Master of Science (MSc) Information & Library Management (LAI accredited)

Overview
Course Content
Structure
Career Opportunities
Fees
Next Steps

Overview

This programme welcomes a wide audience of learners from cognate backgrounds.. The MSc in Information and Library Management (Level 9, 90 ECTS) 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. Learners who complete the full MSc in Information and Library Management programme (including the 25 ECTS capstone research project) will also develop and enhance their research capability through critical enquiry and detailed analytical problem solving.

On completion of this programme, graduates will be able to effectively demonstrate the following attributes:

Fundamental decision-making techniques;
Knowledge and awareness of a variety of business organisations;
Numerical and quantitative skills;
Problem-solving and analytical ability;
Excellent oral and written communication skills;
Entrepreneurial and innovative instincts;
Capacity for further studies.

Objectives

The programme objectives are to:

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 learners to acquire strong analytical skills in order 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, using robust methodological procedures.
Provide a basis for practice and continual personal development and learning throughout learners’ careers.
Overall, the programme aims to imbue in learners a critical understanding of core information and library principles, while also enhancing research capability and practical information management skills.

Delivery

This programme is delivered through both online and face-to-face modes of delivery, including classroom sessions (in-person and Zoom lectures), asynchronous content, and practical computer lab sessions.

Minimum Entry Requirements

To be considered for admission, applicants must possess:

A minimum second-class second division (2.2) honours undergraduate/bachelor's degree in any discipline, from a recognised third-level institution, or equivalent qualification.
For non-standard applicants, relevant professional experience may be taken into account, and individuals will be assessed on a case-by-case basis through DBS RPL procedures.

International applicants whose first language is not English and who have not previously undertaken a degree taught in English must provide evidence of proficiency in English language equivalent to B2+ or above on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This must be evidenced through a recognised English Language test such as IELTS, Cambridge Certificate or DBS English assessment. Test certificates should be dated within the last two years to be considered valid.

As this is an extremely specialised area of study, advanced entry to any stage of the programme is not permitted.

Module Name	ECTS
Educational Services in Library and Information Organisations	5
Records Management and Archives	5
Information Technologies	5
Information Organisation	10
Research Methods	5
Management for Information and Library Professionals	10
Information Architecture in the Digital Library	5
Information Law	5
Open Librarianship	5
Professional Development and Organisational Awareness	5
Applied Research Methods	5
Dissertation/Applied Research Project	25

An Exit award is available for learners who are unsuccessful in completing the Capstone module.

Assessment Methods

DBS employs a blended learning approach with in-person and live online sessions. Teaching methods include lectures, workshops, and practical labs. Assessment strategies ensure practical application of core principles through continuous assessment, projects, and oral presentations.

Module: Professional Development and Organisational Awareness

Overview
A requisite of this programme is the completion of 90 hours of practical work experience within a real world library or archival setting. Integrated into the Professional Development and Organisational Awareness module, this placement challenges learners to engage deeply with industry operations and apply reflective practice. Students who are already employed in a relevant library or information centre role are exempt from undertaking a new, separate placement, provided they use their current role for the assessment. The module culminates in the submission of a reflective project report and a formal Work Placement Report Form.

Placement and Host Company Requirements
Host organisations, which can include public libraries, medical libraries, or the DBS library itself, are expected to provide students with a comprehensive overview of daily operations or assign them a specific, relevant project to complete. The 90 hour commitment must be scheduled outside of the student's normal class attendance hours, at a time mutually convenient for both parties. For the host's peace of mind, students are fully covered by the DBS insurance policy for the duration of the placement, and an official indemnity document can be provided upon request. At the conclusion of the placement, the employer is required to complete a formal feedback form detailing the student's performance.

Arranging Your Placement
Students are responsible for sourcing and arranging their own work placements by submitting an email of application and a CV directly to prospective employers. However, they are actively assisted in this process by the programme's Lecturer and the Programme Level Manager (PLM), who leverage DBS's strong industry links to help identify suitable opportunities. Throughout the placement, the PLM serves as the primary point of contact between the college and the host organisation, monitoring the student's progress to ensure the experience successfully meets all intended academic learning outcomes.

Awarding Body and NFQ Level

This programme has been validated and approved by the Irish state agency, QQI (Quality and Qualifications Ireland). The programme is positioned at Level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), a framework for the development, recognition, and award of qualifications in Ireland. The programme is listed on the Irish Register of Qualifications.

The programme is also currently accredited by the Library Association of Ireland (LAI).

In both the case of QQI and the LAI, DBS is obliged to carry out reviews and re-submit the programme for re-approval on a cyclical basis. This means that, during your programme of study, there may be changes to programme content or delivery. Where this occurs, transition arrangements are carefully considered to ensure coherence and consistency for learners.

At all times, delivery of the programme must be in compliance with the approved programme and to achieve the recognised aware learners must fulfil all assessment criteria.

Structure

The MSc in Information and Library Management is a 1 year full-time/2-year part-time programme consisting of eleven taught modules (two 10 ECTS modules, nine 5 ECTS modules) and a 25 ECTS elective to choose from; Dissertation or Applied Research Project. For learners who cannot continue, for personal or professional reasons, to the research component of this programme, there is an embedded exit award titled, Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Information and Library Management (Level 9, 60 ECTS).

For full-time learners, semester one provides the learner with a critical understanding of information organisations and technologies, records management and archiving along with an introduction to research practices at level 9. Semester two covers management practices for library professionals along with key concepts in the area of information law, digital libraries, professional development in addition to applied research methodologies. Part-time learners progress through this programme through an additional semester, delivered by evening classes.

Learners will then complete a capstone (25 ECTS) of either a Dissertation or an Applied Research Project which will synthesise learning from other modules, combining research and technical skills to investigate, design, produce and critically evaluate an area of research interest.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the programme can progress to roles as library managers, systems librarians, reader services managers, collection development managers, institutional repository managers and teaching librarians in a variety of library settings.

Graduates are also qualified for information management roles in the corporate sector such as records management and in the creation, management and promotion of digital content. Graduates of the MSc in Information and Library Management at DBS have gone onto secure positions in a range of libraries and information services.

In a market-driven economy where competitive advantage is key, it is intended that graduates of this programme will meet the needs of organisations that wish to remain competitive through the strategic management and analysis of data.

Fees

The course fees for the next academic year are €9,100 for one year, and €5,600 for two years for EU students.

International Fees

EU Fees

You can also contact our admissions team who would be happy to discuss the options available for you.

Please note also that there is tax relief for Irish income tax payers at the standard rate of 20% on all fees exceeding €1,000 and up to €7,000.

All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration offered by Dublin Business School (DBS) are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) (b) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby in the event that DBS ceases to provide the programme, for any reason, after learners have started on that programme, Kaplan Inc., as guarantor, will refund the moneys most recently paid by or for the learner. More details are included in the terms and conditions of learner admission to DBS and on programme handbooks provided at induction.

Improve your employability

All of our postgraduate courses offer strong links with industry and the professional world and often carry accreditation from professional bodies. By choosing to study at postgraduate level, not only do you gain valuable skills and experience but you also demonstrate your determination to succeed in a chosen career. Far from being a postponement to employment, postgraduate study can help you progress further and faster in your chosen career. And, if you're not certain what direction you would like your future to take, further study can provide a secure and structured space to help you find out through exploring your strengths and interests.

Get your foot on the career ladder

A large number of our postgraduate programmes include a work placement option, giving you the opportunity to gain vocational experience, make valuable contacts and gain transferable skills. It is also worth considering that some postgraduate qualifications are essential requirements to getting on the career ladder.

Gain skills for success

During your undergraduate degree you will have developed a strong foundation of transferable skills. Postgraduate study will build on this base, giving you the opportunity to put these highly valuable skills in to practice. You will also gain invaluable practical working examples that you can go on to use at interview to set you apart from other candidates.

Visit Us

Open days are a great way to help you make your decision about DBS and learn more about the programme. As well as experiencing our outstanding facilities, you'll have the opportunity to receive personalised advice from academics from your subject area, meet current postgraduate students and also have your questions answered on general subjects such as entry requirements, student support and the admissions process.

EU Applicants

Applicants should complete the appropriate application form and return it to the Postgraduate Admissions Office along with the following documentation:

Academic Transcripts (Original & Official English Translation where issued in another language). Applicants who have previously attended DBS need not provide this documentation
Proof of Identification (Birth Certificate, Drivers Licence or Passport)
Detailed Curriculum Vitae
Proof of English (i.e. IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent) where full time study has been conducted in a language other than English or applicants whose first language is not English
Academic/Business References - Ideally one Academic & one Business
In addition to the above, in the instance of Non-EU applicants who have residency in Ireland:

A copy of your GNIB (Garda National Immigration Bureau) Card, Work permit (if applicable) & Passport
The letter that was issued to you by the Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform stating why you were provided with the above documentation.

International Students/ Non EU Applicants

Applicants should complete the appropriate application form and return it to the Postgraduate Admissions Office along with the following documentation:

Academic documents
Academic transcripts
Proof of English (i.e. IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent)
A Curriculum Vitae
A copy of your passport

Please note that copies of all documentation must be submitted, and that it must be translated into English where issued in another language. Please do not send original documents as these will not be returned. Dublin Business School has a number of overseas offices and representatives worldwide. Please contact us if you wish to receive further details on your closest DBS representative.

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Course overview

Awarding Body:
Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI)

Award: Masters Degree
NFQ Level: 9
Title of Award: Master of Science (MSc) in Information and Library Management
Award Type: Major
Duration:
Full-time: 1 Year
Part-time: 2 Years
Mode: Blended/ hybrid delivery
Next Intake: September 2026