Education and Training of LIS Para-professionals: The Faculty of Information Management, UiTM’s Experience

Abstract

The Faculty of Information Management, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), formerly known as School of Library Science, introduced the Diploma of Information Management programme (IS 110) in June 1999. The programme is offered to Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) holders. This paper discusses the factors, which contributed to the development of the programme. Also included are the objectives of the establishment of the programme and the mission of the faculty. The programme is meant to train para-professionals in information management, information services provision, records and document management, electronic publishing, multimedia, Internet application as well as library and archival works. The paper also emphasizes on the four main competencies the graduates will acquire in these three-year courses such as basic information communication technology, basic information processing, reference and information handling, as well as interpersonal and communication skills. The faculty core courses and university required courses are structured in a six-semester programme offered via the Diploma of Information Management. Opportunities for the graduates to be employed as Medical Records Assistant, Assistant Library Officer and other related jobs are also discussed. These graduates are also the main feeder to the four degrees programme offered by the Faculty. Details of the enrolment of the Diploma students in UiTM’s main and branch campuses such as Kedah, Kelantan, Johor and Sarawak are highlighted