University of Limpopo

Bachelor of Information Studies

Communication Studies and Language - Information Studies

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Purpose and Rationale

Qualification Overview

Purpose

The Bachelor of Information Studies, Level 8 qualification aims to enhance managerial capacity and information handling skills of managers. Graduates are equipped to serve as information specialists at various levels within the country, aiding in accessing and interpreting relevant information to further national priorities. This qualification focuses on developing ethical practitioners who understand information users and society, possess knowledge of information systems, and excel in organizing, managing, and researching information.

Rationale

This qualification addresses the challenge of information overload in post-modern society by providing trained professionals capable of selecting and utilizing appropriate information for decision-making. In alignment with national priorities such as job creation and effective governance, the qualification prepares learners to manage and organize information effectively, ensuring its availability for relevant purposes. Graduates may pursue roles like information brokers, specialists, consultants, librarians, or managers in government and corporate settings. The qualification offers a pathway for further study in Information Studies and benefits learners in personal development, systems thinking, and information management skills, ultimately aiding decision-makers with relevant information for informed decisions.

Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate an integrated knowledge of and engagement with f the processes of handling information in a range of contexts and situations.
  2. Interrogate multiple sources of knowledge.
  3. Select, apply or transfer appropriate standard procedures, processes or techniques to collect and use information for own academic and non-academic purposes.
  4. Use a range of specialised skills to identify, analyse and address complex or abstract problems that present themselves in information studies.
  5. Identify and address ethical issues based on the context in which it occurs.
  6. Review information-gathering processes, synthesis of data and evaluation and management processes in differing contexts.
  7. Present and communication academic, professional or occupation ideas and texts to a range of audiences.
  8. Operate effectively within a system or manage a system based on an understanding of the roles of elements within a system.
  9. Manage and be accountable for own learning.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

  • Demonstrate the importance of data, information, information audits, information mapping and flow in Library and Information Services (LIS) Organisations.
  • Debate the economics of information.
  • Identify factors that influence the choice of database products in LIS organisations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

  • Access, evaluate and perform information searches using various databases such as Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) and Information.
  • Apply a variety of search strategies.
  • Prepare collection assessment procedures and identify titles that should be acquired.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

  • Appropriately describe information production processes.
  • Substantiate the selection of information sources though explaining the principles and procedures followed.
  • Identify dynamics involved in collection building and management.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

  • Evaluate and accurately identify common information problems.
  • Provide appropriate solutions to common information problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

  • Identify ethical and legal issues related to information.
  • Appraise the wider ethical issues associates with Information Systems (IS) development and discuss their implications for computers and computerised information.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and significance of effective information management through describing various information-gathering processes.
  • Solve information management problems.
  • Identify reasons and conditions for an information audit.
  • Establish the impact of automation in library and information centres.
  • Evaluate a range of library and information systems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

  • Demonstrate appropriate packaging of information for various information societies by generating and communicating different textual outlines of presentations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

  • Identify problems in Information Systems (IS) development discuss their underlying causes and propose solutions.
  • Discuss the importance of network technologies in libraries and information sector.
  • Establish and justify the role of Indigenous Knowledge Systems in different societies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:

  • Demonstrate an awareness of the importance of providing information that is up-to-date and current through ongoing and professional development.
  • Take accountability for decision-making and use of resources in an ethically responsible manner.

Integrated Assessment:

  • Integrated assessment practices aligned to qualification modules, Exit Level Outcomes and core focus areas.
  • Assessment across all Exit Level Outcomes.
  • Application of standard procedures in information collection for academic and non-academic purposes.
  • Application of a range of specialised skills in Information Studies.
  • Gathering, processing, synthesising and managing information.
  • Packaging and presenting information in different ways.
  • Showing awareness of accountability and management of personal and professional learning.
  • Operating effectively in a Library Information System organisation, especially through fieldwork engagement.
  • Formative and summative assessments with a 60:40 weighting respectively.
  • Combination of tests, assignments, presentations, theoretical exams, student fieldwork reports, and a dissertation for assessment.

Qualification Details

Type
National First Degree(Min 480)
NQF Level
08
Min. Credits
480
SAQA Source
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University of Limpopo
University of Limpopo
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Description
The University of Limpopo is a comprehensive university located in the Limpopo province of South Africa. It was established in 2005 through the merger of the University of the North and the Medical University of South Africa. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including health sciences, natural and agricultural sciences, humanities, management sciences, and education. It is known for its commitment to providing quality education, conducting research that addresses societal challenges, and promoting community engagement. The University of Limpopo strives to produce graduates who are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to the development of the region and the country as a whole.
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This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.