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Are you looking for a distance learning course that gives you the flexibility to combine your existing job, or other commitments, with a Masters-level qualification in the field of library management? This course combines core modules in information science with specialised modules in Information and Digital Literacy as well as Library Management, Leadership and Outreach.

This course is designed equally for those who are already information professionals in libraries and those who are looking to break into the sector for the first time. To suit those who have existing work commitments, the course is taught via a flexible distance learning mode and it has a slightly extended duration of 16 months. If you would prefer to study full-time on campus, please see MSc Information Science.

This accreditation makes our courses stand out and enhances their credibility and currency among employers, and is also crucial for progressing to Chartership status once qualified.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) to assure students that programmes provide an excellent preparation for professional practice.

Course Information

Level of Study
Postgraduate

Mode of Study
2 years distance learning

Department
Computer and Information Sciences

Location
City Campus, Northumbria University

City
Newcastle

Start
September 2020

Fee Information

Module Information

Distance Learning

Distance Learning

Frequently Asked Questions

Book an Open Day / Experience Information Science - Library Management MSc

Visit an Open Day to really get an inside view of what it's like to study Information Science - Library Management at Northumbria. Speak to staff and students from the course and discover your funding options.

Our teaching is linked to what you want to learn and also to what you need to learn in order to achieve greater success in information science.

Our long established relationship with employers ensures that you receive the most relevant and up-to-date knowledge to bring innovation, relevance, ethical sensitivity and currency to all you do. There is an emphasis on learning by doing; coursework will include projects, portfolios of work, reports and presentations as well as essays. All this helps you to make sense of the subject, getting a clear understanding of important concepts and theories.

While some assessments contribute to your final grade, there are other assessments that are provided purely to guide your progress and reinforce your learning. You can expect both your tutors and your peers to provide useful comments and feedback throughout the course.

Book an Open Day / Experience Information Science - Library Management MSc

Visit an Open Day to really get an inside view of what it's like to study Information Science - Library Management at Northumbria. Speak to staff and students from the course and discover your funding options.

Our teaching staff include cutting-edge researchers whose specialisms overlap with the content of this course, helping ensure that teaching is right up-to-date. Specialisms include big data, data mining, decision-making, digital literacy, information behaviour, information retrieval systems, recommender systems, and the link between information science and cognitive psychology.

Our eminent academics have written books that regularly appear on reading lists for information science courses at universities all over the world. They also work as external examiners and reviewers of courses at other UK and non-UK universities.

Our course is delivered through the Northumbria iSchool, which is one of only six iSchools in the UK. A hallmark of an iSchool is an understanding that expertise in all forms of information is required for progress in science, business, education and culture. This expertise must cover the uses and users of information, the nature of information itself, as well as information technologies and their applications.

Information Science at Northumbria was established over 70 years ago and has developed in close collaboration with the profession. That dynamic working relationship has allowed us to not only reflect professional requirements, but also to be instrumental in understanding and shaping those requirements.

Staff Profiles / Information Science - Library Management

Andrew Turnbull

Senior Lecturer

Dr Biddy Casselden

Senior Lecturer

Dr Honglei Li

Senior Lecturer

Matthew Pointon

Senior Lecturer

Book an Open Day / Experience Information Science - Library Management MSc

Visit an Open Day to really get an inside view of what it's like to study Information Science - Library Management at Northumbria. Speak to staff and students from the course and discover your funding options.

Northumbria uses a range of technologies to enhance your learning, with tools including web-based self-guided exercises, online tests with feedback, videos and tutorials.

These tools support and extend the material that is delivered during lectures, and are available anywhere anytime. Group work and peer interaction feature prominently in our learning and teaching, this reflects the practices you’re likely to encounter within the working environment.

You will have 24/7 term-time access to Northumbria’s library, which has over half a million print books as well as half a million electronic books available online. The 24/7 University Library achieves some of the highest levels of student satisfaction in the UK and has held the Cabinet Office accreditation for Customer Service Excellence since 2010.

The University Library has advanced search software and database tools that allows you to use a single search box to get fast results from across a wide and reliable range of academic resources. The use of such software and tools is an important aspect of our information science courses.

Book an Open Day / Experience Information Science - Library Management MSc

Visit an Open Day to really get an inside view of what it's like to study Information Science - Library Management at Northumbria. Speak to staff and students from the course and discover your funding options.

In fast-moving fields like information science it’s particularly important for teaching to take account of the latest research.

Northumbria is helping to push out the frontier of knowledge in a range of areas including:

As a student, you will be heavily engaged in analysing recent insights from the field of information science. You will undertake a major individual study that will require you to evaluate relevant literature as well as to develop your ideas within the context of existing research. Your study will be tailored to your particular interests but the underlying theme will be the relationships between information, people and technology. Many of our students publish their own research and present at professional and academic conferences, before or soon after graduating.

Departmental Research / Discover our current research interests

Digital Libraries, Archives & Records

Digital Consumers, Behaviours & Literacy

Book an Open Day / Experience Information Science - Library Management MSc

Visit an Open Day to really get an inside view of what it's like to study Information Science - Library Management at Northumbria. Speak to staff and students from the course and discover your funding options.

This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals as well as the Archives and Records Association. This reflects the relevance of the curriculum, which is informed by contact with the employers and close professional links. The accreditation vital if you want to move on to Chartership status once qualified.

The topics and activities in the course have a strong emphasis on employability. For example you will develop practical skills in leadership and strategy within the context of library management. You will also learn how to evaluate and use a range of appropriate technologies for solving problems and delivering seamless services in libraries. Your knowledge and practical skills will help you take a lead on research-informed approaches that will give your employers a valuable advantage.

Book an Open Day / Experience Information Science - Library Management MSc

Visit an Open Day to really get an inside view of what it's like to study Information Science - Library Management at Northumbria. Speak to staff and students from the course and discover your funding options.

Libraries are being transformed due to the spreading of digital literacy and the changing needs and expectations of users. More than ever before, the delivery of high-quality services relies on library and information professionals who have a strong grasp of the principles and practices of modern library management.

On graduation, you will be well placed to play a role in this new world of libraries. Employers are looking for information professionals who can develop fresh insights through mastery of their subject and critical scholarship. With your Masters qualification, you will be equipped to make a difference, advance your practice and make well-balanced judgements. You could work for a wide range of employers in the public, private and third sector, or you could progress in a career that you have already started. Your Masters qualification can also form the basis for further postgraduate studies at a higher level.

Book an Open Day / Experience Information Science - Library Management MSc

Visit an Open Day to really get an inside view of what it's like to study Information Science - Library Management at Northumbria. Speak to staff and students from the course and discover your funding options.

Entry Requirements Modules Overview Fees, Funding  and Scholarships

Entry Requirements 2020/21

Standard Entry

Applicants should normally have:

A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree in any subject. Other subject qualifications, equivalent professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be considered on an individual basis.

International qualifications:

If you have studied a non UK qualification, you can see how your qualifications compare to the standard entry criteria, by selecting the country that you received the qualification in, from our country pages. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry

English language requirements:

International applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 5.5 in each component (or approved equivalent*).

 *The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS.  You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications

Fees and Funding 2020/21 Entry

Full UK Fee: £7,170

Full EU Fee: £7,170

Full International Fee: £7,170

ADDITIONAL COSTS

There are no Additional Costs

Scholarships and discounts

Click here for Home/EU scholarships and discounts information

Click here for International scholarships and discounts information

If you'd like to receive news and information from us in the future about the course or finance then please complete the below form

* By submitting your information you are consenting to your data being processed by Northumbria University (as Data Controller) and Campus Management Corp. (acting as Data Processor). To see the University's privacy policy please click here

Modules Overview 2020/21

Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

Year one Year two

Year one

KC7020 -

Information Organisation and Access (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn about the key principles of information organisation and retrieval, and put them into practice and demonstrate advanced information and data management skills in diverse environments. You will be able to critically reflect on the theory and practice as well as contemporary research into the issues and contexts of information organisation and interactive information retrieval. You will also develop creative, critical and reflective problem solving capabilities and a commitment to lifelong learning in the management of information and data in different contexts.
Topics include:
1) Information organisation and access
a) Context, concepts, approaches, tools, techniques and standards
b) Structured and unstructured information, web information
c) Research data

2) Interactive information retrieval
a) Indexing techniques
b) Information retrieval models
c) Information interactions in specific domains and contexts

3) Human information behaviour
a) Human information behaviour models
b) User interfaces
c) Usability an devaluation of information retrieval

More information

KC7022 -

Information Systems and Technologies (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn the necessary knowledge and skills to analyse, synthesise and evaluate information systems; and to appraise and use a range of appropriate information technologies for solving problems within a business / enterprise context. You will learn about modern data-storage paradigm and how contemporary business is making use of cloud computing technologies and services. The module will be taught from two complementary perspectives: the managerial perspective and from the perspective of a developer. From these perspectives you will learn how an appropriate incorporation of technology and innovation into corporate strategy and management can lead organisations to achieve profitable and sustainable competitive advantage. Throughout the module, key issues around security and ethics when implementing and using such technologies will be introduced and discussed.

More information

KC7023 -

Research Methods and Professional Practice (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn about the techniques and methods used in applied, contract, academic and/or professional research. You will also develop your understanding of the theoretical philosophies underpinning research, as well as how to design and run research in an applied context. This will focus on the problems and issues that occur in establishing empirical knowledge in the information science area. You will explore various research philosophies and methodologies which can be applied to professional practice. You are also encouraged to apply models of reflective practice throughout the module.
Topics include:
1) The research landscape (research philosophies)
a) The epistemology and ontology of major research paradigms
b) Limitations of the research philosophies
c) The research hierarchy

2) Information Discernment
a) High level of Information Literacy in all domains
b) Developing critical arguments in support of the students own research
c) Identifying appropriate evidence from practice literature to demonstrate engagement with the profession
d) The ethical researcher
e) The reflective researcher
f) Developing research questions, aims and hypotheses

3) Research methods, data collection techniques and data analysis
a) The use of methods in research and implications of choice
b) Exploring methods, including; phenomenology, ethnography, case study, action research, Delphi study, experiments, quasi-experiments, survey etc.
c) Exploring techniques, including; questionnaire design, interviewing, focus groups, observation, diaries etc.
d) Data analysis, including; descriptive and inferential statistics, statistical modelling, multivariate techniques, constant comparative analysis, grounded theory and theoretical sensitivity.
e) Research data management
f) Writing research proposals

More information

KC7025 -

The library professional: management, leadership and outreach (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn about the principles and practice of modern library management, including leadership and outreach. You will appreciate what it means to be a library and information professional, by exploring the wider information and library environment that you operate in, and understanding the strategic and managerial theory which underpins a working environment. Practical skills relating to leadership, outreach and decision making will be investigated and developed throughout the module. Topics include:
• the modern information/library environment;
• organisational theory;
• strategy formulation and implementation;
• communication in the organisation;
• marketing;
• quality and performance measures;
• management of change and risk analysis; and
• human resource management.

More information

Year two

KC7024 -

User Behaviour and Interaction Design (Core,20 Credits)

You will gain an insight into a range of theories, models, metaphors and frameworks regarding user behaviour in information environments.. You will learn how these can be harnessed to enhance the design process enabling interface designers to move towards user-centred design approaches. You will develop skills in the practice of analysing, monitoring and evaluating user behaviour.

You will be examining in depth theories and models of cognitive, social and emotional interaction in the technological environment and you will be exposed to current research in this area. Quantitative and qualitative methods including sentiment analysis will also be covered.

Tools such as eye-tracking devices, which can be used in the endeavour, will be demonstrated and you will be given an opportunity to evaluate their effectiveness.. Methodologies such as participatory design will also be analysed.

Related ethical and legal issues will be addressed on such issues as accessibility and assistive technologies, security and data protection, privacy issues and information governance.

In summary, the topics you will be learning about are as follows:
• Information behaviour from theory of least effort to co-creation of content
• The user experience and how to capture it
• Cognitive, social and emotional interaction in the technological environment
• Interaction design principles
• Persuasive technologies and behavioural design
• Participatory design methodologies and why they are useful
• Reflecting on wider use, inclusion and equality of access
• Ethical and legal aspects

More information

KC7026 -

Masters Dissertation (Core,60 Credits)

The dissertation will develop themes relevant to your studies during the taught element of the masters degree programme and/or related to your employment. The selection of your topic rests with you and discussions with staff can help to facilitate your choice of topic. The dissertation process will enable you to use and extend the knowledge and skills acquired during the taught element of your programme, by carrying out a small-scale research project that must be relevant to the particular programme and may be:
• Empirical research;
• A problem-based project, set in a real setting;
• A theoretical based project involving a critical and systematic review and synthesis of the literature.

All approaches should be based on an appropriate research methodology.

The dissertation will normally include the following:

1. A justification of the choice of the topic;
2. Exhibition of knowledge and critical analysis of existing literature, evidenced by a comprehensive list of references/bibliography;
3. Some evidence of original work in the form of data collection, field research, observation and/or analysis - supported by a description and justification of the method(s) used;
4. Conclusions, with an assessment of their general applicability, supported by relevant analytical procedures.

Dissertation briefings will also be held in the second semester of the year in which you complete the taught element of the Masters programme, prior to you commencing work on your dissertation.

More information

KC7027 -

Information and digital literacy (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn about the models, theories and research in information and digital literacy, their evolution and their implications for enhancing your users skills and capabilities. You will find out about a range of teaching and learning theories, strategies and methods and how these can be used to deliver high quality learning experiences for your users. You will also learn how to champion and advocate these approaches to embed them within service delivery and embed within the curriculum in educational settings. You will also find out about new ways of collection development and identifying user needs for example, reading list services and how these can be brought together with information and digital literacy learning experiences to create a seamless service delivery. Topics include:
• A history of information and digital literacy
• Models of information and digital literacy
• Learning theories
• Information and digital literacy and pedagogy/teaching skills in context
• User needs analysis
• Collection development
• Liaison and advocacy for information literacy

More information

Modules Overview 2021/22

Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

Year one Year two

Year one

KC7020 -

Information Organisation and Access (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn about the key principles of information organisation and retrieval, and put them into practice and demonstrate advanced information and data management skills in diverse environments. You will be able to critically reflect on the theory and practice as well as contemporary research into the issues and contexts of information organisation and interactive information retrieval. You will also develop creative, critical and reflective problem solving capabilities and a commitment to lifelong learning in the management of information and data in different contexts.
Topics include:
1) Information organisation and access
a) Context, concepts, approaches, tools, techniques and standards
b) Structured and unstructured information, web information
c) Research data

2) Interactive information retrieval
a) Indexing techniques
b) Information retrieval models
c) Information interactions in specific domains and contexts

3) Human information behaviour
a) Human information behaviour models
b) User interfaces
c) Usability an devaluation of information retrieval

More information

KC7022 -

Information Systems and Technologies (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn the necessary knowledge and skills to analyse, synthesise and evaluate information systems; and to appraise and use a range of appropriate information technologies for solving problems within a business / enterprise context. You will learn about modern data-storage paradigm and how contemporary business is making use of cloud computing technologies and services. The module will be taught from two complementary perspectives: the managerial perspective and from the perspective of a developer. From these perspectives you will learn how an appropriate incorporation of technology and innovation into corporate strategy and management can lead organisations to achieve profitable and sustainable competitive advantage. Throughout the module, key issues around security and ethics when implementing and using such technologies will be introduced and discussed.

More information

KC7023 -

Research Methods and Professional Practice (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn about the techniques and methods used in applied, contract, academic and/or professional research. You will also develop your understanding of the theoretical philosophies underpinning research, as well as how to design and run research in an applied context. This will focus on the problems and issues that occur in establishing empirical knowledge in the information science area. You will explore various research philosophies and methodologies which can be applied to professional practice. You are also encouraged to apply models of reflective practice throughout the module.
Topics include:
1) The research landscape (research philosophies)
a) The epistemology and ontology of major research paradigms
b) Limitations of the research philosophies
c) The research hierarchy

2) Information Discernment
a) High level of Information Literacy in all domains
b) Developing critical arguments in support of the students own research
c) Identifying appropriate evidence from practice literature to demonstrate engagement with the profession
d) The ethical researcher
e) The reflective researcher
f) Developing research questions, aims and hypotheses

3) Research methods, data collection techniques and data analysis
a) The use of methods in research and implications of choice
b) Exploring methods, including; phenomenology, ethnography, case study, action research, Delphi study, experiments, quasi-experiments, survey etc.
c) Exploring techniques, including; questionnaire design, interviewing, focus groups, observation, diaries etc.
d) Data analysis, including; descriptive and inferential statistics, statistical modelling, multivariate techniques, constant comparative analysis, grounded theory and theoretical sensitivity.
e) Research data management
f) Writing research proposals

More information

KC7025 -

The library professional: management, leadership and outreach (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn about the principles and practice of modern library management, including leadership and outreach. You will appreciate what it means to be a library and information professional, by exploring the wider information and library environment that you operate in, and understanding the strategic and managerial theory which underpins a working environment. Practical skills relating to leadership, outreach and decision making will be investigated and developed throughout the module. Topics include:
• the modern information/library environment;
• organisational theory;
• strategy formulation and implementation;
• communication in the organisation;
• marketing;
• quality and performance measures;
• management of change and risk analysis; and
• human resource management.

More information

Year two

KC7024 -

User Behaviour and Interaction Design (Core,20 Credits)

You will gain an insight into a range of theories, models, metaphors and frameworks regarding user behaviour in information environments.. You will learn how these can be harnessed to enhance the design process enabling interface designers to move towards user-centred design approaches. You will develop skills in the practice of analysing, monitoring and evaluating user behaviour.

You will be examining in depth theories and models of cognitive, social and emotional interaction in the technological environment and you will be exposed to current research in this area. Quantitative and qualitative methods including sentiment analysis will also be covered.

Tools such as eye-tracking devices, which can be used in the endeavour, will be demonstrated and you will be given an opportunity to evaluate their effectiveness.. Methodologies such as participatory design will also be analysed.

Related ethical and legal issues will be addressed on such issues as accessibility and assistive technologies, security and data protection, privacy issues and information governance.

In summary, the topics you will be learning about are as follows:
• Information behaviour from theory of least effort to co-creation of content
• The user experience and how to capture it
• Cognitive, social and emotional interaction in the technological environment
• Interaction design principles
• Persuasive technologies and behavioural design
• Participatory design methodologies and why they are useful
• Reflecting on wider use, inclusion and equality of access
• Ethical and legal aspects

More information

KC7026 -

Masters Dissertation (Core,60 Credits)

The dissertation will develop themes relevant to your studies during the taught element of the masters degree programme and/or related to your employment. The selection of your topic rests with you and discussions with staff can help to facilitate your choice of topic. The dissertation process will enable you to use and extend the knowledge and skills acquired during the taught element of your programme, by carrying out a small-scale research project that must be relevant to the particular programme and may be:
• Empirical research;
• A problem-based project, set in a real setting;
• A theoretical based project involving a critical and systematic review and synthesis of the literature.

All approaches should be based on an appropriate research methodology.

The dissertation will normally include the following:

1. A justification of the choice of the topic;
2. Exhibition of knowledge and critical analysis of existing literature, evidenced by a comprehensive list of references/bibliography;
3. Some evidence of original work in the form of data collection, field research, observation and/or analysis - supported by a description and justification of the method(s) used;
4. Conclusions, with an assessment of their general applicability, supported by relevant analytical procedures.

Dissertation briefings will also be held in the second semester of the year in which you complete the taught element of the Masters programme, prior to you commencing work on your dissertation.

More information

KC7027 -

Information and digital literacy (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn about the models, theories and research in information and digital literacy, their evolution and their implications for enhancing your users skills and capabilities. You will find out about a range of teaching and learning theories, strategies and methods and how these can be used to deliver high quality learning experiences for your users. You will also learn how to champion and advocate these approaches to embed them within service delivery and embed within the curriculum in educational settings. You will also find out about new ways of collection development and identifying user needs for example, reading list services and how these can be brought together with information and digital literacy learning experiences to create a seamless service delivery. Topics include:
• A history of information and digital literacy
• Models of information and digital literacy
• Learning theories
• Information and digital literacy and pedagogy/teaching skills in context
• User needs analysis
• Collection development
• Liaison and advocacy for information literacy

More information

Any Questions?

Our admissions team will be happy to help. They can be contacted on 0191 406 0901.

Contact Details for Applicants:

bc.applicantservices@northumbria.ac.uk

Current, Relevant and Inspiring

We continuously review and improve course content in consultation with our students and employers. To make sure we can inform you of any changes to your course register for updates on the course page.

Your Learning Experience find out about our distinctive approach at 
www.northumbria.ac.uk/exp

Admissions Terms and Conditions - northumbria.ac.uk/terms
 Fees and Funding - northumbria.ac.uk/fees
 Admissions Policy - northumbria.ac.uk/adpolicy
Admissions Complaints Policy - northumbria.ac.uk/complaints

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