LIBRARY and INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

UCFV offers a four-semester Library and Information Technology diploma. Students who enrol in the diploma program have three options or specialties from which to choose: Library, Information Technology, or Records Management.

The diploma program includes technical courses in subjects required for work in libraries and information centres, and labs for learning to manage information through the use of computers. Graduates are qualified to work in a wide variety of situations, in all kinds of libraries and information centres.

Diploma graduates are usually termed “para- professional”, and generally work as library technicians, under the direction of a librarian or an information specialist. Library technicians are qualified to supervise the work of clerical workers and other library technicians.

The most effective library and information workers are interested not only in books but in non-print materials, and in the people who seek information services, educational materials, or recreational reading. Library and information workers require excellent interpersonal and communications skills and the ability to deal accurately with details. Graduates of these programs must also be capable of using a variety of computer applications in performing tasks in libraries and information centres. An ongoing interest in learning for personal growth is essential for graduates. They must learn to cope with the many changes taking place in society, which is heavily dependent upon accurate and timely information for making informed decisions, both in business and in private life.

Entrance requirements

1. B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent. (If applying as a “mature student” lacking graduation, attach a letter describing your qualifications and experience.)

2. CPT score of 48 or better, or a grade of C or better in ENGL 099, or C+ in CCP ENGL 081 or 091, or success in a previous university transfer English course, or A in English 12 or English Literature 12, or LPI score of at least 30/40 or level five out of six on the essay section.

3. Interview with program faculty for assessment.
During the interview, applicants will be assessed upon the following:

• Previous work in libraries, either paid or as  volunteer (minimum 40 hours): up to 10 points
• Interest in libraries (as shown by ability to discuss the nature of the work and the different levels of employment and personal use of libraries): up to 10 points
• Evidence of ability to handle course work (as shown by transcript of grades achieved in the last two years of academic study)        

Average P	0 points
Average C	3 points
Average B	6 points
Average A	10 points
Total	up to 10 points

• Written communication skills (as shown by a sample of material hand-written by the applicant during the interview session). Up to 10 points will be awarded, depending upon clarity, correctness of grammar and spelling, neatness, and legibility: up to 10 points
• Oral communication skills (as shown during the interview by one or more of the following: clearly stated questions and answers, responsive listening, alertness, enthusiasm, courtesy, objectivity, sense of humour): up to 10 points    
• Ability to sort and organize material: in alphabetical and numeric sequences, by similarities and differences (as shown by a timed test administered during the interview)

Less than 50% on the test	0 points
Between 50% and 75%	5 points
Between 75% and 99%	8 points
100%	10 points
	up to 10 points

Applicants must score 40/60 for acceptance.

Only applicants with a complete application will be given an interview. A complete application includes proof of high school graduation (or an interim transcript) and a CPT score of 48 or better or equivalent. Therefore the CPT should be written well before an application is submitted. Arrangements to do this must be made with Admissions and Records.

How to apply

1. Submit the application fee along with your UCFV application for admission form to the Admissions and Records (A&R) office. Application forms are available from any A&R or Student Services office. You can also print an application form from our website at www.ufv.ca/ar, or you can apply directly through the internet at www.pas.bc.ca. See the Admission chart for a complete list of application dates and general admission information.

Additional documents required for a complete application:

• proof of B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent
• transcript (or interim transcript) showing grade/course achievement as per entrance requirements
• if you are applying to enter the program as a “mature” student who lacks B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent, please attach a letter describing your experience and qualification for library and/or information work
• applicants who have completed post-secondary courses from other institutions should submit  official transcripts from those institutions
• CPT score or detailed information on how you have achieved the equivalent.

2. In April you will be informed when interviews will take place. You must attend or make special arrangements with the program head to be eligible for admission to the program.

3. Upon admission to the program you will be provided with registration information. A deposit is required when you register (see the Fees and Other Costs section). The money will be applied to the tuition fees and is not refundable. Final payment of all course fees is due the end of the second week of classes.

If the program is full, or you are waiting to find out about your admission to the program, you will be given an opportunity to register as a General Studies student. If you meet the entrance requirements and a space becomes available later, you will be contacted.

In cases where interim transcripts are submitted, an admission decision may be made conditional upon completion of academic requirements. Proof of completion of entrance requirements is due the end of the first week in August.

Fees and additional costs

Fees stated are in effect for 2003/04 and are subject to change for 2004/05.

Tuition fees for most full-time students are about $1,700 per semester (based on enrolment in five courses or 15 credits). Books and additional supplies cost $50 to $150 per course. LIBT 160, which includes field trips, will incur transportation costs. See the Fees and Other Costs section  for more information.

Additional costs may include charges for accessing and searching remote databases, with average cost per term of about $50.

Please contact the Student Financial Aid department in the Student Services office if you require information about student loans, grants, and work/study opportunities.

Workload and classroom expectations

All Library and Information Technology courses are taught at the Abbotsford campus. Most of these courses require extensive use of the UCFV library and computer labs for preparing weekly assignments, which tend to be practical in nature. A broad basis of general knowledge, an extensive vocabulary, and competence in the use of the English language are essential for Library and Information Technology students. Courses in this program emphasize the development of good communication skills, through both oral and written assignments. All written assignments submitted must be word processed. Computers are available for program students to use.

Full-time students will carry a workload of five courses per semester. For each hour spent in class, you can expect to spend an average of two hours in out-of-class work, which often involves using the computer lab and the UCFV library. You should be prepared for a heavy course of study, with assignments due on a weekly basis. You are expected to attend all classes, and to participate effectively in class activities.

According to UCFV policy, you may be required to withdraw from a course or program because of extremely poor academic performance. No student will be required to withdraw without receiving, in writing, prior warning which states minimum requirements for improving academic performance and an appropriate deadline.

Program requirements

Since most libraries and information centres require competence in keyboard skills expressed as a minimum of 45 words per minute, students must provide proof of this before graduation. Software on the computers affords opportunity for individual practice, and can measure and provide proof of keyboard speed and accuracy. Applicants who have had no experience in using a keyboard will benefit from taking a typing or word processing course through UCFV Continuing Studies or another agency as early as possible.

Program outlines

The curriculum for the Library and Information Technology diploma program consists of a combination of academic and applied courses extending over four semesters for full-time students. Students who enrol in the program on a part-time basis will typically extend this program over four years. If credit for some of the required arts/sciences or applied courses can be transferred from other post-secondary institutions, you may have a lighter course load, or take additional courses of your choice. At least 25% of credits for completion of the Library and Information Technology diploma program must have been earned at UCFV in order for you to receive a diploma from this institution.

The academic and applied courses listed specifically as requirements of the program have been selected to provide basic knowledge in a wide variety of subject areas, necessary for people who intend to work in libraries and information centres.

All students in the diploma program, regardless of option, will be required to take the core courses.

Core program outline

Students who enrol in the Library and Information Technology diploma program will be asked to select from one of the following three options.

Library option

This option provides students with a solid, broad-based background covering many aspects of library and information work. Students in this option will take the core courses required for all Library and Information Technology diploma students, and they will be able to add additional LIBT and other courses to reflect both their own interests, and the current demands of employers. This option parallels closely the curriculum taught by traditional library technology programs. Graduates of this option will work in a wide variety of positions within many types of libraries.

Graduation from the LIBT diploma program with the Library option requires the nine core courses, as well as the courses listed in the Library option program outline.

Library option program outline

Information Technology option

While still providing the skills required by the marketplace of a library technician, this program allows you to specialize in the organization and provision of information using electronic systems. Students in this option will take both the core courses required for all diploma students, and a number of additional LIBT and CIS courses which focus on computers and information. Graduates of this option will be qualified to work as library technicians, and could also be responsible for supervising the operation of computers and computer networks in the library or information centre setting.

Graduation from the Library and Information Technology diploma program with the Information Technology option requires the nine core courses, as well as the courses listed in the Information Technology option program outline.

Information Technology option program outline

* Prerequisite: B.C. Principles of Math 12 (or equivalent) with a grade of C+ or better. Familiarity with computers is essential for success; see CIS website at http://www.ufv.ca/cis/ for details.

Records Management option

This option prepares students for traditional work as  library technicians, while also training them for additional responsibilities to do with the handling of the records and documents of any organization. Students in this option will take the core courses required for all Library and Information Technology diploma students, and in addition will take a number of courses in records management and archival techniques. Graduates of this option will be qualified to work as library technicians, and also be able to take on additional responsibilities for maintaining the records and archives of an organization.

Graduation from the Library and Information Technology program with the Records Management diploma option requires the nine core courses, as well as the courses listed in the Records Management option program outline.

Records Management option program outline

Note: The Information Technology option and Records Management option cannot be completed in two semesters. LIBT 210, 220, 250, 260/270 will be offered on a rotating basis over a two-year period.

Course listings

For complete details on courses see Course descriptions section.

Faculty

Tim Atkinson, BEd, MLS (UBC)
Jan Green, Diploma, Library & Information Technology (UCFV), BEd, MLS (UBC)

Instructional assistant

Noreen Dragani, Dip. Library and Information Technology (UCFV)

Advisory committee

Anne Andres, Columbia Bible College
Denise Bonin, Andornot Consulting
Jean Dirksen, Fraser Valley Regional Library
Karen Evans, Dean, Community Access, Business,& Information Technology, UCFV
Kim Isaac, UCFV Library
Rebecca Raworth, Chilliwack General Hospital
Debbie Smith, Kwantlen University College Library
Hildegarde Toews, Langley School District
Wendy Wallis, second-year student

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