Bachelor's Programme in School Library Studies, Part-time

Study programme code BACSKBIB

ECTS credits 180

Admission requirements

Higher Education Entrance Qualification.

General description and profile of the programme

The Bachelor Programme in School Library Science provides graduates with knowledge of the school library as a resource for students´ education, information competency and development of students´ reading strategies in working with academic and fictional texts. The programme´s specialized component is web-based with session-based instruction.

The following courses are included in Level 1 specialization:
SK-100 School Library Science 1 (30 study points)
SK-101 School Library Science 2 - Children and Young People´s Literature (30 study points)

The following courses are included in Level 2 specialization:
SK-200 Information Competency and Reading Development (15 study points)
SK-201 Information Competency and Reading Development: Didactics and Methods (15 study points)

Minor Subject/Elective
Choice of either a one-year study programme (60 study points) or two minor subject components/electives (30 study points each).

Specific arrangements for recognition of prior learning (formal, non-formal and informal) Arrangements for the recognition of prior learning are described in the information on the institution under "General arrangements for the recognition of prior learning (formal, informal and non-formal)".

Examination regulations and grading For a description of the examination regulations, see the Examination Regulations of the University of Agder.

For information about the Norwegian grading system, see ECTS credits and grades. Specific information on grading for each course is found in the individual course descriptions.

Graduation requirements The Examination Regulations of the University of Agder regulate the graduation requirements for each programme of study.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the programme, students will have acquired the following:
- Development of a comprehensive understanding of the role a school library can play as an educational arena in a multicultural and technological society
- Further development of their knowledge of the school library as a resource for teaching and adapted instruction
- Ability to make didactical and methodical assessments with regard to using the school library and its educational resources
- Insight into fundamental principles for educational organisations and operation of a school library
- Knowledge of major topics within media studies
- Further development of their knowledge regarding recent children and young people´s literature and ability to analyse and assess both fiction and non-fiction
- Basic knowledge and skills in teaching literature and stimulating reading
- Development of both theoretical and practical insight into the field of information competency - information searches, source evaluation, reading of various types of texts and using information to increase personal knowledge - and the ability to impart this knowledge to others
- Knowledge of research on reading development and the ability to reflect upon and demonstrate how the school library may be used in working with students´ development of reading strategies

Teaching methods

The minor subject component (90 study points) is set up as part-time Internet-based distance learning. Teaching-based sessions are also arranged. Students are highly encouraged to attend the variety of instructional sessions offered over the course of the bachelor programme. The language of instruction is Norwegian.

Assessment methods

Assessment forms include written examinations, at-home examinations, oral examinations and portfolio assessment.

Student exchange

There is the opportunity for students to take part of their bachelor programme abroad at one of UiA´s collaborative institutions. Students are advised to take their minor subject components/elective subjects abroad.

Further information about student exchange programmes may be obtained through contacting the head of department/international coordinator.

Requirements for continuing in the study programme School Library Science 1 and 2 or their equivalent must have received passing marks in order for students to be admitted to the supplementary study programme School Library Science 3.

Occupational profiles of graduates and access to further studies

The programme provides graduates with a good background for working in school libraries including literary and information sources as well as teaching and pedagogical planning in public libraries and specialized libraries. Students wishing to obtain qualifications for working in the school system should complete a school-related course (60 study points) in their minor subject component/elective.

The programme provides graduates with vocational competency as school librarians at the primary and upper secondary levels, but is in itself not a teacher education programme. Students who have completed one or more courses in school library science (30-60 study points) may have these recognised in several bachelor degree study programmes.

Completing a specialization in school library science may in combinations with other courses included in the bachelor degree study programme provide a basis for admission to various master degree study programmes

Qualification awarded Bachelor's Programme in School Library Studies.

Other information This part-time study programme is designed to be completed over four years due to the fact that its supplementary components are offered every other year in conjunction with School Library Science 1.

Contact person Elin Arnesen.