BIS8103-Philosophical Studies

BIS8104-Foundations of Library and Information Sciences

BIS8104: Foundations of Library and Information Science

Lecturer: WAMALWA Lucas

Duration: 16th March – 17th April 2026

 

Topic 1: Introduction to Library and Information Science

Course Objectives

By the end of this topic, students should be able to:

  1. Define Library and Information Science and explain its scope.
  2. Describe the historical development of libraries and information services.
  3. Identify different types of libraries and their roles in society.
  4. Explain the importance of information in modern knowledge societies.
  5. Understand the role of librarians and information professionals.

Subtopics

  • Definition and scope of Library and Information Science
  • Historical development of libraries and librarianship
  • Evolution of information services in the digital age
  • Types of libraries
    • Academic libraries
    • Public libraries
    • School libraries
    • Special libraries
    • National libraries
  • Roles and responsibilities of library and information professionals
  • Importance of libraries in education, research, and community development

Topic 2: Information, Knowledge, and Society

Course Objectives

By the end of this topic, students should be able to:

  1. Explain the concepts of data, information, and knowledge.
  2. Discuss the role of information in societal development.
  3. Understand information literacy and its significance.
  4. Identify challenges in information access and use.
  5. Recognize the impact of information technology on society.

Subtopics

  • Concepts of data, information, and knowledge
  • Information lifecycle and information flow
  • Knowledge societies and information societies
  • Information literacy and digital literacy
  • Access to information and information equity
  • Ethical issues in information use
  • Role of libraries in promoting informed communities

Topic 3: Library Organization, Services, and Resources

Course Objectives

By the end of this topic, students should be able to:

  1. Identify the major components of library organization.
  2. Explain key library services offered to users.
  3. Describe different types of library resources and formats.
  4. Understand the role of technology in modern library services.
  5. Appreciate the importance of user-centred library services.

Subtopics

  • Structure and organization of libraries
  • Library collections and resource types
    • Print resources (books, journals, newspapers)
    • Non-print resources (audio, video, multimedia)
    • Electronic resources (e-books, databases, digital libraries)
  • Library technical services (acquisition, cataloguing, classification)
  • Library user services (circulation, reference services, information literacy training)
  • Digital libraries and online information systems
  • Role of ICT in library services

References

  1. Bopp, R. E., & Smith, L. C. (2011). Reference and Information Services: An Introduction. Libraries Unlimited.
  2. Evans, G. E., & Saponaro, M. Z. (2012). Collection Management Basics. Libraries Unlimited.
  3. Rubin, R. E. (2016). Foundations of Library and Information Science (4th ed.). Neal-Schuman Publishers.
  4. Ranganathan, S. R. (1931). The Five Laws of Library Science. Madras Library Association.
  5. Chowdhury, G., & Chowdhury, S. (2003). Introduction to Digital Libraries. Facet Publishing.
  6. Feather, J., & Sturges, P. (2003). International Encyclopedia of Information and Library Science. Routledge.