Library Information Technology
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Currently accepting applications for fall 2012 enrolment. Those interested in applying to the program, please submit application and all necessary document. Applicants who have met all admission requirements will be contacted for interviews which are currently in progress. Information Sessions are available starting January 25th. Please view schedule for further details
For those who would like to pursue their education online as a Library Technician, please view an introductory video on our Flexible Participation option.
For program inquiries, please contact department via email at libtech@langara.bc.ca or by phone at 604.323.5364. For application information, please contact Admission office at admissions@langara.bc.ca or 604.323.5241.
Langara College’s Library & Information Technology Program gives graduates access to a wide variety of jobs in both hands-on interaction with people and in behind-the-scenes technical services. The library field is for those who love working with the public, organizing information, and are committed to lifelong learning.
Our two-year (four terms) Library & Information Technology Diploma Program is recognized across Canada and has been developed in accordance with the Canadian Library Association Guidelines for the Education of Library Technicians in Canada.
Outcomes & Objectives
The Library & Information Technology Program has maintained its currency and competitiveness amid rapid technological advancement. Our graduates are highly skilled in today’s essential computer applications as well as specialized library management systems. We teach students important skills for developing search strategies for library databases and open resources on the internet. Students also learn how to catalogue, maintain, and retrieve print, digital and non-print resources as well as specialized media including film, maps and photographs.
Our graduates are successfully placed in public, academic, or special libraries such as medical, law, corporate and governmental institutions. Library technicians hold supervisory positions or work co-operatively with librarians and other professionals to manage information resources – from helping people retrieve information and materials to records management for technology-based businesses.
Students in this career program pursue either a standard or online option. The Regular option is primarily classroom instruction. Online option, known as Flexible Participation option, accommodates distance learners who are working, living outside the Lower Mainland, or simply can't get to campus. Both Program options recognize students' previous education and work experience; therefore, transfer credits are considered for equivalent courses, and flexible assessments are available for core library studies.
Students come to the program from various socio-cultural and age groups. They carry with them varying forms of educational achievements and professional backgrounds which gather together as they meet many challenges put forth by their instructors and fellow students.
Library & Information Technology students learn about:
- library history and new directions
- reference and reader’s services
- customer services
- library programs
- supervisory skills
- electronic and digital information storage and retrieval
- acquisitions and technical services
- subject analysis and classification
- Machine Readable Cataloguing (MARC)/RDA (Resource Description Access) for print and non-print media
- business computer applications
- automated library systems
- web applications and social medias
Graduates of the Library & Information Technology Program are well prepared for library jobs through extensive field work, which is an essential component of this diploma program. During their course of study, students visit various types of libraries and explore a variety of options—including non-traditional roles—to find their own niche.
