Knowledge Organisation CPD Course with 15 credits at SCQF 11

Program Overview

This short course in Knowledge Organisation provides practical skills in constructing controlled vocabularies, faceted classifications, and thesauri. Students will learn to critically assess Knowledge Organisation Systems and apply them to the design of information architectures. The course is ideal for those seeking enhanced access to information in various sectors, including libraries, intranets, and public-facing websites.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This short course takes a practical, hands-on approach to Knowledge Organisation, involving students in the construction of a controlled vocabulary, a faceted classification, sample thesaurus entries, and the design of a web portal. These well-established techniques are used to develop an Information Architecture for an organisation, visitor attraction, or an event. The course deals with organising the knowledge recorded in documents, i.e. information. Students will create tools (e.g. indexes, classification systems, controlled vocabularies) to support the retrieval of information from traditional (library shelves) and contemporary (databases, the web) storage devices.

Objectives:

On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:

• Critically assess the efficiency of a variety of Knowledge Organisation Systems (KOS) in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment.
• Critically evaluate the contribution of a range of indexing techniques to provide enhanced subject representation and controlled access to relevant information in an on-line environment.
• Apply the principles of Knowledge Organisation critically to the construction of a faceted thesaurus.
• Appraise and discuss current issues in Knowledge Organisation and the contribution of current research to addressing them.

Assessment:

This module is assessed via Individual Assessment consisting of four practical elements and a reflective report.

Teaching:

• You will learn via our online virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle which provides you with lectures and course materials and allows you to study from any location.
• You will participate in active, group-related learning within a supportive online community setting.
• You will have access to recorded lectures and opportunities to meet up online via discussion fora and live sessions.
• This course is taught by a member of academic staff within Information Management with significant teaching experience, active engagement in research and scholarly activities in this area.

Careers:

Practical skills in knowledge organisation are widely in demand by employers - often, but not exclusively, in the library sector - as the demand for enhanced access to information, particularly on intranets and on public-facing websites, has become as widespread as the adoption of websites themselves. This course gives students a working knowledge of the basic tools, which they can construct themselves. Importantly, this practical element is underpinned by more theoretical instruction.

Other:

• This course is part of the Information and Library Studies programme which is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals.
• The course is ideal for students who possess an undergraduate honours degree in any discipline.
• All international students, for whom English is not their first language, will need either IELTS 6.5 or its equivalent in TOEFL.
• The course allows students to create a practical and useful web portal for an organisation, event, or visitor attraction of their choice, constructing, in the process, an index, a faceted classification, and a sample of a thesaurus.
• The course requires you to become independent 'open learners' and take responsibility for when, where, and how your learning occurs.
You will spend approximately 8-10 hours per week in the Online Learning mode of study working on your own, undertaking prescribed reading, preparing and participating in activities, taking part in online group discussions and other activities, researching and writing course reports.
• The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences.
Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.
• All online learning students, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle.
You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.
• The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:
• Academic writing
• Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
• Maths and statistics
• English language
• Information technology support
• The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need.
We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.

Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

Academic Year 2024/2025 Course Fees: £1,170 Academic Year 2023/2024 Course Fees: £1,120 Additional Costs The following course-related costs are not included in the course fees: Accommodation and living costs Printing Other Fees and Charges