This module provides students with a broad appreciation of the range of digital library services within contemporary contexts and to encourage a critical engagement with the roles and purpose of these services. It examines and evaluates both the cultural and technical elements which contribute to these services.
The module encourages students to evaluate critically the strategic application of a range of digital library initiatives as well as to develop and evaluate strategies for the planning and implementation of a digital library service. It examines how we identify and critically appraise user requirements for building and engaging diverse communities using digital library technologies. The module focuses on the application of current technologies for the dissemination of information or information services in response to user requirements, and we also consider how to determine and implement methods of evaluation for digital library services.
The module covers a wide variety of different topics including the development of digital libraries from early stages of ‘library automation’ to the present day.
Considerable focus is placed, throughout the topics, on profiling users and user communities and understanding their needs in respect of digital services, including the building and managing of effective online communities.
The taught content also focuses on the strategies and platforms which can be used to provide digital services, how services monitor and understand performance (and particularly measure impact) and also addresses key legal and ethical issues around privacy, security, copyright, confidentiality and data protection.
Learning Methods
You will learn via our online virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle which provides you with live lectures via zoom and course materials, allowing you to study from any location.
The module is delivered in 12 blocks online with topic texts, recorded lectures, activities and online discussion forums. There is, additionally, a programme of live online classes, lasting approximately one hour, each week. Approximately 30 students are in most cohorts undertaking the module.
Assessment
This module is assessed via a written assessment, including essay.
Independent Study
Students are expected to engage in the independent study activities set for each topic, sharing their thoughts and findings on these tasks on the discussion forum.
Staff Delivering on This Course
The module is delivered by university staff but recorded guest lectures are included and use is made of recordings of external experts from the profession to inform the discussion of the topics.
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Entry Requirements
- Applicants normally hold a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree or its equivalent in any subject area.
- Applicants with a lower degree classification and / or relevant work experience will be considered on a case by case basis.
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
Academic Year 2025/2026
- Course Fees: £1,290
Academic Year 2024/2025
- Course Fees: £1,170
Additional Costs
The following course-related costs are not included in the course fees:
Disclaimer
For new intakes course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information see:
Any Questions?
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