Module Information
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Essay (3000 words) | 50% |
| Semester Assessment | Report (3000 words) | 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Essay (3000 words) | 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Report (3000 words) | 50% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Outline types of digital information sources, their advantages and disadvantages and give examples of relevant national and international initiatives.
2. Explain the challenges in managing and evaluating a collection of digital information sources.
3. Describe the stages in a project to digitise a particular collection and explain the importance of knowing about Intellectual Property Rights.
4. Give examples of the searching and presentation issues to be considered when providing access to digital information.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of metadata and technical standards in digital information discovery and delivery.
Brief description
Students will explore and critically assess ways in which digital information is created, acquired, organised and presented within digital libraries to support its discovery and delivery.
Content
Digital information resources and strategic issues
The different resources which encompass digital information managed by a digital archive, library or information facility will be introduced and strategic issues around their implementation explored.
Specifying, evaluating and managing a collection of digital information resources
The activities required to identify the licensing, acquisition or development requirements of a digital information resource and how to evaluate its usefulness for the designated community.
Value / impact of digital collections
How to measure the value and impact of a digital collection on its intended audience will be explored.
Challenges of managing digital information resources
The challenges encountered when managing digital information resources will be examined.
Digitisation and copyright
The stages required to digitise an analogue connection and make it available for users will be examined along with the copyright considerations needed for such activity.
Metadata for digital information
Metadata controls both the discovery and management of digital information and the creation of consistent, usable metadata resources.
Standards and interoperability
Specific metadata standards have been developed to ensure communities of practice can share data effectively. The benefits of such interoperability and how to achieve it will be examined.
XML and digital information
Structured data can be expressed in XML which has become the de facto language for digital library storage and delivery. The language will be explored through a hands-on workshop.
Software for digital libraries and interface design
Effective use of software and the role of interface design in ensuring effective discovery.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | Data analysis, structuring, sorting and budget preparation. |
| Communication | There will be a requirement to discuss and collaborate with members of the class. Written communication will be assessed. |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Use of professional sources and documentation will foster student awareness of available learning resources and improve critical and evaluatory skills. |
| Information Technology | IT skills are integral to coursework and presentation of assignments, along with computer based practical exercises. |
| Personal Development and Career planning | The module provides an academic baseline and essential skills for information professionals. |
| Problem solving | Assignment work and practical activities will utilise professional scenarios in which strategies for dealing with particular issues and problems need to be formulated. |
| Research skills | Assignment preparation will require the identification and location of relevant academic and professional literature, and professional best practice. |
| Subject Specific Skills | The planning and delivery of a digital implementation project. |
| Team work | By the nature of its delivery team work is not part of this module. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 7