LIBT 100
3 credits
Introduction to Libraries
Prerequisite(s): None.
Provides a broad introduction to the role of libraries in contemporary Canadian society. Focusing on the basic functions of libraries, students learn how libraries provide access to information, while developing basic search skills and learning library terminology. Students will become familiar with library culture and values and how library service is provided.
LIBT 115
3 credits
Resource Description and Access I
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Library and Information Technology program.
Pre- or corequisite(s): One of LIBT 100 or CIS 110/BUS 160.
Resource description and access is the foundation for discovering materials in libraries. Students create standardized, coded metadata sets for library resources such as printed monographs (books).
LIBT 120
3 credits
Collection Services
Prerequisite(s): C or better in each of LIBT 100 and LIBT 115.
Introduces students to the most common processes involved in the development and maintenance of library collections. Using various library technologies and standards of practice, student explore how libraries select, acquire, process, assign metadata to maintain physical and digital collections.
LIBT 130
3 credits
Introduction to Classification
Pre- or corequisite(s): LIBT 115.
Introduces the two major library classification systems used in North America: the Library of Congress Classification system, used primarily in academic libraries; and the Dewey Decimal Classification system, used primarily in public and school libraries. Other classification systems will also be examined. Students develop classification notations and examine issues related to the process of classifying materials.
LIBT 135
3 credits
Subject Cataloguing
Pre- or corequisite(s): LIBT 115.
Prepares entry-level library technicians to use the Library of Congress Subject Headings, Canadian Subject Headings, and the MARC21 Bibliographic standard in the subject analysis and cataloguing of physical and electronic library resources.
LIBT 140
3 credits
Library Public Services
Pre- or corequisite(s): LIBT 115
Introduction to the various user services typically offered by publicly funded Canadian libraries, including collections, circulation, reference, and programs. Encourages students to take a best practices approach emphasizing diversity and inclusion to their work as library technicians.
LIBT 145
3 credits
Online Searching
Prerequisite(s): None.
Skills-based approach to searching databases for relevant content that can be used to answer library users’ reference questions. Covers the reference interview, facet analysis, specific database search languages, and free-text and controlled vocabulary searching.
LIBT 162
3 credits
Work Place Site Visits
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Library and Information Technology diploma.
Pre- or corequisite(s): LIBT 100.
Students visit a variety of libraries, records management departments, archives, and other types of information centres. These visits contextualize in-class program experiences by exposing students to practical aspects of library and information work and how student knowledge and skills relate to these environments. This assists students in identifying possible sites of interest for practicum placement.
Note: Students with credit for LIBT 160 or LIBT 161 cannot take this course for further credit.
LIBT 200
3 credits
Information and Society
Prerequisite(s): None
Open to students of all disciplines, this introductory course surveys the history of libraries, library media, publishing, and the management of information. Current trends and issues in the book and information industries are examined, as is the role of library technicians in these industries. Students also learn the process of performing library research and develop a research paper.
Note: This course is accepted as an elective in the UFV Arts, General Studies, and CIS programs.
LIBT 205
3 credits
Library Workplaces
Prerequisite(s): None
Students explore how libraries are organized as workplaces that are informed by various practices including communication, labour, and policy. Considering the role of motivation, the importance of effective team/group work, and the need for inclusivity, students develop ways of negotiating workplace politics, problems, and conflict.
LIBT 220
3 credits
Information Technology in Libraries
Pre- or corequisite(s): LIBT 120 with a C or better.
Students examine software applications and other technologies common to libraries. Exploring various issues and challenges associated with library technology, including privacy, security, and vendor relationships, students will apply evaluation criteria for acquisition, set up applications like databases and repository software, and develop instructional aids.
LIBT 230
3 credits
Library Services for Children
Prerequisite(s): None.
Focusing on a wide variety of children’s materials available in libraries, students will explore genres and formats prevalent in children’s library collections and incorporate many of these materials into the development of library programs for children. Exploring the importance of inclusivity in library work, students will consider how to evaluate programs and work with communities.
Note: Students with credit for EDUC 230 cannot take this course for further credit.
LIBT 235
3 credits
Library Services for Young Adults
Prerequisite(s): None.
Students will explore and evaluate a range of diverse materials for young adults. Using these materials and other relevant professional resources, students will develop library programs that recognize and respect the unique and varied lives of young adults. Students will learn about cultural competency and its role in creating community partnerships for the purpose of supporting inclusive library services.
LIBT 240
3 credits
Media in Information Centres
Prerequisite(s): LIBT 115
This course provides students with an opportunity to examine specific issues related to the use of current and emerging media technologies in information centres. Students will catalogue a variety of non-print materials including websites, ebooks, and video using industry standards and discuss the impact of new technologies. Students will examine issues related to the selection, maintenance, operation, and management of media equipment commonly used.
LIBT 250
3 credits
Records Management
Prerequisite(s): None.
This course provides an introduction to the systematic control of recorded information in an organization from the time a record is created to the time it is either destroyed or transferred to an archives for permanent preservation. Students will learn how to inventory records, how to appraise and write retention schedules, and how to evaluate an organization’s physical equipment for efficient storage of records. In addition, students will examine what makes a record electronic and the types of hardware and software that create electronic records. Students will analyze the different electronic document management software available to manage such records and examine the ethics of managing print and electronic records in the context of privacy legislation. Note: This course is accepted as an elective in the UFV Arts, General Studies, and CIS programs.
LIBT 266
3 credits
Practicum/Capstone Project
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits in the Library and Information Technology diploma program including LIBT 140, 145, 162, and 200, and permission of the instructor. Practicum students will require a minimum CGPA of 2.67.
Pre- or corequisite(s): LIBT 130, 135, 220, and 240.
This course requires either a) an employer-supervised practicum in which students perform tasks and duties similar to those of entry-level Library Technicians, or b) a Capstone Project that demonstrates how students meet the minimum competencies identified in the Canadian Library Association’s Guidelines for the Education of Library Technicians.
Note: To obtain credit, students are also required to attend two in-class seminars where they will discuss workplace expectations and reflect upon their experiences in the field and in the diploma program. In keeping with employers’ operational needs, the course requires that students be available for daytime and/or evening shifts.
Note: A criminal records check is required prior to confirmation of placement. Students holding certain types of criminal records might be ineligible for practicum placement.
Note: Students with credit for LIBT 265 cannot take this course for further credit.
Note: This course is only open to students who started the Library and Information Technology diploma program in or after Fall 2015, and students who started the program prior to Fall 2015 and have declared that they wish to complete the program under the requirements which come into effect in Fall 2015. Students in these categories may not take LIBT 265.
LIBT 270
3 credits
Archival Techniques
Prerequisite(s): None.
This course introduces students to the theoretical foundations and practical applications of archival science, including acquisition, appraisal, arrangement, description, and reference services. This course provides a general overview of traditional archival practice, and examines the effects of current issues on those traditional practices. Students will learn the basics of Rules for Archival Description. In addition, they will learn how to apply archives’ guiding principles of provenance and original order to real life situations, and compare and contrast archives to library and museum operations. Note: This course is accepted as an elective in the UFV Arts, General Studies, and CIS programs.
LIBT 280
3 credits
Special Topics in Library and Information Technology
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor
This course is offered on an occasional basis, to provide enrichment in an emerging area of study. It is offered to both students and people from the information world who wish to study a topic under the direction of UFV's Library and Information Technology program.
LIBT 345
3 credits
Advanced Internet Information Retrieval
Prerequisite(s): 30 university-level credits or permission of the instructor. LIBT 145 recommended.
This course is a critical analysis of advanced Web search techniques to develop a deep understanding of search engines. Students will cultivate and refine their ability to evaluate electronic sources while examining the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the creation of and access to electronic information. Incorporating their evaluative skills, students will also explore the “deep” web by examining specialized, subject-specific resources.
LIBT 380
2 credits
Emergent Library Technologies
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Library Technician Post Diploma certificate program
This course will examine the latest trends and continuing evolution of library-related applications and other information tools. Applications for the web, mobile services, new media formats, and issues around the use of these tools will also be explored. Students will learn to assess various tools to gain experience in selecting and evaluating items that may be incorporated into their daily work.
LIBT 381
2 credits
Leadership for Library Technicians
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Library Technician Post Diploma certificate program
Designed for library technicians, this course will examine various aspects to effective leadership within the context of information work. Students will develop skills and knowledge that will assist them in providing vision and guidance for others. In examination of the benefits of change, students will also learn how to delegate decision-making and build trust with others through role modeling, mentorship, and coaching.
LIBT 382
2 credits
Promotional Planning for Library Technicians
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Library Technician Post Diploma certificate program
This course will examine various aspects of promotion for information centres. Students will define their own core values in order to develop methods of asserting those values and image through self promotion. Additionally, students will examine and create strategies for building lasting professional relationships in their field while exploring aspects of marketing, advocacy, and public relations.
LIBT 383
2 credits
Diversity in the Workplace
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Library Technician Post Diploma certificate program
This course will examine discrimination, bias, and diversity in the context of information centres. Students will have an opportunity to explore the wide variety of elements that contribute to bias and methods that library technicians can adopt to confront discrimination while working productively with diversity. This course will enhance the student’s ability to positively interact with diversity while incorporating methods to enhance service excellence.
LIBT 385
2 credits
Information Rights: Privacy and Freedoms
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Library Technician Post Diploma certificate program
This course will examine how information rights can shape the services provided in information centres. The digitization of information and shifting formats creates numerous uncertainties and tensions between information privacy and access. Students will look at information privacy and freedom of information legislation, issues relating to censorship, and the ethics of providing fair and equitable access. Students will also have the opportunity to focus their studies on specific aspects of information rights as it relates to their own employment situations.
LIBT 399
3 credits
Advanced Topics in Library and Information Technology
Prerequisite(s): 30 university-level credits or permission of the instructor.
This senior-level, project-based course focuses on specific topics(s) of study relating to library work and/or information and technology studies. The course is offered only when sufficient student interest is demonstrated.
