Library and Information Technology diploma

FEATURES:

• Field trips enhance classroom learning
• Practicum provides work experience and industry contacts
• Flexible learning: Complete the program with online and in-classroom course options
• Specialization options to customize your learning experience
• Program eligible for financial aid

The Library and Information Technology diploma program prepares graduates to work in a wide range of libraries and other information centres. The program is recognized by the Canadian Library Association (CLA) and was developed according to its Guidelines for the Education of Library Technicians.

The program includes technical courses and computer labs that help students to develop the complex skills necessary to work in today's information centres. Students graduate with a Diploma in Library and Information Technology and may choose to complete an additional, six credit concentration in Systems Technology, Youth Services, or Records Management.

The most effective library technicians are interested in both books and non-print materials, especially electronic resources accessed via licensed databases and the Internet. They are committed to serving the needs of customers, clients, and patrons who seek accurate and timely information for any purpose. It is essential that technicians possess excellent interpersonal, communications, computer, and information management skills. In addition, they must have an ongoing interest in developing customer service and technology-related skills in order to keep up with changes in the industry and to help further their careers.

Students may choose to complete the program on the Abbotsford Campus or online.

View program outline in the UFV Academic Calendar.

View current course offerings. 

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:

• Circulating, reserving, and maintaining materials in physical and digital collections;
• Giving general information and readers' advisory;
• Delivering literacy and recreational programs to children and adults;
• And cataloging and classifying resources such as ebooks, digital sound files, and streaming video.

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.

1. B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent. (Applicants that are 19 years or older and do not have high school graduation may apply as a "mature student")
2. Meet UFV's Degree/diploma level English language proficiency standards.

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.

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. 

• Use a variety of software applications to acquire, process, and organize information
• Type a minimum of 45 words per minute
• Work effectively in a team and as an individual
• Analyze information requests and determine appropriate responses
• Critically evaluate print and electronic sources according to standardized criteria.
• Respect the legal, ethical and moral issues relating to information work
• Exercise a deep commitment to providing excellent customer service
• Develop effective strategies for locating sources of information
• Ability to provide administrative support through statistical compilations, processing invoices, and clerical activities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills as demonstrated through report writing, presentations, procedures and email communications
• Familiarity with the proper creation, maintenance, use and disposal of files and documents
• Describe and classify materials based on current cataloging and classification standards and techniques
• Effectively carry out all key stages in the academic research process
• Comfortable using office equipment including faxes, scanners, photocopiers, etc.

View detailed learning outcomes

Phone: 604-854-4582
Toll free: 1-888-504-7441 ext. 4582
Email: ISinfo@ufv.ca
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