Programme Specifications

Information and Library Studies


1 : Awarding Institution / Body
Aberystwyth University

2a : Teaching Institution / University
Aberystwyth University

2b : Work-based learning (where appropriate)
Relevant current employment is a condition of admission to the programme

Information provided by Department of Information Studies:

Relevant current employment is a condition of admission to the programme 

3a : Programme accredited by
Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP)

3b : Programme approved by
Aberystwyth University

4 : Final Award
Bachelor of Science

5 : Programme title
Information and Library Studies

6 : UCAS code
P110D

7 : QAA Subject Benchmark


Information provided by Department of Information Studies:

Librarianship, Information, Knowledge, Records and Archives Management

8 : Date of publication


Information provided by Department of Information Studies:

Feb 2013

9 : Educational aims of the programme


Information provided by Department of Information Studies:

·        A part-time and distance learning route to a degree, professional qualification, and professional post

·        To gain knowledge and skills to an appropriate level for professional posts in librarianship and information management      

·        To acquire knowledge and skills for identifying, creating, acquiring, organising, storing, retrieving, evaluating, and disseminating information; in the context of users’ and organisation’s parameters

·        To gain general and transferable knowledge and skills



10 : Intended learning outcomes


Information provided by Department of Information Studies:

The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills,  qualities and other  attributes in the following areas



10.1 : Knowledge and understanding


Information provided by Department of Information Studies:


A1 An understanding of the core elements of the discipline, and how it interacts with its technological, social, political, professional and economic environments

A2 An understanding of the professions embraced by the discipline

A3 An understanding of information flows both within and across communities and organisations

A4 An understanding of how different groups communicate and of patterns of communication in and between a range of communities and organisations

A5 An awareness of local, regional, national and international information policies, organisations and issues, and of professional, legal and ethical concerns

A6 The ability to identify, analyse and evaluate the information needs of different groups and make informed decisions to satisfy them. An awareness of methods of obtaining and analysing information on, and feedback from users

A7 An understanding of the need for information skills both for the information professional and for their users

A8 A knowledge of legal and regulatory issues, and an ability to identify and apply the statutory and regulatory framework to for instance the creation, capture, storage, dissemination, retrieval and destruction of information.

A9 Familiarity with the information sources, in an appropriate range of media and formats, and the ability to identify and use relevant ones effectively. This will include a knowledge of the structures that have created them and of the techniques necessary to access them, whether these be general or specialised skills

A10 Skills in the retrieval of information from primary and secondary sources, irrespective of medium

A11 The ability to create and use finding aids and retrieval tools, and a knowledge and understanding of the techniques and standards for their creation

A12 The ability to select and acquire materials appropriate to the needs of the users, and the skill to make informed decisions about what should be retained and what can be safely discarded without jeopardising the knowledge base

A13 The ability to evaluate information, to identify that which most closely meets the needs of the user and present it in a form that facilitates its use

A14 An awareness of different ways of providing access to materials via such activities as resource-sharing, shared acquisition programmes, document delivery and Web access, and the ability to evaluate and make balanced decisions from the range of alternatives available

A15 An understanding of both the measures that are necessary to preserve information and materials and how to implement those measures to ensure the future availability of resources

A16 An awareness of the particular demands of proprietary information, and the responsibility for its creation, authentication and security

A17 A grounding in research methods to provide the ability both to undertake independent projects and to evaluate the work carried out by others

A18 A clear understanding of the principles of information and communications technologies and their application within an appropriate professional context. Effective interaction with technologies applicable to a wide range of professional tasks, and the ability to evaluate systems, and to explain to technical experts requirements in relation to perceived needs

A19 A grounding in the basic principles of the planning and management of services, including inter-personal skills, performance indicators, budgeting, purchasing, marketing of services, quality and liability issues and staff management and training, so as to enable the management of library and information services or archive organisations

A variety of different assessment methods are used in the progamme including:
Formal examinations
Reports including employment relevant scenarios and business plans

Presentations

Essays

Reflective portfolios



10.2 : Skills and other attributes


Information provided by Department of Information Studies:

The Programme prepares students to:

 

10.2.1 Intellectual Skills

B1 Identify and classify principles and ideas and analyse facts and theories systematically, critically and effectively

B2 Relate and marshal facts, ideas and theories in support of a well-structured argument and advance solutions or concepts

B3 Apply knowledge to case studies and scenarios and make a critical judgment of the merits of particular arguments

B4 Present a reasoned choice between alternative solutions to problems, and correctly cite supporting evidence for all decisions

B5 Manage data and present appropriate results in a suitable manner

B6 Evaluate the quality of information retrieved

B7 Produce a research report in a coherent and well argued way

 

10.2.2 Professional Practical Skills

 

C1 Information skills: sufficient to be information literate and have the ability to induct users

C2 Familiarity with the information sources, in an appropriate range of media and formats, and the ability to identify and use relevant ones effectively. This includes a knowledge of the techniques necessary to access them, whether these be linguistic or technical skills

C3 Information retrieval skills in the use of primary and secondary sources irrespective of medium

C4 The ability to evaluate information, to identify that which most closely meets the needs of the user and present it in a form that facilitates its use

C5 A grounding in research methods, both to undertake independent projects and to evaluate the work carried out by others

C6 Effective interaction with the information and communications technologies applicable to a wide range of professional tasks, and the ability to evaluate systems, and to explain to technical experts requirements in relation to perceived needs

C7 Management of library systems and staff

C8 Communcation and reflective skills

 

A combination of methods are used to assess the above skills including the following:

·                    Formal examinations

·                    Reports including employment relevant scenarios and business plans

·                    Essays of various lengths

·                    Presentations

·                    Essays

.Reflective Portfolios

 



10.3 : Transferable/Key skills


Information provided by Department of Information Studies:

On completion of the programme the student will be able to take responsibility for themselves and their work. S/he will be able to: 

Autonomy and Ability to Learn

D1 Study in a systematic, effective and purposeful way using a wide range of  appropriate resources

D2 Link and integrate theory, practice and work experience

D3 Undertake independent research

D4 Reflect critically on his or her own learning

D5 Seek and make effective use of all manner of feedback

D6 Manage time effectively and work to self set deadlines

D7 Interact effectively with tutors and peers

 

Management Skills

D8 Recognise the importance of good management practice, including human and financial resource management, in a variety of contexts

D9 Comprehend the relationship between information and organisational structures, functions and goals

D10 Make an appropriate selection and application of principles and procedures for the solution of a range of issues

D11 Recognise and define problems, and identify suitable resources that can assist in their management or solution

D12 Act independently in time management and planning a programme of work or study

D13 Recognise the significance of proactive marketing and promotion and demonstrate their impact on the achievement of organisational goals

 

Communication Skills

D14 Communicate in a clear, systematic and concise way for a range of different purposes and audiences in the language of study

      D15 Write fluently and effectively

D16 Give effective oral presentations in a range of contexts

D17 Engage in discussions in a professional and cogent manner

D18 Work in groups or teams as a leader or participant in a way that contributes effectively to the group's tasks

D19 Negotiate

D20 Interact effectively and impartially with individuals and groups in particular communities

 

Information and Communications Technology (ICT)

D21 Create, manipulate and format documents using appropriate software

D22 Evaluate and present information in numerical or statistical form using appropriate software

D23 Design a multimedia presentation using appropriate software

D24 Use a range of electronic information systems such as Web browsers, Internet search engines, online public-access catalogues and online hosts

      D25 Communicate electronically

 

A combination of methods are used to assess the above skills including the following:

·                    Formal examinations

·                    Reports including employment relevant scenarios and business plans

·                    Presentations

·                    Essays

·                    Reflective portfolios

 



11 : Program Structures and requirements, levels, modules, credits and awards



BSC Information and Library Studies [P110D]

Academic Year: 2024/2025Single Honours scheme - available from 2014/2015

Duration (studying Full-Time): 5 years

Part 2 Rules

 Core (200 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

All Semesters
DS24110

Human Communication

DS24310

Developing Academic and Reflective Skills

DS30210

Information Sources

DS31020

Collection Management

DS31530

Dissertation

DS31620

Information Retrieval

DS32620

Marketing of Services

DS33320

Research Methodology

DS34020

Information Literacy

DS36020

Information and Society

DS36520

Management of Organisations

 Options

Choose 40 credits worth of DIS option modules.

All Semesters
DS30810

Focus on the Child:Reading and Libraries

DS34520

Archive Management: Principles and Techniques

DS35010

Digital Information: Discovery to Delivery

DS35620

Digital Presence and Social Media

DS35720

Knowledge and Information Architecture

DS36210

Introduction to Rare Book Librarianship


12 : Support for students and their learning
Every student is allocated a Personal Tutor. Personal Tutors have an important role within the overall framework for supporting students and their personal development at the University. The role is crucial in helping students to identify where they might find support, how and where to seek advice and how to approach support to maximise their student experience. Further support for students and their learning is provided by Information Services and Student Support and Careers Services.

13 : Entry Requirements
<p>Candidates must normally: be over 21yrs of age, be currently employed in an information or library environment, be able to demonstrate academic capability to undertake the course, have access to computer facilities including CD-ROM and have basic computer skills.</p>

14 : Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standards of teaching and learning
All taught study schemes are subject to annual monitoring and periodic review, which provide the University with assurance that schemes are meeting their aims, and also identify areas of good practice and disseminate this information in order to enhance the provision.

15 : Regulation of Assessment
Academic Regulations are published as Appendix 2 of the Academic Quality Handbook: https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/aqro/handbook/app-2/.

15.1 : External Examiners
External Examiners fulfill an essential part of the University’s Quality Assurance. Annual reports by External Examiners are considered by Faculties and Academic Board at university level.

16 : Indicators of quality and standards
The Department Quality Audit questionnaire serves as a checklist about the current requirements of the University’s Academic Quality Handbook. The periodic Department Reviews provide an opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of quality assurance processes and for the University to assure itself that management of quality and standards which are the responsibility of the University as a whole are being delivered successfully.

Information and Library Studies


1 : Awarding Institution / Body
Aberystwyth University

2a : Teaching Institution / University
Aberystwyth University

2b : Work-based learning (where appropriate)
Relevant current employment is a condition of admission to the programme

Information provided by Department of Information Studies:

Relevant current employment is a condition of admission to the programme 

3a : Programme accredited by
Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP)

3b : Programme approved by
Aberystwyth University

4 : Final Award
Bachelor of Science

5 : Programme title
Information and Library Studies

6 : UCAS code
P110D

7 : QAA Subject Benchmark


Information provided by Department of Information Studies:

Librarianship, Information, Knowledge, Records and Archives Management

8 : Date of publication


Information provided by Department of Information Studies:

Feb 2013

9 : Educational aims of the programme


Information provided by Department of Information Studies:

·        A part-time and distance learning route to a degree, professional qualification, and professional post

·        To gain knowledge and skills to an appropriate level for professional posts in librarianship and information management      

·        To acquire knowledge and skills for identifying, creating, acquiring, organising, storing, retrieving, evaluating, and disseminating information; in the context of users’ and organisation’s parameters

·        To gain general and transferable knowledge and skills



10 : Intended learning outcomes


Information provided by Department of Information Studies:

The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills,  qualities and other  attributes in the following areas



10.1 : Knowledge and understanding


Information provided by Department of Information Studies:


A1 An understanding of the core elements of the discipline, and how it interacts with its technological, social, political, professional and economic environments

A2 An understanding of the professions embraced by the discipline

A3 An understanding of information flows both within and across communities and organisations

A4 An understanding of how different groups communicate and of patterns of communication in and between a range of communities and organisations

A5 An awareness of local, regional, national and international information policies, organisations and issues, and of professional, legal and ethical concerns

A6 The ability to identify, analyse and evaluate the information needs of different groups and make informed decisions to satisfy them. An awareness of methods of obtaining and analysing information on, and feedback from users

A7 An understanding of the need for information skills both for the information professional and for their users

A8 A knowledge of legal and regulatory issues, and an ability to identify and apply the statutory and regulatory framework to for instance the creation, capture, storage, dissemination, retrieval and destruction of information.

A9 Familiarity with the information sources, in an appropriate range of media and formats, and the ability to identify and use relevant ones effectively. This will include a knowledge of the structures that have created them and of the techniques necessary to access them, whether these be general or specialised skills

A10 Skills in the retrieval of information from primary and secondary sources, irrespective of medium

A11 The ability to create and use finding aids and retrieval tools, and a knowledge and understanding of the techniques and standards for their creation

A12 The ability to select and acquire materials appropriate to the needs of the users, and the skill to make informed decisions about what should be retained and what can be safely discarded without jeopardising the knowledge base

A13 The ability to evaluate information, to identify that which most closely meets the needs of the user and present it in a form that facilitates its use

A14 An awareness of different ways of providing access to materials via such activities as resource-sharing, shared acquisition programmes, document delivery and Web access, and the ability to evaluate and make balanced decisions from the range of alternatives available

A15 An understanding of both the measures that are necessary to preserve information and materials and how to implement those measures to ensure the future availability of resources

A16 An awareness of the particular demands of proprietary information, and the responsibility for its creation, authentication and security

A17 A grounding in research methods to provide the ability both to undertake independent projects and to evaluate the work carried out by others

A18 A clear understanding of the principles of information and communications technologies and their application within an appropriate professional context. Effective interaction with technologies applicable to a wide range of professional tasks, and the ability to evaluate systems, and to explain to technical experts requirements in relation to perceived needs

A19 A grounding in the basic principles of the planning and management of services, including inter-personal skills, performance indicators, budgeting, purchasing, marketing of services, quality and liability issues and staff management and training, so as to enable the management of library and information services or archive organisations

A variety of different assessment methods are used in the progamme including:
Formal examinations
Reports including employment relevant scenarios and business plans

Presentations

Essays

Reflective portfolios



10.2 : Skills and other attributes


Information provided by Department of Information Studies:

The Programme prepares students to:

 

10.2.1 Intellectual Skills

B1 Identify and classify principles and ideas and analyse facts and theories systematically, critically and effectively

B2 Relate and marshal facts, ideas and theories in support of a well-structured argument and advance solutions or concepts

B3 Apply knowledge to case studies and scenarios and make a critical judgment of the merits of particular arguments

B4 Present a reasoned choice between alternative solutions to problems, and correctly cite supporting evidence for all decisions

B5 Manage data and present appropriate results in a suitable manner

B6 Evaluate the quality of information retrieved

B7 Produce a research report in a coherent and well argued way

 

10.2.2 Professional Practical Skills

 

C1 Information skills: sufficient to be information literate and have the ability to induct users

C2 Familiarity with the information sources, in an appropriate range of media and formats, and the ability to identify and use relevant ones effectively. This includes a knowledge of the techniques necessary to access them, whether these be linguistic or technical skills

C3 Information retrieval skills in the use of primary and secondary sources irrespective of medium

C4 The ability to evaluate information, to identify that which most closely meets the needs of the user and present it in a form that facilitates its use

C5 A grounding in research methods, both to undertake independent projects and to evaluate the work carried out by others

C6 Effective interaction with the information and communications technologies applicable to a wide range of professional tasks, and the ability to evaluate systems, and to explain to technical experts requirements in relation to perceived needs

C7 Management of library systems and staff

C8 Communcation and reflective skills

 

A combination of methods are used to assess the above skills including the following:

·                    Formal examinations

·                    Reports including employment relevant scenarios and business plans

·                    Essays of various lengths

·                    Presentations

·                    Essays

.Reflective Portfolios

 



10.3 : Transferable/Key skills


Information provided by Department of Information Studies:

On completion of the programme the student will be able to take responsibility for themselves and their work. S/he will be able to: 

Autonomy and Ability to Learn

D1 Study in a systematic, effective and purposeful way using a wide range of  appropriate resources

D2 Link and integrate theory, practice and work experience

D3 Undertake independent research

D4 Reflect critically on his or her own learning

D5 Seek and make effective use of all manner of feedback

D6 Manage time effectively and work to self set deadlines

D7 Interact effectively with tutors and peers

 

Management Skills

D8 Recognise the importance of good management practice, including human and financial resource management, in a variety of contexts

D9 Comprehend the relationship between information and organisational structures, functions and goals

D10 Make an appropriate selection and application of principles and procedures for the solution of a range of issues

D11 Recognise and define problems, and identify suitable resources that can assist in their management or solution

D12 Act independently in time management and planning a programme of work or study

D13 Recognise the significance of proactive marketing and promotion and demonstrate their impact on the achievement of organisational goals

 

Communication Skills

D14 Communicate in a clear, systematic and concise way for a range of different purposes and audiences in the language of study

      D15 Write fluently and effectively

D16 Give effective oral presentations in a range of contexts

D17 Engage in discussions in a professional and cogent manner

D18 Work in groups or teams as a leader or participant in a way that contributes effectively to the group's tasks

D19 Negotiate

D20 Interact effectively and impartially with individuals and groups in particular communities

 

Information and Communications Technology (ICT)

D21 Create, manipulate and format documents using appropriate software

D22 Evaluate and present information in numerical or statistical form using appropriate software

D23 Design a multimedia presentation using appropriate software

D24 Use a range of electronic information systems such as Web browsers, Internet search engines, online public-access catalogues and online hosts

      D25 Communicate electronically

 

A combination of methods are used to assess the above skills including the following:

·                    Formal examinations

·                    Reports including employment relevant scenarios and business plans

·                    Presentations

·                    Essays

·                    Reflective portfolios

 



11 : Program Structures and requirements, levels, modules, credits and awards



BSC Information and Library Studies [P110D]

Academic Year: 2024/2025Single Honours scheme - available from 2014/2015

Duration (studying Full-Time): 5 years

Part 2 Rules

 Core (200 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

All Semesters
DS24110

Human Communication

DS24310

Developing Academic and Reflective Skills

DS30210

Information Sources

DS31020

Collection Management

DS31530

Dissertation

DS31620

Information Retrieval

DS32620

Marketing of Services

DS33320

Research Methodology

DS34020

Information Literacy

DS36020

Information and Society

DS36520

Management of Organisations

 Options

Choose 40 credits worth of DIS option modules.

All Semesters
DS30810

Focus on the Child:Reading and Libraries

DS34520

Archive Management: Principles and Techniques

DS35010

Digital Information: Discovery to Delivery

DS35620

Digital Presence and Social Media

DS35720

Knowledge and Information Architecture

DS36210

Introduction to Rare Book Librarianship


12 : Support for students and their learning
Every student is allocated a Personal Tutor. Personal Tutors have an important role within the overall framework for supporting students and their personal development at the University. The role is crucial in helping students to identify where they might find support, how and where to seek advice and how to approach support to maximise their student experience. Further support for students and their learning is provided by Information Services and Student Support and Careers Services.

13 : Entry Requirements
<p>Candidates must normally: be over 21yrs of age, be currently employed in an information or library environment, be able to demonstrate academic capability to undertake the course, have access to computer facilities including CD-ROM and have basic computer skills.</p>

14 : Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standards of teaching and learning
All taught study schemes are subject to annual monitoring and periodic review, which provide the University with assurance that schemes are meeting their aims, and also identify areas of good practice and disseminate this information in order to enhance the provision.

15 : Regulation of Assessment
Academic Regulations are published as Appendix 2 of the Academic Quality Handbook: https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/aqro/handbook/app-2/.

15.1 : External Examiners
External Examiners fulfill an essential part of the University’s Quality Assurance. Annual reports by External Examiners are considered by Faculties and Academic Board at university level.

16 : Indicators of quality and standards
The Department Quality Audit questionnaire serves as a checklist about the current requirements of the University’s Academic Quality Handbook. The periodic Department Reviews provide an opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of quality assurance processes and for the University to assure itself that management of quality and standards which are the responsibility of the University as a whole are being delivered successfully.