Advanced Topics in Library and Information Services is one of the advanced units in the new MIS degree. It will provide IM professionals with the opportunity to pursue studies at an advanced level by addressing a selection of current topical issues and challenges in the Library and Information Services (LIS) field through seminars, project work and engagement with leading practitioners and researchers.

At the completion of this unit students should have in-depth knowledge and understanding of:

K1 The major issues and challenges associated with managing and delivering library and information services in contemporary organisations and society.

K2 The changing nature of library and information services in electronic and networked environments, their relationship to IM/KM/IT policies, strategies and frameworks, and the building of strategic alliances internal and external to the organisation.

K3 The major theories, concepts and models associated with the effective management and performance of libraries today.

K4 Strategies to ensure the achievement of organisational and social objectives, as well as meeting clients? needs and expectations.

K5 The complexity and challenges associated with evaluating the costs and benefits of the increasing range of electronic information resources which libraries deliver to their clients and the wider community.

K6 The relevance of LIS research and development initiatives to professional practice.

Should have developed attitudes that allow students to:

A1 Adopt a questioning approach to library and information service issues, theories and practices.

A2 Appreciate the requirements and difficulties involved with appropriately managing and delivering digital resources to internal and remote clients.

A3 Develop an appreciation of the importance of strategic alliances in effectively developing LIS initiatives.

Should have the skills to:

P1 Monitor and then apply current relevant theories, concepts, models and tools to the strategic management and delivery of library and information services.

P2 Analyse competition from other information providers, and clients? information needs and service expectations.

P3 Propose solutions and improvements based on analyses of the current situation, leading edge professional literature, best practice models, and research and development initiatives.

P4 Develop implementation strategies for the effective delivery of new electronic services.

S1 Should develop ability to coherently and persuasively report verbally and in writing on a range of library and information services issues.

S2. Should develop high level teamwork and group communication skills.

S3. Should develop an appreciation of the importance of close professional relationships with the wider LIS and IM communities.

This unit is designed to provide students with strategic knowledge and understanding of the role of libraries in contemporary organisations and society, and exposure to the latest thinking, developments, best practice and research initiatives within the LIS field. Emphasis will be placed on exploring key issues, challenges, and trends relating to the effective management, delivery and performance of library and information services in electronic, networked environments. Students will be equipped with understandings, knowledge, strategies, and skills which will enable them to develop and implement effective solutions that meet these challenges, and also plan for the future.

A unit outline detailing the topics to be covered in a specific offering of this unit will be available to students from the unit leader two weeks prior to the commencement of the teaching period.

Abell, A., and Corrall, S. Information Literacy in a Joined Up World. London, Facet, 2004. (Forthcoming).

Booth, A., and Brice,A. Evidence-based practice for information professionals. London, Facet, 2003.

Brophy, P., Fisher, S. and Craven J. (Eds.) Libraries without Walls 5 : The delivery of library services to distant users. London, Facet, 2004.

Gilchrist, A., and Mahon, B. Information Architecture: Designing information environments for purpose. London, Facet, 2003.

Gorman, M. Our Enduring Values: Librarianship in the 21st century. Chicago, ALA, 2000.

Gorman, M. The Enduring Library: Technology, tradition, and the quest for balance. Chicago, ALA, 2003.

Hernon, P., and Whitman, J. Delivering Satisfaction and Service Quality: A customer-based approach for libraries. Chicago, ALA, 2001.

Hughes, L. Digitizing Collections: Strategic issues for the information manager. London, Facet, 2003.

Walton, G., and Booth, A. (Eds.) Exploiting Knowledge in Health Services. London, Facet, 2004.

on campus

• Seminars/Workshops
• Guest Speakers

• Seminars/Workshops - K1-6, A1-3, P1-4, S1-3
• Guest Speakers - K1-6, A1-3, P1-4, S1-3

Research paper 40% Class presentation 20% Supervised assessment 40%

Pass Requirements: In order to pass a unit, a student must gain all of the following:

• At least 40% of the marks of the examination component, if any: i.e. the final examination and any tests performed under exam conditions, taken as a whole.
• At least 40% of the marks of the assignment component: i.e. the assignment and any other assessment tasks (such as presentations) taken as a whole.
• At least 50% of the total marks for the unit. Where a student gains less than 40% for either the examination or assignment component, the final result for the unit will be no greater than '44-N'.

• Research paper - K1-6, A1-3, P1-4, S1-3
• Class presentation - K1-6, A1-3, P1-4, S1-2
• Supervised Assessment K1-6, A1-3, P1-4, S1-3

12 hours per week

• 3 hour seminar/workshop
• 6 hours assignment (incl. research)
• 3 hours reading

High-tech seminar room for 3 hours x 13 weeks for 40 students.

Nil

Nil

1 EFT lecturer for 3 hours per week for 13 weeks and teaching assistance for hours proportional to enrolment.

• Software Title:
• Vendor:
• Version:
• OS: MS Windows XP ( ) and/or LINUX ( )
• License Details: (A valid software license certificate/s or Vendor permission must be available upon request if the software is to be installed for teaching)
• Are we currently licensed: Yes ( ) or No ( ) (If unsure, please check with your local IT support )
• If (Yes), who is the contact person for this software?:
• If (No), will the software license be arranged by: Staff member requesting the software ( ) or Technical Services* ( ) ? *If the latter is selected, please discuss your requirement/s with myself ASAP, prior to finalising your request, as there could be financial or resourcing implications.
• Is the software to be installed and accessed from a: Client/Workstation ( ), or Server ( ) ?
• Type of license: Site License ( ), Freeware ( ), FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) ( ), Shareware ( ), Lab based ( ) # of Licenses needed ____
• In what week will you commence using the software in class? Semester 1 (Week ___ ) and/or Semester 2 (Week ___ ):
• Nominated Staff For Acceptance Testing Software: (Name) (Phone) (Email)
• Additional Information: Special Requirements, Software Configuration/Installation Requirements, etc:

New unit. A Library Impact Statement has been submitted.

100% SIMS

N/A for p/g units

Nil

Nil

Nil

Must have completed Part A of the Master of Information Systems.