Bachelor of Arts (Librarianship and Corporate Information Management)

At the completion of this degree students will be able to:

1. understand the discipline of librarianship, records management and archives, their theoretical underpinnings, ways of thinking and professional approaches; understand and apply in practice established and developing knowledge and professional practice; extend the boundaries of knowledge through academic research and have developed a commitment to continuing research, both work-based and academic
2. apply logical and rational processes to analyse the components of an issue; think creatively to generate innovative solutions to librarianship, records management and archival issues
3. understand the nature of information and how information is created, organised, distributed and used in the librarianship, records and archives sectors; apply best practice in servicing the needs of information users; locate and evaluate information resources and manage collections effectively
4. communicate appropriately with information users and colleagues; assess the information needs of information user groups in the librarianship, records management and archives sectors
5. assess the impact of emerging technologies on the work of librarians, records managers and archivists; learn the technologies relevant to information creation, organisation, dissemination and use; decide on appropriate applications and systems for specific information service needs
6. apply a range of learning strategies; take responsibility for one's own learning and development; sustain intellectual curiosity; develop a commitment to professional research and publication within the librarianship, records management and archives sectors
7. think globally and consider issues from a variety of perspectives; apply relevant international standards, tools and practices to the professional practice of librarianship, records management and archives.
8. recognise individual human rights, including rights of free access to information; appreciate the importance of cultural diversity and the sensitivities which may be created when disseminating information to diverse user groups; value diversity of language and how this may be fostered in services offered by librarianship, records management and archives professionals
9. apply as appropriate the professional skills of librarians, records managers, corporate information managers, archivists and other information professionals; work independently and in teams; demonstrate leadership; understand and demonstrate professional behaviour; understand issues in the ethical use of information and demonstrate how ethical practices may be followed in the workplace; understand and apply major tools for information organisation, metadata creation and indexing and recordkeeping throughout the continuum to ensure efficiency and compliance.

The Bachelor of Arts (Librarianship and Corporate Information Management) leads to a professionally recognised qualification in librarianship and records management and archives. The degree covers the ability to locate, retrieve and critically evaluate information, gives an understanding of theoretical foundations of information creation and management, especially in a technological environment, and the processes and materials of professional work, in order to meet the needs of client and industry groups. The two majors must be taken together as a double major.

Students are required to take four elective subjects. We recommend these subjects are from the same discipline area which should be outside Information Studies. At least two of these subjects must be at Level 2 or Level 3. Students may choose to study one of the recommended elective subject groups listed or an alternative four subjects may be selected.

Students who already have a Bachelor’s degree from any year in any field should instead study one of the shorter Postgraduate degrees (Graduate Diploma in Records Management and Archives, Graduate Diploma in Information and Library Studies or Master of Information Management).

Recommended study pattern

Generally, students complete subjects in the order outlined in the Advised Curtin OUA BALCIM Study Plan 2019.

Three other study plans are provided as examples:

• Curtin OUA BALCIM Study Plan 2019 Starting SP3
• Curtin OUA BALCIM Study Plan 2019 Four Years Starting SP1
• Curtin OUA BALCIM Study Plan 2019 Two Years Starting SP1

Option 1

• Step 1 – Complete APC100 and COM155
• Step 2 - Complete two Level 1 Major Subjects
• Step 3 - Complete two more core Humanities subjects (1 subject of MED104 OR MCA110; 1 subject of MCA120 OR MCA100)
• Step 4 - Complete the remaining two Level 1 Major Subjects
• Step 5 –Complete three Level 2 Major Subjects and one elective
• Step 6 - Complete the remaining three Level 2 Major Subjects and one elective
• Step 7 –Complete three Level 3 Major Subjects and one level 2 or 3 elective
• Step 8 - Complete the remaining three Level 3 Major Subjects and one level 2 or 3 elective

Option 2 - Pathways

You can study OUA Pathways subjects toward this degree. OUA Pathways is ideal for students who want a structured start to their studies. APC100 and COM155 will be credited as Core Humanities subjects and COM15, CMM19 and PHIX137 can be credited as two of your four elective subjects. Learn more about OUA Pathways.

• Step 1 - Complete APC100 and COM155 from the Humanities Pathway table below.
• Step 2 - Complete COM15 and CMM19 from the Humanities Pathway table below
• Step 3 - Complete two Level 1 Major Subjects
• Step 3 - Complete 2 more core Humanities subjects (1 subject of MED104 OR MCA110; 1 subject of MCA120 OR MCA100)
• Step 4 - Complete the remaining two Level 1 Major Subjects
• Step 5 –Complete three Level 2 Major Subjects and one level 2 or 3 elective
• Step 6 - Complete the remaining three Level 2 Major Subjects and one level 2 or 3 elective
• Step 7 - Complete the remaining six Level 3 Major Subjects

Award requirements

To qualify for the Bachelor of Arts (Librarianship and Corporate Information Management) students must complete 24 subjects of study:

• A eight subject major in Librarianship (LIS subjects)
• A eight subject major in Corporate Information Management (LIM subjects)
• Four core humanities subjects (APC100, COM155, MED104 OR MCA110, MCA120 OR MCA100)
• Four elective subjects. You must complete any pre-requisite subjects first. Elective subjects can include a maximum of two first-year level subjects (including Pathways subjects). The remaining subjects must be second or third-year level subjects.

Choose your subjects

Majors

Students complete eight LIS subjects in the Librarianship major and eight LIM subjects in the Corporate Information Management major.

Electives

Students complete 4 elective subjects from any OUA subjects provided they have completed any prerequisites. Two subjects must be Level 2 or Level 3. All subjects may be Level 2 or 3.

Students may choose to study one of the five recommended elective groups below or select an alternative four subjects generally all from the same discipline. 

Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.

This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.

• Humanities Pathways 1

• Humanities Pathways 2

• Media Culture and Creative Arts First Year Stream

• Level 1 - Major Subjects

• Level 2 - Major Subjects

• Level 3 - Major Subjects

• Electives - Digital Design

• Electives - Fine Arts or Visual Culture

• Electives - Writing

• Electives - Social Sciences

• Electives - Web Design

We recommend that all students, as soon as they are eligible, should apply for and take a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP). However, if you choose not to be a CSP student, please contact OpenCurtin via email to OpenCurtin@curtin.edu.au.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $19,680

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Start your career with Curtin’s globally recognised courses and extensive industry connections. Through OUA, their online courses offer an interactive and collaborative learning experience that gets you the same degree as if you studied on campus. Curtin is a global university with a vibrant culture of innovation and collaboration and is ranked in the top one per cent of universities worldwide.

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• Successful completion of one full time semester (four standard subjects) towards an Undergraduate or higher level of study at an Australian University (separate evidence of English proficiency is not required)

• Successful study through OUA – either:
  • Successful completion of Humanities Pathway OR
  • Successful completion of four OUA degree level subjects at pass level (this satisfies English language proficiency requirement) OR
  • Successful completion of two OUA degree level subjects with separate evidence of English proficiency is required.

• Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) 70 or equivalent. Students must have English ATAR, Literature ATAR or English as an Additional Language/Dialect ATAR.  To determine your eligibility for entry please refer to Interstate Year 12 and IB Students, TISC Tertiary Institutions Service Centre link http://www.tisc.edu.au/static/guide/prerequisites-comparison.tisc

• Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Diploma or Advanced Diploma or Associate Diploma. You may also be eligible for credit toward your university study.
• Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Certificate IV and evidence of English proficiency.

• Successful completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). (Please note this test is valid for two years.)
• Finished secondary education more than two years ago
• Bridging and enabling degree entry
  • Curtin Enabling Program: UniReady - https://www.open.edu.au/degrees/uniready-enabling-subjects-curtin-university-cur-unr-deg
• Enabling degrees completed through other Australian Universities which meet minimum entry requirements for that institution will be accepted as minimum entry requirements for this degree.

Additional information

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: Centre for Aboriginal Studies - http://karda.curtin.edu.au/
• Domestic applicants with overseas qualifications - https://courses.curtin.edu.au/course_overview/admission-requirements/

Applicants need to meet Curtin's English Language requirements. You normally need ONE of the following:

• Must have a 50% minimum in English ATAR (or equivalent).
• Completion of at least one full time semester (or equivalent) of Undergraduate level studies at an Australian University
• Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Diploma or Advanced Diploma or Associate Diploma
• Successful completion of two degree level subjects via Open Universities Australia (OUA) and English proficiency
• Successful completion of two degree level subjects at an Australian university and English proficiency
• Successful completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). (Please note this test is valid for two years.)

Please refer to the 'Minimum English Language Proficiency Requirements' document at http://students.curtin.edu.au/local/docs/English_List.pdf.

*** Please Note: If any academic or legal document is not in English, you must provide a colour scan of the non-English documents, including a colour scan of the official English translations of these documents. This is for comparison purposes. ***

Credit for Recognised Learning (CRL) is assessed on individual merit and is awarded for different types of learning, for example, studies you have previously completed or for relevant work experience.

Students must be admitted in an award degree of study before lodging their completed CRL application, along with all required supporting documentation for a formal assessment.

To apply for CRL, please visit the Curtin University website: https://study.curtin.edu.au/credit/

It is important to note accepted documentation includes scans of the original Transcripts and/or Award Certificate; front and back; in colour; and original size. For further information see the scanned documents and certification requirements and guidelines.

More information about the policies and procedures related to CRL assessment and appealing a CRL assessment outcome can be found in the Credit for Recognised Learning manual (PDF).

If you have any questions, please contact opencurtin@curtin.edu.au

A Diploma of Library and Information Services accredited by the Australian Library and Information Association completed within the last 10 years will normally entitle you to 8 subjects credit.

The following study plans show you the subjects for which credit can be recommended, plus the order to complete the subjects:

• Curtin OUA BALCIM Study Plan for Library Technician with CRL starting SP1 2019
• Curtin OUA BALCIM Study Plan for Library Technician with CRL starting SP3 2019

Students with a Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Recordkeeping may also receive credit towards the degree.

Subjects already studied with Open Universities Australia or at a university level can be used to satisfy the requirements of the elective or broad humanities subjects, depending upon the subjects and their level and when those studies were undertaken. 

Students complete two workplace placements as part of their work integrated learning in information studies:

• LIM150 Information Services Foundation Practicum requires a two-week full-time practicum placement plus degreework.
• LIM350 Information Services Professional Practicum requires a three-week full-time practicum placement plus degreework.

Practicums are organised by Curtin University in accordance with guidelines and information available at:https://humanities.curtin.edu.au/industry/industry-partnerships/information-studies-practicum/