COURSE INFORMATION

Information is an all-pervasive commodity. The aims of the programme are to establish the significance of the dynamic role of information and library work in the ‘information society and knowledge-based economy’ and to develop the knowledge and skills needed to handle effectively the storage, retrieval, analysis and communication of information.

This distance learning programme is aimed at people working within an information environment, who wish ti professionally quality at Masters level, and is designed to produce information professionals able to take leading roles in the rapidly developing world of information and library management. Specifically, students will be able to:

• Identity, analyse and evaluate issues in information and library management in order to produce relevant solutions.

• Create, acquire, organise, retrieve, evaluate and disseminate information effectively.
  
  
• Undertake research with a proper concern for scholarship and rigour.

The programme has been accredited by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professional (CILIP).

Year 1             

Managing in the information Environment.

This core module is designed to explore managerial concepts, which enable organisations to set and achieve their aims and objectives. The module will include the knowledge environment, organisational theory, strategy formulation and implementation, communication in the organisation, resource management, marketing, quality and performance measures, and management of change and risk analysis.

Collection Management

This module examines the management and organisation of the collection within a range of information environments. The information needs of the user will be examined along with aspects of social inclusion, information rich and poor etc., before studying aspects of collection development (e.g. selection policies and practices, acquisition policies) and collection management (e.g. weeding programmes, binding and preservation, security, etc) using various case exercises ti support the learning experience.

Organising Knowledge

This core module explores in depth the principles and current practice of organising, storing and retrieving information and knowledge efficiently and effectively so that it can be accessed and retrieve by users to meet their needs.

Information and user Needs Analysis and Evaluation

This module enables students to undertake a process of development of either a new or an improved information management system, where the client is any stakeholder in the organisation (customer, manager, employee etc) who commissions such an information service or product. This module will take the student through the initial process of analysing user needs and then planning the process of development through to implementation and monitoring and reviewing the information management system. Important legal and ethical issues will be addressed, that are likely to arise at the different stages of the information service or product development process.

Hypermedia for the Information Professional

This module aims to familiarise students with some of the principles of effective web site design and with some of the tools required to create and develop hypermedia documents for integration into web pages. Current industry standard page mark-up scripting languages will also be introduced.

Year 2

Research Methods Introduces the wide develop knowledge of theory and current practise in descriptive cataloguing and classification, and the industry standards, practice and issues that are relevant. Practical abilities in cataloguing (utilising the Anglo-American Cataloguing rules and MARC formats) and in classification (utilising the Dewey Decimal C).

COURSEWORK AND ASSESSMENT

The programme is delivered through distance learning, using specially prepared learning materials in the form of module booklets and printed materials posted to the student, and electronically vie the University Blackboard learning platform. There will be individual and group tutor support using a range of methods.

A variety of assessment methods are used, including essays, portfolios, reports, and group exercises.

ACCREDITATION

The degree is approved by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals, CILIP, whose professional qualifications are awarded after appropriate work experience has been completed and professional development attained. Information Professionals, CILIP, whose professional qualifications are awarded after appropriate work experience has been completed and professional development attained.

CAREERS

Among the career opportunities available following this programme are positions in travel and tourist information, Citizens Advice Bureaux, bookshops, publishing, patent agencies, and in the emerging information areas of database production, careers advice, systems analysis, information consultancy in law and accountancy, as well as in traditional libraries and information units. Those students who complete the MA/MSc will be in a better position to exploit employment opportunities at home and abroad.

OTHER INFO

Attendcnce:
All study will be conducted at a distance. Voluntary schools (lasting 2-3 days) are offered at the start of the programme, and before commencing the dissertation. Contact throughout the year is via email or telephone.

Course Length: 2 years, distance learning

Enquiries:

Future Focus Ltd
8, Magazines Street
Floriana FRN 1119
Malta
Tel. +35621221371
E-mail: info@futurefocus.com.mt

Standard Entry:

An applicant should normally be a graduate of a recognised UK higher education institution. Degree equivalent qualifications or degrees awarded by academic institutions in other countries will be considered on their merits.