GSLIS PROGRAM EVALUATION Katy Spindler Maria Navas Cathy

GSLIS PROGRAM EVALUATION Katy Spindler, Maria Navas Cathy Gottlieb, Ellen Nolan

Strengths • Only program in the area • ALA accredited • Working librarian adjuncts • Emphasis on technology • Passionate professors • Friendly approachable staff • Guest speakers and author events

Weaknesses • Difficult to understand the various pathways • Unpublicized information • Strange tech requirements • Separate LMS application • Some classes either are not relevant or are redundant • Classes can have difficult time slots

Opportunities • Great Chicago area resources • Online courses • Weekend courses • Huge networks of Dom grads • Butler Children's Library

Threats • Other area programs (non-ALA accredited) • Over-saturation of graduates • Frustrated students • Changing professions • Collaboration that we are taught does not seem to be practiced between GSLIS and IT • Meeting the demands of increasing enrollment

Mission: – Identify and clarify areas of potential improvement in the GSLIS Program experience. Goals: § Clarify the SLMP Program requirements and processes § Effectively communicate the technological, print, and other resources available to students § Provide better access to information

Recommendations - Technology Goal Provide students with effective, basic technology training. Activities § New student orientation • Library layout / Print resources § Orientation of electronic resources • On-line catalog / i. Share / Databases • Ref. Works workshop § IT services • Microsoft Office workshops

Recommendations - Technology Expected Outcome • Students will be better equipped to meet the technology requirements of classes and practical experience. Evaluation • Track numbers of students that sign up for workshops and other training. • Provide online surveys following each workshop.

Recommendations - SLMP Goals • Clarify requirements and timing of them for the SLMP program • Application process Having a separate SLMP application has caused confusion o Request Background check at start of LIS 773 o State Certification Exams Ensure schedule of class offerings is such that students will be able to finish required classes before taking LIS 725 • Clarify that students cannot take any classes when student teaching. • •

Recommendations - SLMP Activities • Create a Fact Sheet for the Illinois Certification exams o Provide Web address to register for exams o Describe each test and indicate the best time to take it § Basic Skills test – take as soon as possible, no prerequisites. § Library Content Test – take immediately following LIS 773 § APT Test K-12 – take upon completion of the three required education classes.

Recommendations - SLMP Activity • Improve Online presence o Organize information and improve visibility o Update school contact list and include on Web page o Include all information that was on the old Blackboard page. o Correct information on Education Competencies section. § include Basic Skills test and Library Content test in addition to APT test. § Provide information about the best time to take tests in relation to completing Dominican classes as well as education classes.

Recommendations - SLMP Expected Outcomes Students will have a good sense of where they are in the program and fully understand their own progress in terms of tests and curriculum. Evaluation Provide surveys in 773 about the application process. Provide a site counter to LIS site to judge the number of visitors. Add specific questions about time periods to end of semester evaluations.

Recommendations General Information Field Specific Information Activities • Explanation of different types of librarianship o Have faculty members or students near graduation guest speak in 701 to give overview of different library fields § Academic § Special § School § Public • Job prospects • Salary expectations

Recommendations General Information Cataloging Goals • Core class should be more basic, in keeping with currrent general use • Updated cataloging information • Provide real world experience Activities • Closer examination of World. Cat • Examination of sites such as Titlewave • Examination of library catalogs

Recommendations General Information Communication and Promotion of Special Programs Activities • Alerts and links should be provided to inform students of promotional programs, such as author events

Recommendations General Information Expected Outcomes Students will have training that more closely reflects their potential job experiences. Students will also have a better sense of what sorts of employment awaits them. Evaluation Poll students in practicums about what in their training was most positive for their current positions. Keep track of numbers at events and on distribution lists.