Bachelor of Applied Science (Library and Information Studies)

Librarians such as Corrine Oemcke require a wide range of skills to help library visitors

THE QUALIFICATION
Bachelor of Applied Science (Library and Information Studies)
The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand (TOPNZ)
Phone: 0508 650 200 ext 5502
Email: Annette Gatland
Web: www.openpolytechnic.ac.nz
Cost: 2006 course costs: $485 per course, plus $40 administration fee. (18 courses equals one degree)
Starting Salary: around $40,000

THE COURSE
Modern day librarians need more than a love of books. They also need advanced skills and knowledge of information technology and information services management.

Three providers offer degrees in library studies. The Open Polytechnic distance education option provides students the opportunity to plan their study around work and family commitments, studying from home.

Study includes library systems and processes, principles of record management and user education, policy and planning for information services and reference skills.Courses are delivered either electronically with all materials online, by post and hard copy or a combination of both with some courses only offered online. All courses are supported by an online campus system, which includes resource pages, discussion forums and chat rooms.

Students do not need to be employed in libraries to do the degree.

Applicants are required to have at least 60 credits in NCEA Level 3, a B Bursary or equivalent. International students need an IELTS of 6. It is also possible to start at diploma level and staircase into the degree.

There are three intakes during the year. Each semester is 17 weeks long and generally students are advised to allow 10 to 12 hours study a week for each course. Full time study consists of three courses per semester.

The first 2007 intake is 19 February with enrolments closing 12 February.

The Open Polytechnic also offers information and library studies through a Bachelor of Arts.

THE GRADUATE
Corrine Oemcke
Collections management coordinator
Waitakere Library and Information Services
Completed degree June 2006

I've just started in a new role as collections management coordinator, which involves organizing and purchasing reference resources. Previously I was a reference librarian.

Through the degree I've been able to build and develop my skills further, which has given me a wider perspective on the role of a library. After gaining a core base of skills, you can expand into many areas, for example other sections of the library, events planning, promotions, public speaking. Library work is full of opportunity.

I started studying part time in 1998 - a long time ago. I originally had a certificate but decided I needed to up-skill.

I enjoyed studying through distance education because the tutors were incredibly well organised and provided lots of support and amazing resources, often electronically. Their library resources are absolutely outstanding.

I only took one paper a semester. I didn't want to rush because I wanted to absorb the information properly and apply it within my workplace, not just aim for a pass.

I spent about 12 to 15 hours per week on each course. Most evenings and weekend were spent studying but I'd have Friday night and Sunday afternoons off.

Although I don't want to do any more study immediately, I may in the future. Right now I want to consolidate the knowledge I've got and take time out to enjoy life and family again.

You don't have to be working in a library to do the degree. A lot of people start it while bringing up young children.

THE EMPLOYER
Su Scott
Library & information services manager
Waitakere City Council

In the current library workplace the range of skills a librarian needs has been steadily growing. The increase in technology-based collections and services in libraries, alongside traditional book based collections and services, requires librarians to embrace a whole new body of knowledge and skills.

As an employer I can be assured that a staff member with a library qualification has the knowledge required to be a reliable member of the team. In addition to the formal learning outcomes, tertiary study also develops valuable workplace skills and abilities such as time management, critical analysis and researching skills which might include the development and analysis of surveys, report writing and presentation skills.

But the greatest benefit I see in study is that it keeps staff up to date with current professional trends and worldwide issues.

In Waitakere City's libraries staff work in a team environment so they need well developed interpersonal skills and a willingness to freely contribute.