What to expect from a career as a Library and Information Technician
Library and information management is an ever-evolving industry, and is one that requires its workers to stay current on the latest technological advances. Library studies programs at Ontario colleges give students the skills they need to apply their library and information management skills to a number of industries in the public and private sector. They also teach the social skills necessary to help connect a variety of people with the information they need, quickly and professionally.
If you have an analytical mind and a passion for information that you’d like to apply to the library and information management industry, here’s what you need to know.
Library Studies Courses
Library studies program curriculum will focus on classification methods and retrieving information from various sources. Students will learn techniques such as:
- Dewey Decimal Classification
- Descriptive Cataloguing
- Database Searching
- Library of Congress Classification
- Archives and Records Management
Training will also be given in specialized areas of information management, including archives, records management and book preservation.
Finally, students will come away with in-depth knowledge on the function and purpose of libraries and other information repositories, and the role they play or have played in society. A field placement will be part of the curriculum so students can gain real-world experience.
General Library Studies Program Requirements
Ontario college library studies programs require an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, which may include a grade 12 English credit, depending on the program. Word processing skills and senior level math credits may also be recommended.
Library Studies Jobs and Salaries
Graduates of library studies programs are eligible for technical jobs in the field as well as managerial or supervisory positions. Industries where job opportunities exist include:
- Public libraries
- Businesses and corporations
- Cultural organizations
- Legal and financial firms
- Schools
The average starting salary for graduates of library studies programs is around $33,000 a year. Senior roles can pay much higher, at around $50,000 or more a year.
Ontario Colleges Offering Library Studies Programs
Use the left-column navigation to refine your search by College, Program Availability, Program Start Date and more, or see the table below for a complete list of library studies programs at Ontario colleges.
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