Student Learning Outcomes

The framework of the LIS Program curriculum is based on our Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs), which are aligned with the ALA Core Competencies, but also reflect regular feedback from our students, alumni, faculty and other stakeholders, and the curricular components of our strategic plan.

(approved by LIS faculty April 2017, effective Fall 2017, modified December 2017)

  • SLO1 Services: Design, provide, and assess information services
  • SLO2 Professions: Apply history and ethics to develop a professional LIS identity
  • SLO3 Resources: Create, organize, manage and discover information resources
  • SLO4 Technologies: Evaluate and apply information technologies
  • SLO5 Cultures: Analyze and apply knowledge about information needs and perspectives of indigenous cultures and/or diverse communities
  • SLO6 Management: Demonstrate skills necessary to manage and work effectively within information organizations

Additionally, the UH Mānoa Institutional Learning Objectives (ILOs) for advanced degrees embrace all critical aspects of a student’s academic experience in terms of knowledge and understanding, intellectual and applied skills, communication skills, and professional responsibility. All LIS courses address the ILOs via the LIS Student Learning Outcomes detailed on every course syllabus.

Student Learning Outcomes--Spring 2017 and earlier

SLOs and Indicators

It is important to note that a course may cover an SLO without covering every indicator within that SLO. Additionally, while indicators 2d and 3d are not reflected in the six core courses, they are covered in several elective courses.

SLO 1: Understand, apply and articulate the history, philosophy, principles and ethics of library and information science and the related professions.

1a) Apply LIS theory and principles to diverse information contexts
1b) Demonstrate understanding of the historical context of information services and systems
1c) Develop and apply critical thinking skills in preparation for professional practice
1d) Craft and articulate a professional identity

SLO 2: Develop, administrate, assess, and advocate for information services by exercising principled communication, teamwork and leadership skills.

2a) Demonstrate understanding of leadership
2b) Work effectively in teams
2c) Develop, manage, and assess information services for specific users and communities
2d) Create instructional and outreach programs
2e) Demonstrate the ability to advocate effectively for information services

SLO 3: Organize, create, archive, preserve, retrieve, manage, evaluate, and disseminate information resources in a variety of formats.

3a) Demonstrate understanding of the processes by which information is created, evaluated, and disseminated.
3b) Organize, create, archive and manage collections of information resources following professional standards
3c) Search, retrieve and synthesize information from a variety of systems and sources
3d) Demonstrate understanding of issues and techniques of preservation of physical and digital objects

SLO 4: Evaluate and use the latest information technologies, research findings and methods.

4a) Evaluate systems and technologies in terms of quality, functionality, cost-effectiveness and adherence to professional standards
4b) Integrate emerging technologies into professional practice
4c) Apply current research findings to professional practice

SLO 5: Engage in projects and assignments dealing with multicultural communities and representing diverse points of view.

5a) Communicate and collaborate with diverse colleagues, information seekers and community stakeholders
5b) Demonstrate understanding of the social, cultural, political, and economic context of information services and systems
5c) Apply LIS principles to meet the needs of Native Hawaiian and Asia-Pacific communities and to promote cultural sustainability

With the attainment of these outcomes, students are expected to be ready to interpret and apply the understanding gained to performance and leadership in the field.

LIS Curriculum Map: Student Learning Outcomes and Evidence Indicators (updated 05/2012)