The Undergraduate Academic Certificate in Rural Library Management provides the student with a working knowledge of: concepts, theories and techniques in rural librarianship, the basic skills needed to build collaboration among libraries and community units they serve, the development and use of online information services, and how to plan, acquire, develop and install computer-based systems.

Students will learn about resources available to support and assist staff and managers working in rural libraries. They will learn how to: conduct outreach and marketing in a community-centered library; do online searches, client interviews, develop, promote and evaluate online services, and how to plan and manage product and service procurement.

 

The Undergraduate Academic Certificate program is intended for three audiences:

 

1. Library and Information Science Professionals: Bachelor's degreed library and information science professionals who want to develop expertise in managing a rural library by taking additional undergraduate level courses to receive an academic credential.

2. Other Professionals: Associate's or Bachelor's degreed individuals who want to develop expertise in managing a rural library by taking additional undergraduate level courses to receive an academic credential.

3. Non-degreed Library Practitioners: Individuals working in a library without a degree who want to develop expertise in managing a rural library by taking undergraduate level courses to receive an academic credential.

 

Who needs this Certificate?

• Potential librarians who foresee being in a management position
• Practicing librarians who foresee being in a management position
• Library staff who foresee being in a management position
• Non-degreed library managers in a rural library

Why is this Certificate so valuable?

• Many rural libraries are managed by individuals without a degree, or with a degree in a field other than library or information science.
• There is an impending wave of library manager retirements in rural libraries that will create thousands of open positions.
• Few existing programs are aimed at preparing library staff in rural libraries to move into management positions.

Prerequisites

No particular prerequisites for this UAC. However, courses listed under the UAC may have prerequisites that need to be satisfied. Students should consult the instructors prior to taking the individual courses.

 

Course Requirements

Students who are interested in earning an academic certificate in rural library management must take the following four courses (12 hours). These four courses must be successfully completed within a four-year time frame. 

INFO 4325 - Topics in Rural Libraries. 3 hours. Covers topics on concepts, theories and techniques in rural librarianship; resources available to support and assist staff and managers working in small and rural libraries; as well as real-world problems and advanced topics of rural public libraries. Prerequisite(s): None. 

INFO 4350 - Library Partnership and Community Outreach. 3 hours. Covers basic skills to build collaboration among libraries and community units they serve; designed for students interested in outreach, marketing and community-centered library practice. Prerequisite(s): None. 

INFO 4615 - Electronic Databases and Information Services. 3 hours. Development and use of online information services. Study of available databases in different fields. Conducting online searches; client interviews; developing, promoting and evaluating online services; current trends. Supervised practical experience.

INFO 4750 - Managing Library Automation Projects. 3 hours. Planning, acquisition, development and installation of computer-based systems in libraries of all types and sizes, oriented around activities necessary for effective library automation projects. Project planning; project approval and start-up; and planning and management of product and service procurement, development of system components, and system installation and maintenance. Prerequisite(s): None. 

 

Admission Procedures

All students pursuing an undergraduate academic certificate must meet regular University of North Texas admission requirements. Candidates for admission to the undergraduate academic certificate program must meet the minimum academic standards for academic discipline. Post-baccalaureate students are eligible to pursue an undergraduate academic certificate.

 

Once You Are Admitted

Once admitted, you will be assigned an advisor who will assist you in getting enrolled for classes and beginning the Undergraduate Academic Certificate Program.

Academic Certificate Completion Form and Request to Receive Your Certificate

Once you complete your course work, please email Dr. Yunfei Du to receive your certificate.

 

Contact Information: