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GD-INFLIB

Information and Library Studies

Graduate diploma

Change to a career in libraries and learn how to connect people with information.

This offering version is phasing out and no longer taking applications. You may be able to apply for a later version.

Course outline
  • Qualification
    Graduate Diploma in Information and Library Studies
  • Duration

    Duration

    1 year full-time
  • Credit

    Credit

    200
Course outline

Overview

Overview

This information is relevant for students commencing study in 2022. If you plan to commence study in 2023, please view the planned offering.

Information professionals hold key roles in diverse work environments by connecting data, information and knowledge to people, business and communities.

This course prepares you for a career in librarianship. You will learn theoretical concepts relating to information science, such as how information is organised and used, and how these concepts can be applied in modern library and information management settings.  

You will understand the techniques, technologies and tools used in daily library practice. You’ll gain real-world experience through the completion of a three-week practicum placement within a library or an information centre. 

This course can be a pathway to a Master of Information Management.

Please refer to the handbook for additional course overview information.

*Please note that offshore international students enrolling in this course can only study it fully online. This course is not available to onshore international students.

What jobs can the Information and Library Studies course lead to?

The future of libraries, archives and records
The ever-growing volume of information and data requires professionals who not only have the skills to acquire, design, manage, access, curate and preserve information, but also the ability to contextualise information so it’s used ethically and meaningfully.

Our graduates work in a range of information-related careers with responsibilities that include community and stakeholder engagement, program development, metadata and classification, information systems design and digital record keeping.

Career fields

  • 
Public libraries
  • Academic and special libraries
  • Public, state and national libraries
  • Publishers

What you'll learn

  • understand the discipline of librarianship, its theoretical underpinnings, ways of thinking and professional approaches; understand and apply in practice established and developing knowledge and professional practice
  • apply logical and rational processes to analyse the components of an issue; think creatively to generate innovative solutions to librarianship issues, including conservation and preservation
  • understand the nature of information and how information is created, organised, distributed and used in the Librarianship sector; apply best practice in servicing the needs of information users; locate and evaluate information resources and manage collections effectively
  • communicate appropriately with information users and colleagues; assess the information needs of information user groups in the Librarianship sector; assess and meet the information literacy needs of a defined user group
  • assess the impact of emerging technologies on the work of the librarian; learn the technologies relevant to information creation, organisation, dissemination and use; decide on appropriate applications and systems for specific information service needs
  • apply a range of learning strategies; take responsibility for one's own learning and development; sustain intellectual curiosity
  • think globally and consider issues from a variety of perspectives; apply relevant international standards, tools and practices to the professional practice of Librarianship
  • recognise individual human rights, including rights of free access to information; appreciate the importance of cultural diversity and the sensitivities which may be created when disseminating information to diverse user groups; value diversity of language and how this may be fostered in services offered by Librarians
  • apply as appropriate the professional skills of librarians and other information professionals; work independently and in teams; demonstrate leadership; understand and demonstrate professional behaviour; understand issues in the ethical use of information and demonstrate how ethical practices may be followed in the workplace; understand and apply major tools for information organisation, metadata creation and indexing and recordkeeping throughout the continuum to ensure efficiency and compliance

Professional recognition and accreditation

Graduates are eligible for associate membership of the Australian Library and Information Association.

Admission criteria

What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.

Applicants require equivalent to or higher than a three year bachelor's degree from a recognised tertiary education provider EITHER in a discipline other than librarianship or information studies completed any time; OR in librarianship or information studies, completed more than 10 years ago.

The course relies on technology skills, so applicants must be competent in word processing and the use of the internet, including web browsing software, before starting the course.

 

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6.0

Speaking

6.0

Reading

6.0

Listening

6.0

Overall band score

6.5

Other requirements and notes for this course

Regular and reliable Internet access is required.

Some lectures in this course may be attended by both undergraduate and postgraduate students.

As the course is heavily dependent on computer skills, you should develop competency in word-processing and Internet browser software before commencing the course.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

Credit for recognised learning (CRL)

Use your experience to get credit towards your degree

Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience.

Fees and scholarships

Fee information is not available for this course at this time. Find estimated course fees.

Looking for more detail on the course structure?

View course structure

Frequently asked questions

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  • The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.

    The information on this page may be subject to change. In particular, Curtin University may change the content, method or location of delivery or tuition fees of courses.

    While Curtin uses reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided on this page is accurate and up to date, errors and omissions sometimes occur. Curtin makes no warranty, representation or undertaking (expressed or implied) nor does it assume any legal liability (direct or indirect) for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information.

    View courses information disclaimer.

  • Curtin course code: GD-INFLIB
  • Last updated on: 25 December 2024

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