Postgraduate Diploma in Library and Information Studies

Purpose

The Postgraduate Diploma in Library and Information Studies is a Postgraduate specialisation qualification that serves to consolidate and deepen the student's expertise in Library and Information Studies, and to develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques of that discipline. The qualification will include the conduction and reporting on a research topic under supervision, in a manner that is appropriate to Library and Information Studies (LIS).

The purpose of the qualification is

• To offer a generalist and flexible qualification for the education of staff for South African libraries and information services of all kinds.
• To respond both to the need for community libraries that might contribute to the social and economic development of South African society and to the need for education in academic professional librarianship.

Rationale

To provide South Africa with significant numbers of Postgraduates in the field of Library and Information Studies in order to ensure that the local leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based economic and scholarly activity is widened.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Access to the qualification can also be provided in terms of the university's RPL policy and its admission criteria stipulated by Senate. The RPL process students have to undergo a Portfolio Development Course (PDC) to support the student's admission. The PDC will focus on written submission explaining the reasons for the candidates' interest in in the discipline as an adjunct to their existing professional competencies and indicating the nature of a possible research project. In addition, an application can be made in terms of the competency rule A.2. 1.4 via Senate.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree, or an equivalent qualification.

This qualification comprises compulsory and elective modules at Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules

• Organisational Management, Level 8, 15 Credits.
• Document Description and Subject Analysis, Level 8, 15 Credits.
• Collection Management, Level 8, 10 Credits.
• History and Philosophy of Library and Information Studies (LIS), Level 8, 10 Credits.
• Information Services, Level 8, 10 Credits.
• User Studies, Level 8, 15 Credits.
• Information Literacy Education, Level 8, 10 Credits.
• Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Applications in LIS, Level 8, 10 Credits.
• Fieldwork, Level 8, 10 Credits.

Electives (select 1 module)

• Literature Studies, Level 8, 15 Credits.
• Information Management, Level 8, 15 Credits.
• Archives and Records Management, Level 8, 15 Credits.

1. Communicate verbally and orally with professional audiences and with users.
2. Apply skills and knowledge of the structure of information domains to discipline based problems in locating information.
3. Analyse and critique local policies with respect to the development of libraries and information services.
4. Apply the ethical issues associated with the supply of information.
5. Appreciate the impacts of the development of information technology on the delivery of information.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes

• Undertake advanced reflection and development in the area of Library and Information Studies.
• Understand the significant developments in the theory of library and information studies.
• Provide training in the information and communication technologies demanded in the global information economy.

Integrated Assessment

The University implements a Continuous Assessment System. Assessment consists of a number of assessment events throughout the year and a variety of assessment instruments are used (for example, tests, essays, practical reports, project reports and oral presentations).