NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

FACULTY OF COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION SCIENCE

DEPARTMENT OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE

COURSE OUTLINE

Programme: Master of Science Degree in Library and Information Science

Course: Contemporary Issues in Library and Information Management

Course Code: ILI 5103

Lecturer: Mr. Nelson Guvava

Email:

Office No: AF 28 Administration Block First Floor

COURSE SYNOPSES

The course explores current issues in the Library and Information Science field. It mainly focuses on the management of new issues emanating from the advancements within and outside the field and their impact in the management of Libraries and Information. It also highlights the professional skills and theoretical understandings essential to modern librarianship and information-service delivery.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

1.  Identify and describe contemporary issues in the field of Library and Information Science Management

2.  To help the student appreciate the systems and developments that led to these contemporary issues.

3.  To bring out critical understanding of the principles of librarianship and information service delivery and management.

4.  To raise a critical awareness of current library and information services operations

5.  To have an understanding and skills for evaluating and manage developments in Information Technology for library and information service delivery.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course students should be able to:

1.  Analyse current trends in the field of Library and information Science

2.  Be innovative to bring and manage change in Library and information Science

3.  To predict the impact of changes in society on information management and service delivery

4.  Review current practices and standards in information management at local level to be in line with global standards and practices

COURSE STRUCTURE

UNIT / COURSE CONTENT / CLASSROOM TIME (HOURS)
1 / Introduction: Overview of the course, Definitions e.t.c (Class Discussions/ Questions and answers) / 3
2 / Contemporary society (characteristics/features and how they influence Library and Information Management) / 4
3 / Globalisation and Information Management / 4
4 / Social/Professional Networks on the Internet: Digital citizenry / 5
5 / Censorship, Intellectual freedom / 4
6 / Copyright, fair use and piracy in the digital age (Reprographic Rights organisations) / 5
7 / Digital Libraries
·  Use a range of information retrieval systems and services to resolve information needs
·  Evaluate information retrieval systems and services, by using appropriate methodologies
·  Understand the nature and significance of digital library, in both technical and service aspects
·  Appreciate the significance of digital library developments for the library profession / 5
8 / Entrepreneurship in the Library Information Science field: Consultancy/Inforpreneurship / 4

RECOMMENDED READING LIST

Copyright for librarians [online] Available from http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/copyrightforlibrarians [Accessed August 11, 2010] A must for the student

http://archive.ifla.org/IV/ifla65/65cp.htm[Accessed August 11, 2010]

Takeuchi Hiroya and Kim Won Yong. Current Issues in Library and Information Science Profession and its Education in Japan. Sizuoka 1999.

Kanczak Agnieska and Szołtysik Karina. Is There a Place for the Librarian in the Library of the 21st Century? Vol 16, 1-2 2008 Online Available from http://www.worlib.org/vol16no1-2/kanczak_v16n1-2.shtml [Accessed August 11, 2010]

Perry, John and Perry, Erna. Contemporary Society: An Introduction to Social Science. London: Pearson Education, 2008

Contemporary Management Theories [online] Available from http://www.academon.com/Essay-Contemporary-Management-Theories/100897 [Accessed August 11, 2010]

Dianne Waddell, Jennifer Devine and Gareth Jones. Contemporary management. Brisbane: McGraw-Hill, 2006

http://www.squidoo.com/educationalimportance

Information management info kits www.jiscifornet.ac.uk/inforkits/information-lifecycle

Please do not be limited by these only. Look for more from libraries and plenty more are found on the world wide web or over the Internet

ASSESSMENT OF THE COURSE:

(a) General Information

Assessment for the course will be based on at least 2 assignments. There will be a formal examination at the end of the semester. All assignments must be submitted in order to receive a grade for your continuous assessment in this course.

Grading of Assignments

Identification of pertinent concepts, issues, principles and use of evidence. / 60
Original thought and consideration of other view points. / 20
Organising of thought, arguments, etc / 10
Evidence of researching, reading and correct citation / 10
TOTAL / 100

Recorded below are issues which will be taken into account when marking your written work. Note that the total mark awarded will be a function of the whole assignment. To maximise your marks and avoid pitfalls, you are advised to consult your Lecturer in good time.

Division / Presentation / Research / Bibliographic Citation
Distinction
(70% +) / Well articulated position. Assessment of contending viewpoints. Good marshalling of arguments or evidence / Use of authoritative literature both primary, secondary and electronic / Accurate and authentic citation, good presentation of bibliographic sources
Creative or original responses to reading
Merit
(60% - 69%) / High level of understating of issues at stake / Evidence of understanding of what has been read / Citation and bibliographic listing above average.
Pass
(50% - 59%) / Content largely relevant though limited in coverage
Adequate. / Limited consideration of other pertinent views. / Citation and bibliographic listing not extensive enough
Fail
(Below 50%) / Failure to meet the minimum criteria in the pass category. / No evidence of having read or mastered basic course material. No evidence of research. / Referencing largely lacking, fictitious or irrelevant.

Extensions

To facilitate sound management of the learning/ teaching programmes all assignments must be handed in before the deadline or given due date. Extensions will normally be given to students experiencing unforeseen and unavoidable problems. Where possible you are expected to apply for an extension in advance of the due date of the assignment.

Class Attendance/Seminars/Enrichment Programmes

Attendance is compulsory with regard to class attendance, seminar participation, class presentations and enrichment programmes in the computer laboratory that may result from the availability of experts or relevant programmes and innovations.

NELSON GUVAVA (MR)

LECTURER