Information Studies
Information Studies
Credential:
Diploma
Duration:
2-5 years
Format:
Full time, Part time
Start date:
January, September, May
Location:
Abbotsford campus, Online
Cost:
(Details) Fees and costs
FEATURES:
Libraries and information organizations today are dynamic, technology-rich environments that support access to information, digital literacy, and community engagement. Library technicians play a vital role in connecting people with information, supporting inclusive services, and managing both physical and digital resources.
To succeed in this evolving field, graduates develop competencies aligned with the American Library Association and the Canadian Federation of Libraries Association, including user-centered service, organization of information, technological proficiency, and ethical professional practice.
Library technicians typically contribute to improving library user experience by:
The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) Library and Information Technology (LIBIT) diploma prepares graduates for entry-level roles across libraries, archives, and information environments through applied, practice-based learning aligned with current professional standards.
Graduates may pursue roles such as:
In the 21st century, libraries do more than simply providing access to materials such as books, CDs, DVDs, and periodicals. In fact, libraries are reinventing themselves as providers of digital content, makerspaces, community meeting places, and centres for literacy. To work in this dynamic environment, both technical and people skills are necessary to organize information, manage it, and make it accessible to customers and patrons.
Typically, library technicians provide frontline public services, such as:
The UFV Library Information Technology diploma is a high-quality, entry-level qualification from an accredited university. With this credential, graduates can apply for selected jobs in various publicly and privately funded organizations, such as public, academic, school, and special libraries, museums, archives, and records management departments.
In addition to library technician, common job titles include library assistant, reference assistant, customer service assistant, archives technician, archives assistant, and records management clerk.
Applicants who do not meet these requirements will be able to upgrade their education through Qualifying Studies.
Applicants who meet the entrance requirements will be admitted in order of their application date. Early applications are encouraged as seats in the program are limited.
View the Library and Information Technology diploma entrance requirements in the UFV Academic Calendar for more details.
Do you need to upgrade your education before applying to the Library and Information Technology diploma? Apply to Qualifying Studies to upgrade.
Once you've completed the Library and Information Technology diploma, you can continue upgrading your skills at UFV. Apply to a BA program or jump right into the Library Technician Post-Diploma Certificate. A a part time program for designed for library technicians, this continuing education opportunity directly address issues related to their professions. Visit the Library Technician Post-Diploma Certificate program outline for more information or book an appointment with a program advisor.
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Explore and work effectively within an evolving digital information environment |
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Demonstrate proficiency with integrated library systems, digital platforms, databases, and emerging technologies (including AI). Gain knowledge to increase access to information and cultivate an informed awareness of evolving technological and related societal challenges. |
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Organize and represent knowledge across systems and contexts |
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Apply foundational knowledge of library and information organization including classification, cataloguing, collections management, and metadata practices using current standards, systems, and technologies. |
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Provide user-centered and inclusive community engagement and outreach |
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Engage with diverse communities through accessible, respectful, and responsive service, including outreach and community partnership. |
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Engage respectfully with Indigenous knowledge and worldviews |
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Understand Indigenous knowledge organization and representation with cultural awareness, humility, and an understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing, thinking, and well-being. |
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Advance equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) in libraries and information centres |
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Recognize systemic barriers within information environments and contribute to more inclusive, equitable, and accessible services and spaces. |
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Think critically about information in a complex digital society |
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Examine how information is created, organized, and circulated across formats and platforms, including digital ecosystems, with awareness of the influence of misinformation, disinformation, and algorithmic systems. |
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Collaborate and communicate in a professional manner |
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Communicate effectively in written, verbal, and digital formats, and collaborate across diverse teams and environments with intercultural awareness, adaptability, and professional accountability. |
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Engage in reflective and professional information stewardship |
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Demonstrate a reflective and accountable professional practice by committing to continuous learning, ethical information governance, data stewardship, and social and cultural responsibility in an ever-changing information society. |
Phone: 604-854-4582
Toll free: 1-888-504-7441 ext. 4582
Email: ISinfo@ufv.ca
Or ask online