Diploma in Library and Information Studies

Purpose

The Diploma in Library and Information Studies is designed in line with the technological developments and new trends in bibliographic control and metadata developments in terms of tools and current practices in the Library and Information Science/Studies (LIS) sector. Learners achieving this qualification will be competent at applying information organisation, information retrieval and information dissemination strategies effectively and consistently in the process of providing an information service to a general user population. Learners achieving this qualification will be able to manipulate information and knowledge using various strategies and technologies to empower users and to address their needs.

Rationale

Developments in Information and Communications Technologies, calls for Library and Information science education to prepare learners for the current information society and knowledge economy. Library and Information Studies involves the integration and application of library information studies knowledge together with knowledge from diverse fields such as management, information technology and education; to collect, organise, preserve, and prioritise information resources.

Furthermore, in terms of stakeholder needs the National Council for Library and Information Services (NCLIS) became aware of an acute shortage of trained librarians. This shortage prompted the Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) and the NCLIS to investigate the demand for the skills and the education and training currently provided by higher education institutions for librarians, archivists, records managers and other information specialists (DAC report 2010). The Diploma in Library and Information Studies aims at contributing in addressing this demand for skills in the Library and Information Science sector.

The qualification endeavours to best-serve the aims of reconstruction and development in keeping with the emphasis placed by the South African Government White Paper on Science and Technology - Preparing for the Twenty-First Century (September 1996) on widening the South African information technology infrastructure and in particular the role of library and information services therein. The Diploma in Library and Information Studies qualification is committed to the principles of democracy, transparency, integrity and respect in a people centred context.

The qualification strives for excellence and sustainability in its contribution to the provision of relevant vocational education and training, knowledge acquisition and community engagement in the field of library and information studies to ensure that both the career aspirations of its learners and the regional and national library and information services needs of the country are realised.

This qualification is intended for learners who will work in the information and knowledge environment. Employment opportunities for learners with such skills exist in the wide variety of information and knowledge environments within corporate and public organisations.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The National RPL policy guidelines are adhered to in line with the institution's RPL policy and process. The institution has a RPL policy in place that allows learners access to higher education by recognising their prior learning and work experience. RPL may be granted for access into the qualification; as well as for a credits towards modules of the qualification that needs to be approved by the Head of Department (HOD) of the department of Information and Corporate management.

RPL applications for the institution are received by the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT). The learners are required to complete a RPL application document. Accompanying the RPL application must be certified copies of all previous qualifications and a comprehensive portfolio reflecting on extensive work learning. Once the institution's RPL coordinator has deemed the RPL application as being complete, the portfolio will be sent to the Department of Information and Corporate Management for assessment. The department will assess the learner's portfolio thoroughly against the relevant learning outcomes.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Diploma studies.
• Senior Certificate without endorsement.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and/or elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 384 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 44 Credits

• Integrated Human Studies, 12 Credits.
• Communication 1, 12 Credits.
• Cornerstone101, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Technopreneurship (Institutional), 8 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 280 Credits

• Library and Information Practice 1, 16 Credits.
• Organisation and Representation of Information 1A, 16 Credits.
• Organisation and Representation of Information 1B, 12 Credits.
• Information and Communication Technologies 1, 16 Credits.
• Business Fundamentals 1, 12 Credits.
• Library and Information Practice 2, 12 Credits.
• Information and Communication Technologies 2A, 12 Credits.
• Information and Communication Technologies 2B, 8 Credits.
• Organisation and Representation of Information 2A, 12 Credits.
• Organisation and Representation of Information 2B, 8 Credits.
• User Studies, 16 Credits.
• Organisational and Social Psychology, 12 Credits.
• Library Marketing and Promotion, 12 Credits.
• Library and Information Professional Practice 1A, 16 Credits.
• Library and Information Professional Practice 1B, 12 Credits.
• Business Fundamentals 2, 12 Credits.
• Information and Communication Technologies 3A, 12 Credits.
• Information and Communication Technologies 3B, 12 Credits.
• Library and Information Professional Practice 2A, 16 Credits.
• Library and Information Professional Practice 2A, 16 Credits.
• Community Engagement (Institutional), 8 Credits.
• Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Innovation and Emerging Technologies (Faculty), 12 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 48 Credits

• Library and Information Practice 3A, 16 Credits.
• Library and Information Practice 3B, 8 Credits.
• Organisation and Representation of Information 3A, 12 Credits.
• Organisation and Representation of Information 3B, 12 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 6, 12 Credits (Choose/Select one)

• Afrikaans, 12 Credits.
• isiZulu, 12 Credits.

1. Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the main areas within the library and information sector, including an understanding of the key terms, concepts, facts, principles and theories applicable to the library and information sector.
2. Apply relevant knowledge and skills to identify, analyse, and resolve library and information organisation problems.
3. Apply information retrieval and information dissemination strategies effectively and consistently in the process of managing the provision of an information service in response to a specific user population's needs.
4. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, using appropriate technology, language, structure, style and graphical support.
5. Use appropriate information technology software qualifications to enhance productivity in the library and information sector.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Explain the nature and function of the various areas within the library and information sector.
• Explain the key library and information specific terms, concepts, facts, principles, and theories applicable to the industry.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Identify and analyse library related and information organisation problems.
• Present solutions to resolve library and information organisation problems.
• Display procedural knowledge, theory, principles and skills pertinent to working in a library and information organisation problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Utilise applicable reference tools for answering information inquiries.
• Evaluate search strategies, using manual and online technologies in response to research queries.
• Conduct reference interview to establish information requirements.
• Use selective dissemination of information service in response to a specific user population's needs.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Use a variety of communication technologies to communicate effectively with industry stakeholders.
• Use appropriate style and language to communicate coherently and concisely with industry stakeholders.
• Work effectively, as part of a team, to achieve a common outcome.
• Apply appropriate communication skills to interact with culturally diverse colleagues and customers.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Use appropriate software qualifications to communicate effectively with library and information sector stakeholders.
• Use appropriate software qualifications pertaining to library and information sector.

Integrated Assessment

Learning, teaching and assessments are inextricably interwoven, and wherever possible, the assessment of the relevant knowledge, skills, and attitudes are integrated. Moreover, work-integrated-learning and practical assessments in the library and information sector serve as integrated assessments.

Summative Assessment

• Written examination of mastery of theoretical/academic component of learning.

Formative and summative assessment

• A combination of formative and summative assessments are used.

Assessment of experiential learning

• Work Integrated Learning (WIL) in 2nd and 3rd level is assessed via the following: Oral presentations, confidential reports and written report/reflective reports.
• Reflective essays submitted for WIL in 3rd level are moderated externally.