Modules

Core Modules: Library and Information Science Foundation (15 credits) A thorough introduction to the principles and concepts of the information sciences. Topics include the story of documents, philosophy of information, information literacy, critical literacy, infometrics, information behaviour, information society Data Information Technologies and Applications (15 credits) Provides the technical background required to store, describe, structure, manage and share information effectively. Topics include: introduction to computing, internet and web, Web 2.0 technologies (blogs, wikis, etc.), metadata, semantic web, database systems and searching, collection and analysis of information, information architecture and meaning. Information Organisation (15 credits) Gives an understanding of the principles and practice of the organization of information and knowledge. Topics covered include metadata, cataloguing and resource description, classification and taxonomy, subject headings and thesauri, indexing and abstracting, and construction of controlled vocabularies. Information Retrieval (15 credits) Provides a broad introduction to documentary information retrieval, and to the evaluation of information retrieval systems. Topics covered include information retrieval models, search strategy and tactics, bibliographic retrieval, OPACs, web search, mobile information retrieval, image and sound retrieval, implementation and evaluation of retrieval systems. Information Management and Policy (15 credits) Introduces the principles of the management of information resources of diverse kinds in a variety of environments, and the strategies and policies which make this possible. Emphasis is on the specific issues of the disciplines which manage information and documents: information resource management, knowledge management, records management and archiving, collection management, etc. Research Methods and Communication (15 credits) Provides knowledge and skills which are relevant in the academic environment, in the workplace and for lifelong learning. Topics covered include: nature of research and evaluation; research methods, including surveys, system and service evaluation, system design, and desk research; data analysis and presentation; literature analysis; written and oral communication; ethical issues; project management. Information Resources and Documentation (15 credits) Provides an understanding of information provision in a variety of domains, including academic subjects, professional disciplines and everyday and leisure topics; gives an insight into subject-specific information work. Topics include information in law, business, healthcare, and the arts, in academic subject areas such as history, mathematics, chemistry and languages, for everyday and general reference. LIS Dissertation (60 credits) The purpose of this module is for you to gain expertise and experience in research within the field of library and information science (LIS), by undertaking an individual research project. You can choose one option from the following:

• Libraries and Publishing (15 credits)

• Information and Data, Law and Ethics (15 credits)

• Independent Study or Practice (15 credits)

• Web Design and Development (15 credits)

• Data Visualisation (15 credits)

Assessment method

We expect you to study independently and complete coursework for each module. This will amount to approximately 120 hours of study per module, in addition to class attendance. Each of the modules run by CityLIS is assessed through coursework, where you will need to answer a variety of assignments to show that you are able to apply your theoretical learning to practical situations. Elective modules may be assessed by examination. On successful completion of the course's eight taught modules, you will undertake your dissertation. This is an original piece of research conducted with academic supervision, but largely independently. The dissertation allows you to demonstrate your ability to think and work independently, to be aware of and to comprehend current issues within the discipline and practice, to initiate ways of investigating and solving current problems or questions, and to deliver results, solutions and recommendations on time. The individual project is a substantial task. It is your opportunity to develop a research-related topic under the supervision of an academic member of staff. This is where you can apply what you have learnt to a real-world problem or to develop further, contemporary conceptual theory in information science. Communication and networking are an integral part of our Information Science masters course, and in preparation for professional practice, you will be expected to engage with blogs, Twitter and other relevant communications media as part of your studies. Face-to-face participation in student and new professional forums including research seminars, workshops and conferences is actively promoted. You will be encouraged to present your work (assignments, dissertation) to the wider LIS community for discussion and development.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals