Home » Academics » Library & Information Studies » Programmes » Course Descriptions

Course Descriptions

Courses in the Major

LIBS 110 - Introduction to Libraries and Information Services
This course provides students with a general understanding of the world of libraries and information centres. Students will gain an overview of the history and development of libraries, beginning with libraries in the area between the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers, through to the western world. Each type of library will be examined for its history, role and function, organizational structure, services and resources. In addition, the evolution and characteristics of virtual and digital libraries will be examined. Prerequisites: None

LIBS111 - Introduction to Information Resources in Libraries
The course provides an introduction to the various types of print, non-print material, and on-line resources found in libraries and information centers. It is intended as an introductory course for students who are interested in becoming paraprofessionals in any of the libraries of Trinidad and Tobago. Prerequisites: LIBS 110 

LIBS 120 - Computer Applications in Libraries
This course will enable students to perform effectively in a computerized library environment. It provides an understanding of computer hardware, software and applications relevant to library systems and services, and of their practical application to library work and administration. It will enable students to understand and use the Internet, and to create simple web pages in compliance with standards and good practice in web authoring.  Links to relevant web-based tutorials have also been provided. Prerequisite: Students must be computer literate. A working knowledge of Microsoft Office Productivity Tools will be regarded as an asset.

LIBS 160 - Introduction to Technical Services in Libraries
This course provides an insight into the technical processes performed in the technical services department of the library. Emphasis is placed on the selection and purchase of library materials using selection criteria and tools and related collection development and acquisitions activities. Prerequisite: LIBS110

LIBS 150 - Introduction to the Organization of Knowledge: Cataloguing
This course covers standards and procedures for copy cataloguing and some aspects of original cataloguing. Students examine the methods used to ensure effective information retrieval and are provided with the necessary skills to perform descriptive and subject cataloguing up to the AACR2R level Prerequisites: LIBS 110.

LIBS 151 - Introduction to the Organization of Knowledge: Classification
The purpose of this course is to promote students’ understanding of the importance of organizing library materials; and to provide them with the skills to effectively use three of the major classification schemes: Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC), Universal Decimal Classification (UDC) and Library of Congress (LC). Prerequisites: LIBS 110, LIBS 160, LIBS 150

LIBS 214 - Introduction to Children’s Literature
This course introduces participants to the range of literature for children, from infancy up to the primary and early secondary school years. Students will learn the basics of developing a reading programme for children. Prerequisites: None

LIBS 220 - User Services I
This course introduces students to the basic reference sources and services in libraries and information centres. It covers the history, the philosophy and function of reference services; the range of reference sources; the basic methods; and techniques required for the provision of reference services. It also examines the specific roles and duties of library technicians in the provision of reference services in libraries and information centres and the use of the internet and other aspects of new and emerging technologies in the provision of reference and information services. Prerequisites: LIBS 110

LIBS 221 - User Services II
User Services II introduces students to the range of users, their needs and the services available in library and information centers.  It traces the history of circulation and circulation-related methods of delivering material to users.  It also explores traditional and current methods of access to information sources and the implications of such methods, with emphasis on the use of new technologies.  It defines the importance and significance of the specific roles and responsibilities of library technicians, as they contribute to the successful operation of libraries and information centers. It also looks at the provision of access to materials for loan services established by libraries for the benefit of its users. Prerequisites: LIBS 110 and LIBS 220

LIBS 230 – Integrated Marketing Communications for Libraries
This course introduces students to the concept of integrated marketing communications in library and information centres. It examines the principles of marketing communication theory as it relates to products and services provided by libraries and information centres. It also analyses the various elements of the promotional mix and evaluates the advantages and limitations of each advertising/promotional tool used in library and information centres and applies integrated marketing communication theory to an actual library service experience, through a team project. Prerequisites: LIBS220, LIBS 111 and LIBS 120

LIBS 250 - Independent Study: Internship I / LIBS 252 - Independent Study: Internship II
The internship experience comprises supervised work, over two semesters, in a fully functioning library / information center, under the general direction of the department’s, Internship Coordinator and the guidance and supervision of a qualified professional librarian in the participating library. The internship provides an opportunity for students pursuing the associate degree to balance knowledge and information obtained in the classroom with actual work in live library situations and to obtain practical experience in the following areas:

Prerequisite: Completion of Year II , Semester III, and Year III, Semester 1

LIBS 251 - Independent Study: Cataloguing, Classification and Acquisitions Project
The purpose of this project is to have students apply the knowledge and skills gained in the courses, LIBS 150, Organization of Knowledge: Cataloging,  LIBS 151, Organization of Knowledge: Classification and LIBS 160 Introduction to Technical Services in Libraries. The objectives of this project are to:

Prerequisites: LIBS 150, LIBS 151 and LIBS 160

Electives in the Major Area of Study (Select any two)

LIBS 243 - Introduction to Records Management
The course provides students with a basic understanding of the purpose of records management and the importance of controlling and managing records in any organization. It presents a basic overview of records management terminology, concepts and the procedures for successfully managing records in today’s offices or business organizations.  It focuses on the identification of records in specific institutional cultures; the formulation of general records management policies for different institutions and how records are created, classified, stored, retrieved, purged or retained, transferred, archived or disposed of. Prerequisites: LIBS 110

LIBS 210 - Introduction to Caribbeana and Its Sources
The course gives students an understanding of the vital role that libraries can play in engendering a sense of self as well as a sense of national and regional sovereignty through the propagation of our literary patrimony.  It seeks to highlight the role that libraries can play in fostering a sense “Caribbeanness” across linguistic and geographic barriers.  It will as well, enable students to understand the role of Trinidad and Tobago in the global information explosion. Students will be exposed to relevant information resources. 

LIBS 270 - Introduction to Serials Management
The course will build on the introduction to serials management, as taught in the introductory course Introduction to Information Resources in Libraries and Introduction to Technical Services in Libraries. Prerequisites: LIBS 111 and LIBS 160

LIBS XXX – Management of Academic Libraries
The course examines key concepts in the management of academic libraries through the exploration of their historical and contemporary evolution, and the examination of trend and issues that impact on their management. It provides students with the skills to assist in the effective management of academic libraries; and to enable students to plan, implement and evaluate academic library management. Prerequisites: LIBS 111, LIBS 160 and LIBS 221

LIBS XXX – Management of Special Libraries
The course will provide an introduction to the management of the various types of special libraries – institutional, academic, business, government. Prerequisites: LIBS 111, LIBS 160, LIBS 221

Core Curriculum Courses

COMM 107 - Communication I: Fundamentals of Writing – 3 credits
The course is intended to teach the fundamentals of critical thinking and non-fiction writing as imperatives of effective communication.  This course is also designed to enable students to write clearly and concisely and to enhance their command and critical appreciation of various forms of the written word.  Students will be encouraged to expand their breadth of knowledge of reading widely and continuously.

COMM 108 - Communication II: Oral Presentation Skills – 3 credits
Communication II is designed to further develop principles and concepts introduced in Communication I, with a specific focus on oral competence.  Students will gain increasing confidence in effective oral and written styles that will prepare them for the world of work. Instructional activities assume that students have a good command of the written form of the language.  This course stresses effective oral communication in professional and social contexts.  Attention is paid to the written form in the preparation of speeches and minutes.

SOC 103 - Perspectives on Contemporary Issues – 3 credits
The purpose of this is to give every COSTAATT student an informed understanding of the complex social, political and environmental challenges facing society today, so as to strengthen their ability to respond to those challenges in positive ways.

LIBS 122 - Information Literacy – 3 credits
The purpose of this course is to provide students with an introduction to information skills, which are necessary for efficient and effective use of information critically, and use information accurately and creatively.  It will also provide an understanding of how information and knowledge is produced and organized in a societal context and will also deal issues related to intellectual freedom and copyright.

MATH 164 – Contemporary College Mathematics – 3 credits
This courses ensures that students master arithmetic and problem-solving, sets of numbers, exponents, introduction to algebra, percents and problem solving, applications of percent, sets and logic, probability and statistics, graphs, introduction to geometry, measurement and problem solving.

Certificate in Records Management

LIBS 170 - Introduction to Records Management
The course provides students with an in-depth understanding of the purpose of records management and the importance of controlling and managing records in any organization. It presents an overview of records management terminology, concepts and the procedures for successfully managing records in a modern office or business environment.

LIBS 180 - Legal Aspects of Records Management
This course provides students with an in-depth understanding of legislative provisions affecting the management of records.  It focuses on the relationship of record keeping with the law.  It also enables students to understand the intrinsic connection between the law and role of records as the evidence of an action and of those involved in the action within a business transaction.

LIBS 122 - Information Literacy
The course provides students with an introduction to information skills, which are necessary for students to use information efficiently, effectively, critically, accurately and creatively.  It will also provide an understanding of how information and knowledge is produced and organized in a societal context and will also deal issues related to intellectual freedom and copyright.

LIBS 179 - Electronic Records Management
This course provides students with an understanding of records management in an electronic environment. It focuses on the importance of electronic records to government and business and the problems associated with their management. It also seeks to identify the requisite resources and responsibilities for implementing electronic records management systems.

LIBS 175 - Archives Management
In this course, students develop an understanding of the relationship between archives management and records management. The course reviews the types of archives and their functions and the goals and objectives of archive management. Students are also exposed to a number of approaches to archives management. Emphasis will be placed on access to, and security of archival records.

LIBS 199 - Records Management Practicum
The course provides students with the opportunity to translate into practice the skills and knowledge acquired in the Records Management programme.  Students will be required to prepare a records management policy manual for a department in a real or imaginary institution. The manual must include a records classification scheme, a coding schedule, and a record retention and disposition policy.