Specialized Information Systems & Services
- Education
- 300 level
- 2 credit units
- 165 pages
- 20 units
This course explores the concept of information, systems, information systems, and specialized information systems. It examines the nature, types, and characteristics of specialized information systems, including their users and services. The course also covers digitalization in libraries, library automation, and networking, exposing students to important issues and themes for effective understanding and mastery of the subject matter.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 208 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, practical, case study
- Practical work
- Yes
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Computer based tests
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of LIS324, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
LIS324 · UNIT 1 DEFINITION OF CONCEPTS
The unit will introduce you to the definition of information, its attributes, types and levels of information. Furthermore, the concepts of systems and information systems will be explicitly reviewed. Finally an all comprising clarity on specialized information systems will be defined in this unit.
What you should be able to do
- Define key concepts related to information and specialized information systems
- Identify and discuss the components of specialized information systems
- Explain the relationship between IT and specialized information systems
- Describe the nature, types, and characteristics of specialized information systems
- Discuss the impact of specialized information systems on library services
What it prepares you for
- Librarian
- Information Architect
- Data Curator
- Information Manager
- Archivist
- Education
- Government
- Research
- Cultural Heritage
- Information Technology
- Library Management Systems
- Database Management Systems
- Networking Hardware
- Web 2.0 Technologies
- Digitalization Tools
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2: The Nature, Types and Characteristics of Specialized Information System
Unit 2: Types of specialized information systems
Understanding the nuances between TPS, MIS, and DSS requires grasping complex organizational hierarchies and decision-making processes.
- Module 5: Library Automation and Networking
Unit 4: Networking
Requires understanding of network topologies, protocols, and security implications in a library context.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 45 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Concept of Specialized Information Systems and Services
Unit 1: Definition of key terms, information, systems, services, information system and specialized information system · 3 hours
Define information, systems, services, information systems, and specialized information systems.. Identify attributes, types, and levels of information.. Differentiate between objective, subjective, and inter-subjective viewpoints of information..
- Week 2Module 1: Concept of Specialized Information Systems and Services
Unit 2: Components of Specialized Information Systems · 3 hours
Identify components of specialized information systems: software, hardware, human resources, databases, and networks.. Discuss the functions of each component.. Explain the role of each component in data collection, processing, and distribution..
- Week 3Module 1: Concept of Specialized Information Systems and Services
Unit 3: IT & Specialized Information System · 3 hours
Explain the relationship between IT and specialized information systems.. Identify the similarities and differences between information systems and information technology.. Describe the role of IT in facilitating organizational activities and processes..
- Week 4Module 1: Concept of Specialized Information Systems and Services
Unit 4: Specialized Information System Software And Hardware · 3 hours
Explain the concepts of hardware and software.. Enumerate classification of software.. List the functions and types of operating system..
- Week 5Module 2: The Nature, Types and Characteristics of Specialized Information System
Unit 1: Dimensions of specialized information system · 3 hours
Identify the dimensions of specialized information systems.. Differentiate the characteristics of the dimensions of specialized information systems.. Describe the components of each dimension of specialized information systems..
- Week 6Module 2: The Nature, Types and Characteristics of Specialized Information System
Unit 2: Types of specialized information systems · 3 hours
Identify the different types of specialized information systems.. Differentiate the roles of each specialized information systems.. List the characteristics of each types of specialized information system.. Explain the different distinction between manual information system and computer information system..
- Week 7Module 3: Users of Specialized Information System and Services
Unit 1: Digital Divide · 3 hours
Define the concept of digital divide.. Discuss digital divide in the context of libraries in Nigeria.. Explain why Nigerian Libraries must adapt to the use of specialized information system and services..
- Week 8Module 3: Users of Specialized Information System and Services
Unit 2: Overcoming digital divide among user of specialized information systems · 3 hours
Explain how to address the issues of divides among users of specialized information systems.. Establish how policy making is a key factor to digital divide among users of specialized information systems..
- Week 9Module 3: Users of Specialized Information System and Services
Unit 3: Different users of specialized information system and services · 3 hours
Identify the different groups that use the specialized information system and services.. Recognize the nature and pattern of service needed by each group of users.. Understand what information system services preferred by each users group..
- Week 10Module 3: Users of Specialized Information System and Services
Unit 4: The role of digital libraries in the management of specialized information system · 3 hours
Identify the roles of librarians in managing specialized information systems.. Explain the need for digital librarians in the management of digital information system.. Describe the competencies/skills required by librarians in the management of digital information system..
- Week 11Module 4: Digitalization in Libraries
Unit 1: Concept of Digital Libraries · 3 hours
Define digital libraries.. Differentiate digital libraries from conventional libraries.. Identify the component characteristics of digital libraries.. Identify the advantages of digital libraries..
- Week 12Module 4: Digitalization in Libraries
Unit 2: Principles for Building a Digital Collection · 3 hours
Examine and comprehend the guiding framework for developing a digital collection that is functional to the information needs of the users..
Unit 3: ICT Application in the Library · 3 hours
Identify some ICT applications in the library.. Explain its features and function in the library..
- Week 13Module 4: Digitalization in Libraries
Unit 4: Impact of Specialized Information System on Library Services · 3 hours
Identify and explain the impact of specialized information system on the library services..
Unit 5: Library Management Information System a form of Specialized Information System · 3 hours
Adequately discuss the concepts library management system.. Identify the features of library management and understand the needs of library information system.. Examine the selection process of Library management information system..
Preparing for the exam
- Create concept maps linking Module 1 definitions to real-world library examples
- Focus on differentiating specialized systems (Units 2-3) using comparison tables
- Review digital divide case studies (Module 3) and propose solutions
- Practice identifying appropriate ICT tools for library tasks (Module 4 Units 3-5)
- Master library network concepts (Module 5) using diagrams and flowcharts
Questions students ask about this course
What is LIS324 about?
This course explores the concept of information, systems, information systems, and specialized information systems. It examines the nature, types, and characteristics of specialized information systems, including their users and services. The course also covers digitalization in libraries, library automation, and networking, exposing students to important issues and themes for effective understanding and mastery of the subject matter.
How many units does LIS324 have?
LIS324, Specialized Information Systems & Services, has 20 units across 5 modules, over 165 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is LIS324?
LIS324 carries 2 credit units, at 300 level in Education.
Is LIS324 hard?
LIS324 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical, practical and case study work, and it has a practical component.
How long does LIS324 take to study?
About 208 hours of study, spread across its 20 units.
How is LIS324 assessed?
LIS324 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments, computer based tests and final examination.
What can I do with LIS324?
Librarian, Information Architect, Data Curator, Information Manager and Archivist.