LIAS@UOM Library, Information and Archive Studies@University of Malta Division of Library & Information Studies Centre for Communication Technology

Diploma in Archives and Records Management:
 
Catalogue of Study Units & Brief Course Descriptions
 
The following is a list of Modules of study units for the Diploma in Archives and Records Management 2007-2009.  Credit values are listed according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

Year One:	5 Core Modules (32 ECTS) Compulsory:
	Module 1. Library, Information & Archive Studies Foundation Course Module 2. Management of Records and Archives Module 3. Information Sources and Reference Work Module 4. Records and Archives Description Module 5. Library Automation and Information Management

Year Two:	2 Elective Modules of 6 credits each (12 ECTS) from the following:
	Module 21: Advanced Archival Description Module 22. Maltese Administrative History Module 23. Legal Issues in Archives Module 24. Archives, History and Society Module 25. Managing Electronic Records Module 26. Preservation Studies Module 27. Palaeography & Diplomatic issues Module 28: Managing Audio-Visual & Digital Archives Long Assignment, Practical Work Period & Synoptic Units (16 ECTS)

YEAR ONE: Description of Study Units

Module 1: Library, Information & Archive Studies Foundation Course (4 ECTS) LIS1010 Introduction to Library, Information & Archive Studies (4 ECTS) [Common LIS/ARM Unit] This first study-unit, as an introductory foundation course, aims to provide students with a basic understanding of the field of librarianship, information and archive studies, including related historical, social and other aspects. It also explains the content, structures, requirements and methods employed in the course of studies. In addition, it attempts to instil good practice in the researching, writing and presentation of assignments and course work. Furthermore, it provides exposure through guided practical field trips and visits to a number of relevant sites.

Module 2: Management of Records & Archives (8 ECTS) LIS1211 Recordkeeping theory, principles and processes (4 ECTS) Familiarises students with the principles underlying the organisation of different types of records management systems, and with the different kinds of operations carried out within them.  Introduces the concepts of records management in particular the lifecycle of records, and the records continuum models.  It explores current and non-current records systems and trains students in designing appropriate classification schemes in the context of managing an organisation’s records.   The course enables the student to understand the effect of internal organisational structures and external drivers on the development of recordkeeping systems.  It highlights common areas and major differences between libraries and archives, and analyse the importance of recordkeeping to society.  The Maltese records management and archives processes are contrasted with practice overseas.   LIS1231  Archives Management (4 ECTS) Archives management includes an overview of the whole archives process from accessioning, sorting, listing, and describing records, to the provision of reader’s services, in particular the provision of finding aids.  It also discusses issues of preservation, and ways and means to promote the holdings, services and the value of archives for society.

Module 3: Information Sources and Reference Work Aims to enable familiarisation with bibliographical control at the international and national levels. A wide range of printed and electronic information sources are studied, as are the enquiry process, the reference interview, and information search strategies. Competence in the planning and management of modern reference and information services is aimed for. LIS1321 Reference and Information Sources & Subject Based Sources - 1 (4 ECTS) [Common LIS/ARM Unit] Serves as an introduction to the realm of general reference material. The various categories of general reference works will be identified, described, and evaluated. The relation between reference library users’ queries and the reference sources providing the answer is described. Practical sessions are intended to familiarise students with reference tools.  It also serves as an introduction to the complex realm of bibliographical control of monographs and serials, including indexing and abstracting services. Introduces reference work in certain specific subjects within the broad areas of the Sciences, the Humanities and the Social Sciences. Practical sessions. LIS1331 [To be assigned]

Module 4: Records & Archival Description (8 ECTS) LIS1411 Intellectual control of Records  -   (4 ECTS) Addresses the application of records management policies, in particular, issues of classification, retrieval, records management ethics, and the effects of Data Protection and Freedom of Information on records management.  It also discusses the best practice for the management of semi-current records, retention scheduling, and review systems.  Introduces the student to the challenges offered in managing electronic records. Gives an overview of the main records management software packages such as TRIM and IMIS. LIS1431 Introduction to Archival Description - (4 ECTS) Theories of provenance and original order are discussed, the fonds concept and other approaches are also analysed.  Conveys basic knowledge on the application of archival description and authority standards to archival holdings (ISAD(G), ISARR(CPF), UNESCO thesaurus etc).  Introduces and gives an overview of archives software packages on the marked in particular ADLib, CALM and Scriptorium.

Module 5: Library Automation and Information Management (4 ECTS) Aims to create an awareness of automation as a development and management tool in library and information services. An understanding of integrated library systems and their implications for management is aimed for. The module, furthermore, aims to provide a background to digitisation processes, to library networking, and to the development and use of the Internet within a library setting. The module emphasises management and service applications over technical aspects. LIS1510 Library Automation Issues (4 ECTS) [Common LIS/ARM Unit] Introduces students to the basic concepts associated with library automation and integrated systems, including a consideration of the tasks which are performed in major library functional areas (reference, circulation, acquisitions, cataloguing, periodicals, public access catalogue, etc.) and the impact of automation on these tasks. Introduces library networking and the possibilities opened up by communications technology. The Internet - what it is, and how it can assist library and information work. Includes hands-on sessions in the use of markup languages.

YEAR TWO: 2 Optional Modules of 6 credits each (12 Credits) from the following:

Module 21: Advanced Archival Description (6 ECTS)

Module 22: Maltese Adminstrative History (6 ECTS)

Module 23: Legal issues in Archives (6 ECTS)

Module 24:  Archives, History & Society (6 ECTS)

Module 25:  Managing Electronic Records (6 ECTS)

Module 26: Preservation Studies (6 ECTS) [Common LIS/ARM Unit]

Module 27: Palaeography & Diplomatic Issues (6 ECTS)

Module 28: Managing Audio-Visual & Digital Archives (6 ECTS)

Site last updated: 01/10/07.