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 such as researching and accessing materials. 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, 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 a cooperative education (co-op) credit course between years 1 and 2.
  • Students are responsible for securing their own co-op placements by applying to College-approved co-op postings or conducting independent job searches. All employers and co-op opportunities must be reviewed and approved by the student’s faculty advisor.
  • Co-op provides an opportunity for paid, full-time employment in a field related to your program.
  • Co-op takes place in third term between years 1 and 2 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.

September 2027

Campus	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
Ivany Campus Dartmouth	Full time	In person Weekdays/Evenings	Seats available

September 2028

Campus	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
eCampus	Part time	Asynchronous online	Seats available

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.

Tuition

Tuition amounts are for the 2026-27 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 2
• Library and Information Technology - Year 1 - Part-time
• Library and Information Technology - Year 2 - Part-time
• Library and Information Technology - Year 3 - Part-time
• Library and Information Technology - Year 4 - Part-time

About the profession

• Working in this sector is often community-focused and/or people centric and requires you to work with diverse populations.

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 1007 - Communications for Library Employment
This course provides students with the opportunity to further develop writing skills acquired in Business Communications in Libraries. The course focuses on exploration of job search techniques, and is designed to assist learners in the development of the skills to explore and navigate the library job market.

COMM 1240 - Business Communications in Libraries
This course introduces learners to communication skills that are vital for success in 21st century Libraries. Students will learn about the importance of strong written and verbal communication skills in customer service and professional relationships. By focusing on developing effective communication skills, students will start to develop the essential skills needed to communicate in diverse library settings.

COMP 1050 - Business Computer Applications I
This course introduces the basics in current business computer applications – including email, collaboration tools, word processing, presentation software, and spreadsheets. By the end of this course, you will be able to manage files and business activities, schedule and facilitate meetings, create business documents and presentations, and create spreadsheets to industry standard.

COMP 2050 - Business Computer Applications II
This course expands on Business Computer Applications I by introducing new skills. By the end of the course, you will be able to design a basic database, enhance spreadsheets, create templates to increase efficiency, and collaborate to create and review shared documents.

COMP 3050 - Business Computer Applications III
This course furthers the skills obtained in COMP 1050. By the end of the course, you will be able to create advanced queries, forms and reports to enhance databases, as well as import and export data to increase efficiency. And finally, you will explore and integrate various business computer applications to address a variety of business needs by analyzing business scenarios to inform effective decision making.

INFM 2005 - Records Management
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. This course focuses on the theories and application of the processes, equipment, computer software, and personnel involved with these decisions, including the creation, control, protection and disposition of information.

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 1003 - Information Services I
This course is an introduction to the principles of customer services and reference in libraries, and the use of library resources to effectively meet user needs. Learners will explore basic search strategies with emphasis on how to evaluate resources.

LIBR 1008 - Indexing and Classification
This course introduces students to the principles and practices of subject analysis, indexing, and classification. Students will identify and analyze resource components to determine “aboutness” and select appropriate indexing terminology using controlled vocabularies and guiding standards. Students will navigate controlled vocabulary and classification tools, construct classification numbers using established schemes, and create accurate subject heading and classification fields in bibliographic records. The course also explores trends, alternative schemes, emerging technologies, and ethical and cultural dimensions of indexing and classification.

LIBR 1014 - Access Services
In libraries, Access Services is a broad term that describes the work of assisting library users to access library resources. Covering a range of work from traditional circulation services to facilitating access to technology, spaces and more. This course serves as an introduction to the technical and customer service knowledge and skills that are required for Access Services work.

LIBR 1015 - Descriptive Cataloguing
This course introduces students to the principles and practices of descriptive cataloguing. Learners will create original bibliographic records for print and non-print materials, apply established cataloguing rules and conventions, and use appropriate tools to complete copy cataloguing tasks. Students will edit and update existing records, formulate accurate access points, and explore authorized access points and their role in catalogue functionality. The course also examines trends, alternative metadata standards, and emerging technologies shaping current descriptive cataloguing practice.

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 2002 - Visual Communications in Libraries
This course introduces students to basic graphic design and visual communication theory. Students will apply theory using specific software commonly used in library and information settings.

LIBR 2003 - Information Services II
This is the second course in Information Services. Students will expand the search skills they developed in LIBR 1003 and apply them to a variety of information inquiries. Learners will explore customer service and the reference interview in different settings as well as examine the role of the library in supporting information literacy.

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 2020 - Applied Terminology for Libraries and Information Work
This course will provide students with the opportunity to learn and apply terminology used in selected special library fields. Fields examined will vary based on current trends and industry needs.

LIBR 2160 - Collection Management
This course looks at how library collections are selected, acquired, and maintained to give a basic understanding of the collection development cycle for Library Technicians. The course will focus on how this work is done in different library types, and for different materials formats, with the aim of giving students the basic skills to conduct selection, acquisition and deselection work in library settings.

LIBR 2161 - Library Software
Students explore several systems for storing, organizing, analyzing and providing access to information. Various library software packages are reviewed.

LIBR 2165 - Special Topics
In this course, students will focus on an area of library and information work that relates to their professional interests and objectives and explore that topic in depth. Taking a flexible approach to learning, the course will give students the opportunity to work alone or in small groups to explore a topic and share their learning with their classmates. Each year, the class will determine topics of interest to class members. Students will self-select into a topic and, individually or in a small group, determine a focus based on the topic chosen, create a project goal, and work to achieve that goal.

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 1019 - Safety and Sustainability Basics
This course provides an overview of your rights and responsibilities as a student, as well as those in the workplace under the NS Occupational Health and Safety Act. Topics such as duties and precautions, accident reporting, as well as personal and campus safety and sustainability initiatives will be explored.

SVLS 3000 - Community Leadership and Student Service for Library
This course combines 60 hours of guided volunteer service or civic engagement with seminar sessions and independent activities that enable students to consider the ways in which communities address the critical needs of their citizens. Several opportunities for participation exist within the NSCC community.