Applicants must have the following qualifications (or their equivalent):

Five ‘O’ Level passes including English Language, and Mathematics with at least a C grade is an added advantage.

Applicants with any two ‘A’ Level subject passes can be admitted into the BSc in Libraryand Information Science.

Applicants with at least a National Diploma or its equivalent may apply but will be required to start at Part I level.

Applicants with a Higher National Diploma or its equivalent will be exempted Part I and credits for Part I courses will be credited to them.

 

The degree programme may be studied on a full-time basis over four academic years. 

One year of the programme (at least 30 weeks) is ear-marked for industrial attachment.  A student placed under an organisation for attachment will be required to submit himself/herself to rules and regulations as apply to the employees of that organisation.  Should it become necessary for the student under attachment to move to another organisation, permission must be granted by the University.
In semester I of Part Four, students will take six core modules. In the second semester of Part Four, students will take five (5) core modules including a dissertation which is done for the whole academic year and one (1) elective module amongst electives which will be offered that particular year. 

Electives

Availability of electives will depend on there being adequate staff and resources to deliver modules, as well as enough students to form a viable class. Therefore, some electives might not be offered during some semesters.

Purpose of the Programme

The aim of the Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Library and Information Science is to produce graduates who can work in an information industry which is dynamic in nature and is faced with constant technological developments and ever changing information needs. The degree equips students with relevant skills that enable them to work and transform libraries and information centres to client expectations.

Programme Characteristics

Areas of Study  
        
The programme focuses on several key areas including:

Information storage, retrieval, and dissemination
Knowledge organisation
Technological access to information
Knowledge management
Management of all types of libraries and information centres.

Orientation

The programme gives equal weight to theory and practice.

Career Opportunities and Further Education

Graduates may work in different types of libraries and information centres such as public libraries, academic and school libraries, special libraries and other information centres. Graduates can work at middle management or top management levels in various capacities which include: reference librarians, information officers, subject specialists, classifiers, cataloguers, information specialists, bibliographers, indexers and in academia. Graduates of the programme may also proceed to Masters’ programmes in Library and Information Science, Knowledge Management, or Records Management programmes among others.

Programme Delivery

Teaching and learning methods include lectures, tutorials, seminars, laboratory practicals, group work, industrial visits, industrial attachment, research projects, and independent study. Students are assessed through essays, tests, oral presentations, practical work, industrial attachment assessment, industrial attachment reports, and dissertations among other methods.

Programme Competencies

Generic Competencies
Ability to analyse and synthesise information.
Organise and systematise information.
Develop and use suitable storage, retrieval and dissemination systems.
Manage knowledge in a most effective way.
Develop and use suitable technological tools for knowledge processing.

Exit Level Outcomes

Graduates of the programme should be able to:

Create and use most suitable methods of organising information.
Manage and develop relevant library and information centre collections which satisfies user needs.
Develop and use suitable technological tools in information storage, retrieval and dissemination.
Use appropriate management techniques in different types of libraries and information centres.
Conduct research that identifies problems and suggests solutions the benefit the information industry and the general society.

Minimum body of knowledge in Library and Information Science

Knowledge of Information technology in information communication.

Organisation of knowledge classification, cataloguing, indexing abstracting. information retrieval and dissemination.

Management and development of library collections

Information and media literacies essential to 21^st century global economy.

Information ethics

Communication, marketing and publicity skills.

Digital Librarianship

Knowledge management

Comparative librarianship

Instructional methods for Information literacy.

Research methods.

Production and publishing of information media.

 
Scheme of Examination and Assessment

In determining the overall degree programme aggregate, the following weightings will be used:

                        Part I   10%     minimum 139 credits

                        Part II 20%     minimum 132 credits

                        Part III 20%     minimum 130 credits

                        Part IV 50%     minimum 144 credits

           
Candidates for this programme must satisfy the examiners in all the prescribe modules and in all requirements of the programme.

 
For the degree to be awarded, the minimum number of 555 credits must be satisfied.

Examinations

Faculty regulations for examinations will apply.

 

 Part I

Semester I (All Core Modules)

ILI 1103                                              Introduction to Information Technology (10 Credits)

ILI 1104                                              Collection Development Management (10 Credits)

ILI 1107                                              Theory and Practise of Classification (14 Credits)

ILI 1108                                              Communication Theory and Practice (10 Credits)

ILI 1109                                              Information and Knowledge Society (10 Credits)

ILI 1110                                              Instructional Methods for Information Literacy (10 Credits)

CTL 1101                                           Conflict Transformation and Leadership (10 Credits)

Semester II (All Core Modules)

ILI 1202                                              Information Sources and Services (10 Credits)

ILI 1208                                              Application of Information Technology Tools in Information (12 Credits)

ILI 1209                                              Theory and Practice of Cataloguing (14 Credits)

ILI 1210                                              Information Ethics (10 Credits)

ILI 1211                                              Information Systems Management (10 Credits)

IILI 1212                                             Information and Development (10 Credits)
Total Credits for First Year 149

Part II

Semester I (All Core Modules)

ILI 2106                                                         Indexing and Abstracting (12 Credits)

ILI 2108                                                           Production and Publishing of Information

                                                                        Media (10 Credits)

ILI 2109                                                          Database Design and Management in

                                                                        Information Centres (12 Credits)

ILI 2110                                                           Information Storage and Retrieval (12 Credits)

ILI 2111                                                           Metadata Description and Access (12 Credits)

ILI 2112                                                           Research Methods and Statistics I (10 Credits)

 

Semester II

(All Core Modules)

ILI 2207                                                          Web Design and Content Management (10 Credits)

ILI 2208                                                          Management of Information Centres (12 Credits)

ILI 2209                                                          Research Methods and Statistics II (10 Credits)

ILI 2210                                                          Digital Libraries (10 Credits)

ILI 2211                                                          Library Management Systems (12 Credits)

ILI 2212                                                          Informatics (10 Credits)

Total Credits for Part II 132 

Part III

Part III (Minimum 30 weeks) (130 Credits)

Total Credits for Part III 130

Part IV

Semester I(All Core Modules)

ILI 4005                                                          Dissertation (26 Credits)

ILI 4102                                                          Marketing of Information Products and Services (10

Credits)

ILI 4106                                                          Comparative Librarianship (12 Credits)

ILI 4108                                                          Human Resources Management in Information

Services (10 Credits)

IRA 4104                                                        Infoprenuership (10 Credits)

ILI 4109                                                          Knowledge Management Strategies (12 Credits
 

Semester II (All Core Modules)

ILI 4205                                                          Children’s Libraries (10 Credits)

ILI 4210                                                          Project Management (10 Credits)

ILI 4211                                                          Copyright and legal Issues (12 Credits)

ILI 4212                                                          Disaster Risk and Communication (12 Credits)
 

Electives (Choose One)

ILI 4201                                                          Academic Libraries (10 Credits)

ILI 4202                                                          Public Libraries (10 Credits)

ILI 4207                                                          School Library Media Centres (10 Credits)

ILI 4209                                                          Special Libraries (10 Credits)

ILI 4213                                                          Medical Librarianship (10 Credits)

ILI 4214                                                          Law Librarianship (10 Credits)

ILI 4215                                                          GIS and Map Librarianship (10 Credits)
Total Credits for Part IV 130
 

BSc Programme Credits

Part I                                                  139

Part II                                                 132

Part III                                               130

Part IV                                               134

TOTAL MINIMUM CREDITS      535

 

PART I

 SEMESTER I 

ILI 1103: Introduction to Information Technology (10 credits)

Introduces information technology and the use of commercially available computing hardware, software and communications. Includes accessing geographically distributed Internet Information, electronic communication, word processing and document design, data modelling with spreadsheets, database design and maintenance for information storage, retrieval, and presentation.

ILI 1104: Collection Development and Management (10 Credits)

Covers the establishment of policies and criteria for the selection, evaluation, acquisition, processing and circulation of information media.  Provides familiarity with basic bibliographic tools, including reviewing media. 

ILI 1107: Theory and Practice of Classification (14 credits)

The module looks at theories and practices which underpin classification of resources in a library or information centre. Distinction between classificatory structures such as the deductive and the inductive approaches will be analysed. It tackles features and use of different types of classification systems. Practical exposure to classification using popular established classification schemes will be given. Ability to put classification into context and to create suitable classificatory systems to particular environments such as manual and electronic environments will be dealt with.

ILI 1108: Communication Theory and Practice (10 credits)

Covers basic communication theories through to practical skills employed in interpersonal communication within a working environment.  Group dynamics and aspects of non-verbal communication models are also examined. 

ILI 1109: Information and Knowledge Society (10 credits)

The module is introductory in nature. It highlights the importance of information and communication to the individual, family, socialising agencies and social organisations with a variety of purposes, nation states, regional groupings and the global society. The institutionalisation and professionalisation of information provision through libraries, archives and media organisations are given prominence. Students are sensitised to the impact of information and communication technologies on information and knowledge handling and society. The study of this module should enable students to appreciate the value of information and knowledge in a wide and varied range of human circumstances and endeavours. This appreciation should embrace not only the intrinsic value but also the economic value which views information and knowledge as resources that benefit individuals, organisations and society.

ILI 1110: Instructional Methods for Information Literacy (10 credits)

The module aims to provide students with the basic knowledge and skills necessary to provide instructional services in user education programmes. It fosters an understanding and appreciation of the nature and function of learning theory, instructional design and delivery methods, and how informational needs relate to instruction. The module will enable students to articulate the various theories that underpin practice in information literacy instruction as well as identify information literacy instruction models suitable to the learning needs of clients in various information environments.

 CTL 1101: Conflict Transformation and Leadership (10 credits)

(Offered from the Department of Business Management)

The module will examine concepts of conflict and peace, theories of conflict, and classical social structural theories of conflict. Modern structural theories of conflict, resource, cultural, religious and ethnic and identity based conflicts will be reviewed. Gender and conflict and conflict resolution processes will be discussed and critiqued. 

PART 1 

SEMESTER II

ILI 1202: Information Sources and Services (10 credits)

Examines theories and practices in information services provision with particular emphasis on reference work and interpersonal skills and information sources required for answering users queries.  Includes factors to consider in setting up user education programmes.

ILI 1208: Application of Information Technology Tools in Information Centres (12 credits)

The module focuses on building skills on a variety of networked computer applications for a varied range of information centre types. Emphasis is placed on Internet tools as useful information technology tools applied in information centres. The applications are studied within the framework of how they enable users to structure, store, process, access and present information. The topics will vary from semester to semester, but will typically include networking and Internet application, web coding such as HTML and XML, designing and building websites and working with CGL.

ILI 1209: Theory and Practice of Cataloguing (14 credits)

The module deals with the theory and practice of cataloguing in a library or information centre context. It enables the student to understand the concept of cataloguing and its application to libraries and information centres as a basis for information retrieval. Basic principles and standards as provided by the International Standard Bibliographic Description (ISBD) and the Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules II will be presented and applied through practical sessions. Subject cataloguing will also be dealt with and exposure to the use of standard Lists of Subject Headings will be given.

ILI 1210: Information Ethics (10 credits)

The module provides grounding on the ethical implications of accessing and disseminating information through various means. Areas of study include moral questions relating to the life cycle of information as it pertains to its generation, gathering, organisation, storage, retrieval and use. The course broadly examines issues related to information privacy, security and access, intellectual freedom, quality and integrity of information as well as intellectual property rights. It will help students to make professional decisions when confronted with legal and ethical dilemmas in the work place.

ILI 1211: Information Systems Management (10 credits)

This module explores information system building blocks, the impact and benefits of information systems to organisations particularly libraries and information centres. It covers transaction processing systems, knowledge work systems, management information systems, decision support systems and executive information systems. It also covers different system development approaches and security controls and documentation standards necessary during information systems development and operation.

ILI 1212: Information and Development (10 credits)

The module aims to provide a theoretical, empirical and methodological understanding of the role that information plays in development processes. The areas covered include key concepts, approaches, theories and practices associated with development; evolution of issues current in development; and the role and function of information organisations and agencies involved in development. The student will be provided with an insight into the communication methods used in development. Particular information types and communication media are addressed in the context of development processes.
 

PART II 

SEMESTER I

ILI 2106: Indexing and Abstracting (12 credits)

The module is a survey of the impact of information and use in the health science disciplines and professions.  The organisation of sources, current techniques and tools for its control, including online databases are analysed.

ILI 2108: Production and Publishing of Information Media (10 credits)

The module enables students to identify the physical composition of information media and to understand the different stages in the creation, production and distribution of book and non-book materials, to identify producers and suppliers and to be aware of the functions and use of different types of information media.

The module further explores the capturing of text and its handling through reprography, desktop and other computer-aided printing and publishing systems. The study and evaluation of Internet information sources and evaluation is also included.

ILI 2109: Database Design and Management in Information Centres (12 credits)

The module provides a solid introduction to the terminology, concepts and practice of information storage and retrieval systems design. Special emphasis will be placed on user needs assessment, data integrity, data models and record structure and data manipulation. Other topics include current awareness of the relational database model, hierarchical model, network model, object-oriented model, query languages, data normalisation techniques, client-server systems, database warehousing and data mining. Practice in developing a small database shall be done.

ILI 2110: Information Storage and Retrieval (12 credits)

The module examines principles of information storage and retrieval and how the principles apply to information systems and services. It covers components of information storage and retrieval systems, information representation, storage and retrieval models and techniques (including human information processing), retrieval evaluation and evaluation of information retrieval systems.

ILI 2111: Metadata Description and Access (12 credits)

The module covers issues on the application of standards and rules to the construction of tools for information retrieval, primary web resources and catalogues in library and information environments; an overview of concepts of knowledge organisation and metadata applications (Dublin Core, Encoded Archival Description [EAD], Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules and Machine readable Cataloguing [AACR2 and MARC21]; functional requirements for Bibliographic Records [FRBR], RDF and XML]) as well as special problems in the organisation of resources: archival and library materials, in various forms including Internet resources. It also includes metadata formats, descriptive detail for different forms of material, choice and form of entry for names and uniform titles, provision of authority control for names and titles.

ILI 2112: Research Methods and Statistics I (10 credits)

This module provides an introduction to qualitative research methods and designs for academic and professional investigation of information practices. Students will practically learn how to identify problem to study, develop research objectives and research questions and conduct literature review for a study. The module will also expose students to various qualitative strategies of inquiry such as case study, ethnography and phenomenology which are used in understanding the social world.

PART II 

SEMESTER II

ILI 2207: Web Design and Content Management (12 credits)

This module provides a basic understanding of the methods and techniques of developing simple to complex websites. It seeks to equip students with skills to build creative, interactive and dynamic well designed web sites. It covers webpage layout techniques, simple, html, cascading style sheets, java scripting and emerging web technologies like blogs, listserv and events. Main module content includes a continuation of Web designing from ILI 1208, including HTMLs CSS, Java scripting, Active Server Pages (ASP), the concept, context and content of a web site.

ILI 2208: Management of Information Centres (10 credits)

The module introduces management theories and their application in the information services sector. The relationship between information centres and their parent organisations will be stressed. Aspects on service quality including the underlying theories like SERVQUAL, LibQUAL and others will be studied. Special attention will be given to clientele types and their needs in planning, organising, budgeting, staffing and marketing of services. Students will be encouraged to focus on current trends.

ILI 2209: Research Methods and Statistics II (10 credits)

This module is a continuation of ILI 2112 Research Methods and Statistics I. In this module, broad methodological approaches and tools in quantitative research are explored. It provides an understanding of basic statistics including terminology and common statistical methods employed in quantitative research. Focus will be on quantitative data collection, data presentation and data analysis techniques. Students are also exposed to the use of SPSS in analysing data files.

ILI 2210: Digital Libraries (12 credits)

The digital library is a blend of old and new information management techniques. It brings new formats, technologies and techniques to the global dissemination of information, drawn on knowledge and experience in areas such as organisation of information, digital preservation, information retrieval, interface design and networking. This course will provide an overview of principles and practices in digital libraries. The module will address theoretical, technological, social and practical issues regarding building, organising and providing access to digital libraries. Topics covered include all aspects of project management including collection development and assessment, formatting standards and practices, metadata and mark-up standards, technical infrastructure and end user experience.

ILI 2211 Library Management Systems (10 credits) 

This module introduces students to a variety of software for managing routine library operations such as circulation, cataloguing, serials control and acquisitions among other library functions. It aims to provide a practical orientation to library management systems such as, but not limited to, Innovative Millennium and Koha. By the end of the course, students will be expected to carry out administrative, end-user support and end-user responsibilities.  In addition to this students will be equipped with analytical skills on evaluating library management systems to enable them to make appropriate decision on acquiring library management system.

ILI 2212: Informatics (10 credits)

The module will introduce students to fundamental topics in Informatics while developing a basic understanding of Information Theory. It will cover foundational Informatics concepts such as Information, Knowledge, Modelling, and Uncertainty. The module introduces all the conceptual building blocks necessary to understand the basics of Information Theory. Those building blocks are introduced hand in hand with the practical dimension of Informatics, which focuses on solving real problems with information technology. There is presentation of informatics tools in the field of information sciences and discussion of their implications for the practice in the field of information sciences.

PART III 

SEMESTERS I AND II

ILI 3000 Industrial Attachment (130 credits)

The third year is an internship period in which students undertake an industrial placement for a minimum of eight months. At the place of attachment, students generally have a supervisor who assigns them specific tasks and evaluates their work. The internship is a compulsory part of the degree programme. It is formally assessed. Assessments include the writing of a reflective log and an evaluative report by students and a performance evaluation report by the industrial supervisor.

The internship is expected to give students an insight into the world of work and to allow the students to build on the theory they would have learnt at university as well as explore their career options. At times, employers use internships as a trial period for prospective employees, thus students get an opportunity for an offer of a full-time job.

After the internship, students would gain practical skills that help strengthen their curriculum vitae, increasing their chances of being employed.

PART IV 

SEMESTER I

ILI 4005: Project Seminars

Introduces methods of formulating a research project proposal, information gathering, project design and literature reviewing. Prepares students for an in-depth research project to be completed during the second semester in Part IV.

ILI 4102: Marketing of Information Products and Services (10 credits)

Application of marketing theory to libraries and other information settings is examined.  Includes consumer behaviour, market research, segmentation, targeting and positioning, public relations, product design and sales promotion.

ILI      4106:   Comparative Librarianship (12 credits)

A comparative study of selected archives and library systems within the Southern African region and other cultural regions.  Study will focus on legislation, budget, staffing, accommodation, training, areas of specialization, future plans and any particular problems.

ILI 4108: Human Resources Management in Information Services (10 credits) 

Students are introduced to the fundamentals aspects of human resources management in various information centres. The module covers different systems for obtaining, mobilising and managing an organisation’s human assets. Emphasis will be placed on skills and knowledge in recruitment, selection, training, development and retention of staff necessary for the efficient and effective management of an organisation. Other detailed aspects include organisation structure, motivational theories and time management policies and practices.

IRA 4104: Infoprenuership (10 credits)

(Module is offered by the Department of Records and Archives Management)

The module aims to develop students’ understanding of the challenges of selling information goods. The module will also focus on developing students’ skills on setting up an information business and designing product lines for information goods that are competitive, setting prices for different customer groups and how to manage one’s intellectual property as well as deal with ethical and legal issues of running an information business. Students will learn how to protect themselves from “lock-in” and how to take advantage of it when possible, procure software for an information business. Lastly, the students will be introduced to the information business planning, marketing and management processes.

ILI 4111: Knowledge Management Strategies (12 credits)

The module introduces students to the concept of knowledge management, its tools and techniques and to the concept of a learning organisation. It then surveys various knowledge management strategies, highlighting the major differences between the various strategies by emphasizing different aspects of knowledge management that include focusing on the knowledge, the business processes/areas, or on the end results.

PART IV 

SEMESTER II

Five (5) core courses

ILI 4005: Dissertation

Pre-requisite: ILI 4005 Research Seminars (26 credits)

Students are required to undertake a research project that culminates in the production of a project report, under the guidance of a supervisor.

ILI 4205: Children’s Libraries (10 credits) 

The module is an introduction to the development of children’s literature. It discusses specific genre, the reading interests and needs of children and young people. It looks at the role of the home, the school and public information organisations. It also includes the art of storytelling, special displays for children and information technology appropriate for this level of readership. By the end of the module, students would have been exposed to a wide range of literature for children such that they would develop an in-depth knowledge of literature appropriate for today’s children.

ILI 4210: Project Management (10 credits)

The module introduces students to the theory and practice of project management. 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. After completing this module, students would understand the dynamics of project management theory and practice and would gain knowledge on project management methodology.

ILI 4211: Copyright and Legal Issues (12 credits)

This module covers the basics of copyright law, including determinations of what is copyrightable, formalities for obtaining protection, and copyright registration practices and procedures and intellectual property rights. The importance of legislation in creating an enabling environment for information professionals is examined by assessing information related legislation.  Major contemporary issues within the provision of information services, such as censorship and the need for a national information policy are covered. At the end of the module, students would gain an understanding of copyright laws for different types of information media.

ILI 4212: Disaster Risk and Communication (12 credits)

The module looks at disaster risk communication as that communication type that seeks to inform different communities about the risks that they are exposed to, the source of their vulnerability and acts as a platform for identifying possible solutions. The module covers an examination of risk communication media and methodologies; gives an overview of the communication theory and its scope; addresses the various interactions that may be required between emergency management officials and a full spectrum of relevant stakeholders, including internal management, emergency services, the press as well as the impacted public; procedures for planning, conducting and measuring success for preparedness campaigns and the role of ICTs and the most common types of technologies used in disaster communication. Students will gain an appreciation of disaster risk communication issues and would be able to develop risk communication strategies and public preparedness campaigns.

ELECTIVES

Students should choose one (1) elective course

ILI 4201: Academic Libraries (10 credits)

The overall goal of this course is to enable students to contribute to the economic, social and cultural progress of the community by preparing the students for positions of responsibility and leadership in academic libraries. Attention is given to problems of organisation and management of university, college and community college libraries; their resources, functions and services. The course also gives students an opportunity to individually investigate major issues and topics related to academic library management. On completion of the module, students would be able to describe missions and values of academic libraries, the environmental changes affecting those missions and how those changes affect the current and future management of academic libraries.

ILI 4202: Public Libraries (10 credits) 

The module outlines the emergence of public libraries and the development of public libraries in developed and developing countries, with special reference to Zimbabwe. The role of public libraries in the development of civilised societies is emphasised. The role played by professionals in public libraries is also highlighted. The various functions of public libraries in their communities will be assessed. Students would become cognisant of the mandate and the various services offered by public libraries upon successfully completing the course.

ILI 4207: School Library Media Centres (10 credits)

The module examines the role of School Library Media Centres beginning with their development and placement in the school system. It explores the role of the school library media programme in promoting information literacy and other educational objectives. Emphasis is placed on the exploration of available resources and the creative use of these resources in problem solving within the school library media centres. The role of the library media specialist as collaborator, partner, teacher and resource within the school community is addressed. Students who undertake the course would gain knowledge of school library programme management including policy and procedures, collection development, finance, facilities and personnel.

ILI 4209: Special Libraries (10 credits)

The module evaluates the role that parastatal, corporate, non-governmental and government departmental libraries, among others, play in supporting their parent organisations. Focus is given to subject domain specific information seeking behaviour, challenges and opportunities of special libraries and the value of networking for special librarians. At the end of the module, students would understand the scope and function of special libraries as well as the information needs of specialised categories of users; and would also understand the range of skills sets that are necessary for information personnel in a special information centre.

 ILI 4213: Medical Librarianship (10 credits)

The module is aimed to introduce students to basic medical information resources, services and medical librarianship. It includes a study of the management of primary, secondary and tertiary resources of a medical library as well as the specialised research methods used in medical research. Other topics include the history of medical libraries, their organisation and administration and the role of medical librarians in medical schools and hospitals. The students would gain an appreciation of the specialised medical literature and an understanding of roles of the different stakeholders in medical education which affects the administration of medical libraries.

ILI 4214: Law Librarianship (10 credits) 

The module is an introduction to basic legal information resources and law librarianship. It includes a study of the management of primary, secondary and tertiary resources of a law library as well as the specialised research methods used in legal research. Other topics include the history of law libraries, their organisation and administration and the role of law librarians in law schools and law firms. After the study, students would gain knowledge on the nature of literature in law libraries and how to run a law library.

ILI 4215: GIS and Map Librarianship (10 credits)

The module is an introduction to the management and preservation of geographic information created using a wide range of geospatial tools. Topics will include management of geographic and cartographic resources, that is, collection development, records appraisal, collection maintenance, reference work including bibliographic instruction. At the end of the module, students would understand map interpretation using physical map resources, map creation applying GIS and would gain skills necessary to run a specialised GIS and map library.