Information Studies Programmes

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Introduction New qualifications (and why they are needed) Programmes structure   Master of Information Studies (MIS)   Postgraduate Diploma   Postgraduate Certificate Entry requirements Teaching delivery and distance study options Time commitment 2010 Timetable Certificates of Proficiency (COPs) Awards and scholarships

Introduction

From 2010 the Information Studies programmes will offer broadly-based, technology focused qualifications for information professionals, with content and structure evolving to reflect the rapidly changing field of information and communication technologies.

Students will be able to select courses that suit their preferred study and career paths, as the new qualifications can be earned with an endorsement of either LIBS (library science) or ARCR (archives and records management).

There has never been a better time to become an Information Manager, with constant demand for librarians, archivists, records managers, Web content managers, systems vendors and trainers, and much more.

The modern information specialist must be able to use the latest Information and Communication Technologies to create databases, websites, electronic publications, digital libraries, and disseminate information to customers via the most appropriate channels. The boundaries between librarians, archivists, records managers, and knowledge managers are disappearing, so qualifications in the new Information Studies Programmes will give you a core set of skills and knowledge needed across all these professions, while also allowing you to focus on specific professional competencies for your initial career path.

New qualifications (and why they are needed)

The information environment both here and overseas increasingly involves collaboration between libraries and archives, particularly in the digital domain. The Public Records Act 2005 is just one part of a changing framework requiring more appropriately qualified archives and records managers in New Zealand -- and the Information Studies Programmes can set you on that path.

Changes are also happening in the library profession, and a core set of competencies -- the Body of Knowledge -- is now a prerequisite for professional registration with LIANZA, and the Master of Information Studies (LIBS) curriculum meets all these requirements.

The Information Studies Programmes also offer a postgraduate diploma and postgraduate certificate, allowing students to study for a shorter timeframe towards a formal qualification in the areas of either library studies or archives and records management.

All three qualifications have a common core, and students can specialise in either library studies or archives and records management by adding specified courses earning the endorsement of either (LIBS) for library science or (ARCR) for archives and records management.

Programmes structure

The Information Studies Programmes are flexible, professional postgraduate qualifications designed to equal the best offered in North America, Great Britain, and Australia. Both the Certificate and the Diploma share some core courses with the Master of Information Studies (MIS), with the same requirements for Library (LIBS) or Archives and Records (ARCR) endorsements; these are carefully designed to meet the needs of all groups of graduates, and concern principles of information management common to both fields.

Master of Information Studies

The requirements for the Master of Information Studies (180 points) are completion of INFO 520, 521, 527, 528 and INFO 580; plus six courses from INFO 523, 525, 530-579.

• For an endorsement of Master of Information Studies (LIBS) students must complete INFO 523 and INFO 525.
• For an endorsement of Master of Information Studies (ARCR) students must complete INFO 534 and INFO 535.

Postgraduate Diploma in Information Studies

The requirements for the Postgraduate Diploma in Information Studies (120 points) are completion of INFO 520, 521, 527; plus five additional INFO 500-level courses.

• For an endorsement of PGDipIS (LIBS) students must complete INFO 523 and INFO 525.
• For an endorsement of PGDipIS (ARCR) students must complete INFO 534 and INFO 535.

Postgraduate Certificate in Information Studies

The requirements for the Postgraduate Certificate in Information Studies (60 points) are completion of INFO 520; plus three additional INFO 500-level courses.

• For an endorsement of PGCertIS (LIBS) students must complete INFO 523 and INFO 525.
• For an endorsement of PGCertIS (ARCR) students must complete INFO 534 and INFO 535.

Entry requirements

Applicants for the Master of Information Studies (MIS) must have completed a Bachelor's degree with Honours, or a Masters degree or an equivalent degree, and been accepted by the Programmes Director as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study.

The requirement for an Honours degree or higher may be waived for a candidate who has had extensive practical, professional or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind.

Applicants for the Postgraduate Diploma/Certificate in Information Studies must have completed a New Zealand Bachelor's degree or equivalent degree, and been accepted by the Programme Director as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study. The requirement for a Bachelor's degree may be waived for a candidate who has had extensive practical, professional or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind.

Teaching delivery and distance study options

All courses in the Programmes are delivered using study guides and directed reading, supplemented by a weekly Internet conference session (for distance students) or seminar session (for on campus students). Materials are delivered via CD-ROM and through a Web-based learning environment, Blackboard.

Coursework involves communicating via email and Web-based discussion boards, accessing some information (course readings, etc) online, downloading files, and installing course-specific software.

Distance learning options

By using a flexible learning approach, students can study on campus in Wellington, or anywhere in New Zealand using Web-based learning and high quality course material, participating in face-to-face seminars or Internet audioconferences.

The content of courses and the assignments are the same for all Information Studies students whether they are engaged on campus or via distance learning. The only difference lies in the method of delivery of the interactive sessions.

Core courses for students in Auckland are taught at a convenient location in the central city, using a combination of classes with local tutors, Internet conferencing, and visits from lecturers. Classes are in the evenings and on Saturday afternoons. Tutorials are also delivered in other centres according to demand.

All distance students outside Auckland, and those Auckland-based students taking elective courses, will have weekly Internet conference sessions for each course. For this and other ICT tasks in the Programmes, the following setup is required:

• A PC running Windows Vista, XP, or Windows 2000, with a recent Web browser such as Internet Explorer 6 or later, and at least 256 megabytes of RAM. Please note that the current software being used for distance learning is not Mac-compatible.
• A broadband Internet connection (e.g. ADSL or cable) if available in your area.
• Microphone and speakers/headphones connected to the PC via a sound card.
• CD drive.
• A location where the PC can be used uninterrupted during Internet conference times (generally weekdays between 5.00 pm-8:15 pm).

Time commitment

Time spent on work by full-time students is, on average, equivalent to a working week of up to 50 hours. Students working part-time while studying full-time should be aware of the resulting heavy demands on their time.

Part-time and distance students normally take two courses per trimester. It is possible for part-time and distance students to take fewer courses per trimester, completing their MIS over three or four years.

In addition to the regular commitments indicated for courses each week, students may be required to attend some extra sessions, visits to libraries, or lectures by visiting speakers.

2010 Timetable (provisional)

Certificates of Proficiency (COPs)

Learning does not come to a full stop at graduation, and there is always a need for further professional development.

Most courses in the Information Studies Programmes are available as a single course to information professionals with a degree who wish to update or extend their knowledge. Courses are available as Certificates of Proficiency (COPs) to:

• graduate librarians and information professionals wishing to update their professional knowledge, or extend it into fresh areas of information management.
• graduates who are considering entry to the profession and want to experience postgraduate learning. A maximum of two courses can be taken as COPs under this provision.
• potential PhD candidates for whom INFO 528 Research Methods, and other courses, are useful.

Application is by letter stating qualifications and work experience, along with completed enrolment forms. Note: approval from the Programmes Director is required before enrolment.

Awards and scholarships

There are a number of scholarships and prizes for students in the Information Studies programmes; enquiries and applications should be directed to the Programmes Director. Further information on all scholarships is available from the Victoria University Scholarships website.