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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

National Certificate: Library and Information Services 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
58624  National Certificate: Library and Information Services 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Library and Information Studies 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
ETDP SETA - Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 04 - Communication Studies and Language  Information Studies 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  123  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 0695/12  2012-07-01  2015-03-13 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2016-03-13   2019-03-13  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification is replaced by: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
94598  Occupational Certificate: Library Assistant  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  127  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

This Qualification serves to equip the qualifying learner with the fundamental skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary to support the provision of LIS to a particular community of users. The nature and scope of the LIS community will vary and includes business, government, state institutions, professional institutions, schools, communities etc.

This Qualification aims to help people entering the sector and those already working in it maintain and improve their competencies in meeting and anticipating the information needs of clients. It will create the opportunity:
  • For a career path.
  • To provide process and service standards.
  • To improve productivity.
  • To improve service delivery.

    The learner assessed as competent against this Qualification will be able to:
  • Apply knowledge of the relevant community in the provision of library and information services.
  • Administer library and information services.
  • Provide library and information user services.
  • Provide library and information technical and maintenance support services.

    Rationale:

    This Qualification will provide vocational education and training for people who are employed in all communities of Library and Information Services (LIS). They may work in the public or private sectors, in rural or urban organisations, in libraries that operate as separate entities or, more often, in libraries which form part of another organisation or institution. The areas of activity in which the qualifying learners will operate are public libraries/community libraries, school libraries/resource centres, academic libraries, corporate libraries, state departments etc.

    This Qualification is aimed at the unemployed, school leavers, library support staff, new entrants to LIS and adult learners. The demand expressed by employees and employers for support staff to be formally recognised for LIS skills, knowledge and experience has influenced the development of this qualification at NQF level 5. Furthermore, the South African government has recognised the significant role of LIS in community development and the advancement of literacy for nation building.

    The planned combination of learning outcomes of this Qualification is not restricted to skills related to the library and information industry. It provides added value to the qualifying learner by developing the whole learner by including information skills, life-skills, reading skills, critical thinking skills, general knowledge, environmental awareness and ethics. It will serve to increase the skills base, productivity and efficiency of the nation's human capital as well as add value to information provision.

    The majority of LIS staff provides support services with no formal Qualification. This Qualification will provide the opportunity to enhance the skills and service delivery of library and information services staff. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It would be desirable for learners wishing to access this qualification to be competent at:
  • Language and Communication at NQF Level 4 or equivalent.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4 or equivalent.
  • Computer literacy at NQF Level 3 or equivalent.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    This Qualification and all the fundamental, core and elective unit standards associated with it, as described in the rules of combination, can be achieved by any learner through the recognition of prior learning, which includes learning outcomes achieved through formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. The exit-level outcomes and the related Unit Standards may also be achieved through the recognition of prior learning.

    Access to the Qualification:

    There are no access limitations on any learners or classes of learners for this qualification, besides the recommendations in the learning assumptions outlined below. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualifying learner will achieve this Qualification by complying with the following rules of combination for the accumulation of credits:
  • All Fundamental Unit Standards: 11 credits.
  • All Core Unit Standards: 86 credits.
  • Minimum Elective Credits: 26 credits.
  • Minimum Total Credits: 123 credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply knowledge of the relevant community in the provision of library and information services.

    2. Administer library and information services.

    3. Provide library and information user services.

    4. Provide library and information technical and maintenance support services. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.
  • A range of written and oral communication techniques are demonstrated in chairing meetings and leading discussions the LIS environment.
  • Reports and presentations are compiled and presented in relation to organisational objectives and procedures.
  • Diversity is harnessed and commonality in diversity is utilised to enhance the team performance in the provision of LIS.
  • The role of LIS in South African communities is explained in relation to setting-up and maintaining library information services.

    2.
  • LIS record keeping is demonstrated by compiling statistics, presenting trend reports and processing fees in the provision of LIS support services.
  • The circulation function is demonstrated in relation to fines, membership and shelving according to organisational procedures.
  • A collection of library and information resources are maintained and developed in terms of the LIS community needs.
  • Organisational code of conduct is adhered to in the administration and provision of LIS support services.

    3.
  • Principles of customer service and knowledge of personality types are applied to manage internal and external LIS client relations.
  • Library users are assisted to develop independence in locating, accessing and evaluating information relevant to their need.
  • Planned learning experiences for users are facilitated in relation to the principles of information literacy.
  • Reference and referral skills are applied in relation to the requested information/material and organisational policies.
  • Literacy and reading is promoted and supported in terms of the user groups in the LIS community.

    4.
  • New and circulating library material is prepared and processed for circulation according to organisational processes and procedures.
  • LIS equipment use and maintenance is monitored and appropriate corrective measures are undertaken according to institutional policy and procedures.
  • The working condition of furniture, fixtures and fittings are monitored and reported according to organisational procedures.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Integrated assessment at the level of the Qualification provides an opportunity for learners to show that they are able to integrate concepts, ideas and actions across unit standards to achieve competence that is grounded and coherent in relation to the purpose of the Qualification. Integrated assessment should show how already demonstrated competence in individual areas can be linked and applied for the achievement of a holistic outcome as described in the exit level outcomes.

    Integrated assessment must judge the quality of the observable performance, and also the quality of the thinking that lies behind it. Assessment tools must encourage learners to give an account of the thinking and decision-making that underpin their demonstrated performance. Some assessment practices will demand practical evidence while others may be more theoretical, depending on the type of outcomes to be assessed. The ratio between action and interpretation is not fixed, but varies according to the demands of the particular exit level outcome of the qualification.

    Both formative and summative forms of assessment should be used appropriately. A broad range of task-orientated and theoretical assessment tools may be used, with the distinction between practical knowledge and disciplinary knowledge maintained so that each takes its rightful place. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The research undertaken indicates that traditionally, LIS Qualifications were only offered at post graduate level, while this National Certificate in Library and Information Services at NQF level 5 involves under-graduate study. The International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) recognised the need for an International Information Literacy Certificate (IILC) much like the International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL). This proposed IILC resembles the closest comparison to the South African National Certificate in LIS as detailed herein.

    The broad competencies of this Qualification were compared with equivalent qualifications from the following English speaking countries of America, Europe, Asia and Africa that either represented best practice in the field or offered qualifications at this level of competence:
  • United States of America.
  • United Kingdom.
  • India.
  • Kenya.

    United States of America (http://www.uma.edu/home.html):

    Research indicates that there are no undergraduate LIS courses available. In 1940s the application for three years Bachelor's program in library science was rejected by the Board of Education of the American Library Association. The Master's degree became the standard qualification in 1951.

    The University of Maine at Augusta offers a library technicians program, which prepares students for the posts of Library Assistant and other technical jobs. The entry eligibility for this course is the pre-university course. The Undergraduate Certificate in LIS has been drawn from the International Information Literacy paradigm, programs and best practices and comprises the following modules:
  • ILS 100: Introduction: Library information careers.
  • ILS 101: Library and public services.
  • ILS 109: Information literacy.
  • ILS 150: Basic reference and database.
  • ILS 175: Library technical processes.
  • ILS 205E: Readers advisory.
  • ILS 225: Library and information technology media.
  • ILS 250: Collection development.
  • ILS 299: Library assistant practicum.
  • ILS 442; Library management.

    United Kingdom (http://drtc.isibang.ac.in/~saiful/colloq/lis_edu.html):

    Research indicates that there are approximately 17 institutions in United Kingdom, which offer courses in library and information studies. Some of these are based in universities, and the remaining are in polytechnics and other institutions of higher studies. Most institutions offer courses at first degree and postgraduate level. The following competencies are catered for:
  • Information Science.
  • Information Handling.
  • Developing Information Services.
  • Information Retrieval.
  • Subject Analysis and Indexing.
  • Current Issues.
  • Marketing of Information.

    India (http://drtc.isibang.ac.in/~saiful/colloq/lis_edu.html):

    The education for librarianship is done at various levels in India. Many polytechnics, local, and regional library associations conduct certificate and diploma level courses in library and information science. There are more than 100 universities and their affiliated colleges/institutions conducting courses in library and information science. The eligibility for certificate and diploma courses is Secondary or Senior Secondary Examination. The duration of these courses varies between three months and one year and comprises the following learning areas:
  • Classification (Theory and Practice).
  • Cataloguing (Theory and Practice).
  • Library and Society.
  • Library Organization.
  • Information Sources and Services.
  • Information Retrieval Techniques.
  • Management of Library Services.
  • Computer Application to Libraries.

    Kenya (http://www.ksps.ac.ke):

    The Kenya school of professional studies offers The Certificate in Library, Archives and Information Studies course is intended to impart knowledge, skills and techniques to the trainees that are required to work in: Archives, Libraries, Publishing firms, Information Technology Centres and other Information Centres. The learning areas are:
  • Understand the operations and use of different types of information systems and services.
  • Understand and supply the Information Technology techniques in libraries, archives and other information systems and services.
  • Collect, process, store and care for information resources.
  • Organize, retrieve and disseminate information.
  • Apply management principles in the administration of libraries, archives and other information centres.

    International Federation of Library Associations (http://www.ifla.org):

    IFLA as international leader with other LIS partners including UNESCO, educational authorities, professional associations and international agencies met at a conference in Berlin: January 2003. The competencies described in the unit standards of the National Certificate in LIS at NQF level 5 compares with the modules of the Qualification proposed at this conference (International Information Literacy Certificate):
  • Module 1: Basic concepts of ICT.
  • Module 2: Information needs analysis and different ways of meeting needs.
  • Module 3: Information seeking strategies and effective access and use of information.
  • Module 4: Evaluation of information accessed.
  • Module 5: Organising, applying and communicating information.
  • Module 6: Synthesizing and creating new information.
  • Module 7: Social and legal problems of information access and use.
  • Module 8: Subject-, discipline- and occupation-specific information issues.
  • Module 9: Specific information issues at national and regional level.
  • Module 10: Knowledge management and information issues in organisations. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The possibility exists for vertical articulation with this Qualification. Examples of vertical articulation:
  • National Diploma: Library and Information Studies, NQF Level 6.
  • Bachelor of Library and Information Studies, NQF Level 6.

    Examples of horizontal articulation with this Qualification:
  • Diploma: Library and Information Science, NQF Level 5.
  • Diploma: School Library and Information Science, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this Qualification must be accredited by the relevant ETQA.
  • External Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA at its discretion.
  • The accredited Training Provider will oversee internal Moderation of assessment.
  • Moderation should encompass achievement of competence described in both individual Unit Standards as well as the integrated competence described in the Qualification.
  • Moderation must also encompass achievement of the competencies described in the exit level outcomes described above. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
  • Assessors must be registered as assessors with a relevant ETQA or an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessors must be in possession of a Qualification in Library and Information Science/Studies or a related qualification in the field of Communication and Language Studies at a minimum of NQF level 6.
  • Assessors must have a minimum of three years LIS formal workplace experience. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012. 

    NOTES 
    N/A

    This Qualification was replaced by Qualification 94598, which is "Occupational Certificate: Library Assistant", Level 5, 127 credits. 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  119676  Apply the skills of customer care in a specific work environment  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Core  10022  Comply with organisational ethics  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Core  123554  Implement administrative routines for Library and Information support services  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Core  123552  Perform the circulation function in a library  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Core  123555  Process library material  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Core  244274  Acquire and facilitate basic information literacy  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  15 
    Core  244278  Apply legislation, policies and statutes in a library and information services environment  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Core  244277  Apply reference skills  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 
    Core  244279  Explain the role of library and information services in the community  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  15 
    Core  244275  Maintain and develop a collection of library and information resources  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Core  244276  Maintain physical resources of a library  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 
    Core  244280  Promote literacy and reading in the LIS community  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Fundamental  15233  Harness diversity and build on strengths of a diverse working environment  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  3 
    Fundamental  12433  Use communication techniques effectively  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Elective  242900  Apply administrative principles in the implementation of public sector procedures and work schedule  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Elective  117187  Apply behaviour management and support techniques in routine child and youth care work contexts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  10 
    Elective  242901  Apply the principles of good customer service to achieve public sector objectives  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Elective  8555  Contribute to information distribution regarding HIV/AIDS in the workplace  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Elective  115391  Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of the internet and the world-wide-web  Level 4  NQF Level 04  3 
    Elective  114528  Monitor and report on conditions of heritage resources to enhance preservation and conservation  Level 4  NQF Level 04  16 
    Elective  114873  Apply basic financial procedures to PFMA principles  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  3 
    Elective  114278  Demonstrate and apply an understanding of the Labour Relations Act (Act 66 of 1995)  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  12 
    Elective  230441  Facilitate access to information that impacts on youth development  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  7 


    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some of their learning programmes are moved to being recorded against the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replacement.
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
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    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.