A major curricular component of the redesigned MLIS is a new two-course sequence (one course for online MLIS students), called the Design Methods Sequence (DMS). The DMS is a required two-course sequence of experiential learning for MLIS students in which they work in teams with a partner knowledge organization to solve real-world problems, providing essential and valuable experience that future employers are looking for in our MLIS graduates.
The sequence exposes students, both experientially and conceptually, to the mindset, values, and methods of Design Thinking as an approach to finding, understanding, and solving problems. Each term focuses on different stages of the design thinking process, beginning with Identifying, moving on to Implementing, and ending with Integrating. DMS uses the Design Thinking process (i.e define, research, ideate, prototype, choose, implement, and learn) as a scaffold to teach students specific design methods for gathering information, formulating problems, brainstorming ideas, prototyping and testing solutions, and assessing a solution’s effectiveness. Teams of students (4-5) will engage with partnering knowledge organizations to apply the Design Thinking process to address specific information problems and needs.
The DMS helps students:
- Develop a repertoire of design methods conceptually scaffolded by Design Thinking and values-sensitive, human-centric design.
- Work effectively in small, diverse teams on a specific task in depth for an extended period of time.
- Collaborate with external partners, organizations, and communities to understand and solve problems.
- Learn about the mission, culture, values, and practices of a specific knowledge organization.
To learn more about this program, please contact Matt Burton, Tim Huang, or Marcia Rapchak.
DMS Courses
On-Campus students may register for either:
Option 1 - Two-course Sequence:
LIS 2021 - IDENTIFYING INFORMATION NEEDS OF KNOWLEDGE ORGANIZATIONS
AND
LIS 2022 - IMPLEMENTING SOLUTIONS FOR KNOWLEDGE ORGANIZATIONS
OR
Option 2 - One Course:
LIS 2024 - DESIGN METHODS FOR INFORMATION PROFESSIONALS