Units

---

Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

The Library and Information Science major of the IT43 Master of Information Technology program provides graduates with the knowledge and skills to find employment in a broad spectrum of information work, for example within corporate and government information management contexts, as well as in public, academic and special libraries. Graduates play an increasing role in understanding and managing the complexities of information impacting on society as a whole. In the 21st century, employers seek graduates who have the ability to demonstrate employment-related skills as well as disciplinary expertise. Learning about the diverse aspects of professional practice is a critical dimension of career planning, directly supporting students in their choice of employment and in their successful transition into the workplace.

Aims

This unit has been developed as an overarching unit in the IT43 Master of Information Technology (Library and Information Science) program, to establish meaningful links between the various units of study and to introduce you to contemporary professional practice in information agencies. The unit focuses on your own personal and professional development, enabling you to participate in industry seminars, fieldtrips, work placements and career mentoring. The development of your understanding of reflective practice will help you build your own Student ePortfolio to document your insights into and your experiences in the information profession.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:

· Critically discuss the values and ethics of professional practice in information agencies (GC1, GC6)
· Apply the knowledge and skills of information practice to beginning professional work in information agencies (GC1)
· Perform the duties of a beginning information professional with reference to the organisational, cultural, political and managerial structures that have an impact upon the role (GC1)
· Develop an ePortfolio to present your knowledge and skills to prospective employers (GC1, GC2, GC3)
· Understand the skills and knowledge required for successful career planning, including employment seeking and professional development strategies, with a commitment to the principles of lifelong learning (GC1, GC4)

Key: Graduate Capabilities
GC1 - Knowledge and Skills
GC2 - Critical and Creative Thinking
GC3 - Communication
GC4 - Lifelong Learning
GC5 - Independence and Collaboration
GC6 - Social and Ethical Responsibility
GC7 - Leadership and Change

Content

This unit offers opportunities for you to examine many of the issues that have an impact upon professionals working in information agencies. You will have the opportunity to participate in workshops, industry seminars, fieldtrips and professional meetings as well as the QUT Career Mentoring program. Recruitment and employment practices will be discussed, together with the importance of career planning and professional development. During your course, you will be required to complete a range of fieldwork activities (100 hours total). You will learn how to create your own professional ePortfolio to support the development of your knowledge and skills and your understanding of professional practice.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The unit is offered in a blended or multi-modal delivery mode. The unit can be undertaken internally, externally or a combination of both. You are encouraged to move between the different modes of delivery throughout the semester. The QUT Student ePortfolio forms the basis for the unit (Pass/Fail). The unit's teaching and learning strategies are designed to develop both the theoretical understanding and practical skills required for professional practice in a contemporary information agency. A wide range of collaborative and independent learning strategies are utilised, with forums that enable students to work with industry practitioners to explore current professional issues and trends in diverse organisations. You are expected to attend a number of external professional development sessions and events. Through fieldwork activities you will have the opportunity for meaningful workplace learning. Reflective practice is a key element of the unit, as you are required to reflect on your own knowledge, skills and abilities gained throughout your course of study, documented in an evolving professional ePortfolio. The Blackboard site is the primary tool used for information exchange and communication. Unit material and readings provide concepts and stimulate your thinking concerning principles, the philosophy and the theoretical insights into professional practice. You are expected to engage in the learning experience by participating in all classes and learning activities, and by undertaking a wide variety of reading.

Assessment

At the end of the semester, you will release a view of your Student ePortfolio to the teaching staff to be marked; details will be discussed during the classes. You are expected to work on your ePortfolio independently, but you will also have the opportunity to share ideas and experiences with your fellow students, your employer or mentor, and the teaching staff.You can obtain feedback on your progress throughout the unit through the following mechanisms:
· ask the teaching staff for advice and assistance during class sessions
· feedback on your ePortfolio work will be provided during the semester, comments will focus on both the quality of your intellectual content and on the format and construction of your work
· teaching staff are available during consultation hours to clarify assignment requirements and to assist with your understanding of unit content
· teaching staff will also regularly reply to email enquiries.

The ePortfolio will be graded Pass/Fail.

Assessment name: Reflective Journal
Description: Formative and summative assessment developing a beginner's portfolio to support entry into the profession. (PASS/FAIL).
Relates to objectives: All
Weight: 100%
Internal or external: External
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 13

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

There is no required textbook for the unit. You will be expected to read widely as part of your studies in the unit. Recent articles of interest to the subject will be highlighted during the course of your study. The following resources may be of assistance to your study in the unit:

Recommended Readings:

Bolton, G. (2001). Reflective practice: writing and professional development. London: Sage.

Brine, A (2004). Continuing professional development: a guide for information professionals. Oxford: Chandos.

Dority, G. K. (2006). Rethinking information work: a career guide for librarians and other information professionals. Westport, CN: Libraries Unlimited.

Pantry, S. & Griffiths, P. (2003). Your essential guide to career success. London: Facet.

Raddon, R. (Ed.) (2005). Your career, your life. Career management for the information professional. Aldershot, Hants: Ashgate.

Schon, D.A. (1983). The reflective practitioner: how professionals think in action. New York: Basic Books.

Risk assessment statement

You will submit your written assessments through the units Blackboard site - details will be announced during the lectures. You are expected to work on the assignments independently, but you can ask for assistance from the teaching staff.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 24-Oct-2012