Library and Information Technology

Library and Information Technology diploma

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. In the workplace, diploma graduates are usually classified as library technicians. They often work under the direct supervision of a professional librarian, archivist, or more senior library technician. Library technicians sometimes supervise the work of clerical staff and other library technicians.

The program includes technical courses and computer labs that help students to develop the complex skills necessary to work in today's libraries and 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.

Employment opportunities

Managing information, knowledge, and the cultural record is increasingly important as publicly funded libraries continue to be heavily used and the volume and diversity of electronic information expands in the knowledge-driven economy. Graduates find employment in public, academic, school, and special libraries as well as in non-profits, government departments, businesses, archives, museums, and other settings where both technical and people skills are required to organize, preserve, and provide access to print and digital media.

Entrance requirements

1. One of the following:
   • B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent;
   • Completion of a minimum of nine UFV or transferrable post-secondary credits with a minimum CGPA of 2.00 (C average) based on all credits attempted; or
   • If neither of the above apply, applicants who are a minimum of 19 years of age by the first day of classes must submit a 250–500 word letter of intent describing their interest, qualifications, and/or experience in library and information technology work.
2. Prerequisites for ENGL 105 or CMNS 125. Acceptable prerequisites are listed under the Degree/diploma level English language proficiency standards.

Applicants who do not meet these requirements might consider Qualifying Studies.

Keyboarding proficiency requirements

Because some library systems require demonstrated competence in keyboarding skills as a condition of hiring, in order to graduate, students must provide proof of their ability to touch type at a minimum speed of 45 words per minute. The department provides students with online resources that assist with practice and that test and document touch typing ability. Applicants who cannot touch type will benefit from taking a keyboarding course through Continuing Education as soon as possible before beginning the program.

When to apply

Applications are accepted for entrance to the Fall, Winter, and Summer semesters. For application deadlines, see Specific intake application process.

How to apply

1. Apply online at ufv.ca/admissions/apply.

   Additional documents required for a complete application:

   • Proof of B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent.
   • Official transcripts (or interim transcripts) from all post-secondary institutions attended (excluding UFV) showing grade/course achievement as per entrance requirements. To be considered official, transcripts must be sent directly to UFV from the originating institution; see the Transfer Credit section for details.
   • If applying to enter the program as a mature student (19 years or older) without B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent, attach a 250–500 word letter describing interest, experience, and any previously completed qualifications in library and/or information technology (e.g., rural library program, foreign credentials, etc.).
   • Applicants who have completed post-secondary courses at other recognized institutions must submit official transcripts from those institutions.
   • Evidence that applicant meets the prerequisites for ENGL 105 (e.g., CPT score or detailed information about how equivalency was achieved).
2. Upon admission to the program applicants will be provided with registration information. A deposit is required prior to registration (see the Fees and Other Costs section) and will be applied toward tuition fees.
3. Admissions decisions will be conditional until academic requirements are complete, and until final, official transcripts are received by the department.

Basis for admission decision

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. The application date is set when the application, all required documentation, and the application fee have been submitted.

Criminal record check

In accordance with the Criminal Records Review Act, completion of a B.C. Criminal Record Check — Children and Vulnerable Adults through the Ministry of Justice is required before students can complete LIBT 230 or a practicum in LIBT 266. For clarification and more details, please visit the Criminal Records Review Program website.

Fees and additional costs

See the Fees and Other Costs section. Textbooks cost approximately $50–250 per course. In addition, in LIBT 162 and LIBT 266, which include field trips and practicums, students will incur costs for transportation and meals.

Please contact the Financial Aid and Awards office for more information about student loans, grants, bursaries, and scholarships.

Program duration

The program may be completed through either full- or part-time study. Full-time students will normally complete the 60-credit program in two years, with students taking 10 courses per calendar year. Part-time students typically require three to five years for completion. Students intending to complete the program entirely online are advised that timetable constraints may mean that it will take up to five years to complete the diploma.

Full-time students who begin the program in the Winter or Summer semesters may not be able to complete the program in two years because some courses are only offered once per year. However, this situation may vary, depending upon course offerings in a given year.

If credit for some of the required arts/sciences or applied courses has been completed at UFV or can be transferred from other post-secondary institutions, students may have a lighter course load, or take additional courses of their choice.

Location

All Library and Information Technology courses (LIBT) are taught online or face-to-face at the Abbotsford campus.

Program outline

The Library and Information Technology program consists of a combination of 20 applied and academic courses (60 credits).

Students in all diploma options are required to take the following 18 courses:

Note: LIBT electives include LIBT 230, 235, 250, 270, 280, 310, 345, and 399.

In addition to the 18 required courses, students must successfully complete two additional courses chosen from LIBT or other university-level course offerings. These courses will be chosen according to each student's career goals.

For specialization, students can select one of three concentrations: Systems Technology, Records Management, or Youth Services.

Library and Information Technology diploma, no concentration

Students graduating with the diploma will be equipped to work in a variety of information centres and libraries depending upon the electives they have chosen.

Note: LIBT electives include LIBT 230, 235, 250, 270, 280, 310, 345, and 399.

Systems Technology concentration

This concentration allows students to specialize in the organization and provision of information using computer systems. Graduates of this concentration will be qualified to work as library technicians with additional responsibilities for supervising the operation of computers and computer networks.

Records Management concentration

This concentration prepares students for additional responsibilities of maintaining records, documents, and archives of any organization. Graduates of this concentration will be qualified to work as library technicians and with additional responsibilities for maintaining the records and archives of an organization.

Youth Services concentration

This concentration prepares students for work as library technicians with a specialized understanding of information services for youth. Graduates of this concentration will be qualified to work as library technicians with additional responsibilities for working with children and young adults.

Practicum regulations

Acceptance into the program and completion of pre- or co-requisites for LIBT 266 do not guarantee a practicum placement. Placement in a practicum will be at the discretion of the instructor. A minimum CGPA of 2.67 is required for practicum placement. A criminal record check completed through the Ministry of Justice is required prior to practicum placement; students holding certain types of criminal records might be ineligible for placement. Students are not guaranteed the practicum of their choice.

Students currently working in the field, or with significant work experience, may be eligible for PLAR in lieu of a practicum.

Note: Students who are enrolled in an approved practicum program in British Columbia have WorkSafeBC coverage provided to them by the Ministry of Advanced Education (i.e., not UFV). Should students experience a work-related illness or injury while on practicum, they will be eligible to seek compensation from, and submit their claims to, WorkSafeBC. However, there is no WorkSafeBC coverage in place for students living outside British Columbia who are eligible for, and choose to participate in, a practicum outside B.C. Students should confirm what coverage is available to them when participating in out-of-province or out-of-country practicums.

Co-operative Education option

The Co-operative Education option offers students in the Library and Information Technology diploma the opportunity to obtain paid, career-related work experience in their field of study during their education at UFV. Co-op students in this program alternate course studies with two paid work terms.

Students must apply to the Co-op program through the Career Centre. To be eligible, students must be enrolled in full-time studies (at least nine credit hours) and have a minimum GPA of 2.33. Students receive six credits for each placement and will graduate with up to an additional 12 credits in the Library and Information Technology diploma with the Co-op option.

Co-operative Education formally integrates students' academic studies with relevant and productive paid work experience with employers in business, industry, government, and the non-profit sector. Co-op students gain skills and experience that prepare them for the job market and give them improved employment opportunities upon graduation. See the Co-operative Education section for more details.

Program requirements

To demonstrate mastery of course material, program students must achieve a grade of C or better in all LIBT courses. Students who receive a grade below C must retake the course. A course may not be taken more than twice.

Workload and classroom expectations

All students should be prepared for a heavy course of study, with assignments due on a weekly basis. Students are expected to attend all face-to-face classes and to participate in classroom and online learning activities.

For each hour spent in class, students can expect to spend an average of two hours in out-of-class work. Most courses require extensive use of the UFV library, computer labs, and/or personal computers for completing assignments, which are mostly to be practical in nature. Courses within the program also emphasize the development of excellent oral and written communication skills. All written assignments must be word processed. Computers in the LibIT Resource Room and in computer labs across UFV campuses are available for student use.

Undergraduate continuance

Students enrolled in undergraduate courses (courses numbered 100 or higher) must maintain an undergraduate Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of at least 2.00 to remain enrolled in Good Academic Standing at UFV. Students in Good Academic Standing will have no registration limits placed on them. Failure to meet the minimum CGPA requirement will result in restrictions on registration and may eventually lead to academic suspension from undergraduate studies at UFV. Students on Academic Warning or Academic Probation are limited to registering in 10 credits. For further details, see the Academic standing and undergraduate continuance section of the academic calendar. Academic standing is governed by UFV's Undergraduate Continuance policy (92).

To continue in the Library and Information Technology diploma program, students must maintain a minimum semester GPA of 2.00 (C average) in addition to a program grade point average (PGPA) of 2.00. Students whose program and/or semester GPA falls below 2.00 after any semester of their program are subject to departmental warning. Students whose program and/or semester GPA falls below 2.00 for more than two semesters may be required to withdraw from the program.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

The LibIT department recognizes that knowledge and skills are acquired through both formal and informal learning. Please see the PLAR section for more information.

Residency

Students must complete at least 25% of the credits required in the Library and Information Technology diploma at UFV.

Graduation requirements

To be eligible to graduate, students must achieve a minimum cumulative and program GPA of 2.00.

Maximum length of time to complete program

Students are allowed up to five consecutive years to complete program requirements.

Course listings

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section.