1. Subject knowledge and understanding

The Master of Art in Library and Information Sciences offers a well-structured programme of learning through which you will acquire the theoretical and practical skills of the library and information science disciplines. The course is built in a way to cater if you are a newcomer in the sector seeking to build on your previous academic qualifications and specialise in libraries and information sector. The second year offers the opportunity to choose between:

• Stream A - Library and Information Management
• Stream B - Rare Books and Manuscripts.

Stream A will equip students with the ability to deal with Library Management, School and Academic Librarianship, digital libraries, web and publishing trends.

Stream B will provide them with strong knowledge in the manuscripts and rare books management, cataloguing, didactic aspects of libraries, Melitensia and a basic introduction to preservation skills.

As a student of this Master, you will be able to:

• Interpret the main theories and apply best practices of the library profession to become an active member of the international and information library community;
• Outline the local dimensions of the Maltese libraries and information providing sources with its peculiarities and place it in the international context.


2. Intellectual development

This course will challenge you to embrace the library profession and apply such knowledge and skills to the field. By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Analyse the main concepts, theories, and standards applicable to the library and information domain
• Apply best practices in the field of managing, preserving, cataloguing collections, planning outreach activities, creating access and provide services to users
• Categorize the panorama of Maltese libraries and information providing centres, and communicate its richness and diversity within the profession and to other stakeholders.


3. Key/transferableskills

By the end of this Masters, you will be able to:

• Explain and apply the main theories, concepts, standards and best practices of the library and information professions;
• Solve problems in the fields of information management which is chosen in the respective streams;
• Communicate with different stakeholders, promoting access to and the correct use of information services and systems in specific contexts;
• Categorize the variety of Maltese and international library/information centres contexts and assess how they are interrelated and interdependent.

Moreover, this course will foster intellectual, analytical, critical and organizational skills that will be of value in any future career.




4. Other skills

Library and Information Sciences as a multidisciplinary field of study paves the way for a wide range of careers in different information centres, public administration and education. The course gives you a strong theoretical background, the opportunity to explore different methodologies, and apply best practices as part of a formation process aimed at shaping your future possibilities or current work.

At the end of the qualification and as an eventual graduate, you will be able to:

• Critically evaluate ideas and approaches applied in library and information management environments
• Argue in favour of library and information management solutions especially in view of emerging technologies and new regulatory frameworks for information in published form creation and maintenance
• Produce well-structured written policies and strategies for the vast arrays of publication creation and dissemination environments.

Furthermore, this Master aims to address an intellectual and cultural gap in Maltese society at a challenging moment when traditional and digital accessibility to learning sources and community services are assuming a more demanding approach. Libraries, archives and museums play an important role in the cultural and memory fabric of modern societies.