Information and Library Studies (Distance Learning)

P110D - 3-5 years

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 BSc 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.

Course Objectives

The objectives of the degree scheme are twofold:

• to provide access to a professional qualification for those with an appropriate level of work-based experience who face barriers to entering traditional education, such as work or family commitments and geographical location.
• to allow for flexible progression, enabling students to work in their own time, at their own pace and place, and to relate their learning to the workplace.

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 half 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 from 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, and 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 (first and second year schools are currently available in Dublin also, in July).

Assessment

Assessment will be approximately 70% coursework, and 30% 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); formerly known as The Library Association, and Institute of Information Scientists. 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 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.

When should I apply?

The start date for the course is 1st June each year.

The closing date for applications is the end of April of the same year, although it is best to apply as early as possible as places can fill quickly. 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.

Career Prospects

The experience of past graduates, as well as students currently registered on the course, has shown that this degree is highly successful in terms of securing both promotions and new posts within the information and library profession.

Whilst students continue to achieve successful careers in the more traditional areas of information and library work in public, academic and workplace libraries, the developments in ICT have promoted the growth of other relevant activities. Many information and library professionals are now involved in supporting services such as bookselling, the supply of library automation systems, consultancy and research.