Library and Information Technology

Overview

Library technicians are key members of the library team occupying a position with a level of responsibility between a clerk and a librarian.

Technicians support librarians in the delivery of many library services. They may direct the work of clerical staff, student assistants, other library technicians and, under the direction of a librarian, may be responsible for a section or department within a library. Technicians may also be in charge of a small library.

Library technicians bring excellent teamwork, communication and critical thinking skills to their work. This program prepares you for a rewarding career – one that requires an equal balance of people skills, advanced computer skills, attention to detail and love of learning. If you have a keen desire to help people, then this program may be right for you.

Work experience

• Field experience is a mandatory credit course, providing you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills outside of the classroom.
  • Opportunities are typically unpaid and last approximately 5 weeks.
• This program is eligible for an optional cooperative education (co-op) credit course between year one and two.
  • Co-op provides an opportunity for paid, full-time employment in a field related to your program.
  • Co-op takes place in third term and must be a minimum of 12 weeks and 420 hours.
  • Our co-op program follows Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL) guidelines.
• Transportation, accommodations and other costs related to work experience are your responsibility.
• For more information, visit work experience opportunities.

Study options

• Part-time study is available through online delivery at eCampus with classes scheduled 3 terms per year, to be completed in 4 years. 

Other info

• A criminal record check and vulnerable sector check may be required to complete work placements in some types of libraries.
• Experience in a library, whether paid or as a volunteer, is considered beneficial to your success in this program and you're encouraged to seek out these opportunities.

Availability

Seats are available at Ivany campus for domestic applicants only. International applicants will be waitlisted.

September 2024

Campus	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
eCampus	Part time	Asynchronous online Delivered fully online with no scheduled classes.	Waitlist
Ivany Campus Dartmouth	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements. Weekdays/Evenings	Waitlist

Admission requirements

• High School Graduation Diploma or equivalent, including Academic Grade 12 English.
  • International students – High school diploma equivalency and English language requirements vary by country. View document and language requirements by country
• If you don't have the required academic credits, NSCC offers a variety of credit courses through the Academic and Career Connections program.

Program requirements

• Portfolio development – As part of your studies at NSCC, you develop a portfolio of your work; the portfolio captures your achievements and profiles your skills to employers.

Tuition

Tuition amounts are for the 2023-24 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional.

Tuition, fees and program costs

Tuition for part-time study option is calculated on a per-course basis and is paid at the beginning of each term.

In addition to annual tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, etc.) and student fees for College services, health and dental plans, your student association and parking.

View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.

• Library and Information Technology - Year 1
• Library and Information Technology - Year 1 - Part-time
• Library and Information Technology - Year 2
• Library and Information Technology - Year 2 - Part-time
• Library and Information Technology - Year 3 - Part-time
• Library and Information Technology - Year 4 - Part-time

Career options

• Technicians are employed in all types of libraries: academic (college and university), public, schools, government, industry, etc. They also work in library-related jobs, such as records management and archiving.

Future study options

• Continue your studies at university – This program includes courses that count towards a university degree. Learn more about having your diploma count towards a university degree

Courses may include

These are some of the courses offered in this program. It is not a complete list and courses are subject to change in advance of the academic year.

Recognizing prior learning / transfer credits
If you have previous learning (course, employment, etc...) that's relevant to your program, you may be able to apply to earn credit. Not all programs are eligible. Learn about our recognizing prior learning (RPL) process.

ARTS 1040 - History of Western Civilization
This course introduces students to key developments in the History of Western Civilization while placing western civilization in a broader global perspective that balances the traditional Eurocentric nature. Within an overall context that emphasizes intellectual/philosophical, social, and political developments, the wide range of topics covered include the early civilizations of the Fertile Crescent and the Nile Valley, ancient Greece, the Roman Empire, the rise of Christian Europe, European society in the Middle Ages, the impact of the Age of Exploration, the Renaissance, the Reformation, and the rise of the modern nation state. The course is also intended to help students develop their research and communication skills using both traditional methods and electronic media and to promote confidence in their ability to make effective use of electronic information technology.

ARTS 1060 - English Literature
In this course students will be reading and writing about short fiction and poetry. Most of the stories and poems covered are by classic writers of the genres; some are by beginners or "fresh faces" as the text calls them (p. xxviii). The focus of the course is on critical reading and thinking about literature and on developing the writing skills that will allow students to express their ideas and make them better readers.

COMM 1240 - Business Communications in Libraries
This course introduces students to the essentials of business writing and communicating in libraries. Topics include the writing process, correct business formats, English grammar, interpersonal skills, and oral and written presentations.

COMP 2105 - Database I
This course introduces the student to the fundamentals of database management including planning, design, creation and modification. Once created, students will add, edit and delete records contained in a database. Students will create queries to obtain specific information from a database, design forms for working with database records, and design reports to print out data in various formats.

COMP 2110 - Spreadsheets I
This course introduces the student to electronic spreadsheets including their design and creation. Formulae and functions will be used to perform calculations on the spreadsheet data providing business solutions. Students will apply formatting skills to enhance the appearance and clarity of printed spreadsheets as well as using graphs to represent spreadsheet data. This course is accepted toward certification with the Canadian Institute of Bookkeeping (CIB).

COMP 3111 - Spreadsheets II
Building on the skills acquired in Spreadsheets I, students will use advanced spreadsheet concepts and tools to create spreadsheets for business applications.

INFM 1000 - Records Management I
An organization's records can include a variety of forms including paper, electronic and optical. Efficient records management provides accurate and timely information for making effective business decisions. Records Management I is the study of the management of the processes, equipment, computer software, and personnel involved with these decisions.

INFM 2000 - Records Management II
The efficiency of an organization depends on effective records management systems. Records Management II focuses on the creation, control, protection and disposition of information. In Records Management II, students apply the theories introduced in Records Management I.

LIBR 1000 - Introduction to Libraries
This course introduces students to the history and development of libraries and to the various types of libraries: their goals, objectives, organization and services as well as the role of the library technician in these libraries. Learners are introduced to the professional organizations for library workers. Learners will also become familiar with traditional issues that have always affected libraries as well as current trends and new issues libraries face today.

LIBR 1002 - Acquisition and Circulation Procedures
This course looks at library collections-how they are acquired, maintained, accessed and controlled. Students will become familiar with the basics of how libraries develop, acquire, track and maintain physical and digital collections and the theories and values that underlie library collection provision.

LIBR 1003 - Information Services I
This course is an introduction to the principles of the reference interview and to basic reference resources. Learners will explore basic search strategies used in library catalogues and licensed databases.

LIBR 1005 - Descriptive Cataloguing I
This course introduces students to the basic principles of descriptive cataloguing for print and non-print materials and the application of content and display standards.

LIBR 1068 - Readers' Advisory Services in Libraries
This course explores the major forms of popular literature including adult fiction, non-fiction, children's literature and young adult literature. Emphasis is on genre works appropriate for the public library.

LIBR 2001 - Subject Cataloguing I
In this course, students learn the theory and practice behind using subject headings and keywords to facilitate access to library materials by subject. Students learn about using a controlled vocabulary, how to perform basic subject analysis, and how to assign subject headings using standard library tools such as Sears and Library of Congress Subject Headings. The importance of authority control is stressed throughout the course.

LIBR 2002 - Multimedia Services
This course introduces students to the use and management of multimedia in library settings. Course topics include: desktop publishing, computer generated presentations, HTML, web creation, and multimedia materials.

LIBR 2003 - Information Services II
This is the second course in Information Services. Students will expand the search skills they developed in Information Services I and apply them to specific subject areas using digital and print resources. Learners will explore the reference interview in different settings as well as examine changing concepts of information literacy and the role of the library in the research process.

LIBR 2010 - Library Programming and Marketing
This course provides students with an understanding of the library organizational structure, and the roles and responsibilities for the Library Technician related to customer service, marketing plans, and event planning.

LIBR 2015 - Introduction to Archives
Records have a life cycle: active, semi-active and inactive. What happens to records at the end of their life cycle? If they are deemed valuable for long-term retention, they go to an archive. This course will introduce learners to the functions of archives, including how records are acquired, organized, preserved and made accessible to users; the types of records acquired; issues in managing archives and sharing archival material; and how archives relate to other information management organizations.

LIBR 2161 - Computer Applications in Libraries
Students explore several database management systems for storing, organizing, analyzing and retrieving information. Library databases are used for practical, individual database projects. Various library software packages are reviewed.

LIBR 3005 - Descriptive Cataloguing II
This course builds on the basic cataloguing knowledge acquired in Descriptive Cataloguing I. Students learn advanced principles of descriptive cataloguing for print and non-print materials and the application of content and display standards.

LIBR 4001 - Subject Cataloguing II
In this course, students learn the theory and practice behind using library classification systems. Students learn how to build call numbers using the Dewey Decimal and the Library of Congress Classification systems. Students also explore how to cutter a call number using different practical methods.

LIBR 4995 - Work Experience
The work experience component provides the learner with an opportunity to apply new skills and concepts appropriate for entry-level positions within the occupation. Learners will assess their own performance and be evaluated by an industry partner. Learners will identify personal outcomes they wish to attain during the work experience and will keep a journal. This is a course of 175 hours. Learners already working in a library can complete work experience during the final term of study.

SAFE 1000 - Introduction to WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems)
This course offers learners basic overview of WHMIS principles and establishes a solid foundation to support workplace-specific training on the safe storage and handling of controlled/hazardous products. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive basic WHMIS certification.

SAFE 1001 - Introduction to NS OH&S Act
This course offers students an introduction to the Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Act of Nova Scotia, which is required by any person employed in a Nova Scotia workplace. This is a generic, introductory course that provides basic knowledge of the Act for students and is considered to be the basis from which more specific training can be given.

Library and Information Technology prescribed elective requirement. In addition to their required courses, as a requirement of graduation, learners must complete four credits from the prescribed course lists.

Open elective course requirement. Eight credits. NOTE: No two courses can be used to satisfy program requirements that are at the same level, subject area and topical area or that are otherwise deemed to be equivalent.