Masters (MA) in Information Literacy, University of Sheffield, UK

Project Coordinator and Partners

The MA course is specific to Sheffield University; the Project Coordinator is Ms Sheila Webber. 

Background

This is a unique new Master’s course focusing on the fast-developing area of information literacy. The aims of the course are:

• to develop understanding of information literacy theory and practice;
• to prepare students for the role of educator in information literacy.

Core Objectives

The MA aims to deepen students’ understanding of information literacy and information behaviour in different contexts. Reflecting on their experiences of learning and teaching, the students engage critically with different approaches and build a foundation for a career in which educating others in information literacy is a key role.

Details

The MA in Information Literacy gives the knowledge, understanding and skills to succeed in an exciting and fast-moving field.

The ‘core’ (compulsory) modules provide a foundation in the central areas of information literacy and learning: Education for Information Literacy; Information Resources and Information Literacy; Information Retrieval: search engines and digital libraries; Educational Informatics; Information Literacy Research; and Research Methods.
 
 Optional modules enable students to further their understanding of particular work or sector contexts, or develop expertise in a specialist area of librarianship and information management. There is a wide choice of modules including: Electronic Publishing, modules focusing on specific library sectors, Business Intelligence, Health Information, and Human Computer Interaction. The dissertation allows students to pursue a topic of particular interest in more depth.

Study options

The University’s Information School has a flexible approach to teaching and learning, and it is possible to study the MA full-time over 12 months, or part-time over 2–3 years. Students have the option to study for a Post Graduate Certificate and a Post Graduate Diploma, or take individual modules over time to build up credits towards a qualification

Results

The MA in Information Literacy has developed is divided resources for the following core modules:

Education for Information Literacy : provides critical understanding of approaches to teaching information literacy through reflection on existing experience and competence. It examines different approaches to education for information literacy, reflects on the different contexts (educational, national, social and disciplinary);

Educational Informatics : an introduction to current practice and research in educational informatics. Addresses theoretical and practical issues associated with the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to support learning in the information society;

Information Literacy Research : aims to deepen the understanding of the key research problems in information literacy and appropriate research methods for investigating those problems. Develops knowledge about the research contexts and problems and increases capability in information literacy and relevant research approaches;

Information Resources and Information Literacy : a theoretical and practical introduction to information needs and their satisfaction, including the different types of information sources and resources available. Also provides practical experience of basic information searching and evaluation skills using printed and online, internet-based sources;

Information Retrieval: Search Engines and Digital Libraries : provides an introduction to a wide range of predominantly computerized techniques for the organization, searching and processing of textual information. Focus on keyword searching; subject analysis; networked retrieval; record description and user interface issues;

Research Methods and Dissertation Preparation : helps students to prepare their dissertation, introducing social research methods and statistics for information management;

Practical Computing

Optional modules include: Academic and Research Libraries, Archive Use and Methodology, Business Intelligence, Content Management Systems, E-Business and E-Commerce, E-Government Information, Electronic Publishing, Healthcare Information, Human Computer Interaction and User Interface Design, Information Storage and Retrieval Research, Library Services for Children and Young People, Public Libraries. More information is available in the brochure:

www.shef.ac.uk/content