Masters Of Science In Library and Information Science

MASTERS OF SCIENCE IN LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE

NUST code:

 

DURATION:

2 Years

TYPE OF DEGREE:

HONOURS

CREDIT LOAD:

121

LEVEL 
 

9

ACCREDITATION ORGANISATION(S):

Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE)

 

The Master of Science Degree in Library and Information Science programme is aimed at applicants who   

have passed their first degrees in Library and Information Science or other related disciplines who want to pursue further studies at Masters level. Students in this programme will go through a rigorous learning  process which enable them to develop critical thinking on managerial and technological developments in the information field. Knowledge of current trends and their applicability to given environments and situations will be emphasised. Innovative thinking and problem-solving techniques will be encouraged.

 

Regulations

These regulations should be read in conjunction with the general university regulations for masters’ studies, and the regulations of the Faculty of Communication and Information Science.

 The Degree will be awarded to candidates who have successfully completed the programme and passed the examinations in accordance with the regulations set out below

Candidates must have the following qualifications (or their equivalent):
At least a Lower Second Class Honours Degree in Library and Information Science or in any other Information Science field, for instance, Information and Communication Technology, Archives, Records Management, Information Systems Management, Publishing, Archaeology, Cultural Heritage and Museology Studies.
At least a Lower Second Class Degree in any other subject field plus a post graduate qualification in library and information studies
Applicants who have obtained a Pass Degree in any information science field and at least five (5) years relevant experience in information related sciences may be considered for admission and on special entry basis. 
 

The programme consisting of eight (8) taught modules and examinations plus a dissertation, shall last a minimum of 15 months and a maximum of 24 months on a full-time basis.

On a part-time basis, the programme will be studied over a minimum period of 24 months and a maximum period of 36 months.

There may be bridging courses between registration and commencement of the academic year.

 Full-time programme
In Semester I six (6) core modules will be taught and examined. In Semester II students will take one core module and one  elective module and research seminars which are compulsory though not examinable. After examination of  the modules, they will concentrate on the writing of the dissertation.

 Part-time programme
On a part-time basis the delivery of taught modules will be by block release. A         total of six (6) core modules will be offered during Semesters I and II of the first year. In Semester I of     the second year, students must do one core module and select one (1) elective from a complement of six         (6) and research seminars which are compulsory though not examinable.

In Semester II of the second year candidates will concentrate on the writing of the dissertation. The research project leading to the dissertation may commence any time after Semester II of the first year.          But the writing of the dissertation will be after examination of the taught courses.

Purpose of the Programme

The aim of the Master in Library and Information Science programme is to impart an advanced             understanding of contemporary theory and practice in the field of library and information science, the             role of information in society as well as the philosophies that inform practice in library and information             science.

 Programme Characteristics

Areas of Study

  • Contemporary issues in the library and information science discipline.
  • Modern technology and its application to provision of access to information.
  • Formulation and implementation of information policies.
  • Digital curatorship
  • Research techniques suitable for the information discipline.
  • Management of libraries and information centres
  • Theories and practices of knowledge management.
  • Database development, utilisation, and management.
Specialist Focus
  • Role of indigenous knowledge systems in a knowledge society
  • Knowledge in agricultural, health, and developmental studies.
  • Advanced records and archives management.
  • Project management.

 

Orientation

The programme gives equal weight to theory and practice.

 

Career Opportunities and Further Education

Graduates of this programme may work in a variety of libraries and information centres as middle or top level             managers and information specialists and in academia. Graduates may proceed to doctoral studies in library and information science fields, among others.

 

Programme Delivery

Teaching and learning methods include, lectures, tutorials, seminars, laboratory practical work, group work, e-learning, research projects, and independent study. Students are assessed through essays, tests, oral presentations,    practical work, and dissertations, among other means. Students taking practical modules are expected to produce industry-standard work.

 

Programme Competencies

Generic Competencies

  • Ability to analyse and synthesise information.
  • Methodological problem solving.
  • Critical thinking.
  • Verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to reason and argue constructively.
  • Commitment to integrity and ethical conduct.

 

Discipline Specific Competencies

  • Database creation, development and utilisation
  • Management Information Systems creation, development and utilisation
  • Application of Knowledge management skills
  • Development of state-of-the-art libraries and information centres
  • Digital curation
  • Information policy planning and implementation

 

Exit Level Outcomes

  • Apply contemporary issues in the library and information science discipline.
  • Develop modern technology applications to provision of access to information.
  • Formulate and implement information policies needed in given environments.
  • Apply digital curatorship where needed.
  • Use suitable research techniques suitable for the information discipline.
  • Manage of libraries and information centres
  • Apply theories and practices of knowledge management.
  • Develop, maintain, and use databases where necessary .

 

 

Minimum body of knowledge in Library and Information Science

Adaptation skills and competencies in new technologies in fields of telecommunications,electronic commerce and publishing, digitization, cloud computing

Creation, maintenance and management of digital institutional repositories, online databases

Management of library and information centres in ICT environments

Problem solving, critical thinking, time management, literature synthesis and data analysis through academic research

Knowledge management in principle and practice

Management Information Systems and strategic thinking application in information services

Knowledge in contemporary information policy issues in and outside Zimbabwe as well as policy crafting and assessment skills

Information based solutions to Indigenous Knowledge Systems

Specialised expertise in agricultural, health and geographic information systems

Patent legislation and intellectual property rights

Project management skills

Instructional methods for information literacy

Data management and digital curatorship

Bibliometrics, altmetrics and webometrics

 

 

Scheme of Examination and Assessment

Faculty regulations for examinations shall apply. 

A formal 3 hour written examination shall be conducted in all taught courses.

Examinations will be subject to external assessment.

Students shall submit a written research paper.

The pass mark is 50%.

If  a candidate fails a research paper, he/she may re-submit it within three months after publication of Results, or repeat as provided for in the General Regulations.

Students shall not be allowed to repeat a course more than once.

Candidates may not carry more than two courses to the next Stage.

For the degree to be awarded, the minimum number of 133 credits must be satisfied.

Part I (36 credits)

ILI 5101                                                Advanced Information Technology Applications (12 Credits)

ILI 5102                                                Research Methods and Data Analysis Techniques (12 Credits)

ILI 5112                                                Knowledge Management (12 Credits)


Part II (36 credits)

ILI 5201                                                 Information and Communication Theory (12 Credits)

ILI 5202                                                Management Information Systems (12 Credits)

ILI 5203                                                 Strategic Management and Leadership in the Information Services (12 Credits)

 
Part III (24 credits)

Part III (Core Modules)

ILI 5000                                                Research Seminars

ILI 5301                                                Information Policy Studies (12 Credits)


Elective Courses (3) These electives will be offered provided a minimum of five students sign up for the course and are also subject to the availability of resources and teaching staff

ILI 5302                                     Indigenous Knowledge Systems (12 Credits)

ILI 5303                                     Specialised Information Systems in Agriculture, Health, Development       

Studies (12 Credits)

ILI  5304                                    Sociology of Information(12 Credits)

ILI 5305                                     Intellectual Property Rights (12 Credits)

ILI 5306                                     Project Management (12 Credits)

ILI 5307                                     Instructional Methods for Information Literacy (12 Credits)

ILI 5308                                     Data Management and Digital Curatorship (12 Credits)

ILI 5309                                     Informetrics (12 Credits)

IRA6101                                     Advanced Records Management (12 Credits)

 
Part IV (25 credits)

ILI 5000                                     Dissertation (25 Credits)

Year I

Part I

ILI 5101: Advanced Information Technology Applications (12 credits)

This module seeks to provide senior library managers with skills and competencies that enable them to adopt new technologies and adapt to new technological trends in the use of ICTs in libraries and information resource centres. These technologies include telecommunications, cloud computing, electronic publishing, text digitization and ecommerce. The module thus seeks to enable professionals in information centres to appreciate the changing role of librarianship in an ICT environment and to gain the ability to manage the creation and management of digital repositories, institutional repositories and online databases as well as Web OPACs, Portals. Upon completing the module successfully, students would be able to manage library operations in an ICT environment.

ILI 5102: Research Methods and Data Analysis Techniques (12 credits)

Pre-requisite for ILI 5000

This module provides fundamental knowledge and skills necessary for conducting quality research in library and information science. It includes in great depth the different methods used in research, covering the whole breath of conducting a research project, viz, proposal creation, data collection, data processing and data presentation techniques. Upon successful completion of the module, students would be able to formulate research questions, design and carry out research studies and critically evaluate and analyse findings and conclusions from other research studies.

ILI 5112: Knowledge Management (12 credits)

The module introduces the concept of knowledge management, definitions and perspectives of knowledge management, outlines the history of knowledge management, knowledge management elements, knowledge management cycle, knowledge management models, knowledge management tools and how knowledge management can be implemented in organisations. The importance of knowledge management for individuals, communities of practice and organisations is described together with the emerging knowledge management strategies, roles and responsibilities needed to ensure successful implementation. At the end of the module, students would have gained an understanding the concept of knowledge management and the different views on the concept, describe different methods and techniques for managing knowledge, describe different types of knowledge support systems and will also understand the need for effective knowledge and information management in the knowledge society.

 
Year I

Part II

ILI 5201: Information and Communication Theory (12 credits)

Examines theoretical and practical aspects of communication and information. Includes a contextualised study of knowledge and information, the media of information storage and transmission, control and exchange of information in society and the social organisation of knowledge. Upon completion of the module, students would gain an appreciation of the concepts of information and knowledge, the various communication theories, particularly those that the student is likely to encounter later in their graduate programme and the dynamics of information and knowledge management in society.

ILI 5202: Management Information Systems (12 credits)

The module is a study of concepts and techniques for applying computer technology to functional areas of a work environment in an information centre. Emphasis is placed on the advantages, limitations, general characteristics and potential contributions of computerised information systems to sound decision making. At the end of the module, the students would be able to generate and use data from various computer systems in decision making through report generation features.

ILI 5203: Strategic Management and Leadership in the Information Services (12 credits)

This module is an introduction to the field of strategic management. It looks at the art and science of strategic planning and implementation of the plans, the key concepts and theories in the field and how they can be applied to institutions in the information services sector. The module also highlights the role of leadership in effective strategy implementation. Illustrations with case studies about real scenarios in various types of information services institutions shall be used during classes. At the end of the module, students would gain an appreciation of the importance of building competitive advantage, an understanding of leadership strategies and their impact on organisational direction and the relationship between strategic management and leadership. Students would also be able to set performance targets of teams to meet strategic objectives and to apply influencing and persuading skills in the work place.

 
Year II

Part III

Core Modules

ILI 5000: Research Seminars

Pre-requisite: ILI 5102: Research Methods and Data Analysis Techniques (12 credits)

Seminars are offered to students in preparation for undertaking a dissertation. The purpose of the seminars is to enable students to select a research topic and thereafter write a research proposal. The essence of the seminars is to enable students to design their own research curricula which is finally refined with the help of dissertation supervisors.

ILI 5301: Information Policy Studies (12 credits)

The module in an examination of aspects of policy through a critical analysis and comparison of key policy initiatives and policy documents in the field of Library and Information Services in Zimbabwe, the region and internationally. It also examines and analyses policies occurring in coextensive areas such as mass media and the publishing industry. At the end of the module, students would be able to demonstrate familiarity with current information policy issues in Zimbabwe, assess recent information policy initiatives in other countries, propose policy approaches in response to an information issue such as freedom of information, information access and distribution, copyright, or privacy and also design their own sector-specific policies.

One (1) Elective Module to be Chosen

ILI 5302: Indigenous Knowledge Systems (12 credits)

The module explores the significance of indigenous knowledge systems from historical and developmental perspectives, placing the systems in the context of modern knowledge systems. It concludes by demonstrating how library and information services can embrace all forms of knowledge systems. Students will gain an appreciation of the importance of indigenous knowledge in modern society and its application from different perspectives. It is anticipated that students would advance knowledge on the subject area by undertaking research on the subject matter in their dissertations.

ILI 5303: Specialised Information Systems in Agriculture, Health, Development Studies, etc (12 credits)

The module focuses on the design, development and management of specialised information systems in agriculture, health and environmental issues in the context of contemporary trends. Topics include expert systems for specialised information systems, diagnostic problem solving for information systems in the agriculture, health and environmental sectors. Students would gain both theoretical and practical exposure in the use of a selection of specialised information systems in agriculture, health and the environment upon successfully completing the course.

IRA 6101: Advanced Records Management (12 credits)

(Module offered from the Department of Records and Archives Management)

The module discusses the various theories and approaches used in records and archives management. A critique of the major approaches including the records life-cycle, records continuum, integrated recordkeeping models is done with special reference to selected case studies. Contemporary recordkeeping approaches and application of records management policies and programmes in situational contexts is also examined. Students would gain an ability to appraise records.

ILI 5304: Sociology of Information (12 credits)

The module is an in-depth study of the relationship between particular users and user communities and the delivery of information services in specific contexts. It focuses on society and societal information needs in both retrospective and current contexts, and how these needs, particularly current ones, can be strategically met. It also looks at social change and how this impacts on information requirements and delivery to various segments of society. Students would gain an appreciation of the information needs, use and seeking behaviours in different social institutions at the end of the module.

ILI 5305: Intellectual Property Rights (12 credits)

This module focuses on the protection of proprietary rights in inventions, writings, creative expression, software, trade secrets, trade designations, and other intangible intellectual products, copyright, trademarks and unfair competition law. Consideration will be given to the challenges posed for traditional intellectual property paradigms by new technologies and the shift to a knowledge-based economy. The module covers some of the salient controversies in intellectual property law, including patent protection for software and business methods, the challenges to copyright law posed by file sharing technology, the role and difficulties of protecting trademarks on the Internet, and the application of common law doctrines to the Internet. Emphasis is given to Zimbabwean patent laws. Upon completing the module, students would gain an understanding of intellectual property rights issues.

ILI 5306: Project Management (12 credits)

The purpose of the module is to enable students to design and implement information related projects in various work settings. The project life cycle aspects like identification, purpose, planning, implementation, managing, utilising resources in the environment as well as feasibility assessment of a project will be stressed. Emphasis will be on relevance to local people and needs, and the role of leadership skills in capitalising on ‘soft skills’ for successful project management. On completion of the module, students would know what project management involves, how to efficiently organise project work towards a goal, understand what work motivation, leadership and teamwork entail as well as learn how to communicate, influence and act in a crisis.

ILI 5307: Instructional Methods for Information Literacy (12 credits)

The module aims to develop in students, proficiencies to plan, coordinate and implement information literacy programmes in a variety of information institutions. The students would gain an understanding of learning theories, information seeking behaviour models and instructional design and delivery methods. Proficiencies include: administrative skills, assessment and evaluation skills, communication skills, curriculum knowledge, presentation skills, among others.

ILI 5308: Data Management and Digital Curatorship (12 credits)

The module prepares students and practicing information professionals with the competencies (i.e., knowledge, skills, and abilities) for the emerging digital curation and data management environment. It also prepares students to qualify for and excel in the evolving opportunities in digital curation and data management. Students will learn both fundamental concepts and practical skills needed to perform essential job functions that are relevant to digital curation and data management. Students would gain practical experiences with technologies and applications in a virtual laboratory setting to develop the necessary technical competencies needed to facilitate continued access to digital information resources.

ILI 5309: Informetrics (12 credits)

The module covers the study of quantitative aspects of information, including the production, dissemination and use of all forms of information. Areas of focus include bibliometrics, altmetrics, scientometrics and webometrics. At the end of the module, students would gain fundamental theoretical and practical knowledge and skills in informetrics.

Year II

Part IV

ILI 5000: Dissertation (25 credits)

Working under the guidance of a supervisor, students will be required to undertake an independent investigation on a topic of their choice that is subject to approval. The exercise will enhance the students’ proficiency in undertaking research in order to solve organisational/institutional and societal problems.

The dissertation must be at least 20 000 words. Marking and moderation of the dissertation must be done by a moderator and an external examiner, respectively.

   
Stage 1

$750

Stage 2 & 3

$740

Stage 4

$490

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