1. INTRODUCTION ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Library and Information Science (LIS) is a discipline that aims at training information professionals to serve different stakeholders for development. LIS is considered as a cross cutting discipline in humanities, sciences and technology. SLAU mission is “to offer education, promote research and innovation, and outreach in LIS to respond to the present and future information needs of society”. The course is designed to;

1.      To provide a teaching and learning environment in LIS that ensures quality of staff and students that are competitive in the changing information management environment;

2.      To promote staff and students research and technology innovations in library and information management;

3.      To mentor staff and students in LIS with a purpose of preparing them for employment in the ever changing public and private sector information environment.

4.      To promote transfer of library and information management best practices to private and public sector;

5.      To facilitate LIS academic work in the real life information management sector

 

2. RATIONALE FOR THE BLIS PROGRAMME

 

Information is a key resource for individual, organizational, national and international development. It must therefore be generated, processed, stored, and disseminated. However, because it is a non-dynamic resource, the above activities cannot happen by themselves. Therefore, there must exist a body of information professionals with extensive theory (knowledge) and training (competence and skills) in order to effectively manage this information.

St. Lawrence University’s Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLIS) is designed to bring a new approach to the teaching of Information Science, combining solid engineering practices with knowledge of management and business processes. The programme, developed in consultation with the Information industry and employers, will deliver a mix of knowledge, skills and experience that are necessary for a library and information professional in a three-year degree programme, which can be awarded with Honours for high achievement.

3. PLANS (PATHWAYS)

 

For the BLIS programme, all the courses from year 1 to 3 are core. However, students will be required to take course units from BBA, BSWSA, BIT, BSC.

 

4. PROGRAMME GOAL, OBJECTIVES AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

 

4.1 PROGRAMME GOAL

 Developing human capacity to manage information for organizational, national and international development.

 

4.2 THE PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES

1)        Equip learners with the theory, concepts and philosophy of library and information science

2)        Equip learners to practical training for  enabling them acquire competencies and skills required in the LIS profession

3)        Equip learners with knowledge and skills in the management of LIS institutions in a changing society.

4)        Equip learners to the research process to examine LIS issues and identify solutions

5)        Equip learners appreciate and adopt ICT in the management of library and information services.

6)        Develop learners’ professional attitudes in information work

 

5.3 STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES 

The Bachelor of Library and Information Science prepares a student to be part of information evolution. Work as a school library media specialist helping educate our children, or be a technician in a library or other information environment in industry or business.

The skills gained will make a student an information leader, supporting organization, access and management of information and its tools.

 

4.4 LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of the prograrmme, graduates should be able to:

  1. Understand how, ideas, knowledge and information are generated, communicated and used by individuals and organizations
  2. Developed ability to generate, process, store and document information.
  3. Manage and use information effectively and describe and analyze information flows and processes within organizations
  4. Develop the ability to assess and analyze Library and Information Science principles and practices in management issues.
  5. Developed ability to apply technology in Library and Information Science
  6. Developed ability to provide information support in light of the organization goals.
  7. Design information architecture, search engines and automated Library and Information Science systems
  8. Manage Library and Information resource units