LIBT 100
3 credits
Introduction to Information Services
Prerequisite(s): None.
Open to students of all disciplines, this course is an introduction to types of information centres and libraries as business organizations. Library public service tasks and procedures including circulation, shelving, shelf-reading, interlibrary loan, and security are covered. Communications and human relations in the library workplace are discussed. Students will develop skills in applicable business procedures such as word processing and current communications techniques. In addition, students will develop basic Internet and online library catalogue search techniques. Note: This course is accepted as an elective in the UFV Arts, General Studies, and CIS programs.
LIBT 115
3 credits
Descriptive Cataloguing Techniques
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Library and Information Technology program
Pre- or corequisite(s): One of LIBT 100, CIS 100, CIS 110, or BUS 160
This course provides an introduction to resource description and access of library materials using current descriptive cataloguing techniques. Students examine the principles of bibliographic description, authority files, and access points. Students also examine derived records and gain experience using various cataloguing tools for accessing library records. This course is the basis for subsequent LIBT courses.
LIBT 120
3 credits
Introduction to Technical Services
Prerequisite(s): LIBT 100, LIBT 115 and admission to the Library and Information Technology program.
This course examines the technical services functions of the information centre and the processes most commonly associated with this department including the selection, acquisition, processing, cataloguing, and maintenance of collections. Students will use standard tools and methods for bibliographic verification, acquisitions procedures, and control of acquisitions budgets. Cataloguing skills acquired in LIBT 115 will be reinforced through practice as students follow examples through the complete range of technical services.
LIBT 130
3 credits
Introduction to Classification Systems
Pre- or corequisite(s): LIBT 115 and admission to the Library and Information Technology program
This course is an introduction to the two major library classification systems used in North America: Library of Congress Classification System, used primarily in academic libraries; and the Dewey Decimal Classification System, used primarily in public and school libraries. Students develop classification notations and examine issues related to the process of classifying materials.
LIBT 135
3 credits
Introduction to Subject Analysis
Pre- or corequisite(s): LIBT 115 and admission to the Library and Information Technology program
This course examines the principles of subject analysis and the addition of subject access to bibliographic records. Students will provide correctly formatted subject headings using controlled vocabularies such as Sears List of Subject Headings, Library of Congress Subject Headings, Medical Subject Headings, and Canadian Subject Headings. Students will create MARC codes for these headings. Students will be introduced to the principles and usage of indexing, abstracting, thesaurus construction, and the analysis of keyword and controlled vocabulary searching. Students will design searchable databases with report functionality.
LIBT 140
3 credits
Introduction to Reference Services
Pre- or corequisite(s): LIBT 115 and admission to the Library and Information Technology program
This course is an introduction to reference services offered in information centres and libraries. Students will closely examine basic reference sources (both print and electronic) used to answer customer queries. In addition, students will explore topics central to reference service that include philosophy of service, readers’ advisory, reference interviews, and customer interaction and management. Students will develop search skills in order to effectively meet the needs of customers with information requests.
LIBT 145
3 credits
Internet Information Retrieval
Prerequisite(s): None.
This course introduces students to current Internet technologies, enabling them to become effective Internet searchers. Students will learn to create and refine basic search strategies in order to more effectively retrieve information in specific subject areas including health, business, arts, science, humanities, and social sciences. Students learn how to evaluate web documents using standard criteria and to appropriately document the sources they retrieve. In addition, students will briefly explore issues relating to the effect of the Internet on society and its impact on scholarship.
Note: This course is accepted as an elective in the UFV Arts, General Studies, and CIS program.
LIBT 162
3 credits
Work Place Site Visits
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Library and Information Technology diploma program.
This course provides an opportunity for students to briefly tour a variety of libraries and/or records management departments, archives, and other information centres. Site visits are intended to give students the widest possible exposure to the practical aspects of paraprofessional work in these institutions in order to help them identify possible sites of interest for practicum placement.
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 161.
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
Supervision in Information Centres
Prerequisite(s): None
This course applies current theories of business, management, and supervision in information centres. Course content includes organizational structure and governance, unions, conflict management, job search strategies, managing stress, teamwork, and improving human relations in the workplace. Students will develop applicable supervisory skills including effective communication and the selection, evaluation, and discipline of staff.
LIBT 220
3 credits
Database Management and Software Implementation
Pre- or corequisite(s): LIBT 120 and admission to the Library and Information Technology program
Students in this course will evaluate, select, install, and use library and information management software. Students will be introduced to issues related to managing software in library environments. In addition, they will learn mechanisms for assessing the needs of staff and clients for the purpose of acquiring new software. Students will also locate review information for software and write reviews and procedures. Students will also create searchable databases and develop instructions for using those databases.
LIBT 230
3 credits
Information Services for Children
Prerequisite(s): None.
This course introduces students to a wide variety of children’s materials available in libraries. Students will use specific selection criteria to create programs and promotional materials that support library services for children. In addition, students explore and discuss issues related to children’s literature and the provision of services to children.
Note: Students with credit for EDUC 230 cannot take this course for further credit.
LIBT 235
3 credits
Information Services for Young Adults
Prerequisite(s): None
This course prepares students for work with young adults in information centres through programs and readers’ advisory. After examining issues that are specific to young adults, students will explore a variety of young adult materials available in information centres and libraries. Incorporating specific selection criteria, students will use these resources to create programs, reading lists, and promotional materials to support library services for young adults.
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.
