Department of Library and Information Science in Delta State University (Delsu) | Student Guide

The Department of Library and Information Science, therefore, can rightly be described as unique because it runs a programme that is compliant with the 21^st-century Information and Communication Technology (ICT) digital revolution.

Philosophy of Library and Information Science

In general, the philosophy of education of Library and Information Science is based on the national objectives contained in Section-1, paragraph-1 of the National Policy on Education which harps on the realization of a free and democratic society, the attainment of an egalitarian society, the achievement of a united, strong and self-reliant nation and the realization of a dynamic economy.

In pursuance of the National Policy on Education (Sections 5 and 9), the goals provided under Higher Education (Section 5) are as follows:

1. The acquisition, development and inculcation of proper value-orientation for the survival of the individual and society,
2. The development of the intellectual capacities of the individual to enable him/her understand and appreciate his/her environment,
3. The acquisition of both physical and intellectual skills which will enable the individual to develop into a useful member of the community,
4. The acquisition of an objective view of local and external environments.

In line with the foregoing and bearing in mind that the library is the hub of intellectualism and scholarship in man’s quest for the acquisition of information and knowledge.

The philosophy of the Bachelor of Library and Information Science programme is to educate, train and produce competent information professionals who will implement and manage information technology-related projects not only in libraries, but also in such related sectors as Information Communication Technology (ICT). Thus, emphasis will be placed on:

1. Relevant skills and competency to satisfy the complex and evolving multifarious information needs of the user.
2. Information content creation and development
3. Information technology and library automation
4. Practical hands-on training in the application of ICTs in libraries with the automated Donald Ekong Library serving as a laboratory.

Vision

The vision of the Department of Library and Information Science degree programme is to produce graduates who will be well equipped to function effectively and efficiently in the age of digital revolution and information-driven economy of the 21^st century.

Mission Statement

The programme is expected to:

1. Expose students to the central academic body of knowledge, skills and attitudes, essential to face changes and challenges in the information and knowledge society.
2. Produce qualified personnel to man the ever-increasing number of libraries and other information institutions.
3. Prepare a crop of dedicated librarians and information scientists who will serve as change agents (catalysts) for the rapid development of information institutions.
4. Prepare and expose students to professional ICT certifications that will make them ready for the relevant industries without further training.
5. Prepare and expose students to entrepreneurial skills in programming, networking, maintenance and web designing among others.

Course Objectives

The courses have been carefully designed to provide students an opportunity for the systematic acquisition of knowledge in general librarianship which includes ICT.

Admission Requirements:

UTME Students 4-year degree programme

The admission requirements for entry into the first degree programme are same as the University entry requirements which is through the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Credit passes in the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) or its equivalent in five (5) subjects: English, Mathematics and three (3) other subjects, including one of the indigenous languages.

UTME SUBJECTS:  English Language, Mathematics and any 2 from the list of O’ Level Subjects.

Note that History and Government are mutually exclusive.

Direct Entry (3-year degree programme):

Any one of the following qualifications is admissible:

1.  A pass at least at Merit level in a relevant Diploma Programme (provided the University’s English Language requirement has been satisfied).
2.  (i) Two (2) passes in relevant subject areas at Advanced Level with SSCE/GCE ‘O’ level credit passes in three other subjects in not more than two (2) sittings, or (ii) Three (3) passes in relevant subject areas at Advances Level with SSCE/GCE ‘O’ level credit passes in two other subjects in not more than two (2) sittings.
3.  (i)  At least Merit in two (2) major subjects in relevant areas in the NCE with SSCE/GCE ‘O’ Level Credit or its equivalent in three (3) other subjects.
4. Two (2) Passes at the IJMB (interim Joint Matriculation Board) examination or of Basic Studies Terminal Examinations in (International Baccalaureate) from recognized institution with Senior Secondary School Certificate Credits or Equivalent in three other subjects (Subject to University requirements).
5.  Three (3) Passes in C (ii) above with a Senior Secondary School Certificate Credit or its equivalent in two other subjects.

English Language and Mathematics Requirements

A credit in Mathematics and English Language at the Senior School Certificate/or its equivalent are required by all students based upon the NUC Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards for undergraduate Programmes in Nigerian Universities (2007).

Registration of Courses

Every student is required to register for all courses during the time stipulated which is usually the first week of resumption at the beginning of the session.

Students who cannot register during the specified time may however, register later but all registration procedures must be completed within the time allowed for late registration.

Course registration is the responsibility of the student’s parent department. The Head of Department signs for all the courses registered.

The Department will ensure that students re-register for all previously failed courses in which the programme requires a pass, and meet the prescribed requirements for each course registered. Furthermore, the total credit units registered must not be less than 15 or more than 24 per semester.

Any registration completed after the time specified will be null and void and will not be credited to the student even when he/she has taken and passed an examination in the course.

Students are not allowed to sit for examinations in courses for which they are not previously registered. Such actions are fraudulent and culprits will be appropriately disciplined.

Any genuine request for late registration must be made in writing to the Head of Department. Any student who fails to register will automatically repeat the year.

Application for adding or dropping a course must be made on the prescribed Add/Drop Form and certified by the Registrar after obtaining the approval of the Head of Department concerned, not later than four weeks before the examination in each semester. Any change of course made by altering the registration form will be null and void.

Structure of the Programme

The National Universities Commission Minimum Academic Standards requires that each student should spend a minimum of four years and a maximum of six years for graduation.

It also specifies a minimum academic standard that requires that each programme in the University should as much as possible be organized into the following types of courses:

1. General Studies Courses
2. Core/Compulsory Courses
3. Cognate Courses
4. Electives.

Each course has a specified unit number, one unit being one hour of lecture/tutorial per week per semester.

Each student will be required to cover a minimum number of unit hours for the entire degree programme stipulated by the department. This will usually be 50% of the hours required by the department.

This is in addition to 4 weeks spent for practicum in the University Library during the entire programme. For details of the courses and the unit hours needed to be covered to graduate, students should refer to the appropriate section of this brochure.

To obtain a Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLIS) Degree, the student shall:

Complete the programme of study approved by Senate on the recommendation of the Faculty Board of Studies consisting of:

1. General Studies Courses
2. Core/Compulsory Courses
3. Special Area Courses
4. Electives
5. Sit for and pass all examinations on the prescribed courses registered for.
6. Achieve a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of not less than 1.50 in the courses registered to remain in the programme.
7. Must have passed a total minimum of not less than 120 credit units.
8. Satisfy all financial obligations to the University as well as other requirements relating to attendance and character as may be prescribed by the Senate, and
9. Be formally recommended by the departmental Board of Studies of the Department and Faculty for the award of the degree.

Graduation Requirements

Students are required to complete a minimum of 120 units out of a maximum of 136 units for graduation.

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