Foundation Degree (FdA) Library and Information Management

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, compulsory)
This module explores the Information Society, examining its development, its social impact, and the evolving role of libraries. Students will gain an understanding of diverse library communities and their unique information needs in the current dynamic environment. (Essay 50%, Report 50%)

Information Sources (20 credits, compulsory)
This module aims to equip students with the skills required to identify and select sustainable and inclusive information sources, to search for and retrieve a diverse range of information sources, describe and explain the principles of stock selection and demonstrate an understanding of intellectual property rights (including copyright, trademarks, designs and patents). (Report 60%, Essay 40%)

Introduction to Professional Practice (20 credits, compulsory)
The module introduces students to the core aspects of professional information practice in the contemporary library and information landscape. It explores essential sources of support and guidance for information professionals, alongside key legal and ethical considerations, particularly concerning data protection and freedom of information. (Report 55%, Test 45%)

Library Digital Technology 1 (20 credits, compulsory)
This module aims to enable the students to use a range of digital tools and technologies in a library and information setting. They will learn how to consider the digital needs of diverse learners, the advantages of and sources of e-learning and how to use digital tools safely and securely. Utilising digital technologies to support communication and collaboration will be an important aspect of this module as well as the need to consider how AI can support them and their clients ethically and safely. (Report 50%, Website 40%, Reflection 10%)

Marketing & Advocacy in Library Services (10 credits, compulsory)
This module aims to equip students with strategic communication and digital marketing skills to promote library and information services effectively, including the ethical use of generative AI and social media. It also focuses on developing personal and organisational advocacy skills to enhance career prospects and highlight individual and institutional strengths. (Report plan 20%, Report 80%)

Information Literacy & Reader Development (20 credits, compulsory)
This is a work-based learning module, which aims to enable students to carry out a number of employment related activities in relation to applying contemporary Information Literacy and Reader Development theories and concepts to library and information work. Students will also be expected to promote these activities with users and stakeholders. These activities are negotiated jointly with employers/industry representatives and Grŵp-based staff. (Evaluative statement 20%, Reflection 80%)

Research & Study Skills (10 credits, compulsory)
This module focuses on equipping students with essential study skills for today's academic landscape. Students will learn to produce high-quality academic writing, develop critical thinking, and master fundamental research techniques in a library and information services context. The module also covers academic conventions, effective information retrieval, self-reflection, and efficient work management. A key component will be developing the ability to make good, ethical use of artificial intelligence to enhance learning. (Presentation 40%, Reflection 20%, Report plan 40%)

LEVEL 5:

Collection Management (20 credits, compulsory)
This module aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage diverse information services and collections, including dynamic digital content and asset management. Students will learn how to apply strategic management principles to library and information services, analyse performance against industry benchmarks and recognise the key issues in library design and security to create effective and responsive information environments with a clear focus on user experience. (Report 50%, Case study 50%)

Knowledge Organisation (20 credits, compulsory)
This module aims to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills for effective information organisation and discovery in the digital age. Students will learn how to apply contemporary principles of information architecture, descriptive metadata, classification systems and cataloguing standards to practice as well as gaining proficiency in the use of library management and discovery systems. (Report 60%, Exam 40%)

Organisational Behaviour & Culture (10 credits, compulsory)
The module aims to enable students to evaluate organisational behaviour and culture within the context of the library and information sector with emphasis on digital transformation, community engagement, and staff well-being and the need for a more adaptable and digitally-literate workforce. We will also examine the role of change management and leadership in these processes. (Essay 50%, Reflection 50%)

Training & Support in a Library Context (10 credits, compulsory)
The module aims to develop essential skills in pedagogy, facilitation, coaching, and mentorship, emphasising digital literacy and ethical learning design in a library and information services context. (Essay 50%, Reflection 50%)

Library Digital Technology 2 (20 credits, compulsory)
The aim of this module is to facilitate students to explore the rapid developments in communication technologies and social media and the resultant effects on information service provision. This module will enable the development of communities of practice, to enhance collaborative approaches in supporting stakeholder groups, highlight best practice in online collaboration and facilitate the practical application of knowledge in a library context. (Reflection 50%, Lesson plan 50%)

Research Methods & Study Skills (20 credits, compulsory)
This module will require students to demonstrate enhanced skills in academic writing and information research and to apply a range of valid research methodologies and instruments. Students will also develop an understanding of ethics and learn how to give consideration to the importance of ethics in research. In addition, the module will focus upon the construction of convincing arguments through the application of valid research, analysis and evaluation. (Essay 50%, Presentation 50%)

Professional Reflection & Personal Development (20 credits, compulsory)
This is a work-based learning module, which helps students analyse the value of their learning in the library and information services environment. Students will reflect on how their learning has directly improved their knowledge, library and digital skills, employability and professional confidence to enhance their performance at work. The module also guides students in creating a personal and professional development plan that identifies future learning needs, sets measurable goals and equips them with the tools to track their progress and continuously adapt in a fast-paced professional landscape. (PKSB proforma 20%, Portfolio 80%)