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LIS102Education2 Unitsbeginner

Libraries And Society

This course introduces the role, value, and impact of libraries in society. It covers the definition and scope of library and society, factors determining the establishment and patterns of library services in Nigeria, and the library's role as a communication medium. The course also explores the history of libraries across different periods, functions of various library types, oral traditions, literacy, intellectual freedom, and the impact of technology on libraries.

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20h
Study Time
13
Weeks
2h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
LibrariesSocietyInformationLiteracyCommunication

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Beginner Level
Perfect for newcomers to the field
35%
beginner
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Definition of Library and Society

2

Factors Determining Library Establishment

3

Patterns of Library Services

4

Library as a Medium of Communication

5

History of Libraries

6

Functions of Different Library Types

7

Oral Traditions

8

Literacy and Libraries

9

Intellectual Freedom and Censorship

10

Librarianship Profession

11

Impact of ICT on Society

12

Nigerian Library Association

13

Librarians' Registration Council of Nigeria

Total Topics13 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Librarian

Apply your skills in this growing field

Information Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Archivist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Information Broker

Apply your skills in this growing field

Knowledge Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

EducationGovernmentResearchCorporateNon-profit

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Definition of Concepts and Scope of Library and Society

2h

Unit 1: Definition of Concept and Scope of a Library

2 study hours
  • Read the definition of a library from various scholars.
  • Identify and describe the main attributes of a library.
  • Differentiate between a library and other store-houses of books.
Week
2

Module 1: Definition of Concepts and Scope of Library and Society

2h

Unit 2: The Concept and Scope of Society

2 study hours
  • Define the term 'society' and understand its Latin origin.
  • Describe the basic characteristics or elements of a society.
  • Explain the relationship between culture and society.
  • Identify and explain the role of libraries in supporting societal development.
Week
3

Module 2: Factors Determining the Establishment of Libraries, Patterns of Library Services in Society with Particular Reference to Nigeria and the Library as Medium of Communication and Its Relationship with Other Information and Communication Systems

2h

Unit 1: Factors Determining the Establishment of Libraries with Particular Reference to Nigeria

2 study hours
  • Identify and discuss the factors that determine the establishment and growth of libraries in Nigeria.
  • Analyze the impact of increased education, UNESCO seminars, political independence, and dynamic leadership on library development.
Week
4

Module 2: Factors Determining the Establishment of Libraries, Patterns of Library Services in Society with Particular Reference to Nigeria and the Library as Medium of Communication and Its Relationship with Other Information and Communication Systems

3h

Unit 2: Patterns of Library Services in Society

3 study hours
  • Explain Dr. S. R. Ranganathan's Principles of Library Service.
  • Identify and explain various general library services such as reference, lending, and user education.
  • Describe the characteristics, functions, and services of the acquisitions, cataloguing, serials, circulation, and reference departments.
Week
5

Module 2: Factors Determining the Establishment of Libraries, Patterns of Library Services in Society with Particular Reference to Nigeria and the Library as Medium of Communication and Its Relationship with Other Information and Communication Systems

2h

Unit 3: The Library as a Medium of Communication and Its Relationship with Other Information and Communication Systems

2 study hours
  • Explain the concept of communication in relation to the library.
  • Describe barriers to effective communication and methods of communication.
  • Explain the relationship between the library and other information and communication systems.
Week
6

Module 3: History of Libraries – Ancient, Medieval and Renaissance and Digital Age Periods; and History of Libraries in Nigeria

3h

Unit 1: History of Libraries: Ancient and Medieval Periods

3 study hours
  • Describe the evolution of writing and writing materials.
  • Discuss the history and development of libraries in ancient times, including temple, royal, public, and private libraries.
  • Describe unique functions of Islamic libraries.
Week
7

Module 3: History of Libraries – Ancient, Medieval and Renaissance and Digital Age Periods; and History of Libraries in Nigeria

3h

Unit 2: History of Libraries: Renaissance and Digital Age Periods

3 study hours
  • Discuss the history and development of libraries in the medieval period.
  • Describe the history and characteristics of libraries in the renaissance period.
  • Describe the history of libraries in the digital age.
Week
8

Module 3: History of Libraries – Ancient, Medieval and Renaissance and Digital Age Periods; and History of Libraries in Nigeria

3h

Unit 3: History of Libraries in Nigeria

3 study hours
  • Understand the history of the different types of libraries in Nigeria.
  • Discuss the history, functions, and activities of the National Library of Nigeria.
  • Understand and explain the evolution of library education in Nigeria.
Week
9

Module 4: Functions of Different Types of Libraries

2h

Unit 1: Functions of Different Types of Libraries

2 study hours
  • Describe the features and functions of academic libraries.
  • Describe the features and functions of public libraries.
  • Describe the features and functions of school libraries.
Week
10

Module 4: Functions of Different Types of Libraries

2h

Unit 1: Functions of Different Types of Libraries

2 study hours
  • Describe the features and functions of special libraries.
  • Describe the features and functions of national libraries.
Week
11

Module 4: Functions of Different Types of Libraries

2h

Unit 2: Oral Traditions

2 study hours
  • Understand the meaning of oral tradition and how it relates with libraries.
  • Explain how traditional African libraries were organized before the advent of conventional libraries.
  • Describe the role of libraries in collecting and preserving oral tradition.
Week
12

Module 4: Functions of Different Types of Libraries

4h

Unit 2: Oral Traditions

2 study hours
  • Understand the concept of Indigenous Knowledge and its relationship with libraries.
  • Discuss the challenges of collection and preserving oral tradition.
  • Explain the meaning and concept of literacy.

Unit 3: Literacy and Libraries

2 study hours
  • Discuss the importance of literacy to society.
  • Describe the role of libraries in promoting literacy.
Week
13

Module 4: Functions of Different Types of Libraries

3h

Unit 4: Intellectual Freedom and Censorship

3 study hours
  • Define and understand the concept of Intellectual Freedom.
  • Appreciate the need for Intellectual Freedom.
  • Discuss the role of libraries in promoting Intellectual Freedom.
  • Define and understand the meaning of Censorship.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

Access PDF Material

Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create a timeline of library history, noting key events and figures from ancient times to the digital age.

2

Develop flashcards for the definitions and characteristics of different types of libraries (academic, public, school, special, national).

3

Outline the core principles of intellectual freedom and censorship, considering real-world examples and ethical dilemmas.

4

Summarize the key functions and responsibilities of the Nigerian Library Association and the Librarians' Registration Council of Nigeria.

5

Practice essay questions on the challenges and prospects of libraries in Nigeria, focusing on innovative solutions and future trends.

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