Diploma in Library and Information Science Program Offered at Egerton University

Today, information management has become an important resource more than ever before. Access to information has enhanced development in society at large. It is therefore important to equip all people working in libraries and other information management centers with knowledge and skills to collect, organize, store, retrieve and disseminate information.

The need for middle level information managers is pertinent in Kenya today and the government is providing information resources freely to public schools. However, the majority of those charged with the responsibility of manning these resources happen to be unskilled. Therefore the Diploma in Library and Information Studies (DLIS) is being introduced at Egerton University to cater for these diverse interests at para-professional level.

It is imperative to ensure proper organization and dissemination of information in all institutions for their proper functioning. This has not always been the case due to lack of knowledge and skills for information handlers. In this regard, the introduction of the Diploma programme in Library and Information Studies at Egerton University is quite significant since it cuts across disciplines while being professionally focused. Further this program should help to produce librarians who are marketable, both nationally and internationally. With the job market in the field of librarianship becoming competitive, the increase in lucrative positions is evident. Therefore candidates with a Diploma in Library Studies have various opportunities of:

1. Being innovative, creative and self reliant in starting their own business in the field of information;
2. Getting employment in academic, school libraries and NGOs;
3. Being employed to teach library skills in secondary schools;
4. Working in Registries, Archives and Documentation Centers.

The broad aim of this programme is to provide the learner with basic skills and knowledge in library and information studies that will help in efficient collection management and dissemination of information, while ensuring that the information needs of users are satisfied.
Upon completion of the course at egerton University, the candidates will be able to;

1. Utilize the acquired knowledge, attitude, competences and practical skills in the acquisition, organization and dissemination of information resources;
2. Understand the role and importance of information management;
3. Identify, locate, retrieve and evaluate information resources;
4. Efficiently offer services in libraries and information centers;
5. Pursue a Bachelors Degree in Library and Information Studies or equivalent qualification.

Egerton University rules and regulations for admission in Diploma programme shall apply;
Candidates must have passed KCSE with a mean grade of ―C‖ or its equivalent with a minimum of C grades in the following subjects: English; Kiswahili; Mathematics; Geography or History, or;
Holders of a Certificate in Library, Archives and Records Management or equivalent from recognized institutions by Egerton University. The certificate must be at Credit level or above.

Egerton University minimum entry requirements for Diploma Programmes

The entry requirements set out below are only minimum, and they do not in any way, entitle an applicant to a place at Egerton University. 
Applicants must:

1. Have the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education with an average grade 'C' passed at one sitting from at least seven subjects drawn from subject groupings as specified by the Kenya
2. National Examinations Council or equivalent. Provided that candidates with disabilities will be given special consideration with regard to the number of subjects taken at KCSE. OR
3. Hold a certificate from a recognized institution with a 'Credit' pass or higher or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution in the relevant field of specialization, acceptable to Senate AND
4. Meet additional or specific entry requirements as may be specified by the respective Department, Faculty, School or Institute offering the Diploma programme.

Students must take and pass at least one hundred and sixteen (116.0) credit factors for the award of the Diploma in Library and Information Studies;
The Diploma in Library and information Studies (DLIS) will be offered on full -time basis in three (3) academic years, each of two semesters to give a total of six (6) academic semesters;
Field/Industrial attachment will be compulsory for all students and will be after the second year second semester for full time students and in level 2 of block 2 for the school based module;
DLIS programme shall also be offered in the school based programme for a duration of two and a half (2 ½ ) years that is Level 1; block 1, block 2, Level 2 ; block 1, block 2, Level 3; block 1, block 2.;
The DLIS programme will enable students to specialize of all aspects of acquisition, organization and dissemination of information;

Egerton University is the oldest institution of higher learning in Kenya. It was founded as a Farm School in 1939 by Lord Maurice Egerton of Tatton, a British national who settled in Kenya in the 1920s.

Egerton University has three (3) Campuses and one Campus College.

The main Campus is based at ... read more