Information Description and Discovery

Postgraduate | 2026

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area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
INFO 5021
Course ID icon
Course ID
203953
Level of study
Level of study
Postgraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course level icon
Course level
5
Study abroad and student exchange icon
Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
No
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
No
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
No
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Note:
Course data is interim and subject to change

Course overview

The aim of this course is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of modern cataloguing and classification practices, focusing on the organization and description of diverse resources using international standards to facilitate effective information discovery. Theories, principles, and practices of bibliographic encoding, subject analysis, classification, and cataloguing in both traditional and digital environments, through the application of international standards such as RDA, DDC and LCSH with a focus on their adaptability to diverse environments and communities.

Course learning outcomes

  • Apply advanced cataloguing principles to create and manage descriptions of diverse information resources, encompassing both finite and evolving digital collections.
  • Construct and encode both original and copy cataloguing records, utilising classification systems such as DDC, Library of Congress Subject Headings, and other authorities, with an emphasis on inclusive and equitable subject analysis.
  • Construct and encode bibliographic description techniques in accordance with current international standards (RDA, MARC, ISBD), emphasizing diverse formats.
  • Critically analyze and effectively utilize online bibliographic utilities, exploring innovative protocols of cataloguing in shared and networked environments.
  • Assess and optimize cataloguing workflow design and management within libraries, archives, or information centers, incorporating principles of digital transformation and user-centered design.
  • Investigate and integrate advanced concepts in subject analysis, controlled vocabularies, ontologies, and taxonomies, focusing on their application in diverse information environments and their role in enhancing information retrieval.
  • Construct, create, and encode metadata, ensuring compliance with international standards and adapting to evolving digital content landscapes.

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A