Keeping Curriculum Current: The MLS Program’s New Foundational Course

By Megan Sherry

Beginning this semester, fall 2024, MLS students are now required to complete ILS-Z622: Resources and Services for People with Disabilities, as a part of their degree. The actual content of the course is more encompassing than what the title suggests. Z622 was built on the principles of diversity and inclusion, and its goal is to help students develop skills for designing and implementing services for diverse populations. The American Library Association (ALA) has core competencies and principles that are vital to the field, including a commitment to diversity and inclusion. To attain and maintain ALA accreditation, MLS programs should reflect the values of the ALA. At IU, diversity and inclusion have been a part of the program in several, more subtle ways, but a more explicit demonstration of the commitment to these ideals would be beneficial to both the program and to its students.

Read about the new course and its structure here!