The State of Library Education in Georgia
QUESTION: With the average age of SLA members easily topping 40 years
old, where will the new members come from to take the reins of the
profession and direct it forward into the 21st century?
ANSWER: Library schools provide a major pipeline for new SLA members and a
crystal ball peek into the future of the library profession.
To get a snapshot of what this librarian pipeline looks like on a statewide
basis, the Georgia Chapter of the Special Libraries Association is proud to
host Dr. Wallace Koehler, the Associate Director of the Department of
Information Studies - MLIS Program at Valdosta State University on 13
January 2006 at the Georgia Power headquarters in Atlanta. Koehler, a MLIS
professor at VSU since 2002, graciously agreed to make the long road trip
from the Florida border to share his views regarding VSU's librarian
education as well as the future of MLIS programs in Georgia. Expect this
dynamic speaker to include the following topics:
What is the VSU curriculum like.
What can employers expect from internship requesters and job-seeking
graduates.
What is the background of faculty members who teach the program.
Is the program growing - more students, more VSU resources, more professors,
etc.
Where does the program stand in its ALA accreditation process.
Internship needs of VSU students.
How have library science students changed in recent years - motivations,
ages, backgrounds, etc.
What about the MLIS education process itself - How successful has the
program's Internet teachinig initiatives proven.
FURTHER PROGRAM DETAILS:
Date: 13 Jan 06.
Time: 11:30 - noon [networking]; Noon to 1 p.m. [Wallace Koehler, speaker]
Cost: FREE. Note: An optional box lunch can be provided for $10 to those
who RSVP before January 10. Reminder: Those who opt for the catered box
lunch have an obligation to reimburse the Georgia Chapter unless there is a
notice received before the Jan. 10 deadline.
Location: Georgia Power headquarters
Address: 241 Ralph McGill Boulevard, Atlanta 30308
Address: Conference Room #7 in the Conference Center at Georgia Power
Phone: 404-506-6526 [GP front desk phone]
DIRECTIONS TO GEORGIA POWER HQ:
From North Atlanta...
Take I-75/85 South to the Courtland Street exit. Get in the left land. After
passing the Hilton Hotel, turn left onto Harris. Turn left onto Piedmont. Go
to the second light, which is Ralph McGill Blvd. Turn right on Ralph
McGill Blvd. Georgia Power is on your right. If visitor's parking is full,
parkig is also available at Renaissance Lofts off of Ralph McGill. When you
enter the building, look for the security desk, where you will be
re-directed to the Conference Room #7 in the Conference Center.
From South...
Take I-75/85 North to the International Blvd. exit. Go to the second light,
which is Fort Street. Turn left on Fort Street, which will change into
International Blvd. Turn right on Ralph McGill Blvd. Turn right on Ralph
McGill. Georgia Power is on your right. If visitor's parking is full, parkig
is also available at Renaissance Lofts off of Ralph McGill. When you enter
the building, look for the security desk, where you will be re-directed to
the Conference Room #7 in the Conference Center.
To Return from Parking Deck...
Exit deck left onto Baker Street. Go to third light, which is Boulevard.
Boulevard will lead to I-75/85 North & South. Go south to reach I-20.
-------------------------------------------------------------
BACKGROUND OF VSU's MLIS PROGRAM:
The primary goal of Valdosta State University’s Master of Library and
Information Science (MLIS) program is to prepare professionals who will
exercise leadership in planning, promoting, implementing, and administering
the preservation, organization, dissemination, and effective use of
society’s recorded information. The MLIS program...
...is a 39-hour non-thesis program that is primarily web-based.
...is based on VSU’s assessment of the graduate education needs of library
and information science professionals in Georgia.
...capitalizes on the latest developments in distance education and
collaborative education.
...uses web-based software to provide students with the technological
capacity for audiovisual communication.
...lets students interact with the professor and other students by email and
special “chat rooms” established for each course.
...allows a student to earn a degree by combining face-to-face instruction
with Internet instruction.
...contains curriculum designed for students who cannot leave jobs and
families to return to a single campus for extended periods.
Recipients of the MLIS degree will acquire a broad range of skills and
knowledge in:
1. the techniques of organizing and retrieving information
2. information management
3. information services
4. information resources
5. information systems
Curriculum
The curriculum reflects the role of library and information services in a
rapidly changing technological and global society. It is designed to take
advantage of institutional cooperation and to allow student flexibility.
Full-time students should be able to complete the program in two academic
years. The flexibility of the program, moreover, affords adult learners the
opportunity to earn the degree as part-time students.
The core curriculum is designed to give expertise in four major areas:
1. Technical Knowledge
2. Administration
3. Services in the Knowledge Society
4. Resources for Clients
The program is not accredited by the American Library Association. The MLIS
program is following ALA - Committee on Accreditation procedures toward that
end.
SPEAKER DETAILS:
Dr. Wallace Koehler
Associate Director & Associate Professor
Department of Information Studies - MLIS Program
Valdosta State University / Valdosta, Georgia