Technology Skills
The MLIS program is a technologically-intensive program and in the majority of courses, students are required to make extensive use of computer-related technologies including word processing, e-mail, presentation software, spreadsheets and databases. In the FIMS computing labs, the Faculty uses and supports standard Windows software running on Intel-based hardware. Software in use at FIMS includes Windows-based versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Internet Explorer. Additional available software includes the Netscape browser and various Corel products such as WordPerfect and Presentations.
To be able to successfully complete the technology course requirement, incoming MLIS students are expected to have the skills listed below. These can be acquired by enrolling for appropriate course(s) at any university, college, or computer training centre.
Required skills include:
- Comprehension of the components and operations of a personal computer
- Microsoft Windows file management (e.g., using the Start button, running applications programs, managing and organizing files and folders, and printing files)
- Proficiency in word processing (e.g., creating, editing, formatting, opening, saving, and printing documents, spelling and grammar checking)
- Use of e-mail (e.g., sending, receiving, replying, forwarding, and deleting messages, as well as sending and opening file attachments)
- Basic Web browsing and searching (e.g., connecting to Web sites, bookmarking Web sites, using search engines, downloading and printing files)
- Proficiency in the use of spreadsheet and presentation software
- Understanding of basic database concepts
- Ability to edit basic HTML code as well as design a simple Web page using an HTML editor
Please note:
- Any student who comes into the program with a deficiency in any of the skills 6-8 will have the opportunity of acquiring these skills from our series of in-depth workshops to be offered each term on spreadsheet software, presentation software, basic database concepts, and introductory HTML.
- To enrol in designated technology courses, a student requires knowledge of the relevant technologies or software as described in course prerequisites, or permission of the instructor.