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Frequently asked questions...

Entrance to Sir Eric Neale Library at the UniSA Mawson Lakes campusEverybody is different - no two minds think alike!
 
So over time we have developed these very informative answers to real-people questions and will keep adding them as new questions arise.  People like yourself have contacted us and we have endeavoured to provide the necessary response plus additional links if need be. 

So if you have searched through these questions and can't find an answer to your question please contact us.

Accreditation by associations

 

Are these programs accredited?

Accreditation processes have commenced for the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) and also for the Australian Society of Archivists (ASA) and the Records Management Association of Australasia (RMAA) and it we will also be seeking accreditation from the Australian Computer Society (ACS) and a few other associations that are aligned with the content of these programs.

 

Applying for the programs

What am I doing wrong?
You have inadvertently started an application in Research Apply Online so your program will not be found. To rectify this problem you will need to start your application again from the beginning, including registering again and obtaining a new Applicant Id.. When you get the option, please select the "standard postgraduate” and not the one “by research”.
 

Changing or enrolling in a program

 

I am currently enrolled in another program at UniSA and I want to do this program. How do I change over?

If you are enrolled in a program that comes under the Division of Information Technology, Engineering and the Environment you are permitted to transfer between programmes and will need to seek approval by completing a program transfer form and lodging it with Campus Central.

If you are enrolled in a program outside of the Division mentioned above you will need to apply via Gradstart and use the relevant SATAC Code.
 

What do I need to do to enrol?

Once you have accepted your offer from SATAC you need to follow the instructions that will lead you to MyUniSA located on the homepage of www.unisa.edu.au you enter here and follow the steps as directed.  If you have trouble enrolling please contact Campus Central on 08 8302 0511 or if you are interstate please call Toll Free on 1300 301 708.

 

I am currently enrolled for this year, how do I enrol for next year?

Student enrolments are open on a program basis at specific times each year – please refer to the ‘Continuing Program Enrolment Start Date’ page to confirm the dates you can enrol for the following year.  You DO NOT reapply through SATAC.

 

If I change programs within the University environment and both programs are Commonwealth Supported do I need to complete a new form?

Yes. If you are enrolled in program and transfer to another which is also Commonwealth supported you will need to complete a new Commonwealth Assistance Form (CAF), as a form is required for each program that you are enrolled in. This will be done as part of your checklist that you complete when you enrol in your new program. .

 

Cost of the programs

 

Is this program Austudy approved?

As yet these programs are not Austudy approved as we are still going through professional association recognition that has not yet been finalised. 

 

What will my course cost?

The Business Information Management (BIM) and the Library and Information Management (LIM) Programs are offered as a Commonwealth Supported program. The Federal Government provides differing levels of funding for all courses based on each course’s HECS Band.

To work out your program cost, go to the Program Outline page relevant to either BIM or LIM (viewable in the left hand navigation) and select each course separately. When you click on each course, you will be directed to a course home page that will advise you of the HECS Band (in the Fee Information for this Course section) that applies and you can click on the link to find out the total course cost.

Please note that the course costs will change each calendar year in line with Federal Government funding and that fees for the following year will be available to view from 1st October each year.

How do I determine what my HECS fees will be?

When you link to a course homepage view the Fee Information for this Course section and it is highlighted.

 

Credit and RPL

 

I am currently finishing off the Grad Dip in Info studies and have 2 assignments to finish this semester. Would I get credit for the MGIN study if I did the Master of Library and Information Management next year?

Yes, you would most certainly receive credit for the full Graduate Diploma in Information Studies -- you would only need to take four courses to complete a Master of Library and Information Management degree.  Instead of applying for 'credit' we determine the 'course substitution' for each course and will be forward a document for you to sign and return for processing.

 

Can I obtain credit for an existing qualification?

If you think there is a special reason why you should be given credit for one or more courses, please contact Moira Lawler.
 

Employment

 

I am from South Australia myself, and there doesn't seem to be many career opportunities there from what I can see. What is the job landscape like in Adelaide?

The market is smaller proportionally as the population is smaller compared with other states, but it depends where you start, some start in related careers and positions eg, records managers and then move across, likewise some start as teachers. Have a look at the Career One job site for examples of jobs.

 

There seems to be many more teacher-librarian positions than librarian ones.
Check with the SA Education Department  above for more details and also the School Library Association of SA website.

 

Can I realistically expect to be able to follow the librarian career path following graduation, particularly in South Australia?

See above. It is also helpful if you gain experience by volunteering in a position - another career path for which there is a demand is that of records managers - check the State Records website for further details and also this option within the BIM/LIM program.

 

External study

 

Is this degree offered externally?

The courses within the L&IM program are available fully online and you will be able to study anywhere in the world! Students can also study face-to-face at the City West Campus in Adelaide.

 

If I study externally, or online, how do I submit my assignments?

Assignments are submitted through a system within UniSA which is called Assign IT and will be returned to you through the same system.  Click to view

 

If I study externally, or online, where do I find the information and materials I need for my course?
If you undertake your courses online - you will receive information directly through the course website for that particular course. All materials, assignments, lectures, etc. will be available online including a discussion board where you can interact with other students and the course coordinator.
 

If I study externally, or online, how do I sit my examinations?

A link has been provided to the guidelines that fully explain how your examinations can be conducted titled " UniSA Examinations for External Students'.  Some of the courses within the program have been exempt from examinations as from 2009.

 

Mode of study

 

Can I study part time?

Yes, you can enrol as a part-time student. 1 or 2 courses constitutes part-time study – it’s really up to you.

 

Can I study a course as a non award student?

Yes, you can enrol as a Non-award student. Non-award students are not enrolled in a program but may be enrolled in individual courses. The student will still be assessed for those courses. Please visit the following link where the Non-award tuition fees are explained.  To receive credit for a non-award course you will need to consult the Program Director.

 

Salaries

 

Are the earning opportunities very high? I have been looking at the pay-scales on said website and I was wondering if they were an accurate reflection of the kind of pay I can expect. I would prefer a librarian position over teacher-librarian, as it earns more.

Pay scales relate to the employing organisation e.g. the Public Service, SA Education Department, universities etc. A useful website is the Notice of Vacancies for the SA Public Service .  In the Public Service Librarians usually start on the PO1 range while library technicians start at ASO2 range.  View the Wages and salaries for SA Teachers.

 

SATAC Codes

Graduate Certificate in Business Information Management

Graduate Diploma in Business Information Management

Graduate Diploma in Library and Information Management - 4GD045

Master of Business Information Management - 4CM022

Master of Library and Information Management - 4CM047

Scholarships

 

Are any scholarships available?

No, not at this time but please keep an eye on the website as they will be published as they become available.  You can also look at the university wide scholarships in the event there may be one there that you fit the requirements for.

 

Time Commitments

 

What are my likely time commitments for this degree?

The rule of thumb for all university degree courses is 10-12 hours per week per course (including lectures and tutorials, if you’re planning to study on-campus). All courses for the L&IM degree programs will be available online, so if you have major time pressures you may find this a more convenient mode of study. One very effective approach is to allocate a full day (or equivalent) per week for each course – this will ensure you have time to do the reading and work on any assignments, without needing to rush at the last minute.

You can enrol at any ‘speed’ you like in any of these programs:

If you haven’t studied for a while, you might prefer to take on just one course in your first Study Period to get you back into the studying frame of mind.

 

Volunteering and work experience

 

I would like to carry out some volunteer work or work experience to expand my knowledge on what I am learning in my courses.  Are there any opportunities?

There are several opportunities for you to undertake this type of work.  You can apply to companies that you know, local libraries, not for profit organisations, law firms etc.  If you do obtain this type of work please contact me regarding either a work placement form or insurance form to cover you while you undertake the tasks assigned to you.

 

Many opportunities arise from requests to Moira from various industry so please monitor your student emails and apply for whatever interests you.  If you need assistance with updating your resume you can always contact the Career Services unit of UniSA as they offer a free service to students. 

 

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