Bachelor of Library and Information Science
INTRODUCTIONInformation is an important resource in the day-to-day operations of individuals, organizations and society.  The world has evolved to an age where information technology and information explosion are here with us.  There is therefore need for information professionals to acquire higher and relevant qualifications and skills for libraries and other information centres.  It is due to this need in our country that the Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLINS) programme is being introduced.

The Bachelor of Library and Information Science programme is a structured professional and discipline-specific curriculum. The available electives (specialization) are:

  • ·         Library and knowledge management;
  • ·         Records and archives management;
  • ·         Information systems and communication technology;
  • ·         Publishing and media informatics.

4.0 JUSTIFICATION

Hitherto, most schools of library and information science have leaned towards either the Arts and Social Sciences or Physical and Natural Sciences.  The Bachelor of Library and Information Science degree programme at Egerton University cuts across disciplines whilst being professionally focused.  Secondly, it emphasizes the learning of international languages in order to overcome the monolingual handicap of other training schools in Kenya.  This will produce information professionals who are marketable, both nationally and internationally.  Furthermore, the programme has a major element of training in Information and Communication Technology. This programme covers French but other languages will be offered as need arises, which will enable the graduates to be even more competitive in the job market.

5.0 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The broad objective of this programme is to equip the students with appropriate     technical and professional knowledge, skills and attitudes in Library and Information Science.

The specific objectives are:

3.1       To equip students with knowledge, skills and attitudes for the generation, organization, storage and dissemination of information in different types of information institutions and Information and Communication Technologies required for libraries, media houses and other information centres.

3.2              To produce professionals who can work in libraries, media houses and other information centres.

3.3              To equip students with knowledge, skills and culture in international languages to enable them to be competent in handling information globally.

3.4              To enhance the knowledge and skills of those already practising in library, media and information management.

3.5              To prepare students for further studies in areas of library, information communication and technology (ICT) and other related fields.

6.0 ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

4.1       Candidates must meet the minimum Egerton University entry requirements for admission together with those in the Faculty.

4.2              Applicants who have passed with at least a “credit” or its equivalent in the Diploma in Library and Information Studies from a recognized institution.

4.3              Applicants may be admitted under the Mature Age Qualifying Scheme as specified in the Statutes.  The Department reserves the right to set a special qualifying examination and/or conduct interviews of applicants as individual cases may apply.

7.0 LOADING AND DURATION OF STUDY

7.1  The BLINS programme will run extend for a period of four (4) academic years for full-time students and a maximum of eight (8) academic years for part time students.

5.2       A maximum transfer of thirty percent (30%) of the Senate-approved Credit Factors towards the requirements for the degree programme will be accepted, provided the candidate had obtained a grade ‘B’ or above in the specific relevant course.  However, this is not automatic.

5.3       To qualify for the award of the degree of Bachelor of Library and Information Science, a student must have passed one hundred and fifty one (151) Credit Factors (CFs).  These shall consist of one hundred and twenty seven (127) CFs of courses in Library and Information Science (84%) and twenty-four (24) CFs of the Common Core Courses together with the service courses from other disciplines (16%).

8.0 EXAMINATIONS

7.1       All examinations for the BLINS programme will be conducted in accordance with the rules and regulations as stipulated in the Egerton University Statutes.

7.2       Candidates must pass the Library and Information Science Internship Course. Assessment will be conducted at organizations where the student is attached.

7.3       Students are allowed to audit courses which shall be shown in the academic transcript.  However, such courses shall not count towards the degree classification. Field attachment is compulsory for this programme and will be examined by supervision as well as a report submitted at the end of the exercise.