MSc Econ Diploma Management of Library and Information Services

Master

Distance

Price on request

Description

  • Type

    Master

  • Methodology

    Distance Learning

  • Duration

    2 Years

The objectives of the course are to: enable senior library and information service staff to manage key resources through an understanding of their organisational value. provide managers with specific skills in core activities. offer an academic component to the career advancement of professionals. enable employers to support Continuous Professional Development without the need for breaks in employment

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Subjects

  • Management

Course programme

Why study the management of library and information services?

The demands placed upon managers in the library and information profession are increasing in their complexity. Library and information managers are having to cope with rapid change and development. This Management of Library and Information Services degree has been devised as a response to the needs of the library and information profession for Continuing Professional Development. It is designed to help the professional cope with the demands placed upon them, and to prepare mid-career professionals for the next stage in their career. It is therefore not designed to provide the student with a first qualification in information and library studies, but to update and progress existing knowledge and qualifications.

Structure of the programme

This programme is offered in flexible distance learning mode as it is recognised that prospective students will not wish a mid-career break in order to update their qualifications. The length of the degree scheme is normally three years, but students may take between two and five years to complete their studies. Normally, the first two years (Part One) consist of a taught element, whereby students complete 120 credits. Those wishing to finish study at the end of the taught element will be eligible for a Diploma (120 credits). The remaining period (Part Two) is to complete a dissertation (60 credits), to gain the Master's qualification (180 credits).

Study schools

Students on this course will be required to attend two compulsory residential study schools in Aberystwyth. The first will be in September at the commencement of the course, and is designed to prepare students for the taught element (Part One) of the programme. The second is a research study school (offered during April and September) and is designed to prepare students for the dissertation (Part Two).

Completion requires accumulation of 120 credits for the award of the Diploma and 180 credits for the award of the Master's degree.

Part Two: Dissertation

After successful completion of Part One, those wishing to gain the Master's qualification, will need to complete a 60 credit dissertation.

Dissertation (60 credits)
On successful completion of the taught element, students pursuing the Master's degree will prepare a dissertation of 15,000 words on an approved topic in the management of library and information services.

Assessment

The programme is assessed on the basis of coursework in Part One and the dissertation in Part Two. A variety of assignments in Part One, including reports, essays, presentations, and case studies enable you to relate theoretical knowledge to your own workplace.

Support

Each student is assigned a personal learning advisor, who will remain as a point of contact for them throughout the first two years of study. For the remainder of the degree, the dissertation supervisor acts as personal tutor.

In addition, there are specialist tutors (known as module coordinators) assigned to each module, who may be contacted if the student has any problems or questions regarding the module content or assessment.

Throughout the period of study, students may use a variety of means to keep in touch: computer conferencing, fax, e-mail, telephone, and post are all utilised to help overcome any feeling of isolation the student may experience.

Accreditation

The Master's degree and the postgraduate Diploma are accredited by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP); formerly known as The Library Association and the Institute of Information Scientists. Master's and Diploma graduates will have a qualification which is recognised for admission to the Register of Chartered Librarians (subject to the Institute's chartership regulations).

Who can apply?

The target market for this degree is practising professionals, usually in mid-career. In accordance with existing requirements, the proposed scheme would require candidates to have all of the following:

  • first degree (in any subject) or related academic achievement
  • a professional library and information studies, or library and information science qualification, equivalent to a UK accredited qualification, or equivalent professional experience
  • a minimum of 5 years experience at a middle or senior management level within an information or library service
  • have access to a computer with CD-ROM and Internet facilities

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.

Each applicant will be considered on their own merits, but the criteria for admission is based on a combination of relevant experience and academic capability sufficient for this level of study.

If you are unsure whether you fulfil 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 (contact details are at the back of this brochure).

When should I apply?

At present, there is one start date for the course each year: 1st September.

The closing date for applications is two months prior to the start date of the course. However, 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 of your application.

The students

Students come from both the public and private sector, from the UK and other countries. Each annual intake is around 15-25 students, which enables students to get to know the others in their group.

MSc Econ Diploma Management of Library and Information Services

Price on request