Library and Information Technology University of the Fraser Valley

Overview

Key facts

• The Library and Information Technology , Graduate Diploma from University of the Fraser Valley includes technical courses and computer labs that help students to develop the complex skills necessary to work in today's information centres. Students graduate with a Diploma in Library and Information Technology and may choose to complete an additional, six credit concentration in Systems Technology, Youth Services, or Records Management.
• The most effective library technicians are interested in both books and non-print materials, especially electronic resources accessed via licensed databases and the Internet. They are committed to serving the needs of customers, clients, and patrons who seek accurate and timely information for any purpose. It is essential that technicians possess excellent interpersonal, communications, computer, and information management skills. In addition, they must have an ongoing interest in developing customer service and technology-related skills in order to keep up with changes in the industry and to help further their careers.
• Career opportunities:
• In the 21st century, libraries do more than simply providing access to materials such as books, CDs, DVDs, and periodicals. In fact, libraries are reinventing themselves as providers of digital content, makerspaces, community meeting places, and centres for literacy. To work in this dynamic environment, both technical and people skills are necessary to organize information, manage it, and make it accessible to customers and patrons.
• Typically, library technicians provide frontline public services, such as:

• Circulating, reserving, and maintaining materials in physical and digital collections;
• Giving general information and readers' advisory;
• Delivering literacy and recreational programs to children and adults;
• And cataloging and classifying resources such as ebooks, digital sound files, and streaming video.
• The UFV Library Information Technology diploma is a high-quality, entry-level qualification from an accredited university. With this credential, graduates can apply for selected jobs in various publicly and privately funded organizations, such as public, academic, school, and special libraries, museums, archives, and records management departments.
• In addition to library technician, common job titles include library assistant, reference assistant, customer service assistant, archives technician, archives assistant, and records management clerk.