Langara College

Library & Information Technology CaIn

SUBJECT INFORMATION

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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Programs

Library & Information Technology

Department: Library & Information Technology

Division: Business and Community Programs

Program Type: Career

Options

General Information

The two-year, four-term Diploma in Library & Information Technology Program has been developed in accordance with the recommendations made by the Canadian Library Association Committee on Library Technicians (Role and Education). The program prepares students for para-professional duties in libraries. Students will spend more than one-half of their time learning library and related business techniques. Some of the program's courses are transferable to universities.

Library course work involves lectures, field trips, field work and workshops. The program's two practicums occur in April and May; the first year practicum is two weeks and the second year practicum is four weeks. The field work experience exposes you to the realities of the job and to potential employers.

Langara College's Diploma in Library & Information Technology is recognized across Canada. Graduates of the program are currently employed in a wide range of libraries and information services: in public libraries; in libraries associated with universities, colleges and schools; and in public institutions, business, government and special libraries. Graduates may also work for companies supporting information-based software programs and resources. Library & Information Technicians usually work under professional librarians except in smaller libraries where they might work alone. Graduates may be required to catalogue, issue and receive a host of library holdings: books, film, pictures, maps, computer files, and sound recordings. They must know how to locate specialized materials and maintain library collections. Graduates can also expect to become involved with public programs, library tours and children's programs, or provide technical support to the library or information centre patrons.

Library & Information Technicians should enjoy people, books and information organization. A permanent interest in learning is characteristic of the most effective library workers. There is a need for accuracy and attention to detail in the program and throughout their working career. Graduates must have a minimum keyboarding speed of 45 wpm using a word processor.

Program intakes:

Library & Information Technology

  • Regular program - September
  • Flexible Participation Option - January, May, and September
  • BBA Transfer Option - September

 

Admission Requirements

Please refer to the information regarding general requirements for Admission and Application to Langara College programs.

Academic Requirements

  • Completion of BC Grade 12 or equivalent, or be 19 years of age or older.
  • One of the following:
    LET with a minimum level 3; LPI with a minimum 26 on the essay and one of 5 in English usage, 5 in sentence structure, or 10 in reading comprehension; BC English 12 or equivalent with a minimum 80%; BC English Literature 12 with a minimum 80%; a university-level English or Communications course for which Langara awards transfer credit, with a minimum 'C-'; or an 'S' in one of ENGL 1107, 1108, or 1110.

Program Requirements

  • Good knowledge of the English language and the ability to speak and write clearly and correctly.
  • Testing that includes completion of several short essays that provide evidence of good written communication skills and familiarity with the library community and field, and a filing activity that demonstrates an aptitude for following written rules and performing typical library procedures.
  • An interview conducted by program faculty in which the student's communication skills and knowledge of the library and information field will be assessed.
  • Two current letters of reference attesting to the student's abilities in an academic or employment setting.
  • Demonstrated emotional maturity and an affinity for working with people.

Program Preferences

  • Minimum keyboard speed of 30 wpm is strongly recommended.
  • Familiarity with basic computer operations (file management, document creation, etc.) is strongly recommended.

Documents Required for Application Evaluation

(Applications will not be considered until all documents have been received.)

  • Completed application for admission.
  • Official transcript(s).
  • Two current letters of reference.
  • LET or LPI scores (if applicable).

Please refer to the program application dates in the Application for Admission section in this Calendar.

Program Notes

  • On a space-available basis, students may be considered for admission to the program for studies on a part-time basis. A minimum commitment of two core program (LIBR) courses and one support course per term is required for consideration for this status.
Diploma in Library & Information Technology

Curriculum

To graduate, in addition to completing the following curriculum, students must provide recognized and official documentation to the Registrar's Office proving their ability to keyboard a corrected speed of 45 wpm. Students without 45 wpm will be provided with suggestions on how to improve their skills and how to obtain the documentation required. Students with the keyboarding skills may consult with the department regarding appropriate documentation. All students are encouraged to meet this requirement in the first year of their studies.

(Total 61 credits)

FIRST TERM (Total: 15 credits)

Course No.

Credits

LIBR 1111 3
LIBR 1118 3
LIBR 1120 3
BCAP 1200 3
CMNS 1118 3

SECOND TERM (Total: 12 credits)

Course No.

Credits

LIBR 1219 3
LIBR 1228 3
LIBR 2410 or any LIBR Special Topics course 3
One university-transferable arts and science course: see Note 1
 3

THIRD TERM (Total: 16 credits)

Course No.

Credits

LIBR 2328 3
LIBR 2411 4
LIBR 2418 3
ENGL 1127 or 1128 3
One university-transferable arts and science course: see Note 1
 		3

FOURTH TERM (Total: 18 credits)

Course No.

Credits

LIBR 2315 3
LIBR 2416 3
LIBR 2419 3
LIBR 2410 or any LIBR Special Topics course 3
BUSM 1100, 1115, 1200, or 2200 3
One university-transferable arts and science course: see Note 1
 3

NOTES

  1. Students may take any three university-transferable social science, humanities, or science courses to meet their arts and science elective requirements. Recommended courses are:
  2. Students in the Library Information Technology Diploma Program must achieve a minimum grade of 'C-' (or an 'S' in courses graded S/U) in all courses required for the program in order to receive the Diploma in Library Information Technology.
  3. Be sure to check the prerequisites for the arts and science courses that are part of the program.

Library & Information Technology (Flexible Participation Option)

General Information

The flexible participation option is a distance education option for students in the Library & Information Technology program. Selected courses will be offered in each semester (Spring, Summer, and Fall). Flexible Participation Option program students must have a minimum participation of 3 LIBR credits (one course) in each of two semesters annually, including their first two terms of studies. Students may take up to 16 program credits in any semester.

A limited selection of courses will be offered in each semester. There is no guarantee that a specific course will be offered in any specific semester or year. Students who wish to complete the diploma within three years are advised to take courses in the semester in which they are scheduled.

Curriculum

To graduate, in addition to completing the following curriculum, students must provide recognized and official documentation to the Registrar's Office proving their ability to keyboard a corrected speed of 45 wpm. Students without 45 wpm will be provided with suggestions on how to improve their skills and how to obtain the documentation required. Students with the keyboarding skills may consult with the department regarding appropriate documentation. All students are encouraged to meet this requirement in the first year of their studies.

(Total 61 credits)

Course No.

Credits

LIBR 1111 3
LIBR 1118 3
LIBR 1120 3
LIBR 1219 3
LIBR 1228 3
LIBR 2315 3
LIBR 2328 4
LIBR 2418
 3
LIBR 2411 3
LIBR 2416 3
LIBR 2419 3
Two Special Topics courses chosen from: LIBR 2410 or any Library Special Topics courses 6

Required Support Courses 

Course No.

Credits

CMNS 1118 3
ENGL 1127 or 1128 3
BCAP 1200 3
BUSM 1100, 1115, 1200, or 2200 3
Three university-transferable arts and science courses: see Note 1
 9

NOTES

  1. Students may take any three university-transferable social science, humanities, or science courses to meet their arts and science elective requirements. Recommended courses are:
  2. Students in the Library Information Technology Diploma Program must achieve a minimum grade of 'C-' (or an 'S' in courses graded S/U) in all courses required for the program in order to receive the Diploma in Library Information Technology.
  3. Be sure to check the prerequisites for the arts and science courses that are part of the program.

Library & Information Technology (BBA Transfer Option)

General Information

Students choosing the BBA Transfer option will complete specific electives that will enable them to transfer directly to third year of Langara's Bachelor of Business Administration program providing they meet the minimum cumulative GPA requirements for admission to third year of the degree. ECON 1220 or ECON 1221, normally a required bridging course for entry to third year of this degree, must be completed during the third year if not previously completed.

Curriculum

To graduate, in addition to completing the following curriculum, students must provide recognized and official documentation to the Registrar's Office proving their ability to keyboard a corrected speed of 45 wpm. Students without 45 wpm will be provided with suggestions on how to improve their skills and how to obtain the documentation required. Students with the keyboarding skills may consult with the department regarding appropriate documentation. All students are encouraged to meet this requirement in the first year of their studies.

(Total 64 credits)

FIRST TERM (Total: 15 credits)

Course No.

Credits

LIBR 1111 3
LIBR 1118 3
LIBR 1120 3
BCAP 1200 3
CMNS 1118 3

SECOND TERM (Total: 15 credits)

Course No.

Credits

LIBR 1219 3
LIBR 1228 3
LIBR 2410 or any LIBR Special Topics course 3
BUSM 1100 3
MARK 1115 3

THIRD TERM (Total: 16 credits)

Course No.

Credits

LIBR 2328 3
LIBR 2411 4
LIBR 2418 3
ENGL 1127 or 1128 3
MATH 1119 3

FOURTH TERM (Total: 18 credits)

Course No.

Credits

LIBR 2315 3
LIBR 2416 3
LIBR 2410 or any LIBR Special Topics course 3
LIBR 2419 3
FMGT 1116 3
STAT 1123 3