Library and Information Technology

English Language Requirements Beginning Fall, 2007 students registering in post-secondary level courses (numbered 100 to 499) will be required to meet the English language entrance proficiency requirements. Students in ESL or the University Foundations programs can register in those courses identified in the University Foundations program with lower levels of language proficiency.

LIBT 1003 credits
Essentials of Information Service
Prerequisite(s): None
This course provides instruction in some of the initial public services tasks in library work such as circulation, inter-library loans, displays and processing library materials. Library filing rules and Boolean searching are covered, and students learn to be effective searchers of library catalogues and other databases. Course content includes business procedures used in libraries, such as word processing, e-mail, and managing the telephone. Students learn how to conduct an effective employment search, and gain practice in writing resumes and covering letters. Communications and human relations in the workplace are discussed. An introduction to trouble-shooting business machines such as photocopiers and fax machines is included. Includes computer lab.
Note: This course is accepted as an elective in the UCFV Arts BA program.

LIBT 1103 credits
Information and Society
Prerequisite(s): None
This introductory course surveys the history of books, libraries, and the management of information. Current trends and issues in the book and information industries are examined, as is the role of the paraprofessional in these industries.
Note: This course is accepted as an elective in the UCFV Arts BA program.

LIBT 1153 credits
Library Cataloguing Techniques
Prerequisite(s): LIBT 100 (may be taken concurrently) and admission to the LIBT program
This course teaches cataloguing according to the latest edition of Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules (AACRII), description of library materials, and MARC coding for bibliographic description of items in all formats. The course provides an introduction to Authority files, and assignment of access points, and to searching online systems for derived copy from national and other libraries. Skills learned in this course provide a basis for subsequent courses. Includes computer lab.

LIBT 1203 credits
Library Technical Services
Prerequisite(s): LIBT 115 (may be taken concurrently)
This course examines the technical services department of the library or information centre. It covers the process of acquiring all types of materials for a library or information centre, with attention to the use of standard selection tools, bibliographic verification using electronic and paper systems, acquisitions procedures, and control of acquisitions budgets using manual and spreadsheet systems. Cataloguing skills acquired in LIBT 115 will be reinforced through practice as students follow examples through the complete range of technical services. Includes computer lab.

LIBT 1303 credits
Library Classification Systems
Prerequisite(s): LIBT 115 (may be taken concurrently)
The two major library classification systems used in North America are studied: Library of Congress Classification System, used primarily in college and university libraries, and the Dewey Decimal Classification System, used primarily in public and school libraries.

LIBT 1353 credits
Library Subject Access
Prerequisite(s): LIBT 115 (may be taken concurrently)
In this course, which adds subject access to catalogue records, students will learn to provide correctly formatted subject headings, using Sears List of Subject Headings for items that have been classified using the Dewey Decimal Classification System, and Library of Congress Subject Headings for items classified using Library of Congress Classification System. A study of selected thesauri from subjects such as education, psychology, and technology will form the basis for a comparison of controlled vocabulary and keyword selection as methods of locating items in an online catalogue. Students will learn to provide suitable indexes and thesaurus entries. Students will also learn the correct MARC coding for adding subject headings to an online catalogue record.

LIBT 1403 credits
Library Public Services
Prerequisite(s): LIBT 115 (may be taken concurrently)
An introduction to working with the public in libraries and information centres. Topics include developing a philosophy of service, the variety of public services offered by different institutions, public relations, communicating effectively with patrons through the reference interview, dealing with difficult patrons, recognizing basic types of queries, recognizing when to refer patrons to professional staff or outside agencies, effective use of the library catalogue to extract information, and basic types of reference sources (primarily print) used to answer patron queries.

LIBT 1453 credits
Internet Information Retrieval
Prerequisite(s): None
This course will be of interest to students from all disciplines. Students will become effective searchers of the internet, developing and refining search strategies to increase the relevance of the material gathered. Students learn how to evaluate the information they find, using standard criteria, and how to document electronic information sources using standard style guides. Issues such as the effect of the internet on society, scholarship, and libraries, are discussed and debated. Resources specific to different subject areas such as business, government, health, arts, humanities, and social sciences will be explored.
Note: This course is accepted as an elective in the UCFV Arts BA program.

LIBT 1603 credits
Site Visits, Practicum
Prerequisite(s): LIBT 115, LIBT 140, and 45 LIBT program credits
Site visits are arranged for groups of students to visit libraries and/or records management areas to learn how these areas deal with their users and with the materials they manage. At the end of term, all students will work for a four-week period in a selected site, and be evaluated on their activities while performing the practicum. Every effort is made to match the interests of the student to the host site. Work in this course is evaluated as satisfactory/unsatisfactory and grades are not used in calculating grade point averages.

LIBT 2103 credits
Database Organization of Information
Prerequisite(s): LIBT 135 (may be taken concurrently)
Students learn to create searchable databases to handle informational materials for a variety of purposes. Here they will use indexes and thesaurus entries to create access points for several informational database programs. They will learn techniques for writing abstracts, and develop simple instructions for others to use in searching their databases. Includes a computer lab.

LIBT 2203 credits
Library Applications Software
Prerequisite(s): LIBT 120 (may be taken concurrently)
This course will include the evaluation and selection of library and information management software, its installation, set-up and use. Students will be introduced to local area networks, and will learn simple maintenance procedures. They will learn to locate reviews of software in print and online, and they will evaluate library software and write coherent reviews. They will also learn how to write procedures for other staff to follow when using library systems. Includes computer lab.

LIBT 2303 credits
Library Services for Children
(EDUC 230)
Prerequisite(s): None
Students learn to use a wide variety of children's literature to provide programs which will help children develop a taste for and a delight in the best materials available.
Note: Students cannot take EDUC 230 for further credit.

LIBT 2353 credits
Information Services for Young Adults
Prerequisite(s): None
This course prepares students for work with young adults in information centres through programs and readers’ advisory. After examining issues that are specific to young adults, students will explore a variety of young adult materials available in
information centres and libraries. Incorporating specific selection criteria, students will use these resources to create programs, reading lists, and promotional materials to support library services for young adults.

LIBT 2403 credits
Media in Libraries
Prerequisite(s): LIBT 115 (may be taken concurrently)
This course covers the operation and simple maintenance of audiovisual equipment, and methods of locating, evaluating, organizing and handling audiovisual materials such as audio and video cassettes, microforms, graphic materials, computer software, pamphlets, etc.

LIBT 2503 credits
Records Management
Prerequisite(s): None
This course provides an introduction to the systematic control of information in an organization. Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy legislation will provide a context for establishing a records management program in an organization. Students will learn to analyze research and conduct inventories and audits of office systems. Also included are topics such as active/inactive records, the values and life cycles of records, schedules for retention, storage, retrieval and disposal of records, commonly used classification and filing systems.
Note: This course is accepted as an elective in the UCFV Arts BA program.

LIBT 2603 credits
Automated Records Management
Prerequisite(s): LIBT 250, CIS 100 (may be taken concurrently)
Automated systems for managing records are taught in this course, along with creation and use of forms for specific purposes in the computerized environment. Here students will be introduced to use of magnetic and optical media for records storage and retrieval and will practise written, oral, and electronic communication skills. Students will use word processing, spreadsheet and database programs for simulation of records management tasks. Items classified using ARCS/ORCS will be entered into a database. Includes a computer lab.

LIBT 2703 credits
Archival Techniques
Prerequisite(s): None
In this course, students will study the relationship between records management procedures and archival techniques. They will examine the field of archives, and recognize its national and local associations and organizations. The course will deal with the process of appraising and selecting items for archival retention, and will introduce simple conservation techniques, safe storage methods, and the concepts of original order and provenance. Students will develop methods of providing indexes, finding aids and security for archival collections. Includes a computer lab.
Note: This course is accepted as an elective in the UCFV Arts BA program.

LIBT 2803 credits
Special Topics in Information Work
Prerequisite(s): Instructor's permission
LIBT 280 is offered on an occasional basis, to provide enrichment in an emerging area of study. It will be offered to both students and people from the information world who wish to study a topic under the direction of UCFV's LIBT program.

Last updated: March 31, 2007