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 prospects

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. B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent. (If applying as a "mature student" 19 years or older without high school graduation, attach a 250-500 word letter describing your interest, qualifications, and/or experience.)
2. Meet the prerequisites for ENGL 105.

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

When to apply

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

How to apply

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

Additional documents required for a complete application:

• Proof of B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent.
• Transcript(s) showing grade/course achievement as per entrance requirements.
• 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 your 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. To be considered official, transcripts must be sent directly to UFV from the originating institution; see the Transfer Credit section for details.
• 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, students will receive registration information. A deposit is required prior to registration (see the Fees and Other Costs section). This money will be applied toward your tuition fees. Final payment of all course fees is due the end of the second week of classes.

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 BC 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. Textbook costs range between approximately $50 and $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 if you require information about student loans, grants, bursaries, and scholarships.

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.

Workload expectations

All Library and Information Technology courses (LIBT) are taught online or face-to-face at the Abbotsford campus. The program may be completed through either full- or part-time study. Typically, full-time students at UFV carry a workload of five courses per semester. 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 above) 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 also maintain a minimum semester GPA of 2.00 (a C grade) in addition to a CGPA of 2.00. Students whose cumulative and/or semester GPA falls below 2.00 during their program are subject to departmental warning. Students whose cumulative and/or semester GPA falls below 2.00 for more than two consecutive semesters may be required to withdraw from the program.

Students must have a minimum CGPA of 2.00 to receive the diploma.

Grading

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

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.

Program length

Students may take up to five years to complete the program.

Full-time students will normally complete the 60-credit program in two years. 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.

Program requirements

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:

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.

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.

Co-operative Education option

Students have the option of participating in Co-operative Education by alternating course studies with two paid work terms at jobs related to their field of study. Students must apply to the Co-op program through the Career Centre. Students must be enrolled in full-time studies (at least 9 credit hours) and have a GPA of at least 2.33. Students receive 6 credits for each placement. Students 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 a student's 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-op section for more information.

Residency requirement

At least 25% of credits required for the Library and Information Technology diploma must be completed at UFV.

Course listings

For complete details about courses see the course descriptions section.