-and-library-services/
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