Library and Information Services Management (Distance Learning) MA PG Certificate PG Diploma
School of Information, Journalism and Communication,
Faculty of Social Sciences
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Start date
September 2025 -
Duration
1 year 2 years 3 years -
Attendance
Part-time Distance learning
Explore this course:
Book now for our online postgraduate open day on Wednesday 30 April 2025.
Course description
We welcome students from all over the world who have diverse experiences and disciplinary backgrounds, who share different perspectives and ideas that enrich peer discussions and enhance the learning experience on the programme. We鈥檙e the number one university in the world for library and information management (QS World 小欧视频 Rankings by subject 2025), which is a reflection of the quality of content on the course, the research expertise you will benefit from, and the links to professional practice that will help you with your future career goals.
The course provides a professionally oriented curriculum to develop the core competencies of the library and information profession, as defined in the , including how information is managed, organised, governed and made available to users.
You will also gain key skills in leadership, management and strategic service design, and understand how to be a reflective practitioner and the ethical principles and values that underpin the library and information profession.
Through engagement with research-active academic staff and current practitioners, you will learn about cutting-edge developments in library research and practice, including scholarly communication, information behaviour, information and knowledge management, the role of artificial intelligence in library services and the provision of inclusive library services to diverse communities.
You will learn how to apply current practices in library and information services management, for example how to apply the principles of cataloguing, classification, metadata and controlled vocabularies, how to teach information literacy, and how to design inclusive and sustainable library spaces.
Accreditation
The MA and PG Diploma awards are accredited by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) which is recognised by professional associations in the USA, Canada, Ireland and Australia.
Modules
You鈥檒l need 180 credits to get a masters degree, with 90 credits from core modules, 30 credits from optional modules and a dissertation (including dissertation preparation) worth 60 credits.
Core modules:
- Information Literacy (distance learning)
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The module aims to enable students to understand the concepts of information literacy and information behaviour from both theoretical and practical perspectives. Students will develop their own information literacy and their approach to teaching information literacy, and gain insight into developments internationally. They will learn about changes in the information environment, including the impact of new media. Learning will take place through online discussion and interaction, through viewing and reading learning materials and through assessments which develop students understanding and capabilities.
15 credits - Libraries, Information and Society (distance learning)
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This module provides an overview of the role of library and information services (LIS) in contemporary society and introduces you to public policy issues and their implications for the provision of LIS. You are introduced to current practices and contemporary concerns in academic, national, public, prison,聽and special/workplace libraries and encouraged to develop an awareness of the social, economic, political and cultural environment in which LIS operates. It examines the importance of users in the design and management of LIS, explores ethical issues and aims to develop a critical awareness of the role of LIS in contemporary society.
15 credits - Leadership, Strategy and Change (distance learning)
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This module aims to support students in the development of a range of management and leadership skills. Students will develop an understanding of different leadership and wider management theories and techniques, and will be able to evaluate their application and usefulness in a library and information services management context, in a variety of organisational settings. Topics will include leadership and management, strategic management, change management, project management, human resource management, team-working and conflict management, financial management, marketing and branding, business process management and service evaluation. Students will gain knowledge and understanding of all these topics within library and information environments and will gain a wide understanding of key LIS management issues and challenges.
15 credits - Information Organisation (distance learning)
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This core module explores the organisational principles to facilitate the effective storage, search and retrieval of information and knowledge to meet users needs and domain requirements. Beginning with the challenges faced by those tasked with organising, the module considers the fundamental concepts, processes and issues that relate to the identification, organisation, maintenance and disposal of information and knowledge within various domains including libraries, museums, archives, computing, business, databases and the Web. A critical, evaluative and theoretical approach is adopted to ensure the modules learning outcomes transfer to students future studies and careers.
15 credits - Information and Knowledge Management (distance learning)
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This module will examine principles and practices of information and knowledge management in the health sector. It will identify the different types of information and knowledge resources typically found in healthcare organisations and investigate methods used to generate, organise and exploit these assets. Real-world case studies will be used to illustrate and critique contemporary approaches to the design and implementation of information and knowledge audits, policies, strategies, products and services.
15 credits - Personal and Professional Development Portfolio (distance learning)
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This module aims to support students in their personal and professional development and career planning.聽It is a 'capstone module' of the LISM programme, enabling students to draw together the skills and knowledge they have gained throughout the programme and reflect on how this can be applied to their professional practice.聽Students will develop skills in reflective practice, and understand how to assess and evaluate their own skills and attributes as they move to the next stage of their careers. They will be able to evaluate the professional environment, and the contributions they make within that professional context. Students will be encouraged to reflect on their own professional identity and develop personal and professional goals for the future. Topics will include reflective practice, professional awareness, career planning, and various types of continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities
15 credits - Research Methods and Dissertation Preparation (distance learning)
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AIMS: to assist students in the identification of, and preparation of a dissertation proposal and to prepare the initial literature search for the chosen dissertation research topic. OBJECTIVES: Students will: become aware of ongoing research in the department; identify and prepare a dissertation proposal; carry out a preliminary literature search in the area of the dissertation research topic; be introduced to the use of social research methods and statistics for information management; start to collect data, compile questionnaires, etc. on the basis of discussions with their supervisor.
15 credits - Dissertation (distance learning)
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This module enables students to carry out an extended piece of work on an Information School approved topic, so that they can explore an area of 聽 specialist interest to them in greater depth. Students will be supported through tutorials with a project supervisor, apply research methods appropriate to their topic, and implement their work-plan to produce an individual project report. Students will already have identified a suitable topic and designed a project plan in the pre-requisite unit Research Methods and Dissertation Preparation.
45 credits
Optional modules - two from:
- Academic and Workplace Library, Information and Knowledge Services (distance learning)
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This module introduces students to the purposes, functions and practices of a range of academic, research and other specialist library, information and knowledge services in educational, public, charitable, and private sectors. It considers the challenges of delivering and developing services in a demanding, fast-moving and complex environment. Lectures are combined with sector-based case studies presented by visiting speakers drawn from various backgrounds giving extensive opportunities for interaction with specialist practitioners.
15 credits - Database Design and Data Management (distance learning)
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Effective data management is key to any organisation, particularly with the increasing availability of large and heterogeneous datasets (e.g. transactional, multimedia and geo-spatial data). A database is an organised collection of data, typically describing the activities of one or more organisations and a core component of modern information systems. A Database Management System (DBMS) is software designed to assist in maintaining and utilising large collections of data and becoming a necessity for all organisations. This module provides an introduction to the area of databases and database management, relational database design and a flavour of some advanced topics in current database research that deal with different kinds of data often found within an organisational context. Lectures are structured into three main areas: (1) an introduction to databases, (2) the process of designing relational databases, and (3) advanced topics (e.g. data warehouses and non-relational databases). The course includes a series of practical sessions aimed at providing you with the skills required to implement a database in Oracle and extract information using the Structured Query Language (SQL).
15 credits - Public, School, and Prison Library Services (distance learning)
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This module will enable students to understand and critically evaluate key elements of the principles, functions, practice, value and impact of school, and public and prison library services. The course will present the roles of these services, and the extent to which they support the educational, recreational, information and social needs of all members of society. There will be an exploration of key issues affecting school, public and prison library services today, and the extent to which they work independently and together to support the educational, recreational and social needs of the users. Students will be introduced to key professional skills required to work in these sectors, including reader development, design library spaces and advocating for library services. Recent and ongoing research will underpin the entire unit.
15 credits - Information Governance and Ethics (distance learning)
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The module explores a) the emergence of information and data as an economic resource b) the governance challenges and ethical issues arising from organisations' systematic capture, processing, and use of information and data for organisational goals, e.g. value, risk, accountability, ownership, privacy etc. c) governance, ethical, legal and other frameworks relevant to the capture, processing and use of information and data within organisational and networked contexts d) technologies and techniques used in the governing and governance of information and data. Case examples from a number of domains, e.g. business, government, health, law, and social media illustrate the topics investigated.
15 credits
Other courses:
Postgraduate Certificate requires a total of 60 credits
Postgraduate Diploma requires a total of 120 credits
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we will inform students and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.
Open days
Become part of our community of talented postgraduate taught students. Register now to join us at our online open day on Wednesday 30 April 2025.
Duration
- 2 years part-time by distance learning
- 3 years part-time by distance learning
- PG Cert: 1 year part-time by distance learning
Teaching
Teaching and learning activities are designed to be flexible so that you can work at your own pace and balance your studies with your professional and personal schedules. Live weekly online sessions are delivered through the 小欧视频's Virtual Learning Environment (Blackboard Ultra), which are recorded for students who are unable to attend in real time. There is a strong focus on asynchronous learning activities and discussions each week, so you can engage with the learning and your peers, whatever your availability.
You will be taught by world-leading academic staff and a network of expert professional practitioners from health, academic, corporate, public, prison and school libraries. You will learn about library and information practices across the globe, and we welcome the opportunity to learn from all of our students about professional practice in their contexts.
Teaching for each module lasts 12 weeks with assessment deadlines typically in the middle and at the end of semesters. We recommend that you spend 10 hours a week, per module, for the 12 timetabled weeks and for the weeks leading up to and following teaching. This includes participation in online sessions, viewing pre-recorded lectures, engaging with online activities and coursework preparation.
Students on the MA programme have the choice to write their dissertation either over the summer of year two after teaching ends, or extend their study to three years where the final year will be research preparation and dissertation only.
The dissertation is an opportunity to pursue a research topic of your own interest or to explore a professional issue within the context of your own workplace. In the past, students who have carried out such dissertations have welcomed the opportunity to tackle real-life problems.
Some recent student dissertations have focused on:
- critical librarianship and social justice
- experiences of neurodivergent library staff in the workplace
- artificial intelligence in libraries
- Open Access publishing
- changing professional identities of public library staff
- information literacy in the NHS
We often support students to publish their dissertations, for example:
Throughout the course you will have the support of a personal tutor and module coordinators. Peer support through student-led discussions and interaction is also encouraged.
Support for Library and Information Services Management MA students
Assessment
Assessments vary depending on the modules you choose, but the majority are coursework only. While you will do traditional assessments such as essays, many assessments are oriented towards developing your experience of formats and skills that mirror real-world tasks required by library and information professionals. Examples include creating information literacy teaching, developing a business case, and planning a library space.
Many assessments build valuable digital skills, and support students in developing as reflective practitioners, with the opportunity to draw on learning from your own professional practice.
Many of our students are returning to academic study after a break, and the 小欧视频 offers support to help students develop their academic skills.
Your career
Our library and information services management course has been designed for people preparing to take the next step in their careers or who wish to explore other opportunities within the profession.
Library and information services require professionals who can support people to navigate an information-rich world. This programme will enable you to develop the skills and competencies desired by employers, those defined by and the Sheffield Graduate Attributes.
There is a core employability and professional development strand woven throughout the course, aligned with current job descriptions in the sector and feedback from our professional networks. You will have opportunities to reflect on your professional experiences to date and set objectives for future career development.
Many of our library and information services management students have advanced their careers during their time on the programme.
Graduates are employed in roles such as:
- business researcher: corporate
- content and discovery manager: university
- academic and research services team leader: university
- evidence support librarian: university
- information governance officer: university
- libraries technology manager
- school librarian
School
School of Information, Journalism and Communication
The School of Information, Journalism and Communication is ranked number one in the world for library and information management in the QS World 小欧视频 Rankings by subject 2025. These rankings are based upon academic reputation, employer reputation and research impact.
The school has been at the forefront of developments in the information field for more than fifty years. The subject is characterised by its distinctive, interdisciplinary focus on the interactions between people, information and digital technologies. It has the ultimate goal of enhancing information access, and the management, sharing and use of information, to benefit society.
When you come to study with us you'll be an integral part of our research culture. The school is your home and we pride ourselves on the friendliness and helpfulness of our staff.
We offer an outstanding academic education through a wide range of taught postgraduate degrees which embed the principles of research-led teaching.
When you join any of our degree programmes you'll develop a critical understanding of current issues in library and information management. You'll benefit from being taught by staff who are undertaking leading-edge research and who have many links with industry.
As part of our mission to provide world-quality university education in information, we aim to inspire and help you pursue your highest ambitions for your academic and professional careers.
Student profiles
The course has exceeded my expectations. The subjects and materials are relevant to my current role and the course has provided an opportunity to improve transferable skills.鈥
Josephine Bailey
MA Library and Information Services Management student
Entry requirements
Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree in any subject.
You should also have around 12 months' information-related practical work experience. This is flexible depending on the level and relevance of your experience. If you don鈥檛 have a degree but your professional experience is extensive, you might be able to take the postgraduate certificate or diploma and upgrade to the MA later.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 (with 6 in each component) or 小欧视频 equivalent
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the school/department.
Fees and funding
Alumni discount
Save up to 拢2,500 on your course fees
Are you a Sheffield graduate? You could save up to 拢2,500 on your postgraduate taught course fees, subject to eligibility.
Apply
You can apply now using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It's a quick and easy process.
The school running this course will change its name before September 2025. On the online application form, please select Faculty of Social Sciences and School of Information, Journalism and Communication when applying for this course.
Contact
Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.
Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read and the .