Start Date
January
March
June
September

Duration
1 year(s) full-time

Program Code
DGIL

SATAC Code
4GD104 (Internal)

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Degree overview

  • Develop the advanced skills required for librarians, and knowledge and information officers.
  • Participate in a practical field work project and a two-week placement within a library.
  • Online only program, including part and full-time study options.
  • 100 per cent of our assessed research rated at or above world-class1.
  • The only graduate diploma of its kind in South Australia.
  • Accredited by the Australian Library and Information Association.

12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA), 4-digit Fields of Research. 

Snapshot

Snapshot

Developed in conjunction with the State Records of South Australia and UniSA library, it offers a learning environment informed by industry and relevant professional practice.

This graduate diploma is offered as part of a suite of three programs (graduate certificate, graduate diploma and master). Each qualification extends to the next, so you can easily transition to a master level qualification. If you decide to exit this qualification having completed the first four courses, you will receive the Graduate Certificate in Information Management. If you finish this qualification and want to do further study, consider going on to the Master of Information Management (Library and Information Management).

What you'll learn

What you Learn

You will learn the most contemporary practical applications of information theory, have the opportunity to do a practical field work project and a two-week placement in a library.

Degree structure

Course name Area and cat no. Units Reference  
Semester 1
Information Management Professional Practice INFS 5087 4.5
Technological Foundations INFS 5107 4.5
Information Management Foundations INFS 5104 4.5
Information Resources INFS 5139 4.5
Semester 2
Information Management Project Placement INFS 5067 4.5 Note(s): 1,3
Information Description and Discovery INFS 5138 4.5
Please select one of the following two courses:
Readers' Advisory and Collections INFS 5140 4.5 Note(s): 2
Research Services in Academic Libraries INFS 5134 4.5 Note(s): 2
Please select one of the following three courses:
Digital Literacy INFS 5103 4.5
Information Advocacy INFS 5125 4.5
Metadata INFS 5126 4.5

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums. So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

Assessment

Your studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

  • reports and project documentation
  • assignments
  • group projects and presentations

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.

You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Global opportunities

Research

UniSA’s research centres, institutes and concentrations provide a dynamic teaching and research base for students. All have state-of-the-art facilities, with world renowned links and associations.

Why Graduate Diploma in Information Management (Library and Information Management)

Why this Degree

This graduate diploma is accredited by the Australian Library and Information Association.

You will develop an advanced understanding of library and resource management, focusing on how libraries and other information agencies work in the 21st century. The areas include management, reference, technology, cataloguing and classification.

Real-world connections

The University of South Australia has more than 200 industry partners. In your courses you will have opportunities to get real-world experience through projects and placements with our partners.

The graduate diploma degree has a strong foundation in contemporary professional practice. It has been developed and is delivered in partnership with industry – in particular the State Records of South Australia and the UniSA Library. Staff members from each of these industry partners teach and guest lecture in the courses, melding theory and practice and creating a convergence between librarianship, records management, and archives.

Online study

Online study

Part, or all, of this degree can be studied online. This means that you can:

  • study online, including accessing videos and course resources
  • participate in an interactive online learning environment
  • submit your assignments and get feedback online
  • use discussion forums for team work and communication

With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment, you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle. 

Please note that for some degrees, some on-campus attendance (such as to attend seminars, workshops or examinations) and/or placements may apply. Any applicable requirements will be detailed on individual course pages.

Career outcomes

Your career

This qualification will get you on the pathway to a career in libraries, archive and records management, or teacher librarianship.

Careers you could consider:

  • librarian: managing and resourcing a branch library, a section of a large library, a small special library, or a research program; supervising and leading staff; providing expert advice on strategic information management; managing major projects such as information technology systems
  • records manager: managing the storage and maintenance organisational records; maintaining the legal requirements of record keeping and freedom of information; ensuring the responsible and appropriate disposal of records
  • archivist: authenticating and appraising historical documents and archival materials; maintaining accessible, retrievable computer archives and databases; locating new materials and organising their acquisition and display

Professional accreditation and recognition

This program has been granted Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) Gold reaccreditation. Students must complete a work placement for a minimum ten day duration.

This program is professionally accredited by Records and Information Management Professional Alliance.

Industry facts

job-listings

Employment for Librarians is expected to grow moderately by 5.9% (600 jobs) by 2026

(Labour Market Insights, 2022)

chart-people

Librarians are identified as 1 of 25 emerging occupations

(National Skills Commission, 2021)

How to apply

Applying to study with us:

  • go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
  • you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

Your study experience and support

Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and spaces that simulate real work environments. You’ll also find student gyms and campus sport activities to keep you active. We also offer flexible study options, with online resources available for accessing lecture recordings, virtual classrooms, library resources and learning support. 

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Student services

Student services

Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. You can access a full range of support services including academic and personal counselling, career advice, social support services, as well as those through our student association, USASA. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Student services

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Location This degree is delivered at the following campus.

Your program director

I am the Program Director of Library & Information Management and Business Information Management at the University of South Australia.

I work with post graduate students and industry to make sure that our programs are relevant to library and information management, archives, and records management professionals. We make sure our students graduate with the knowledge, skills, and abilities that make them valued in the work place in Australia or internationally.

Dr Jo Kaeding

Program Director

Enquire
Portrait image for Dr Jo Kaeding
Portrait image for Dr Jo Kaeding

Dr Jo Kaeding

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

  • How do I apply? minus-thick plus-thick

    The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.

    The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.

    There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.

    If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.

    You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.

    If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying

  • Is there a closing date for applications? minus-thick plus-thick

    Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

    Undergraduate

    The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.

    Postgraduate

    Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.

    As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.

  • What credit can I receive for previous studies? minus-thick plus-thick

    You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central. 

  • Can I speak to someone regarding my study options? minus-thick plus-thick

    Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.

More FAQs

What others are saying

The great thing about information management is that it can take you in so many directions and down so many career paths. I’m really interested in special collections and the way libraries, archives, galleries and museums can open our history and culture to the community through these collections. I was fortunate enough to secure my position as a Graduate Library Officer before I graduated. However, now that I have completed my studies, I feel confident about applying for higher level positions and seeking more challenges.

Rebecca Bell

Master of Information Management, Graduate Diploma in Information Management (Library and Information Management)

Rebecca Bell.jpg

Rebecca Bell

Master of Information Management, Graduate Diploma in Information Management (Library and Information Management)