BSc Econ Single Honours Information and Library Studies

This is a distance learning course

Today's information professionals provide a vital service for a wide range of public sector services, commercial organisations and educational institutions. They need a high level of skills and knowledge which can be applied in the workplace in order to meet the needs of today's information users. The profession needs these highly educated staff to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world, and to take advantage of new and exciting opportunities to develop and manage traditional and innovatory information sources and services at a professional level.

Why study for the Diploma and Degree in Information and Library Studies?

This programme acknowledges the value of work-based experience of library and information staff who are working in ‘para-professional' posts. It was designed specifically to enable these staff to progress towards a professional qualification. The programme is structured to encourage ‘non-traditional' students into higher education and to give them the academic and pastoral support they need in order to succeed.

Students can combine their wealth of practical experience with the latest theoretical knowledge across a broad spectrum of related subject areas. The programme equips students with the skills and knowledge to organise, handle, and retrieve information within the context of today's society, and prepares them for managing information sources and services.

How is the course structured?

This programme follows the same pattern as the equivalent full-time course at DIS and is divided into Part 1 (120 credits, equivalent to the first year of full time study) and Part 2 (240 credits, equivalent to the second and third years of full time study). Diploma students will exit on completion of 120 Part 2 credits.
By virtue of being accepted onto this programme, all students are awarded the 120 credits equivalent to Part 1. This award is known as Accredited Prior Learning (APL) and Accredited Prior Experiential Learning (APEL), and gives recognition for your previous qualifications and experience.

To complete the Diploma you need to:

• successfully complete 120 credits, including designated modules, and attend two compulsory study schools

To complete the Degree you need to:

• successfully complete 240 credits, including designated modules, and attend three compulsory study schools

Approximately 80% of the degree course is composed of designated (i.e. compulsory or core) modules, including a 20 credit dissertation. The remainder of the course is composed of your choice of option modules.
You are able to progress at your own pace, taking between 2 to 5 years to complete 120 credits for the Diploma, or 3 to 5 years to complete the total of 240 credits required for the Degree. This means that you will need to spend an average of 8 to 15 hours a week studying, depending on how quickly you plan to complete your course.

Study schools

Study schools are a compulsory part of this programme. They provide an opportunity to meet with staff and other students, and introduce practical elements of the course, such as ICT, study skills, seminars and tutorials. Examinations are also held during study schools. The study schools normally take place at Aberystwyth every June, at the beginning of the first, second and third years of study. (Please note: a first year school is normally available in Dublin also, in July).

Assessment

Assessment methods will vary from module to module but overall will be approximately 80% coursework, and 20% examinations. A variety of assignments, including reports, essays, case studies, and presentations will enable you to relate theoretical knowledge to the working environment.

Accreditation

The degree is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP). Graduates will have a qualification which is recognised for admission to the Register of Chartered Librarians (subject to the Institute's chartership regulations). Please note that the Diploma is not accredited for chartership.

Who can apply?

You are welcome to apply if you:

• are over 21
• are currently employed in an information or library environment
• are able to demonstrate your academic capability to undertake the course
• have access to a computer with CD-ROM and Internet facilities, and have basic ICT skills*

Admissions tutors base the criteria for admission on a combination of relevant work experience and academic capability, sufficient for direct entry to Part 2 (year 2) of the programme.

If you are unsure whether you fulfill the admissions criteria, please contact the Department's Admissions Team or the Open Learning Unit, where staff will be able to offer you further advice.

What if I'm a complete IT beginner?

If you have any questions about what equipment and software you will need for the course, please contact the OLU.
For pre-course preparation, we currently recommend any of the following introductory IT texts:

• Robert Ferrett, John Preston and Sally Preston Office 2000 Essentials , Prentice Hall.
• Dr Alan Clarke Computing for adults: an essential guide for beginners , Hodder & Stoughton.
• Dr Alan Clarke European computer driving licence , Hodder & Stoughton.

When should I apply?

The course starts in June each year. The closing date for applications is the end of April. Please note that it is best to apply as early as possible as places can fill quickly well in advance of the closing date. You will be notified whether or not you have been successful in gaining a place on the course, within six weeks of the University receiving your application.