Information Studies was established in 1973. It offers the full range of study programmes from an undergraduate course in Information Literacy to PhD. Information Studies enjoys the support of an impressive number of organisations in selecting and training students. Its graduates find employment as qualified professionals in libraries and media centres and as records managers. Note that Information Studies is available only on the Pietermaritzburg campus.

Mission
The mission of Information Studies (University of KwaZulu-Natal) is to educate and train library and information professionals who are able to apply their knowledge and skills in local and global contexts in a socially-responsive way. Our programme is characterised by innovative research and scholarship which informs a broad-based curriculum with opportunities to specialise at post-graduate level.

Vision
Information Studies (University of KwaZulu-Natal) is a leading educator of library and information professionals in Southern Africa and a significant player in the global scene.  Our work advances the field of information and knowledge management and we share our expertise in specialist areas including information literacy, records management, internet studies and indigenous knowledge systems.

We:

• Produce graduates who are proficient in core areas of Information Studies; are independent thinkers; socially responsive and able to work in diverse contexts
• Inform our offerings and modes of delivery by innovative developments in ICT
• Develop our staff as well-qualified, established researchers working in a collaborative environment
• Underpin our teaching and research activities with appropriate resources and infrastructure

Through our comprehensive teaching programme, socially relevant research and interaction with scholars in the discipline, we contribute to the growth of our profession, and to the life of our School & Faculty. In all our endeavours, actively promote the goals and vision of the University.

December 2013

Prof. Christine Stilwell retires from UKZN

December 05

Speech made by Athol Leach at her farewell function held on the 5th December 2013, at CALS.

I'd like to start off by making three observations. When first looking at the guest I noticed 3 categories of people - colleagues, friends and ex-students of Chris’. Of course I must hasten to add that these categories are by no means mutually exclusive and in fact there is a fourth category into which I have the arguably dubious distinction of falling and this is not only being an ex student of Chris' but a current one as well. I do have this uneasy feeling that Chris’ decision to finally retire from UKZN is somehow linked to my continued presence as a student...

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