Master of Science (MSc) in Information and Library Management (LAI accredited)

Program Overview

---

Master of Science (MSc) Information & Library Management (LAI accredited)

Overview

This programme welcomes a wide audience of learners from cognate backgrounds. The MSc in Information and Library Management (Level 9, 90 ECTS) programme aims to provide learners with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to work in positions within the information and library management sector at a professional level. It covers a wide range of information and library topics, whilst providing the ability to respond to the changing information and library needs of clients. The programme focuses on theoretical and contextual knowledge in core areas such as information retrieval, organisation and dissemination, while also offering applied practical skills in contemporary topics such as open librarianship, information technologies, information law and information architecture. Learners who complete the full MSc in Information and Library Management programme (including the 25 ECTS capstone research project) will also develop and enhance their research capability through critical enquiry and detailed analytical problem solving.

On completion of this programme graduates will be able to effectively demonstrate the following attributes:

• Fundamental decision-making techniques;
• Knowledge and awareness of a variety of business organizations;
• Numerical and quantitative skills;
• Problem-solving and analytical ability;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Entrepreneurial and innovative instincts;
• Capacity for further studies.

The programme objectives are to:

1. Provide learners with a rigorous academic foundation in, and a systematic understanding of, the principles, theory and application of information and library management incorporating a contemporary skill set central to the profession.
2. Enable learners to acquire strong analytical skills in order to identify and critically evaluate technological, political, social, regulatory and economic changes affecting the information and library environment.
3. Build learners’ capacity for informed decision-making based on the synthesis of both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
4. Enable learners to attain the ability to solve practical and complex problems within a variety of information and library environments.
5. Support learners in acquiring transferable skills such as leadership, advocacy, communication and IT skills.
6. Facilitate learners to develop research skills and apply theoretical knowledge to work based problems, using robust methodological procedures.
7. Provide a basis for practice and continual personal development and learning throughout learners’ careers.
8. Overall, the programme aims to imbue in learners a critical understanding of core information and library principles, while also enhancing research capability and practical information management skills.

Delivery

This programme is delivered through both online and face-to-face modes of delivery, including classroom sessions (in-person and Zoom lectures), asynchronous content, and practical computer lab sessions.

Minimum Entry Requirements

To be considered for admission, applicants must possess:

• A minimum second class second division (2.2) honours undergraduate/bachelor degree in any discipline, from a recognised third level institution, or equivalent qualification.
• For non-standard applicants, relevant professional experience may be taken into account and individuals will be assessed on a case-by-case basis through DBS RPL procedures.

International applicants whose first language is not English and who have not previously undertaken a degree taught in English must provide evidence of proficiency in English language equivalent to B2+ or above on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This must be evidenced through a recognised English Language test such as IELTS, Cambridge Certificate or DBS English assessment. Test certificates should be dated within the last two years to be considered valid.

As this is an extremely specialised area of study, advanced entry to any stage of the programme is not permitted.

Course Content

Stage One

• Module No. | Module Name | ECTS
  • 1 | The Teaching Librarian | 5 ECTS
  • 2 | Records Management and Information Law | 5 ECTS
  • 3 | Information Technologies | 10 ECTS
  • 4 | Information Organisation | 10 ECTS
  • 5 | Research Methods | 5 ECTS
  • 6 | Management for Information and Library Professionals | 10 ECTS
  • 7 | Information Architecture | 5 ECTS
  • 8 | Open Librarianship | 10 ECTS
  • 9 | Professional Development and Organisational Awareness | 5 ECTS

Stage Two

• Module No. | Module Name | ECTS
  • 10 | Dissertation/Applied Research Project | 30 ECTS

Assessment Methods

Assessment across this programme will be through continuous assessment, in the form of individual assignments, group assignments and class presentations. Assessments are designed to give students knowledge and competencies that can be transferred to real world employment settings. DBS Library also facilitates students wishing to carry out a project in a working library environment.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

As part of Dublin Business School’s commitment to lifelong learning and continuing professional development (CPD), a selection of modules from the MSc in Information and Library Management are available to professionally qualified librarians (Graduate/Higher Diploma or Masters) for CPD purposes. The benefits of CPD training are numerous for both the individual and the organisation and include:

• Participation in lifelong learning and opportunity to improve professional competence.
• The opportunity to upskill in new aspects of librarianship such as open source, cloud computing, information architecture, XML, metadata, Dublin Core, new management practices etc.
• Supporting Associate Membership of the LAI; performance appraisals; applications for promotion internally or for new posts
• Helping organisations to develop their employees so that they fulfill the requirements of changing roles.

Awarding Body and NFQ Level

This programme has been validated and approved by the Irish state agency, QQI (Quality and Qualifications Ireland). The programme is positioned at Level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), a framework for the development, recognition, and award of qualifications in Ireland. The programme is listed on the Irish Register of Qualifications.

The programme is also currently accredited by the Library Association of Ireland (LAI).

In both the case of QQI and the LAI, DBS is obliged to carry out reviews and re-submit the programme for re-approval on a cyclical basis. This means that, during your programme of study, there may be changes to programme content or delivery. Where this occurs, transition arrangements are carefully considered to ensure coherence and consistency for learners.

At all times, delivery of the programme must be in compliance with the approved programme and to achieve the recognised award learners must fulfil all assessment criteria.

Structure

The MSc in Information and Library Management is a 1 year full-time/2-year part-time programme consisting of eleven taught modules (two 10 ECTS modules, eight 5 ECTS modules) and a 25 ECTS elective to choose from; Dissertation or Applied Research Project. For learners who cannot continue, for personal or professional reasons, to the research component of this programme, there is an embedded exit award titled, Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Information and Library Management (Level 9, 60 ECTS).

For full-time learners, semester one provides the learner with a critical understanding of information organisations and technologies, records management and archiving along with an introduction to research practices at level 9. Semester two covers management practices for library professionals along with key concepts in the area of information law, digital libraries, professional development in addition to applied research methodologies. Part-time learners progress through this programme through an additional semester, delivered by evening classes.

Learners will then complete a capstone (25 ECTS) of either a Dissertation or an Applied Research Project which will synthesise learning from other modules, combining research and technical skills to investigate, design, produce and critically evaluate an area of research interest.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the programme can progress to roles as library managers, systems librarians, reader services managers, collection development managers, institutional repository managers and teaching librarians in a variety of library settings.

Graduates are also qualified for information management roles in the corporate sector such as records management and in the creation, management and promotion of digital content. Graduates of the MSc in Information and Library Management at DBS have gone onto secure positions in a range of libraries and information services.

In a market-driven economy where competitive advantage is key, it is intended that graduates of this programme will meet the needs of organisations that wish to remain competitive through the strategic management and analysis of data.

Fees

The course fees for the next academic year are €9,100 for one year, and €4,450 for two years for EU students.

International Fees

EU Fees

You can also contact our admissions team who would be happy to discuss the options available for you.

Please note also that there is tax relief for Irish income tax payers at the standard rate of 20% on all fees exceeding €1,000 and up to €7,000.

All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration offered by Dublin Business School (DBS) are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) (b) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby in the event that DBS ceases to provide the programme, for any reason, after learners have started on that programme, Kaplan Inc., as guarantor, will refund the moneys most recently paid by or for the learner. More details are included in the terms and conditions of learner admission to DBS and on programme handbooks provided at induction.

Improve your employability

All of our postgraduate courses offer strong links with industry and the professional world and often carry accreditation from professional bodies. By choosing to study at postgraduate level, not only do you gain valuable skills and experience but you also demonstrate your determination to succeed in a chosen career. Far from being a postponement to employment, postgraduate study can help you progress further and faster in your chosen career. And, if you're not certain what direction you would like your future to take, further study can provide a secure and structured space to help you find out through exploring your strengths and interests.

Get your foot on the career ladder

A large number of our postgraduate programmes include a work placement option, giving you the opportunity to gain vocational experience, make valuable contacts and gain transferable skills. It is also worth considering that some postgraduate qualifications are essential requirements to getting on the career ladder.

Gain skills for success

During your undergraduate degree you will have developed a strong foundation of transferable skills. Postgraduate study will build on this base, giving you the opportunity to put these highly valuable skills in to practice. You will also gain invaluable practical working examples that you can go on to use at interview to set you apart from other candidates.

Course Overview

Awarding Body: Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI)

Award: Masters Degree

NFQ Level: 9

Title of Award: Master of Science (MSc) in Information and Library Management

Award Type: Major

Duration: Full-time: 1 Year, Part-time: 2 Years

Mode: Blended/ hybrid delivery

Next Intake: September 2025

• Download brochure

Program Outline

MSc in Information & Library Management (LAI Accredited) at DBS

---

Degree Overview:

---

Objectives:

• Provide a strong theoretical and practical foundation in information and library management principles.
• Develop critical analysis skills to assess the impact of technological and societal changes.
• Enhance research skills and the ability to apply knowledge to solve problems.
• Build leadership, communication, and IT skills for professional effectiveness.
• Prepare learners for continual learning and career development throughout their professional journey.

---

Program Description:

• The program covers a comprehensive range of information and library topics.
• It focuses on core areas like information retrieval, organization and dissemination.
• The curriculum also incorporates contemporary trends like open librarianship, information technologies, information law, and information architecture.
• The program is recognized and accredited by the Library Association of Ireland (LAI).
• A 3-week work placement is included for practical experience in the field (optional for those with relevant prior experience).
• An emphasis on employability is achieved through the "Personal and Professional Development" module and annual career fairs.
### Outline:

---

Stage One (10 Modules, Semester 1 & 2):

• The Teaching Librarian (5 ECTS)
• Records Management and Information Law (5 ECTS)
• Information Technologies (10 ECTS)
• Information Organisation (10 ECTS)
• Research Methods (5 ECTS)
• Management for Information and Library Professionals (10 ECTS)
• Information Architecture (5 ECTS)
• Open Librarianship (10 ECTS)
• Professional Development and Organizational Awareness (5 ECTS)

---

Stage Two:

• Dissertation/Applied Research Project (30 ECTS)
### Assessment:
• Continuous assessment throughout the program.
• Individual and group assignments, presentations, and research projects.
• Designed to mirror real-world work situations and develop transferable skills.
• Options for project work in actual library environments available.
### Teaching:
• Experienced and dedicated faculty with strong industry connections.
• Interactive teaching methods and a supportive learning environment.
• Emphasis on student-centered learning and active participation.
### Careers: Graduates are qualified for diverse roles within varied library settings (public, medical, legal) and the corporate world (information management, digital content). Specific examples include:
• Library managers
• Systems librarians
• Reader services managers
• Collection development managers
• Institutional repository managers
• Teaching librarians
• Records managers
• Digital content creators and managers

---

Others:

• Delivery: Full-time or Part-time options available
• Full-time structure: Taught modules delivered over one year (2 semesters), followed by the dissertation stage.
Classes held Monday-Wednesday.
• Part-time structure: Delivery spread across four taught semesters, usually requiring attendance two evenings per week.

---

For further inquiries:

• Contact admissions team for details and personalized guidance.
• Explore open day opportunities to gain firsthand experience and interact with faculty and students.
### Note:

---

The course fees for the next academic year are €8,900 full-time and €5,500 per annum part-time for EU students. This covers the cost of tuition, registration and examinations Click here to view international fees. Click here to view EU fees.