Module Information
Course Delivery
Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
---|---|
Lecture | The module will be delivered by a mixture of lectures and seminars/tutorials, taking up approximately 2 hours per week. |
Seminars / Tutorials |
Assessment
Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
---|---|---|
Semester Assessment | Report-style written assignment (1,000 words) | 25% |
Semester Assessment | Essay-style written assignment (1,500) words | 25% |
Semester Exam | 2 Hours Written examination | 50% |
Supplementary Assessment | Resubmission of failed coursework- weighted between 25%- 50% | 25% |
Supplementary Assessment | Resubmission of failed coursework - Essay | 25% |
Supplementary Exam | 2 Hours Resit of failed examination | 50% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Describe how information science, information management and knowledge management evolved;
Identify the main roles of information professionals;
Identify the social and political contexts within which information and library services operate;
Discuss some economic and social implications of information technology;
Describe the types of recorded information available, and how different information formats operate;
Demonstrate awareness of the range and diversity of information services that exist.
Describe the key types of library/information services in the UK, including their historical development and relationship with government
Discuss some of the key issues facing the library profession today
Content
- Introducing information: meanings and changing contexts
- The changing relationship between information and technology
- Introducing the information profession: background, changing roles and developing skills
- Various forms and formats of information
- Institutions: libraries, record offices, archives, virtual collections
- The history and development of libraries in the UK
- The role of professional organisations, in the UK and internationally
- Key issues currently facing the library profession.
- Social contexts: reading, the media, literacy.
Brief description
This module will provide students with an introduction to the library and information profession in the UK, including topics such as: the development of the information profession and the varied roles of the information professional, and why these are important in today'r rapidly changing world. It aims to place `information studies? in context by looking at the various forms and formats of recorded information and how it is communicated, the major producers and providers of information in the UK, and the social and political environments in which they operate. It will also look at the historical contexts of this field including the development of libraries, as well as important issues facing the profession today.
Module Skills
Skills Type | Skills details |
---|---|
Communication | Class discussion is encouraged; group work (in seminars); written assignments. |
Improving own Learning and Performance | Class discussion and personal reflection on written work |
Information Technology | Discussion of IT applications integral to some lectures. |
Personal Development and Career planning | Module presents an introduction to many aspects of the information profession which will be valuable in students¿ later module choices and career planning |
Problem solving | Written assignments and group discussions will encourage an investigative and critical approach towards key issues. |
Research skills | To be developed through two written assignments and exam preparation. |
Subject Specific Skills | Will introduce areas of key knowledge for the information profession (Learning Outcomes 4, 5, 6) as well as an understanding of the profession in wider contexts (Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 7, 8) |
Team work | Some group work in seminars will be included |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 4