Overview
Introduction
The programme is designed for graduates of all disciplines wishing to pursue a career in Information & Library Management on a professional level. The programme also enables existing library personnel to obtain a professional library qualification for promotional purposes.
This programme aims to provide learners with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to work in positions within the information and library management sector at a professional level. It covers a wide range of information and library topics, whilst providing the ability to respond to the changing information and library needs of clients. The programme focuses on theoretical and contextual knowledge in core areas such as information retrieval, organisation and dissemination, while also offering applied practical skills in contemporary topics such as open librarianship, information technologies, information law and information architecture.
Programme Objectives
• Provide learners with a rigorous academic foundation in, and a systematic understanding of the principles, theory and application of information and library management incorporating a contemporary skill set central to the profession.
• Enable the learner to acquire strong analytical skills to identify and critically evaluate technological, political, social, regulatory and economic changes affecting the information and library environment.
• Build learners’ capacity for informed decision-making based on the synthesis of both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
• Enable learners to attain the ability to solve practical and complex problems within a variety of information and library environments.
• Support learners in acquiring transferable skills such as leadership, advocacy, communication and IT skills.
• Facilitate learners to develop research skills and apply theoretical knowledge to work based problems.
• Provide a basis for practice and continual personal development and learning throughout learners’ careers.
Overall, the programme aims to create in learners a critical understanding of core information and library principles, while also enhancing their research capability and practical information management skills.
Key Features:
• The programme is recognised by the Library Association of Ireland (LAI).
• The programme provides learners with a rigorous academic foundation in and a systematic understanding of the principles, theory and application of information and library management incorporating a contemporary skill set central to the profession.
• The learner will acquire strong analytical skills that will allow them to identify and critically evaluate technological, political, social, regulatory and economic changes affecting the information and library environment.
• The programme enables learners to attain the ability to solve practical and complex problems within a variety of information and library environments.
• The programme facilitates the acquisition of transferable skills such as leadership, advocacy, communication and IT skills through the Personal and Professional Development module.
• A 3 week work placement in a library and or information management setting. For part-time students this can be facilitated around any work commitments an individual may have. If an individual has prior work experience in any of the above they are exempt from placement.
• The programme focuses on employability via a Personal and Professional development module and an annual Careers Expo
Delivery
For full-time students all learners are expected to attend in person in class.
For part-time students this programme is taught on a hybrid basis. This means learners are timetabled either in-class or online, in a mix of online and in-class days.
Entry Requirements
The minimum entry requirements for Master of Science in Information & Library Management are:
● A Level 8 primary undergraduate honours degree with a minimum Second-Class Second Division classification (2.2) from a recognised third level institution in any discipline.
● For applicants whose first language is not English and who have not previously undertaken a degree taught through English, evidence must be provided of proficiency in English language equivalent to B2+ or above on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL). This must be evidenced through a recognised English Language test such as IELTS, Cambridge Certificate, PTE or DBS English Assessment. Test certificates should be dated within the last two years to be considered valid.
Applicants who do not have a Level 8 qualification at a 2.2 award level and who have at least 3 years’ work experience may also be considered through the college’s normal RPL procedures. Relevant professional experience may be taken into account and individuals will be assessed on a case-by-case basis through DBS RPL procedures.
Student Testimonials
"DBS is among the few institutions doing the MSc. in Information and Library Management and it was very affordable compared to the quality of education I will get.
Coming to DBS was a dream come true. My lecturers were fantastic...always there to assist and advise. My MSc. Best module was Teaching Librarian by Trevor H. He was one of the lecturers that was very supportive in the development of students.
I would recommend DBS to others, they are top notch in delivering the best education. DBS has given me confidence - I can boldly face the world now, I feel more confident than before.
I learned a lot from the information literacy class and used that to assist my colleagues. The experience changed my whole mindset of Library and what the library can offer the world. My goal is to become one of the best information professionals in the world and support libraries in Africa."
Emmanuel Oguche
Master of Science in Information and Library Management