Library Courses

To see current course offerings, see the ...

Summer Session 2008 Open/Closed Class List (June 16 - July 28)


LIBRARY COURSE Descriptions:


LIB 1: Basic Library Research Skills (1 unit)

Organization and knowledge of academic libraries including online catalogs; periodical indexes, and electronic resources; research strategies; selection and evaluation of reference sources; component parts of books and citations; preparation of bibliographies, and awareness of Internet resources. Total of 18 hours lecture. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC   

LIB 1 Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

  1. Utilize knowledge of the organization, resources and services of academic libraries and the basic steps of the research process to retrieve print and online information sources.
  2. Critically evaluate and differentiate sources of information for research projects.
  3. Cite sources correctly following a citation style.

LIB 1 Syllabus/Web Site: Joanne Kim,  Krista Goguen, Patricia Johnson , Mary Kay Van Sistine


LIB 10A Internet and Web-Based Information Resources (1 unit)

Use of the Internet and other electronic information resources for academic research and writing. Focus on effective strategies for using a variety of Internet search tools, the Library's web-based and server-based resources, e-mail and other electronic communication tools. Includes special emphasis on evaluating and comparing quality of electronic and traditional information resources. Also includes hands-on instruction in basic HTML, web page design, overview of the organization and components of the Internet, and discussion of the impact of the Internet on society. Recommended: Basic computer skills including familiarity with Windows, a keyboard and mouse. Total of 18 hours lecture. Transfer Credit: CSU

LIB 10A Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

  1. Utilize online research resources and search tools for academic research.
  2. Apply effective strategies to select and critically evaluate information found in online resources.
  3. Understand the basic organization of the Internet and the ethical use of this resource.
  4. Create a basic webpage.

    Lib 10A Syllabus/Web Site: Eric Hanson, Frank Hoppe


LIB 10B Advanced Internet and Web-Based Browsers (1 unit)

Focuses on advanced Internet and web-based applications and resources including browser functions, e-mail functions, search engines, online databases, listservs and usenet, file transfer, Internet infrastructure, and web authoring software. Recommended Lib 10A. Total of 18 hours lecture. Transfer Credit: CSU

LIB 10B Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

  1. Apply advanced search techniques to utilize online research resources and search tools for academic research.
  2. Apply advanced strategies to select and critically evaluate information found in online resources.
  3. Apply effective techniques for online communication and privacy protection.
  4. Understand the details of the organization of the Internet and the ethical use of this resource.
  5. Create a advanced webpage using web authoring software.

Lib 10B Syllabus/Web Site: Frank Hoppe


LIB 20 Independent Library Study (1 unit)

Prerequisite: Completion of two Library courses and approval of student project.
Individual projects related to the understanding and utilization of libraries and their resources; faculty conferences and direction. Maximum credit 3 units, 1 unit each semester. Total of 54 hours laboratory. Transfer Credit: CSU

LIB 20 Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

  1. Conduct a research project independently on a topic agreed upon with the instructor.
  2. Utilize skills in information retrieval, organizing contents, synthesizing and analyzing information for a specialized research paper or project.
  3. Produce a well-organized, coherent research paper or project.

LIB 101 Introduction to Library Services for Paraprofessionals (3 units)

Theory and practice in a variety of roles performed by library technicians in all types of libraries, media and information centers. Emphasis on the library technicians' role in delivery of services and retrieval of information, tools and terminology and retrieval of information for library services, the Library Bill of Rights, and the relationships of libraries to the communities they serve. Review of paraprofessional journals and listservs that support paraprofessional activities, and strategies for successful job placement and performances. Total of 54 hours lecture.

LIB 101 Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

  1. Discuss the profession of librarianship and the relationship of libraries to the communities they serve.
  2. Identify the roles of the library/information technician in today's libraries.
  3. Appraise the role and importance of library associations, trade journals and listservs.
  4. Practice effective job search techniques and effective writing techniques for resumes and cover letters.

LIB 101 Syllabus/Web Site: Ann Dallavalle


LIB 102 Introduction to Reference and Information Services (3 units)

Recommended preparation: Lib 101.
Introduction to information resources appropriate for paraprofessionals performing in libraries and information centers. Basic reference tools in print, media, and electronic formats, philosophy of reference/information services, criteria for the evaluation of quality services and resources, reference interview techniques especially regarding diverse population and special needs. Total of 54 hours lecture.

LIB 102 Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

  1. Utilize basic and specialized reference tools to answer questions appropriate for paraprofessionals performing in libraries and information centers.
  2. Apply the philosophy, techniques and resources of reference/information services to assist patrons with diverse backgrounds and needs.

LIB 102 Syllabus/Web Site: Marla Peppers


LIB 103 Introduction to Circulation Services (3 units)

Theory and practice of circulation systems including setting objectives, policies and procedures. Discussions regarding the Freedom of Information Act, patron privacy issues, copyright laws and public relations including handling problem patrons. Knowledge in setting reserve collections, selecting media materials and equipment, shelving, stack management, inventory, training assistants, compiling and interpreting circulation statistics. Total of 54 hours lecture.

LIB 103 Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

  1. Discuss circulation and reserve policies and functions.
  2. Shelve and discuss issues related to stack maintenance and management.
  3. Analyze and discuss the issues of patron privacy including patron confidentiality, Freedom of Information Act, U.S. Patriot Act, copyright law, etc.
  4. Demonstrate skills in communication, customer service and public relations including dealing with problem patrons.
  5. Handle the process of interlibrary loan including searching and requesting materials.

LIB 103 Syllabus/Web Site: Aquita Winslow


LIB 104 Technical Services: Acquisitions, Serials, and Processing (3 units)

Principles of acquiring, processing and preserving library materials including bibliographic searching, choosing vendors, ordering, receiving, physical processing, budget accounting, binding, repairing and preserving. Knowledge of basic terminology and processes in the technical services activities. Recommended: Lib 101. Total of 54 hours lecture.

LIB 104 Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

  1. Identify basic library technical services functions focusing on acquisitions, serial subscriptions, processing materials and conservation/preservation principles.
  2. Practice ordering materials, keeping fund accounts, processing and repairing library materials.

LIB 104 Syllabus/Web Site: Joanne Kim


LIB 105A Cataloging Procedures in Online Environments (3 units)

Prerequisite: Lib 104.
Study of the basic principles of descriptive cataloging, introduction to classification systems, MARC (Machine Readable Cataloging) formats, bibliographic control, and authority control. Emphasis on online copy cataloging using AACR2, OCLC and local systems cataloging modules. Total of 54 hours lecture.

LIB 105A Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

  1. Demonstrate a basic understanding of descriptive cataloging including formats and functions of bibliographic records.
  2. Search OCLC database and match the correct records for the items in hand.
  3. Create local system records and edit cataloging entries in a library database using MARC (Machine Readable Cataloging) format and AACR2R rules.
  4. Discuss the need for bibliographic and authority control in online catalogs.

LIB 105A Syllabus/Web Site: Dawn Loomis


LIB 105B Introduction to Classification and Subject Access (3 units)

Prerequisite: Lib 105A.
Study of the basic principles of classification systems, including the Dewey Decimal Classification and the Library of Congress Classification systems. Overview of other classification systems and subject indexing. Emphasis on evaluation and quality control of copy cataloging records using suggested classification numbers and Library of Congress subject headings. Total of 54 hours of lecture.

LIB 105B Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

  1. Demonstrate and discuss the basic principles of classification systems, especially Dewey Decimal and Library of Congress classification systems.
  2. Assign and verify classification numbers.
  3. Import, export and revise cataloging records on the local system records.
  4. Demonstrate an understanding of LC Subject Headings and assign headings to cataloging records.
  5. Demonstrate the importance of authority control and maintenance of subject headings.
  6. Identify the structure of indexing terms and related references.

LIB 106 Library Field Practice (1 unit)

Prerequisites: Lib 101, Lib 104, and maintain enrollment in at least 7 units including field practice.
Supervised work experience in approved library information centers. Minimum of 5 hours of field practice each week. Credit/no credit grading. Total of 90 hours field practice.

LIB 106 Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

  1. Demonstrate and discuss practical library work experiences under supervision.

LIB 111 Basic Survival Skills for the Information Age (1/2 unit)

Introduces students to basic computer and research skills needed to be able to access, evaluate, save, retrieve and use information resources for academic, vocational and online courses and lifelong learning. For students with no or limited computer skills. Short term class. Total of 9 hours lecture.

LIB 111 Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

  1. Demonstrate basic computer competency skills with Windows and Office software applications.
  2. Formulate search strategies to conduct basic searches in traditional and online information resources and evaluate search results.

Are you interested in Library work? Consider our Library Technology Certificate Program!

Learn more about Library Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs).

Link to the Official PCC Catalog.