Information and Library Management Postgraduate Diploma/MA/MSc

COURSE INFORMATION (2013 ENTRY)

2 years (MA/MSc), 16 months (PGDip) by distance learning

Engineering and Environment
Pandon Building, Newcastle City Campus

Information is an all-pervasive commodity. The aims of the programme are to establish the significance of the dynamic role of information and library work in the 'information society and knowledge-based economy' and to develop the knowledge and skills needed to handle effectively the storage, retrieval, analysis and communication of information.

This distance learning programme is aimed at people working within an information environment, who wish to professionally qualify at postgraduate level, and is designed to produce information professionals able to take leading roles in the rapidly developing world of information and library management. Specifically, students will be able to:

• Identify, analyse and evaluate issues in information and library management in order to produce relevant solutions.
• Create, acquire, organise, retrieve, evaluate and disseminate information effectively.
• Undertake research with a proper concern for scholarship and rigour.

The programme has been accredited by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP).

Year 1
Hypermedia for the Information Professional - This module aims to familiarise students with some of the principles of effective web site design and with some of the tools required to create and develop hypermedia documents for integration into web pages. Current industry standard page mark-up scripting languages will also be introduced. 

Managing in the Information Environment - This core module is designed to explore managerial concepts, which enable organisations to set and achieve their aims and objectives. The module will include the knowledge environment, organisational theory, strategy formulation and implementation, communication in the organisation, resource management, marketing, quality and performance measures, and management of change and risk analysis.

Collection Management - This module examines the management and organisation of the collections within a range of information environments. The information needs of the user will be examined along with aspects of social inclusion, information rich and poor etc., before studying aspects of collection development (e.g. selection policies and practices, acquisition policies) and collection management (e.g.weeding programmes, binding and preservation, security, etc) using various case exercises to support the learning experience.

Organising Knowledge - This core module explores in depth the principles and current practice of organising, storing and retrieving information and knowledge efficiently and effectively so that it can be accessed and retrieved by users to meet their needs.

Research Methods - Introduces the wide range of research techniques applied in information work as preparation for the Masters dissertation. 

Year 2 
Cataloguing and Classification - This module will develop knowledge of theory and current practice in descriptive cataloguing and classification, and the industry standards, practice and issues that are relevant. Practical abilities in cataloguing (utilising the Anglo-American Cataloguing rules and MARC formats) and in classification (Dewey Decimal). 

Data Law and Ethics - This module examines and critically analyses the concepts underpinning the ‘information age’, and explores the historical development of information in society. The role of information and communication technologies is investigated, including their impact on the changing role of the information professional. The legal framework in which the regulation of information systems occurs will be explored, and key ethical considerations discussed. Students will be encouraged to develop an appreciation of the range and complexity of ethical argument and reflect further on their own learning and professional development.

Dissertation - The dissertation will enable students to explore a topic of interest in greater depth as a piece of master's research. This module is taken by students wishing to obtain the masters award.

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LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODS

The programme is delivered through distance learning, using specially prepared learning materials in the form of module booklets and printed materials posted to the student, and electronically via the University e-learning platform. There will be individual and group tutor support using a range of methods.

A variety of assessment methods are used, including essays, portfolios and reports. There are no exams.

ACCREDITATION

The degree is approved by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals, CILIP, whose professional qualifications are awarded after appropriate work experience has been completed and professional development attained.

CAREERS

Among the career opportunities available following this programme are positions in travel and tourist information, Citizens Advice Bureaux, bookshops, publishing, patent agencies, and in the emerging information areas of database production, careers advice, systems analysis, information consultancy in law and accountancy, as well as in traditional libraries and information units. Those students who complete the MA/MSc will be in a better position to exploit employment opportunities at home and abroad.

OTHER INFO

Attendance
All study will be conducted at a distance. Voluntary study schools (lasting 2 days) are offered at the start of the programme, and before commencing the dissertation. Contact throughout the year is via email or telephone.

Please note that 2 references (one academic and one work-related) are normally expected when submitting the application.

Linked award
As this course is a linked award, students who exit with a PG Dip can return at a later date to undertake the Masters dissertation, if they so wish.

Individual modules
Applicants are also welcome to apply for study of individual modules.

Student Comment
"I took a module of this course in 2008/09 and would highly recommend it to anyone who would like to study this subject further. I have a masters degree already and so did not feel that I needed to do the full course. I did, however, feel that I needed training in cataloguing and classification and so took this single module. I must also add that I have three children as well as a job in York. Although I only did one module, I am sure that the rest of the course must be equally well-run. Below is an extract from the message that I sent Biddy once I finished the course.

I found the distance learning aspect easier to manage than I had expected – it’s a long time since I last undertook formal study – and I found the discussion board compulsive reading. The students contribute to lively discussions and this really helps with learning. It was interesting to hear how other library services approach cat and class, and to hear about other aspects of working life. I also made a couple of good contacts – I found two fellow students at another library which is only a few minutes' walk from where I work.

I learned so much from the course and feel that I have an excellent basis for practice. I'm one of those strange people who really likes classification and I’m glad that I have the opportunity at work to use my new skills. Graeme Arnott was brilliant. He helped by email when asked and explained everything clearly. All of the staff, including Louisa the administrator, were unfailingly helpful. I should also mention that there is an excellent service provided by the library for distance learners."
Jo Saxby, Resources Assistant

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