Bachelor of Information Science
Communication Studies and Language - Information Studies
Purpose and Rationale
Qualification: Diploma in Information Science
Purpose:
This qualification aims to train learners in the use, organisation, and management of information, crucial skills in the information era. Graduates will play a vital role in promoting and supporting a reading culture, addressing an area of concern identified by the Ministry of Arts and Culture. They will make information accessible and available to communities. Upon completion, learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of various information centres/services (libraries, archives, museums, etc.) and differentiate between them based on aims, functions, and users.
- Organise information effectively for retrieval and bibliographic control.
- Use information and communication technologies (ICTs) for information retrieval and train others in utilizing ICTs.
- Identify and understand different types of information users.
- Learn about contemporary information ethics, including issues of access, privacy, and intellectual property within the South African legal framework.
- Manage records, information, and knowledge within a company for its benefit.
- Conduct research within the Library Information System environment.
- Apply Information Science knowledge in an entrepreneurial setting.
- Maximize the use of information within a country, considering the global information economy.
Rationale:
This qualification is designed to prepare individuals for careers in Information Service and related fields such as library science, archival science, records management, information technology, and publishing. It aligns with the principles of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) by promoting upward mobility and creating clear career pathways. Graduates will help address the need for skilled Information Science professionals in South Africa and Africa.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate knowledge about various types of information centres/services such as libraries, archives, records centres, museums, publishing houses, book trade agencies, and information brokerage centres and be able to differentiate between them in terms of aims, functions and users.
- Organise information effectively for retrieval purposes and for bibliographic control.
- Use information and communication technologies (ICT's) effectively for information retrieval and train users to effectively access information worldwide by using ICT's.
- Identify, understand and differentiate different kinds of information users.
- Investigate contemporary information ethics by learning about relevant issues of access, privacy and intellectual property within the SA Legal frame work.
- Manage records, information and knowledge generated within a company for the benefit of the company.
- Carry out relevant research within the Library Information System environment.
- Apply knowledge of Information Science within an entrepreneurial environment.
- Maximise the benefit of information use within a country taking into account the global information economy.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Identify and define each type of information service.
- Outline aims and functions of various information services.
- Identify user groups and their needs for information services.
- Analyse information services according to the purpose they serve.
- Outline different types of information that can be used from centers for personal use.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Classify information records accordingly.
- Catalogue records using cataloguing rules such as AACR2.
- Index and write abstracts of information records for micro retrieval purposes.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Carry out successful searches.
- Apply search strategies for electronic databases and internet searches.
- Identify and differentiate between databases and their requirements.
- Find, access, and evaluate information on the internet.
- Train users on how to access information.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Differentiate between different user types.
- Identify needs of different types of information users.
- Apply criteria for developing collections to meet users' information needs.
- Assist users in effective use of information.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Identify ethical issues related to ICT development in the information environment.
- Explain implications of SA legislation relating to information issues.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Identify standardized methods for control of internal records.
- Apply criteria for database construction and thesaurus construction.
- Construct and evaluate bibliographic databases.
- Organize and store company's internal information and records for long term operational needs.
- Identify methods of collecting and organizing internal information for effective decision-making.
- Identify and record tacit knowledge of experts for future use.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Identify and compare various research methodologies.
- Apply necessary methods to limited LIS scenarios.
- Write a research proposal for practical problems in the LIS environment.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
- Identify business opportunities in the LIS field.
- Draw up a business plan for a LIS enterprise.
- Create a simple budget.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
- Assess implications and value of national information related legislation.
- Explain characteristics of an information society and explore implications for a developing society.
- Explain the need for a national information policy within a global economy.
Integrated Assessment:
- Advance learning through formative and summative assessment strategies.
- Conduct assessment through various activities and submissions.
- Assess competencies including knowledge, comprehension, analysis, synthesis, evaluation, and application.
- Evaluate assessment tasks based on criterion-referenced and norm-referenced principles.
- Reflect on the effectiveness and appropriateness of assessments regularly.
Formative Assessment:
- Continuous interaction between learner and lecturer for written assignments and individual feedback.
- Feedback through general tutorial letters.
- Continuous interaction between learner and preceptor in practical work for clinical programmes.
Summative Assessment:
- Writing examinations or portfolios at the end of each module.
- Contributions from formative and summative assessments towards final mark.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 360
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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