
Library Science Course
Master the full scope of library science — from cataloguing and collection development to administration and community outreach. This comprehensive course equips you with the professional knowledge and practical skills needed to thrive in any library setting. Build a career grounded in service, organisation, and information access.
What you will learn:
This course covers the foundational principles and applied practices of library science across eight core areas. You will learn how to organise and catalogue library materials using current professional standards, develop and manage collections that serve diverse communities, and deliver effective reference and information literacy services. The curriculum also addresses library technology systems, administrative leadership, community engagement, and evidence-based research methods. Supplementary modules introduce archival science, copyright law, digital humanities, diversity and inclusion, grant writing, and career planning. By the end, you will have the knowledge and tools to work competently across all major areas of the library profession.
How you study in practice Library Science Course
How you practise Library Science Course
For businesses looking to train their team
With Dedika for businesses, the course includes exercises and examples tailored to your own business and the way your company needs.
Course content
8 Chapters • 39 LessonsDuration between 4 and 360 hours (you decide)
Chapter 1HideHide detailsSee detailsFoundations of Library Science
Foundations of Library Science
Lesson 1 • Core Professional Values and Ethics
Examines intellectual freedom, privacy, equity of access, and professional ethics. Connects values to daily decision-making in library practice.
Lesson 2 • Types and Missions of Libraries
Distinguishes public, academic, special, and school libraries by mission and audience. Grounds students in institutional diversity across the profession.
Lesson 3 • Library Governance and Stakeholders
Identifies governing bodies, funding sources, and community stakeholders. Prepares students to navigate institutional accountability structures.
Lesson 4 • History and Evolution of Libraries
Traces libraries from ancient collections to modern institutions. Provides historical context essential for understanding contemporary library roles.
Chapter 2HideHide detailsSee detailsInformation Organisation and Cataloguing
Information Organisation and Cataloguing
Lesson 1 • Authority Control and Record Quality
Establishes consistent name and subject authority to maintain catalogue integrity. Students evaluate and correct catalogue records for quality.
Lesson 2 • Cataloguing Standards and Metadata Formats
Applies current descriptive standards and machine-readable metadata formats. Ensures records meet interoperability requirements across systems.
Lesson 3 • Principles of Bibliographic Description
Introduces metadata elements used to describe library resources. Establishes the descriptive foundation required for all cataloguing work.
Lesson 4 • Subject Headings and Controlled Vocabulary
Teaches use of controlled vocabulary to enable consistent subject access. Links subject analysis to improved catalogue searchability.
Lesson 5 • Classification Systems and Schemes
Covers major classification systems used to arrange library collections. Students assign call numbers and understand scheme logic.
Chapter 3HideHide detailsSee detailsCollection Development and Management
Collection Development and Management
Lesson 1 • Acquisitions and Budget Management
Covers ordering processes, fund accounting, and budget allocation strategies. Equips students to manage acquisitions within fiscal constraints.
Lesson 2 • Collection Assessment and Evaluation
Applies quantitative and qualitative methods to measure collection strength. Results inform strategic development decisions.
Lesson 3 • Selection Tools and Vendor Relations
Introduces review sources, approval plans, and vendor negotiation strategies. Connects selection tools to efficient acquisition workflows.
Lesson 4 • Preservation and Weeding Practices
Addresses physical and digital preservation alongside systematic weeding. Balances collection currency with long-term access goals.
Lesson 5 • Collection Development Policy
Guides creation of formal policies governing selection and deselection decisions. Anchors all collection activity in institutional mission.
Chapter 4HideHide detailsSee detailsReference Services and Information Literacy
Reference Services and Information Literacy
Lesson 1 • Database and Online Search Strategies
Builds advanced search skills across bibliographic and full-text databases. Directly supports efficient patron assistance and self-directed research.
Lesson 2 • Designing Library Instruction Sessions
Applies instructional design principles to create effective library workshops. Students develop learning objectives, activities, and assessments.
Lesson 3 • Reference Interview Techniques
Develops active listening and questioning skills for clarifying patron needs. Forms the interpersonal core of all reference interactions.
Lesson 4 • Reference Source Evaluation
Teaches criteria for evaluating print and digital reference sources. Ensures students select authoritative, current, and relevant resources.
Lesson 5 • Information Literacy Frameworks
Introduces established frameworks defining information-literate behaviour. Provides theoretical grounding for instructional design decisions.
Chapter 5HideHide detailsSee detailsLibrary Technology and Systems
Library Technology and Systems
Lesson 1 • Integrated Library Systems Overview
Examines modules and workflows of integrated library systems. Establishes the technological backbone of library operations.
Lesson 2 • Data Management and Library Analytics
Introduces data collection, reporting, and visualisation for library decision-making. Connects analytics to evidence-based service improvement.
Lesson 3 • Library Website and UX Design
Applies user experience principles to library website planning and evaluation. Improves patron navigation and self-service success rates.
Lesson 4 • Digital Library Platforms and Repositories
Covers platforms for hosting digital collections and institutional repositories. Connects digital infrastructure to access and preservation goals.
Lesson 5 • Emerging Technologies in Libraries
Surveys artificial intelligence, automation, and other emerging tools reshaping library services. Prepares students to evaluate and adopt new technologies responsibly.
Chapter 6HideHide detailsSee detailsLibrary Administration and Management
Library Administration and Management
Lesson 1 • Human Resources and Staff Development
Covers hiring, supervision, performance evaluation, and professional development. Builds capacity to lead diverse library teams effectively.
Lesson 2 • Strategic Planning for Libraries
Guides development of mission-aligned strategic plans with measurable goals. Connects planning processes to institutional accountability.
Lesson 3 • Financial Management and Budgeting
Teaches budget preparation, justification, and monitoring for library operations. Equips students to advocate for resources with fiscal evidence.
Lesson 4 • Policy Development and Compliance
Guides creation of operational policies covering access, behaviour, and technology use. Ensures institutional compliance with professional and regulatory standards.
Lesson 5 • Facilities and Space Planning
Addresses physical space assessment, renovation planning, and furniture selection. Aligns space design with evolving patron service models.
Chapter 7HideHide detailsSee detailsCommunity Engagement and Outreach
Community Engagement and Outreach
Lesson 1 • Partnerships and Collaborative Outreach
Develops strategies for building partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and agencies. Extends library reach through collaborative service delivery.
Lesson 2 • Programme Evaluation and Impact Measurement
Teaches outcome-based evaluation methods to assess programme effectiveness. Connects evaluation data to continuous improvement and reporting.
Lesson 3 • Community Needs Assessment
Applies survey, interview, and demographic analysis to identify community needs. Grounds programme planning in evidence rather than assumption.
Lesson 4 • Marketing and Promoting Library Services
Applies marketing principles to increase awareness and use of library services. Covers branding, social media, and print communication strategies.
Lesson 5 • Programming Design and Delivery
Covers planning, scheduling, and facilitating library programmes for varied audiences. Connects programme design to identified community needs.
Chapter 8HideHide detailsSee detailsAdvanced Research and Evidence-Based Practice
Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Practice
Lesson 1 • Translating Research into Practice
Bridges research findings and operational library improvements through evidence-based practice. Students present actionable recommendations grounded in data.
Lesson 2 • Literature Review and Critical Appraisal
Teaches systematic searching and critical evaluation of LIS literature. Builds the analytical foundation for evidence-based decision-making.
Lesson 3 • Data Analysis and Interpretation
Applies basic statistical and thematic analysis techniques to research data. Connects analysis skills to meaningful interpretation of findings.
Lesson 4 • Research Methods in Library Science
Surveys quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods approaches used in LIS research. Provides methodological literacy for consuming and producing research.
Lesson 5 • Data Collection and Survey Design
Covers instrument design, sampling, and ethical data collection procedures. Equips students to gather reliable data for library research projects.
Your valid completion certificate
This course is for you:
Career changers: seeking a structured entry point into the library profession.
Library assistants: ready to formalise skills and pursue credentialed advancement.
Educators: looking to transition into school or academic library roles.
Nonprofit workers: drawn to community-focused information and outreach services.
Recent graduates: exploring information science as a purposeful, service-driven career.
Records managers: expanding expertise toward broader library and archival practice.
What our students say
Your lessons are perfect. I purchased the one-year package and finally have the opportunity to follow various topics of interest without needing to change platforms... I'm grateful for everything you do, I've already recommended you to other people...

I like how the lessons are straight to the point and how I can change chapters and skip content I don't need.

I like the content and the way videos are presented and transcribed, which speeds up the process!

The platform is fast and simple to use. The diversity of content and complementary videos really help with learning.

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