Course Overview
Library science can be defined as the study of preservation, collection, cataloguing and making available documents and other books within libraries. Information science on the other hand is the study of information collection, storage and retrieval especially scientific or technical information using technology (computer based systems). Information Science sits at the intersection of businesses, technology & people. Library and information science merges the two fields. It is useful in school libraries and other organizations with libraries and information handling departments. Professionals in this field may be referred to as librarians or information scientists among other titles. Librarians and Information scientists manage an organisation’s information resources and help people find information and conduct research for personal or professional use. In their work, these professionals ensure that information needed by clients or staffs is readily available for their use. Information resources can include; books and paper-based records, computerised databases or shared online services among other related resources.
Library management across the world has embraced information technology towards the management of information resources. This creates need for competent manpower with skills and knowledge to address this matter. The Bachelor of Library and Information Science is a four year course that has been designed to train leading Library and Information Professionals who can work and head libraries and other information centres in various organizations in Kenya and beyond. The curriculum coursework covers areas such as; information sources and systems, monitoring & evaluation of information services, global information communication, business information services & records, archives administration, database management systems, information services for users with special needs, electronic records management, entrepreneurship & small business management, design & care of library & information centre building, fundamentals of networking in information centres, and software development and application among other important subjects. Upon successful completion of the course, graduates will be competent and intelligent information professionals with necessary skills, expertise and knowledge to design, operate organize, conserve, restore and handle various information sources within information centres and related institutions.
Entry Qualifications
For self sponsored students, at least a mean grade of C+ in KCSE. For Government sponsored students, the minimum cut point which is announced annually applies. The students should in addition have good performance in the following cluster Subjects; Subject 1 ENG/KIS, Subject 2 MAT A / MAT B, Subject 3 any GROUP II or any GROUP III, Subject 4 a GROUP II or a GROUP III or any GROUP IV or any GROUP V.
Becoming Librarian or information scientist
If you are well organized, likes working with people and are passionate or enthusiastic about the value of information and knowledge to humanity, then pursuing this course might be a good choice for you. In addition, you should be prepared to develop skills that can help you grow and succeed in this profession.
Librarians and information scientists are effective communicators who are able to explain ideas and information in ways that patrons and users will understand. They also have high level of computer literacy as they regularly use computers to help patron’s research various topics as well as using computers to classify resources, create databases and perform administrative duties. Working in this field involves interacting with various people, librarians and information scientists therefore have good interpersonal skills to ensure that they are able to work both as part of a team and with the public or with researchers.
Excellent organisational skills are highly required in this field to ensure that librarians and information scientists are able to organize information in a manner that is easy for those seeking the information. Librarians and information scientists are involved in conducting and assisting others with research; this requires them having good research as well as problem solving skills to be able to identify a problem, figure out where to find information and draw conclusions based on the information found. Professionals in this field should enjoy continuous reading for instance those working in special libraries are expected to continually read the latest literature in their field of specialization. Librarians and information scientists also need to have an awareness of what information users need and avail it on time.
Work environment.
Graduates of this course work mostly in libraries and other information centres.
Career opportunities
Librarians and information specialists can find in jobs in government and other institutions/ departments dealing with information handling and storage, companies, secondary schools, colleges and universities among other areas. They can also start their own information companies.
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