Library and Information Technician Program at Confederation College

Program Intakes

0235 - Library and Information Technician

Fall, Winter, Spring

Up to 5 years

Hybrid

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Curriculum

Semester 1

OL 343 Communications I

Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-oriented approach, students develop stronger grammar and business writing skills to become effective business communicators. Through a combination of lectures, exercises, and independent learning, students practice writing, speaking, reading, listening, locating and documenting information, and using technology to communicate professionally. Students develop and strengthen communication skills that contribute to success in both educational and workplace environments.
OL 376 Intro to Libraries & the Information Industry

Analyze the role of libraries in an information society, with emphasis on access to information, the organization and services of different types of libraries, and the roles of participants in the information industry. This course - OL376 Intro to Libraries is a prerequisite for all the courses in the Library and Information Technician Program. This course is potentially available for registration. PREREQUISITE: Acceptance into the Library and Information Technician Program. Complete program application www.ontariocolleges.ca To request to register for this course contact [email protected]
OL 396 Human Relations & Supervision

Apply the basic principles of effective supervision to a library environment. Topics include planning, recruitment, selection, training, motivation, delegation and time management.
OL 502 Information Technology for Library Technicians

Focus on various types of information technology used in the library setting including mobile devices, e-readers, playaways, ipads and tablets, digital media and various software and applications. Access to a current mobile device with wireless Internet capability is required (e.g., smartphone, tablet or iPad).
OL 805 Electronic Publishing and Emerging Library Technologies

Focus on electronic publishing, including using basic web design, 3D printing, screen recording, blogs, microblogs, augmented reality and gamification.
Elective
Elective

Semester 2

OL 348 Circulation and Inter-Library Loan

Explore circulation functions and issues for libraries and information services. Topics include inventory control, inter-library loan and document delivery. Copyright and health and safety issues in libraries are also discussed.
OL 383 Online Searching

Learn to apply Boolean constructs and other concepts for efficient retrieval of information from the Internet, library catalogues and commercial databases.
OL 398 Library Financial Management and Budgeting - Fast Track 7 weeks

Discuss financial management concepts and strategies as they relate to libraries, with a focus on budgets, financial statements, library funding and strategic planning. Learn to use basic financial information to set goals and objectives. Prerequisites: OL376 Intro to Libraries. Computer Software Requirements: Microsoft Excel
OL 409 Library Programming, Marketing and Advocacy

Examine vital client service skills including program planning, outreach, public relations, marketing, and partnerships. Prerequisite OL 383.
OL 908 Database Design for Information Workers - Fast Track 7 weeks

Examine the role of relational databases in library and information work. Learn to create a database, enter and edit records, search for information and create simple reports. Software Requirements: Microsoft Access 365 (no other version supported) MAC users are NOT supported.
OL 981 Resource Description and Access I

Focus on RDA Guidelines for descriptive catalogue records and MARC coding and ISBD punctuation for bibliographic records in an automated environment. Prerequisite: OL376 Intro to Libraries
Elective

Semester 3

OL 414 Reference Processes

Explore fundamental principles of professional accountability that underpin the provision of information services in libraries. Develop effective reference interviewing techniques to answer customer queries. Explore topics related to the management of information service including service standards, in person and virtual service points, policy development and strategies for continuing professional development of staff. Prerequisite: OL383 Online Searching
OL 418 Serials

Explore the technical service aspects of serials with emphasis on ordering, tracking and cataloguing. Evaluate the impact of technology on serial collections. Prerequisite: OL981 Resource Description and Access I
OL 419 Acquisitions

Focus on the acquisition of monographs. Develop skills in searching, ordering, receiving, collection development, the book trade and automated acquisitions functions. Prerequisite: OL376 Intro to Libraries and the Information Industry
OL 423 Resource Description and Access II

Examine form and choice of entry according to RDA cataloguing guidelines, cataloguing applications of the World Wide Web, and sources of cataloguing copy in an automated environment. Learn to critically appraise public access catalogues. Recognize the changes in MARC coding resulting from RDA cataloguing guidelines. Prerequisite: OL981 Resource Description and Access I
OL 491 Practical Approaches to Library Interactions

Examine socioeconomic factors that can influence library interactions. Identify and apply practical strategies to escalated situations and explain the features of an effective and appropriate response.
Elective
Elective

Semester 4

OL 410 Reference Services and Sources

Focus on reference services and resources used to answer information queries from library customers. Compare and evaluate traditional and emerging reference resources and apply online search skills to effectively answer typical customer queries. Prerequisite: OL414 Reference Processes
OL 427 Library Classification

Study the principles of classification. Learn to use the Dewey Decimal Classification scheme and Library of Congress Classification scheme. Explore issues related to the process of classifying library materials. Prerequisite: OL981 Resource Description and Access I
OL 501 Indexing & Subject Analysis

Study the principles of indexing including indexing types and rules, and creation of abstracts. Explore the principles of subject analysis including thesauri and Library of Congress Subject Headings. This course may include mandatory group work. We recommend viewing the course schedule immediately upon logging into the course to view course and any group work requirements. Computer Software Requirements: CINDEX v.4 Demo version. Students can download for free. Instructions will be provided in the course. Prerequisite: OL423 Resource Description and Access II
OL 769 Fieldwork 1 (Lib Info Tech)

Broaden your educational experience to include the varied services of different types of libraries. Supervised experience in libraries is essential in the development of library skills. Pre-requisites required: OL348, OL502, OL383, OL981. Please contact [email protected] to register.
OL 774 Fieldwork 2 (Lib Info Tech)

Broaden your educational experience to include the varied services of various types of libraries in a different type of library than your first placement. Supervised experience in libraries is essential in the development of library skills. Please contact [email protected] to register. PREREQUISITES: OL396, OL409, OL414, OL418, OL419 OL805, OL908. The following courses are prereq's however may be taken concurrently: OL423, OL427, OL769
Elective
Elective

Fees

Cost Details for Year 1

Domestic Students

Academic Fees

Total Tuition Fees: $2,688.00
College Service Fee: $677.00
Health Fee: $280.00

Total Academic Fees: $3,645.00

Cost Details for Year 2

Domestic Students

Academic Fees

Total Tuition Fees: $2,688.00
College Service Fee: $667.00
Health Fee: $280.00

Total Academic Fees: $3,635.00

Program Overview

Start Dates & Ontario Colleges Program Codes: Fall, Winter, and Spring starts (September, January, and May) – part-time and full-time, online: 0235

The Library and Information Technician program equips students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to thrive in various library and information service settings. The curriculum offers a blend of theory and hands-on practice, enabling students to master the acquisition, organization, retrieval, and distribution of information in multiple formats.

This fully online program prepares graduates for careers in academic, public, school, and special libraries, as well as in archives, museums, and records management environments. Students have up to five years to complete the program, allowing for flexible learning tailored to individual schedules.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Succeed in the Library and Information Technician program if you are:

Strong Communicator: Able to express ideas clearly and effectively, both in writing and speaking.
Self-Motivated: Capable of working independently with minimal supervision.
Detail-Oriented: Meticulous in ensuring accuracy and precision in tasks.
Analytical Thinker: Possess strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
People-Oriented: Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills when working with others.
Tech-Savvy: Enjoy working with technology and adapting to new tools.
Collaborative: Thrive in team environments and contribute effectively to group efforts.

Top Highlights

Hands-On Learning:
Two field placement courses near the end of the program provide practical, real-world experience that reinforces in-class learning.
Versatile Career Preparation:
Graduates gain well-rounded knowledge, preparing them for employment opportunities across a variety of settings, including libraries, archives, records management, and information services.

Learning Outcomes

Develop collections and acquire book and non-book materials using manual and automated procedures for bibliographic verification, vendor selection, order production, and fund management.
Derive, edit and/or create catalogue or metadata records using internationally accepted rules or standards including AACR2, RDA, MESH, LCSH, LCC and DDC using MARC coding in bibliographic utilities, and computer-based systems.
Adopt best practices and professional accountabilities in different types of libraries and information services.
Conduct reference interviews, analyze information requests in a variety of topic areas, provide instructional assistance, conduct searches using print sources, commercial databases and online resources, and deliver excellent client service.
Maintain serials control, circulation systems and interlibrary loans in manual, electronic, and web-based environments.
Develop and prepare promotional materials, library programming, bibliographies, finding tools and reports using word processing and publishing programs.
Develop databases and indexes, use integrated library systems and create web sites using current standards and technology.
Recognize, identify and demonstrate ability to work in an archive, records management or information management setting and consider different needs of archival patrons and records or information management clients.
Examine theories and practice of library management and supervision and budget preparation.

Admission Requirements

Program Requirements for domestic students

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (or equivalent) with courses from the College (C), University (U), University/College (U/C), or Open (O) preparation levels with Grade 12 English (C/U) Level.
or successful completion of the Mature Student Assessment.
or successful completion of the General Education Development Test (GED).
or appropriate credits from the Academic and Career Entrance program (ACE).

Program Requirements for international students

This program is not currently available for international students.

Library and Information Technician

Program Intakes

0235 - Library and Information Technician

Curriculum

Semester 1

Semester 2

Semester 3

Semester 4

Cost Details for Year 1

Domestic Students

Academic Fees

Cost Details for Year 2

Domestic Students

Academic Fees

Program Overview

Ideal Candidate Profile

Top Highlights

Learning Outcomes

Employment Opportunity

Admission Requirements

Program Requirements for domestic students

Program Requirements for international students