Course code: 0018
Course leader: Dr Brian McMullin
Introduction
The purpose of this degree is to offer professional librarians opportunities for advanced study and research in librarianship.
Admission requirements
Applicants for admission must hold a professional qualification in librarianship and must have qualified for a bachelors degree in a field other than librarianship at Monash University or at another university or tertiary institution approved by the faculty, provided that the degree concerned is considered by the faculty to be a suitable preparation for the proposed field of study.
In special circumstances the faculty may admit to candidature an applicant who lacks all or some of the qualifications listed above but whose qualifications, publications and experience are considered by the faculty to be a suitable preparation for the proposed field of study.
Duration
The period of candidature will be not less than one year and not more than three years for full-time candidates and not less than two years and not more than five years for part-time candidates. Full-time candidates should normally allow two years to complete the degree.
Degree structure
The program consists of four subjects (one of which will normally be LAR5320) plus a major thesis weighted at 66 per cent of the course, but permission may be given for other combinations involving fewer courses and a more heavily weighted thesis. In exceptional circumstances candidates may undertake the degree by thesis alone. All candidates will be required to attend research seminars regularly. Subjects offered (subject to student demand, staff availability and appropriate background) are:
* LAR5090 Computers in information transfer
* LAR5200 Special topic
* LAR5310 Management of library and information services
* LAR5320 Research in librarianship
* LAR5330 Bibliography and textual scholarship
* LAR5340 Historical bibliography
* LAR5350 Australian booktrade history
* LAR5380 Library and information services to ethnic minority communities
* LAR5410 Preservation of library and archival materials
* LAR5420 Issues in music librarianship
* LAR5430 Computer-supported information services
* LAR5440 Source materials for Australian studies
* LAR5470 International and comparative librarianship
* LAR5490 Evaluation and implementation of information systems
* LAR5640 Business records management
It is also possible for students to take courses in other departments and faculties.
Timetable
All enrolled students are required to attend the university for at least one half-day per week until they have completed all the coursework required for the degree.
Full-time candidates should expect to spend at least two half-days per week attending formal subjects.
As far as possible, subjects will be planned to allow part-time candidates to take their coursework by one visit to the university per week; some subjects will be offered in the late afternoon.
Part-time candidates are strongly advised to plan to spend at least the equivalent of one full day per week at the university and in the library.
Research seminars
Research seminars, conducted by visitors, staff members and students who are engaged in research, are held weekly. Students in the MLib program are expected to attend these seminars regularly during their candidature. Those who are writing a thesis will be expected to report at a seminar.
Thesis
All candidates who have reached the thesis stage will be required to report regularly to their supervisor. The frequency of these reports will be decided by the candidate and the supervisor. Candidates should note, however, that the department will require them to have personal consultations with their supervisors while the thesis is being written.
The approval of a thesis topic will depend not only upon the suitability of the proposal and the ability of the candidate to undertake the research but also upon the availability of an appropriate thesis supervisor.
Candidates who lack some of the background knowledge or research techniques needed to undertake their proposed investigation may be required to attend appropriate subjects or segments of subjects to remedy this deficiency.
All candidates will be required to write a detailed thesis proposal which sets out the subject, purposes and methods of the investigation.