Is this course right for me?

Would you like a professional position in a library or information service? Are you seeking to develop your opportunities and expertise in this area?

This course is aimed at staff working in all areas of the library and information sector. It develops your professional knowledge and helps to create the next generation of librarians across Wales.

Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) accredited: Recognising that this qualification provides solid preparation for professional practice and a suitable base for anybody entering the information and archive profession.

Additional information

More detailed information on Modules is to be found in the ‘Additional Campus/Course Information’ section.

Fees

Visit the Financial Support and Finance page for more information.

More detailed information on other costs associated with your course and work placements/work experience (if applicable) will be outlined in the programme validation document and explained to you at your interview.

Additional Costs

Additional costs may be associated with the following:

• Students are expected to have access to a PC/laptop/Mobile device with internet, as well as a headset and camera for video conferencing sessions.
• Students are expected to take up student membership of CILIP (currently £40 per annum) in order to access their invaluable online resources.
• Costs can be incurred for British Library inter-library loans (£2 per request) and for the replacement cost of lost library items.

Start date

September

Entry requirements:

Academic requirements:

• There are no formal academic requirements for the course aside from an ability to work at HE level. A previous library qualification, eg Libraries Archives and Information Services Certificate or Diploma is desirable but not essential.
• Students holding the Applications of ICT in LIbraries qualification at level 7 will be accredited for the Library Information Communication Technology 1 and Introduction to Professional Practice modules. Students holding the Applications of ICT in LIbraries qualification at level 8 will be accredited for the Library Information Communication Technology 2 and Training and Support in a Library Context modules. Students holding the Higher Apprenticeship in Cultural Heritage Management will be accredited for the Information Sources and Collection Management modules.

Ability to work at Higher Education level 

• Previous library qualifications are desirable but not essential.
• Students holding the Applications of ICT in Libraries qualification at level 7 will be APL’d for the Library Information Communication Technology 1 and Introduction to Professional Practice modules.
• Students holding the Applications of ICT in Libraries qualification at level 8 will be APL’d for the Library Information Communication Technology 2 and Training and Support in a Library Context modules.
• Students holding the Higher Apprenticeship in Cultural Heritage Management will be APL’d for the Information Sources and Collection Management modules.
• Employment in the sector (paid or voluntary) with the ability to undertake relevant activities as part of the programme within the workplace.

Language requirements:

• GCSE in Welsh or English first language, grade C or above. 
• Any degrees, diplomas or certificates eligible should have been assessed in Welsh or English, or
• For overseas applicants, for entry onto Levels 5 or above, English fluency to IELTS 6.0 or higher (with no element less than 5.5).

Progression:

Upon completion of this course, a range of opportunities for professional and academic progression are available. You may choose to complete a full Honours degree, or you may progress to an ACLIP or MCLIP professional qualification.

Most graduates of this course will benefit from the professional opportunities it provides. They may seek additional responsibilities and status within their existing organisation, or find a position elsewhere in the library and information sector.

Additional campus/course information:

• Rhos-on-Sea

  COURSE DESCRIPTION:

  This Foundation Degree offers a well-rounded variety of modules, covering a range of key topics. It provides you with the opportunity to secure a recognised academic qualification, whilst also developing your existing library and information skills.

  The course is designed to enhance your employability and prepare you for additional professional responsibilities. It aims to develop skills that employers in the library and information sector are actively looking for, including skills of leadership and management, customer service provision and library-specific ICT.

  You will learn about contemporary theories and approaches relating to the library and information sector. This theoretical material is combined with practical, vocational activity, which puts your learning into practice and builds on your existing experience.

  The programme caters to staff of school, academic, health or other specialist libraries, as well as those working in regular, public libraries. This is achieved partly through guest speakers, who will share their expertise and experience with you.

  Whichever area of the library and information sector you work in, this course develops the skills and knowledge you need to progress in your career.

  UNIT INFORMATION

  For every 10 credits, students should engage with around 100 notional hours of learning. This will be approximately 30% direct learning contact and 70% independent student learning.

  The course consists of the following modules:

  LEVEL 4: 

  Information Society (20 credits, core): 

  Theories of the development of the information (and post information) society, user communities. (Report 50%, Essay 50%)

  Information Sources (20 credits, core):

  Identifying, selecting and utilising information sources. (Report 60%, Essay 40%)

  Research and Study Skills (10 credits, compulsory):

  Academic writing, ICT and presentation skills. (Report 40%, Essay 20%, Presentation 40%)

  Introduction to Professional Practice (20 credits, compulsory): 

  Online sources of professional advice, professional codes of practice and data protection. (Report 60%, Test 40%)

  Library, Information and Communication Technology 1 (20 credits, compulsory): 

  Using ICT to support library work in the areas of enquiries, online communication and internet safety. (Report 50%, Website 40%, Reflective / evaluative writing 10%)

  Employability Based Learning 1 (20 credits, compulsory): 

  Reader Development and Information literacy. (Portfolio 100%)

  Marketing and Advocacy in Library Services (10 credits, compulsory):

  Marketing, e-marketing, promotion and individual/organisational advocacy in a library context. (Report 100%)

  LEVEL 5:

  Collection Management (20 credits, core):

  Managing library services and facilities. (Report x 2 100%)

  Knowledge organisation (20 credits, compulsory):

  Organising physical and virtual information. (Report 60%, Practical 40%)

  Research Methods and Study Skills (20 credits, compulsory):

  Research methods, action research project undertaken in the workplace. (Essay 50%, Presentation 50%)

  Library, Information and Communication Technology 2 (20 credits, compulsory): 

  Digital collaboration and new media tools. (Report 60%, Presentation 40%)

  Employability Based Learning 2 (20 credits, compulsory):  

  Professional Portfolio building. (Reflective Portfolio 80%, Product 20%)

  Organisational Behaviour and Culture (10 credits, compulsory):

  Evaluating Organisational Behaviour. (Essay 100%)

  Training and Support in a Library context (10 credits, compulsory):

  Introduction to teaching skills, coaching, mentoring and training. (Reflective Essay 40%, Lesson plan 20%, Support material 40%)