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Students’ Handbook 2006-2007 Part 2 A guide for students taking the MSc in Information Science MSc / Diploma / Certificate in Information Science (Computerized systems for librarians, archivists and information managers) COLLEGE TERMS 2006-2007 25 September - 15 December 8 January - 23 March 23 April - 8 June School of Library, Archive & Information Studies University College London September 2006 MSc Information Science Students Handbook 2006-7 MSc / Diploma / Certificate in Information Science The MSc is intended for experienced information professionals who wish to update their knowledge and gain practical experience of computing and information technologies. The programme is recognized and accredited by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals The MSc is structured on a modular basis, and students may offer selected modules for the award of UCL Diploma or Certificate; alternatively, individual modules may be studied on a short-course basis.

Handbook The Handbook is implemented on the School’s website, and the web version will be constantly updated and provide links to other sources of information. This hardcopy version is provided for convenience based on data current at time of publication and you will have to employ more traditional means to consult some of the documents cited. For the latest information please always check the SLAIS website (www.uclacuk/slais) Contents 1. Purpose of programme 2. Duration and structure 3. Curriculum 4. Assessment 5. Administrative and timetable information 6. Course module synopsis Disclaimer The information contained in this Handbook may be subject to change at any time during the year. This is particularly true of timetables and options on offer While every effort is made to ensure accuracy of the information, the School can accept no responsibility for errors or omissions. School of Library, Archive & Information Studies University College London Gower Street London WC1E 6BT

Tel. 020-7679 7204 Fax 020-7383 0557 E-mail omanager@uclacuk Web home page http://www. uclacuk/slais MSc Information Science Students Handbook 2006-7 1 Purpose of programme This MSc is primarily intended as a career and/or professional development programme for practising librarians, archivists and other information professionals who wish to acquire and develop skills in the use of computers and automated techniques in their areas of interest. It is not intended as a first professional qualification programme, although it is recognised and accredited as such by CILIP. However a pilot scheme to provide an MSc pathway for those without a background in one of the information professions is currently being undertaken. Aims and objectives An understanding of information technology (IT) and an appreciation of computer applications are nowadays essential not only to the day-to-day operation of libraries and information departments but also to the successful future development of all types

of information services. Our professional education recognizes these facts, and gives current students an appropriate grounding in the use of IT and computer systems. However with todays rapid rate of change in technology it is sometimes difficult for more experienced information workers, whose own professional training pre-dates the latest developments, to acquire the requisite skills, or to fill in underlying gaps in their understanding in these areas. The MSc programme offers an opportunity to address and overcome these difficulties, particularly to those who feel the need to update or enhance their computer and IT related skills in order to contribute more fully to their present employment; who feel their career paths are being blocked by a lack of knowledge of current IT techniques; or who would like a change of emphasis in their career development. The programme requires only a minimal level of pre-existing IT knowledge and aims to build a solid foundation of understanding and

up-to-date techniques on which new and future skills can easily be developed. 2 Duration and Structure The MSc/Diploma/Certificate is a modular programme, offering considerable flexibility in the manner in which the modules can be undertaken to support part-time study. The basic requirements and alternatives are shown below, but other formulations are also available: please do not hesitate to discuss with us other variations which might better suit your individual needs. Module timetables are generally structured in half-day blocks to facilitate the possibility of two-year parttime study with attendance at classes on a single day per week, but this is not always achievable and it may be necessary for students to attend on two separate half-days for part of the programme for some part-time combinations. All modules have standard credit values which accrue towards the various possible awards. MSc Information Science Students Handbook 2006-7 MSc (180 credits) Components: 5

compulsory modules, 3 optional modules, plus a dissertation. Full-time: 1 calendar year (12 months) Modular: students may collect credits over a maximum of five academic years. Diploma (120 credits) Components: 5 compulsory modules plus 3 optional modules. Full-time: 1 academic year (9 months) Modular: students may collect credits over a maximum of five academic years. Certificate (60 credits) Components: any 4 modules (subject to agreement and module preconditions) Modules may be taken over a maximum of four academic years. Individual modules may also be taken as short courses not leading to any specific award. 3 Curriculum The programme, which assumes a minimal previous knowledge of computers, introduces new concepts through lectures, seminars and case studies, and there is opportunity for extensive practical work and hands-on experience. Individual interests may be explored in depth through options, coursework and the dissertation, which forms a major part of the MSc programme. As

noted above, candidates for the MSc take modules worth 180 credits: 5 compulsory modules, any 3 optional modules, and a dissertation. Candidates for the Diploma take modules worth 120 credits: 5 compulsory modules and any 3 optional modules. Diploma candidates do not undertake a dissertation Candidates for the Certificate take an agreed combination of modules worth 60 credits. Each students optional modules should be agreed with the programme director at the start of each year during foundation week. Students registered for part-time or modular study should similarly agree with the Programme Director the order and timescale in which the proposed modules will be undertaken at this time. Compulsory modules (each of 15 credits): • Database systems analysis and design (INSTG007) • Internet technologies (INSTG017) • Introduction to programming and scripting (INSTG018) • Principles of computing and information technology (INSTG028/029) • Systems management (INSTG035) MSc

Information Science Students Handbook 2006-7 Optional modules (each of 15 credits): • Digital resources in the humanities (INSTG008) • Legal and social aspects (INSTG019) • Management (INSTG 020) • Records management (INSTG 032) • Server technologies and programming (INSTG 033) • XML (INSTG 037) • Electronic publishing (INSTG 038) • Encoded Archival Description and Digitisation of Archives (INSTG 041) • Individual approved studies (INSTG 042/043/044) Dissertation (60 credits) (INSTG099) Whilst every effort will be made to ensure the availability of all optional modules listed above in some circumstances this may not be possible. The list shown here is not exhaustive and other modules may also be offered or considered as options with the Programme Directors approval. NB Due to timetabling constraints, in the 2006-7 academic session students undertaking the MSc or Diploma on a two-year part-time basis are required to attend on two separate half-days in term one of

their first year in order to complete all the necessary compulsory elements. 4 Assessment Assessment for all modules is by coursework, with the exception of the compulsory module INSTG028 (Principles of Computing and Information Technology) which is assessed 50% by coursework and 50% by unseen examination. This examination is identified separately as INSTG029 in all documentation and is undertaken in the final year of study on part-time/modular programmes as it is an overarching paper. Modules are typically assessed by one or two pieces of coursework, but can differ greatly in the nature and balance of work required. For full details of any specific modules assessment please refer to the appropriate module-specific documentation. The pass mark for all modules on the MSc programme is 50%, which must be attained in all compulsory modules and the dissertation. A “condoned failure” at 40%-49% in up to two optional modules may be permitted, so long as an overall aggregate mark of 50%

is obtained on the programme. MSc Information Science Students Handbook 2006-7 5 Administrative and timetable information Information contained in this handbook may be subject to change at any time during the year. This is particularly true of timetables and options on offer While every effort is made to ensure accuracy of the information, the department cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions. Programme Director Andy Dawson andrew.dawson@uclacuk 020 7679 2396 Room HM7a, Henry Morley Building College Dates 2006-2007 Term 1 Term 2 Term 3 Monday 25 September Monday 8 January Monday 23 April - Friday 15 December - Friday 23 March - Friday 8 June Christmas: CLOSE - Friday 22 December 2006 at 5.30pm RE-OPEN - Tuesday 2 January 2007 Easter: CLOSE - Wednesday 4 April 2007 at 5.30pm RE-OPEN - Thursday 12 April 2007 Bank Holidays: Monday 7 May 2007 Monday 28 May 2007 Monday 27 August 2007 Reading Weeks: Monday 6 November 2006 - Friday 10 November 2006 Monday 12 February

2004 - Friday 16 February 2007 Programme timetable A separate timetable for induction week should have been provided to you on arrival. If you have not received one, please obtain one from the departmental office Detailed timetable information for each module’s contents will be provided separately by module tutors in due course. MSc Information Science Students Handbook 2006-7 Base timetable pattern 2006-7 Mandatory modules are highlighted in bold, options are in normal type. Not all available optional modules are listed, others may also be taken, in particular G042/43/44 (Individual study) which can be timetabled flexibly. For class location details, please refer to the individual module synopses in section 6. Timetabling is subject to alteration and should be confirmed with the relevant module tutors, particularly location information which may sometimes be changed at short notice. Attendance patterns for part time and modular students should be reviewed and agreed with your

programme tutor at the beginning of the year. Term 1 Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri AM G009 Electronic Publishing (Claire Warwick) 9.00 start G028 Principles of Computing and Information Technology G028 Principles of Computing and Information Technology Pracs, F/T Group 1 10-11.30, Group 2 11.30-1 G035 Systems Management (Andy Dawson) G008 Digital Resources in the Humanities (Isabel Galina) G032 Records Management (Geoff Yeo) PM G017 Internet Technologies (Hamid Jamali) Meetings/sports G018 Introduction to Programming and Scripting (Rob Miller) G032 Records Management visits Term 2 Mon Tue AM PM G020 Management (Lucy Gildersleeves) Wed G020 Management groupwork 11.00 -100 G037 XML G041 Encoded archival description (Geoff Yeo) G007 Database Systems Analysis and Design (Andy Dawson) G052 Records Management and Information Policy Compliance (Elizabeth Shepherd) Thu Fri G019 Legal & Social aspects G033 Server Technologies (Rob Miller) Coursework Deadlines 2006-2007 A full list of

coursework deadlines for all modules is provided separately, and is detailed online in all specific modules pages on the SLAIS website MSc Information Science Students Handbook 2006-7 6 Course module synopsis A brief outline of the main MSc modules follows below. Detailed information and timetables about individual modules are distributed separately and available on the web. Please note in particular that timetabling and location information is provisional only and subject to change. Check the module information on the website for up-to-date information. Compulsory modules: G007 Database systems analysis and design Time: Term 2, Tuesdays 2.00 - 500 Module tutor: Andy Dawson Location: HM4 To provide: a sound understanding, both theoretical and practical, of basic systems theory, approaches to analysis, common methodologies, and the tasks of analysis and design in the context of developing computer-based information systems; the skills to apply such theory and methodologies, and to

undertake such tasks; a clear knowledge of the various requirements for a successful methodology in the field; confidence and skills to complete extended tasks using them. By the end of the module students will have an understanding of: basic systems theory; common SAD methodologies; feasibility studies; collecting data; recording and modelling processes; recording and modelling data; interpretation of data; requirements specifications; system implementation; system maintenance. They will be able to analyse information systems in accordance with classic systems analysis techniques and to design, implement and maintain information systems/databases. G017 Internet technologies Time: Term 1, Mondays 3.00 - 600 Module tutor: Hamid Jamali Location: tba The delivery of content and information via electronic communication is becoming increasingly dynamic and device-driven. This course introduces students to the basic concepts of markup (including the Extensible Hypertext Markup Language

XHTML), website structuring and design, and the issues involved in generating and delivering content dynamically. Topics include the syntax of hypertext markup, cascading stylesheets, SQL, database design and integration, manipulation of images, site structuring, visual design and user interaction. MSc Information Science Students Handbook 2006-7 By the end of the module students will have an understanding of how content can be ported across different environments. They will be able to create valid hypertext documents and apply appropriate styling, write SQL statements to interrogate databases via a Web front-end and deliver documents over the Web to different devices. They will also be able to assess and evaluate the effectiveness of website design and implementation, especially as regards usability and accessibility for different audiences. G018 Introduction to programming and scripting Time: Term 1, Thursdays 1.30 - 430 Module tutor: Rob Miller Location: HM4/HM1 (tbc) This

module uses ECMAscript and its commercial variants to introduce the fundamental principles of procedural computer programming and scripting languages. It reinforces these concepts by practical application in the context of automated Web browser and document manipulation. Fundamental programming topics include data types, operators, variables, flow control via selection and iteration, arrays and objects, functional abstraction, methods and constructors, abstract data types and pattern matching. Applications include manipulation of Web document frames, browser windows and images, dynamic generation of Web documents, saving state using cookies, and form verification via regular expressions. By the end of the module, students will have an understanding of the basic principles of procedural computer programming. They will be able to apply this knowledge in order to embed scripts within HTML documents to manipulate frames, browser windows and images, and to generate pages of HTML code

dynamically. They will be able to write scripts to generate and retrieve browser cookies, and perform simple form verification using pattern matching and regular expressions. G028 Principles of computing and information technology Time: Term 1, Tuesdays 9.00 - 1100 (group practicals 1130 – 100 Tuesday for p/t students, 10.00 - 100 Wednesday for f/t students) Module tutor: Andy Dawson Location: Lectures, Bedford Way G03; Tuesday practical, DMS Watson teaching cluster; Wednesday practicals, HM1 Introduces students to basic concepts in computing and IT, generally and in the context of information work; develops a thorough understanding of how computer systems work, and the advantages and limitations of computer systems; to recognize the implications of using such systems, and to emphasize that while computers can be useful tools, they are not a solution to information problems in themselves; to give students sufficient confidence to talk to computer specialists and recognize the

difference between hype and well-founded knowledge; to emphasize that every automated system must be designed with the needs of its users always in mind; to establish a basic understanding of and competency with the use of mainstream internet-related technologies (including the design of web pages), spreadsheets and database tools. MSc Information Science Students Handbook 2006-7 By the end of the module students will have an understanding of: basic principles of computing and how computer systems work; basic concepts of data representation and structure; database types and basic mechanisms for information retrieval from databases; data capture and digitisation techniques; fundamental considerations of HCI and system design; basic concepts relating to the assessment and evaluation of systems for information creation, storage, management and use; basic network technologies and markup languages; spreadsheet and database usage. G035 Systems management Time: Term 1, Thursdays 10.00 –

100 Module tutor: Andy Dawson Location: Bedford Way G06 This module provides a sound understanding of a range of issues relating to computer systems management and operation, including: day-to-day systems management, maintenance, user support, project management, system selection and evaluation, types of network, network management; website management, systems access and security, privacy, encryption, virus control, disaster planning, system migration. By the end of the module students will have an awareness and understanding of: dayto-day systems, database, network and website management tasks; how to implement and manage measures to support systems access and security, including virus control; project management techniques, including how to plan for systems purchase, replacement and migration; the importance of forward, maintenance and disaster planning; risk assessment; options for systems and user support. Optional modules: Whilst every effort will be made to ensure the

availability of all optional modules listed below in some circumstances this may not be possible. NB that the list of modules below is not exhaustive but simply represents the most common choices undertaken by MSc students which are expected to be available in the current academic year. For more information and a complete list of options with up-to-date time and location information please visit the options fair in induction week and see the SLAIS website. G008 Digital resources in the humanities Time: Term 1, Friday 10.00 – 100 Module tutor: Melissa Terras This module introduces students to a range of issues involved in the design, creation, management and use of electronic resources in the humanities. Topics include humanities resources on the Web, creating electronic resources, digital imaging, metadata systems, encoding and markup systems, electronic dictionaries, text analysis, user needs, scholarly electronic publishing in the humanities. The overall MSc Information Science

Students Handbook 2006-7 aims are (1) to familiarize students with the computing technologies and applications that are used in humanities research and teaching; (2) to provide a basis for making informed choices in the design, management and use of digital resources in the humanities; (3) to promote understanding of the areas where access, manipulation and analysis of digital resources can benefit research and teaching in the humanities. By the end of the module students will be able to (1) identify and evaluate Web-based and other sources in electronic form for humanities research and teaching; (2) create electronic resources as transcriptions and digital images, and understand the benefits and implications of these methodologies; (3) assess the advantages and disadvantages of different delivery and publishing methods for electronic resources; (4) understand how computers can be used for a range of research and teaching applications in the humanities; (5) understand the

principles and uses of text manipulation programs; (6) evaluate electronic scholarly publications in hypertextual form. G019 Legal and social aspects Time: Term 2, Thursday 2.00 – 500 Module tutor: Claire Warwick The module aims to develop students understanding of the impact of information on society and of the relationship between information and the law. Key issues include: technological trends and social change; virtual communities; globalization; ethics, morality and information; copyright, intellectual property and freedom of information, the free software and hacktivism movements; data protection; defamation; policies developed by governments for the information society. Students will develop their critical and analytical skills through debate. There will be input from external speakers to present a variety of perspectives. By the end of the course students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the impact of information on technological change; society; government

and international relations, the place of the individual in virtual or actual communities; discuss how legislation and information affect each other; identify key issues involved in the development of the Information Society, articulate personal perspectives, and show a critical awareness of the positive and negative issues of the information society. They will also have an understanding of copyright legislation in a national and international context. They will be able to assess the requirements for data protection and defamation in relation to internet publishing. G020 Management Time: term 2, Tuesday 10.00 – 100 (+ groupwork Weds 1100 – 100) Module tutor: Lucy Gildersleeves Please note this module starts in Week One of Term 2 This module aims to ensure appreciation of the importance of general management principles and their relevance to all aspects of library, archive and information sector practice. It seeks to develop the students analytical, personal and transferable

management skills and competencies to meet the demands of a changing professional MSc Information Science Students Handbook 2006-7 environment. Teaching and learning is delivered via a mixture of lectures, practical exercises, group projects and presentations. Principal aspects covered include professional ethics and responsibilities; change management and strategic planning; quality, performance and best value; recruitment, training and development, appraisal and behavioural management; finance and budgeting; marketing and promotion of services. In addition, key self-management skills, including time management, team working, operation of meetings, presentation and project management, are developed. Topics such as equal opportunities, sector image, data protection and copyright, outsourcing, income generation, sponsorship, partnerships and use of volunteers are explored through student presentations. By the end of the module students will be able to identify a range of

management skills relevant to the development and delivery of services in a library and information service context. They will be aware of the main areas of human resource management and of the management implications of a number of current issues affecting library and information service provision. Students will be able to apply a range of key selfmanagement skills both within their studies and in the professional context G032 Records management Time: term 1, Friday 10.00 – 100 (+ visits 200 – 500) Module tutor: Geoff Yeo This module provides students with a foundation in records management approaches and skills. Records management is a management skill which seeks to control records throughout their life, from creation to destruction or transfer to archives. Topics include introduction to records management practice, organizational and functional analysis, creation and capture of records, the management of electronic records, appraisal and retention scheduling, storage issues

including registries and records centres, implementation, policy and resources. Field visits enable students to see examples of records management in practice. By the end of the module, students will be able to understand the role of a records management programme within an organization, manage current and non-current records systems using professional techniques, understand the challenges of electronic records, and develop strategies for their management and design systems for the retention and disposition of records. G033 Server technologies and programming Time: Term 2, Friday 2.00 – 500 Module tutor: Rob Miller NB Pre-requisite or co-requisite: P018 Introduction to programming and scripting MSc Information Science Students Handbook 2006-7 This module provides an introduction to the issues, techniques, technologies and underlying principles associated with creating and maintaining Web servers. Topics include: (1) servers and clients; protocols, network topology; (2) server

configuration; access files, security, redirection, caching, proxies; (3) server-side programming; recap of programming fundamentals, files and file handling, data files, saving state and session handling, connecting databases and SQL; (4) alternative technology choices; a brief survey of current alternative languages and frameworks for serverside programming. Server-side programming will be taught using a current, mainstream, cross-platform server-side language. By the end of the module, students will have an understanding of the basic principles of server maintenance, and typical server-side programming techniques. They will be able to apply this knowledge to establish and manage the server side of a website. They will have an understanding of server-based tasks such as maintaining security and correct Web access to different user groups, and the use of a commonly available server side programming language and SQL database engine to generate Web pages. G037 XML Time: Term 2, Thursday

10.00 – 100 Module tutor: Claire Warwick This module introduces students to the basic concepts of the Extensible Markup Language (XML). Unlike HTML, XML is a markup system which makes it possible to define encoding tags that describe components of a document. Topics include overview and history of generic markup systems, document analysis, syntax of XML markup, well-formed documents, valid documents, writing document type definitions (DTDs), XML schemas, cascading stylesheets and XML, document transformations with XSLT and XML processing environments. Students will also gain an understanding of how XML is used in real world application environments. They will be able to consider what applications are appropriate for XML and assess the implications of the introduction of an XML-based system. By the end of the module students will have an understanding of the principles and role of structured generic markup. They will be able to create well-formed and valid XML documents, write DTDs

and deliver XML documents over the Web using different stylesheets. They will also be able to assess and evaluate the role of XML for the management and delivery of electronic information. G038 Electronic publishing Time: Term 1, Monday 10.00 – 100 Module tutor: Claire Warwick This course introduces students to the concepts of electronic publishing and communication in the electronic environment. Topics include electronic journals; fulltext and reference publishing; e-books and on-demand delivery of information; metadata; digitisation and preservation, content management systems; human computer interaction; and the development of new digital products. MSc Information Science Students Handbook 2006-7 By the end of the module students will have an understanding of the development of the electronic publishing industry and its current state, an awareness of the opportunities of the information revolution for traditional publishing practices. They will demonstrate ability to work in

groups and to present their ideas both verbally and in writing. G041 Encoded Archival Description and Digitisation of Archives Time: term 2, Fridays, 10.00 -100 Module tutor: Geoffrey Yeo NB pre-requisite or co-requisite: P003 Archival description; or previous experience of descriptive work using ISAD(G) International standard for archival description. This module provides students with knowledge and understanding of Encoded Archival Description (EAD) and explores the encoding of digital finding aids. It introduces students to Extensible Mark-up Language (XML) and to the nature and use of document type definitions (DTDs) and schemas. It examines the background and development of EAD, its relationship to the principles of archival arrangement and to other methods of archival description, and its practical application to the descriptive work of archivists. It also considers other approaches to digitisation including the imaging of archival materials and the use of digitised transcripts.

Students critically assess a range of current projects in the archive domain and gain practical experience of creating archival finding aids using EAD. G042/P043/P044 Individual approved studies Time: By arrangement Module tutor: By arrangement This module type allows students (especially part-time students who wish to relate their work to practical external projects) to undertake individual study and/or research in specific areas not otherwise covered by standard components, and/or to explore in greater detail some of the topics which are introduced in more general terms in other preceding courses; and to encourage methods of research, investigation and presentation which will be developed in the final dissertation. Since each student undertaking this course is undertaking unique work, the specific educational aims and objectives of each implementation of this course (and all other parameters required) must be agreed, documented and approved by the programme director and relevant

tutor before any students registration for the module may be accepted. Individual Approved Studies (with different agreed content) may be offered multiply, as up to three separate option choices, subject to the approval of the Programme Director. G099 – Dissertation MSc Information Science Students Handbook 2006-7 Time: Normally undertaken in final year, primarily in summer: tutorials by arrangement Module tutor: by arrangement A written dissertation of 12,000-15,000 words. The final dissertation should contain a clear statement of the purpose and scope of the study, a detailed methodology, and a bibliography. The purpose of the dissertation is: to develop the ability to work at an advanced intellectual level; to encourage sustained effort; to foster critical and analytical thinking; to provide experience in independent investigation and research; to allow the student to pursue in depth a topic of personal professional interest; to develop knowledge and skills relevant to that

area of practice; to promote the idea of personal professional development and contribution to the corpus of professional and scholarly literature. A complete or partial electronic alternative to a printed textual dissertation may be permitted where deemed appropriate. The dissertation must be submitted by 1 September in the final year of study. MSc Information Science Students Handbook 2006-7